Indica Vs Sativa, you might come across a few buzzwords when deciding which kind of cannabis is right for you: indica, Sativa, and hybrid.
Manufacturers use these terms to describe how a plant should look. Consumers are shown how weed should make them feel.
It turns out, however, that these distinctions between Sativa, indica, and hybrid weed strains are no longer as clear-cut as they once were.
Indica Vs Sativa
“Physical characteristics were used to differentiate cannabis varieties,” explains Jeff Chen, MD, MBA, Cofounder and CEO of Radicle Science and Founder of UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative.
“At some point, popular culture began to differentiate between the effects of consuming indica and Sativa, despite no evidence.”
Weed Strains
Sativa: Â In general, Sativa strains make people feel more creative, energized, and focused. They have long, narrow fan-like leaves and are taller than most other strains.
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Indica: You are supposed to feel relaxed and sedated when you consume indica strains. Shorter and bushier than Sativa plants, they have broader leaves.
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Hybrid:Â Indica and Sativa strains combine their effects in hybrids, giving you the best of both worlds.Â
Hybrid marijuana plants vary widely in height, leaf shape, and size because they are bred from both Sativa and indica strains.
Therefore, looking at a list of different strains at your local dispensary, you may find that Aloha Sativa is more energetic than Liquid Butter indica.Â
It’s also possible that a weed marketed with more THC will give you a more potent high. However, it does not guarantee success.
A 2015 study examined 494 samples of 35 different strains of cannabis, all classified as indica, Sativa, or hybrid.Â
Chemically, there was no significant difference between many indica and Sativa strains, according to the researchers.Â
In addition, the study found that the amount of THC in each strain can vary greatly, suggesting that strains should not be equated with amounts.
The popularity of hybrid strains is only making things more complicated.Â
According to a 2018 study, interbreeding of these hybrid strains has become so common that distinctions between indica and Sativa are “almost meaningless.”
In addition, the environment in which the plant grows, including its nutrients, light, and lighting schedule, affects the final product, says Benjamin Caplan, MD, Founder, and CEO of CED Clinic.
As a result, you won’t feel the same in California as in Colorado if you purchase the same hybrid strain.
It’s impossible to be sure whether a strain is indica or Sativa because “there is neither a central authority nor a standardized checklist to determine whether a strain is indica or Sativa.”
It might explain why most marijuana sites have clarifications like this one on Weedmaps:
” Even though their genetics will influence the experiences users have, each strain affects everyone differently, regardless of its designation.”
Risks Of Cannabis
The use of cannabis comes with the same risks as using any other drug. According to Caplan, most people experience short-term unpleasant effects from cannabis.Â
Among them are:
The following symptoms may occur: dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, foresight, sedation, and forgetfulness
Long-term risks are also possible, according to ChenÂ
Including:
- Physical and psychological addictionsÂ
- Risk of developing schizophrenia (if already genetically predisposed)
- Reduced cognitive function during adolescenceÂ
- Pregnant mothers who use cannabis have lower birth weight babiesÂ
Final Word
Despite claims made by pop culture and individuals, there is no clear distinction between Sativa and indica cannabis strains.Â
There is only a physical difference between the two plants.
You should take it with a grain of salt when you see products labeled indica or Sativa at a dispensary.Â
Take precautions if you use cannabis and be aware of the risks involved.