More than 55 million people in the US use cannabis at least once in their lifetime. Of these users, over 35 million believe they are active users of cannabis. That means they use cannabis once or twice a month. As per recent studies, the percentage of marijuana smokers in the US is similar to the percentage of people who smoke cigarettes.
It is worth noting that people use cannabis for many reasons including personal and medical. However, many cannabis users aren’t aware of the difference between the types of cannabis they’re using. It is especially true if you use cannabis strain that is Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid.
That is why the difference between Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid strains has been a common topic among active users. Though all three are cannabis strains, they have slight differences in terms of how they’re grown and the effect they have on your brain.
Whether you use Indica strains, Hybrid strains, or Sativa strains, learning how they are different from one another is important to choose the best weed strain. Keep on reading to find out what makes these strains different, what they are used for, and most importantly how you should choose and buy weed online.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Cannabis Strain?
A cannabis strain is typically a cannabis plant’s genetic variation that gives the buds unique effects, aroma, and appearance. Like other plant types, the cross-pollination of marijuana plants results in a new strain of cannabis. It is the terpene profile, genetics, and cannabinoid that make a strain unique.
Types of Cannabis Strains
Cannabis is a diverse component. If you have ever been to a CBD dispensary, you might have encountered a plethora of cannabis strains with active chemicals and different effects. Keep in mind that the way you breed cannabis strains affects the impact it will have.
Most strains have a unique balance of CBD and THC that plays a vital role in determining the potency and effects of cannabis strains. The ratio of CBD and THC is responsible for giving a unique experience to the users. The chemotype of a strain largely depends on the genetics of its plants.
While many growers let users know whether a cannabis strain is Indica, Hybrid, or Sativa, they don’t list down its chemotype. That is why you must know about the different strains, their compositions, and the one that suits your needs the best.
Typically, cannabis strains are of three types: Indica, Hybrid, or Sativa with different highs.
- Indica Strains: Used for nighttime relaxation
- Sativa Strains: Used for daytime, uplifting and energizing high
- Hybrid Strains: Used for producing euphoric effects
What’s Better? Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Strains – What you need to know
Whether you’re a medical or recreational user, you must know about the strain type and its possible effects on you before you purchase. There are plenty of different variants of cannabis strains with varying benefits and effects depending on why and what you use them for.
For instance, if you want cannabis for a medical reason, you may get a strain effective for pain, depression, or anxiety. For the recreational reason, you need a strain good for social enjoyment.
Let’s plunge into the discussion to explore the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid.
Indica Strain
Indica or cannabis Indica was discovered by John Baptiste Lamarck – an evolutionary biologist. It is native to the dry and harsh land of Central Asia. The strain is generally grown in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. With its pungent aroma and shorter and bushier appearance, the strain is popular for various reasons.
The strain induces a “body high”, producing calm, relaxation, and relief from a sleep disorder such as insomnia.
Terpenes in Indica Strains
- Myrcene
- Caryophyllene
- Limonene
- Pinene
Indica Strain – Effects and Benefits
Indica effects and benefits greatly vary depending on when you and how you consume it. The active users and experts recommend consuming this cannabis strain on weekends, in the evening, or after a long, tiring, and stressful day. It is because the strain carries terpenes like limonene and Myrcene that have a mild to moderate sedative effect. They are generally muscle relaxants.
Limonene particularly is popular for its anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties. When they combine with THC, the terpenes produce a “body high” causing a strong sense of relaxation, balance, sedation, and calm.
Sativa Strain
Sativa is another common and widely used strain of cannabis that provides a wide range of medicinal and recreational benefits. Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus identified the Sativa strains in 1753 whereas its medicinal use and cultivation began a century ago.
Many users report that Sativa’s effects are different from other strains as it causes a “feeling of high” which is great for concentration, focus, stress -relief, and anxiety.
Terpenes in Sativa Strains
- Pinene
- Myrcene
- Limonene
- Valencene
Sativa Strain – Effects and Benefits
Like Indica Strains, the effects and benefits of Sativa Strain boil down to the way you consume it and the type you choose. In general, Sativa effects include improved concentration, energy, mood enhancement, and focus. People consume Sativa for its euphoric effects.
Many active users consume the strain during the daytime to improve their work performance and production. The terpenes in Sativa Strain combine with THC and CBD to combat stress and anxiety. The terpenes also have effective mood-enhancing qualities.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains typically are a mix of Sativa strains and Indica strains produced through selective hybridization and crossbreeding. Some breeders and growers of Hybrid strains add Ruderalis strain in the mix to speed up the growth pattern and improve CBD levels. Hybrid strains have separate categories including:
- Indica-dominant
- Sativa-dominant
- Hybrid Autoflower (Ruderalis with Indica or Sativa or both)
- 50/50 Indica + Sativa
Terpenes in Hybrid Strains
- Myrcene
- Pinene
- Valencene
- Limonene
Hybrid Strains – Effects and Benefits
The terpenes included in Hybrid strain are the mixture of Sativa and Indica strains to produce weed positive effects. Hybrid effects also come down to differences between Indica and Sativa properties. If you use Sativa-dominant strain, you’re likely to experience improved focus and energy and get anti-anxiety, focus, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
On the other hand, if you use Hybrid strains that carry Indica-dominant strains, you will feel relaxed and sedated.
Role of Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes and cannabinoids are some of the wonderful features of the cannabis plant. A cannabis plant may contain 100 to 200 terpenes and cannabinoids, depending on its variations and scientific classification.
For instance, it is terpene limonene that gives a citrus fruit its unique smell. Although it is present in both lemon and orange, it has different concentrations, thus creating a distinct variation and scent in both the citrus fruits.
Different combinations of terpenes yield novel tastes and smells like diesel fuel and skunk. Typically, terpene molecules are divided into two main types.
- Mono-terpenes
- Sesqui-terpenes
Many cannabis growers and distributors add different types of terpene and cannabinoids to their products to improve the health benefits of those already found in the cannabis plant. Some brands sell terpene concentrates.
How to Decide Which Cannabis Strains You Should Try
Researching the type of strains, their terpenes, cannabinoid concentration, and THC ratio can help you find the best weed strains to experience desired results. However, you need to focus on the following features.
- Potency: The cannabinoids are often combined in particular concentrations in the strains to improve their potency. If you consume cannabis strains with a high THC ratio, it will provide you with a different function and feel compared to the one with a lesser concentration of THC.
- Flavor: Make sure you focus on the flavor and aroma of the strains you want to consume.
- Effects: The reaction to weed consumption depends on your endocannabinoid system. The experience can be impacted by tracing effects through terpene and THC tracking.
Choosing the Cannabis Strain that is Right for You
Many active users of cannabis strains use both Sativa and Indica strains for different effects and reasons. If you like smoking during the day to improve your energy levels, focus, and concentration, Sativa strains are a good option.
But if you’re looking for a relaxing and euphoric experience, you can choose Indica strains. For a balanced high, it is better to use hybrid strains as it is a combination of Sativa and Indica.
Note that the best way to select the right strain type is to determine what you will use it for. Once you know it, you will be able to choose the one that suits your needs.
Look for the Best Cannabis Products with Hotbox
HOTBOX is your #1 choice for reliable weed cultivators to buy weed online. We are a certified cannabis strain grower that follows strict quality standards to grow high-quality cannabis. Whether it be Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid, at HOTBOX you can find premium quality cannabis strains with accurate flavor, aroma, and potency. Shop our various weed products online here or contact us if you still need help finding the best strain for you.
