Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid: What’s The Difference?
Updated: February 23, 2024
Cannabis is a type of flowering plant that originated in Central Asia and is native to many parts of the world, particularly those along the equatorial line. There are three recognized species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, with only the first two being grown for commercial use in Colorado.
Hemp, on the other hand, is a type of Cannabis sativa or cannabis indica grown for low THC content (federally regulated at a maximum of 0.3% THC) and typically its high CBD content. High-CBD flower is rarely, but sometimes, grown for the medical and recreational marijuana markets. Learn more with LePow Extracts.
Cannabis has long been consumed by humans in various forms. These uses include using its fiber for robes and clothing, seeds for cooking oils, leaves for salves and pain-relieving lotions, and its flower and resin glands for smoking.
The plant is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female flowers. In the cannabis industry, male plants are typically avoided and culled, except to breed plants and produce new “strains.” Unfertilized female plants, also referred to as sensimillia, are prized for their high potency, lack of seeds, and excellent flavor.
Cannabis typically has a 90-120 life cycle. Most commercial grows have staggered harvest cycles—allowing growers and trimmers to manage the amount of work at any given time.
Sativa
Cannabis sativa is one of the two most common types of cannabis plants found for sale in Colorado, with hybrid plants being a mix of the two species. Sativa plants generally grow tall and skinny, with narrow leaves, often resembling Christmas trees. They are often favored by consumers who enjoy an energetic, creative experience when consuming cannabis. Although you may hear sativa’s detractors describe the plants as racy and overwhelming.
While sativa plants were once though of us only speedy and energetic by definition, modern research is showing that it is actually the unique blend of terpenes and cannabinoids that are found in large quantities in sativa plants that give them those specific characteristics. They often smell like pine trees, citrus, and other fruits.
Patients who struggle with depression, stress, anxiety, or desire a creativity boost often turn to sativa for their medical or recreational dosing. Popular strains are Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, Strawberry Cough, and the Haze family.
Indica
On the other hand of the spectrum indicas are cannabis plants whose heritage can be traced back to Himalayan mountain range, Hindu Kush mountain range, and much of north Africa. These small, squat plants are recognizable for their wide leaves. Indica consumers prize this type of cannabis for its heavy sedative and pain-relieving qualities.
Indica-dominant plants tend to have high THC levels, in addition to significant qualities of CBN and CBG. They tend to have an earthy, funky aroma, with hints of garlic, onion, and musk. Indica cannabis is excellent for insomnia, pain relief, inflammation, and more.
Popular indica strains are Granddaddy Purple, Bubba Kush, Blueberry, Blue Cheese, and many more.
Hybrid
One of the most popular approaches in cannabis breeding is to breed an indica and sativa plant together. This will create a hybrid strain, containing beneficial effects from both cannabis species.
Many patients and recreational consumers like hybrids because they can enjoy the uplifting, creative effects of sativa plants without feeling overwhelmed or too racy. Similarly, they can enjoy the relaxing, pain-relieving effects of an indica without feeling like they have no motivation.
Common hybrids are Blue Dream, GG4, Wedding Cake, Girl Scout Cookies, and OG Kush.
How to Consume Cannabis
Medical marijuana patients in Colorado consume cannabis in a variety of ways to help alleviate their symptoms. Many patients medicate by smoking or vaporizing cannabis flower, which provides immediate relief. Others are wary of smoke or seek to avoid the tell-tale smell of burning cannabis—choosing to vaporize flower or concentrates for immediate relief without much coughing or smell.
A growing number of patients are utilizing cannabis oils, edibles, and tinctures internally. These methods are often slow-acting (with an onset of 30 minutes to two hours), but their duration of effects can extend to eight hours or more—allowing patients to live their lives without the constant worry of taking their next dose.
New consumers should start in small doses to see which method works best for them.
