Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid: Top 10 Strains for Morning, Night, and Beyond
Anyone who has shopped for cannabis or who is familiar with its consumer culture has likely seen the words indica, sativa, and hybrid before. But what do these terms really mean? Are they even accurate descriptors of the plants they’re attached to?
There are three main types of cannabis strains on the market:
- Cannabis indica
- Cannabis sativa
- Hybrid plants with botanical features of both
While this model might seem simple enough, it’s not necessarily the most accurate. In fact, its simplicity may be the very thing that harms it the most.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what science has to say and how some of our favorite strain picks stand up to the test.
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid: What Does it All Mean?
The labels indica, sativa, and hybrid stem from botanical names that describe the structure of a cannabis plant. Indica plants, for example, tend to be stockier and shorter, while sativas often grow slim, tall plants with lighter leaves.
Over time, certain effects and perks have grown attached to the different classifications of cannabis, but many experts believe that these generalizations are rooted in false information.
The real culprit behind differences between strains seems to be a plant’s terpenoid (terpene and cannabinoid) content. That means that an indica strain that has virtually the same chemical makeup as a sativa strain will likely produce very similar effects, despite the classification of each.
There is also a widely-held misconception that some plants, namely indicas, produce more CBD than others. While this might be true in some cases, it’s not because the plant is an indica. Different cannabinoids can be found across strains – there are plenty of indicas with little to no CBD and plenty of sativas with a bounty of cannabinoids to offer.
So, grouping cannabis strains into distinct categories is beginning to fall out of favor among cannabis lovers and experts alike. But that doesn’t mean there’s no merit to this system or that it can’t be helpful for consumers.
It is true that indica and sativa plants might typically have more or less of certain terpenes that have a strong influence on how you feel after taking a few hits. While there might not be a biochemical difference between the two plants that will always lead to different effects, generations of breeding have indeed created distinct strain types and profiles.
Many indicas, for instance, contain higher amounts of myrcene, a terpene found in many plants and known to have strong sedative effects. Meanwhile, sativas might be more likely to have higher levels of pinene, which is known for its uplifting effects.
But remember, these differences aren’t because there’s something magical about indicas that lead to more myrcene production (at least as far as we know now). It’s likely that these distinctions have grown over time as growers worked to create more powerful strains with effects that aligned with these classifications.
So why bother with this system at all, then, if it’s not a great way to predict the biochemical makeup of a plant or its effects? The answer isn’t shocking: it’s easy to use and understand.
On the whole, using the “sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid” grouping can make it much easier for consumers to quickly find a specific strain that’s more likely to give them their desired effects. You can use this model to help you introduce yourself to different strains, then dive into more specific and detailed chemical profiles.
This latter method is the best way to actually know what you’re smoking and how it will impact you. But hey, sometimes it’s best to take the “good enough” route – if it helps you shop mindfully and learn more about what you’re consuming, it’s a win in our book.
Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid: Effects and Benefits
While science tells us there’s no way to generalize the effects of each cannabis plant solely based on classification (rather than their biochemical profiles), many strains within each category have been bred to produce similar effects.
Even within these groupings, effects of different strains can vary significantly. But to navigate cannabis culture and the market, it helps to know the general effects that are associated with each group.
- Indicas: Sedating properties, relaxing, stimulates appetite, reduces anxiety, good for sleep and pain
- Hybrids: Mix of benefits from both other strain types, usually meant to offer a balance between relaxation and mental focus or stimulation
- Sativas: Energizing, uplifting, inspiring, great for creativity, socialization, and physical activity
Bringing it All Together: Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Chart
To make it even easier to figure out what sort of strain might work best for you, check out this helpful chart of the main benefits that tend to come with each type:
.jpeg)
10 of Our Favorite Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains
Now that you’re an expert on indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid classifications and the importance of learning about a strain’s biochemical makeup, you’re ready to find the best strains for your goals and body.
Before you reach for your grinder, though, remember that it’s important to check in with your doctor before starting or stopping any new medication or self-treatment plan. This includes our beloved friend cannabis. Even if you don’t need medical advice or an outside opinion, it’s a good idea to make sure you won’t be interfering with any prescription medications or increasing any risks tied to health conditions.
With that said, below are some of our favorite strains for use in different contexts. You’ll notice that some strain types tend to lend themselves better to some uses; the best choices aren’t always so black-and-white.
For Daytime Use
1. Strawberry Cough – Sativa
This sweet and stimulating strain is an ideal choice for stress and anxiety; it keeps you moving without overwhelming your mind or body. A few hits, and you’ll be on your feet, ready to chat with friends or tick off the boxes on your to-do list.
Try Strawberry Cough Here
2. Blue Dream – Sativa
Need a mind-boosting strain that will keep you focused and inspired without causing the jitters? Look no further than Blue Dream, a fruity and sweet pick that’s a fan favorite among newbies and seasoned cannabis users alike.
Try Blue Dream Here
For Nighttime Use
3. Bubba Kush – Indica
An iconic strain for those reaching for a euphoric, relaxing flower option, Bubba Kush is well-known for its ability to produce sleepiness, hunger, and tranquility. It’s a top choice for anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Try Bubba Kush Here
4. Zkittlez – Indica
For something that’s a little less likely to give you that couch-lock feel, try Zkittlez, which leaves most users feeling happy, relaxed, and sleepy, yet still mentally alert enough to engage with their hobbies.
Try Zkittlez Here
For Treating Pain
5. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) – Hybrid (Indica Dominant)
GSC is a classic choice that’s so intensely powerful that it can be too distracting for regular use. But that power comes in handy when you’re aiming to relieve chronic pain. This pick is great for taking your mind off bodily sensations, stimulating the appetite, and settling into a nice, comforting sense of euphoria.
Try Girl Scout Cookies Here
6. Grape Ape – Hybrid
Few strains can rival the pain-relieving properties of Grape Ape, which features a sour, sweet smell and packs a real punch, producing relaxing and numbing fully-body effects.
Try Grape Ape Here
For Lowering Anxiety
7. Sherbert – Hybrid
This strain acts like a dessert in more ways than one; its sweet smell, coupled with its calming properties, will leave you feeling happy, giggly, and free from the stress and anxiety of daily life.
Try Sherbert Here
8. Northern Lights – Indica
Northern Lights is a popular choice among medical marijuana patients aiming to tackle symptoms that stem from depression, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Its sweet and spicy smell and taste are iconic within the cannabis community.
Try Northern Lights Here
For Kicking Back With Friends
9. Gary Payton – Hybrid
Named after an NBA legend, this strain will leave you feeling as though you, too, can fly to new heights. Its balanced effects make most users feel social, happy, and relaxed, which makes it a perfect choice for spending time with your favorite people.
Try Gary Payton Here
10. Hawaiian Haze – Sativa
This strain will certainly leave you in a haze, albeit a good one. Most users love it for its ability to make them sociable and chatty, all while producing euphoric and uplifting effects that are hard to beat. Talk about a free vacation!
Try Hawaiian Haze Here
Shop Your Top Picks from the Hybrid vs. Indica vs. Sativa Battle
No matter which strain might call out to you, we at Green Dragon CBD are here to help you make the best decisions for your goals and needs. Feel free to contact us for a consultation so we can learn how to best support you.
Hybrid strains are cannabis strains whose parent strains contain both indica and sativa varieties. Most modern strains are actually hybrids. However, many strains have dominant characteristics of one of the two subspecies, allowing them to be classified as either sativa or indica.
When talking about strains used for recreational and medicinal use, we are generally referring to three subspecies: cannabis indica, cannabis sativa, and hybrid strains. We have an entire article on the subspecies of cannabis, but here we will run through a quick overview.
Any strain can make you hungry. Terpenes aren’t really to blame when the munchies strike, though certain terpene profiles may increase effects for some people. Some strains might tend to have higher THC levels depending on whether they’re indicas or not, so in that sense, strain type can affect hunger levels. But loading up on terpenes can increase THC's effects on your body, so adding stacks of kief to your bowl is a great way to make THC feel several times more powerful than it normally does.
Cannabis sativa is a subspecies of cannabis that grows tall and thin. It is commonly associated with producing a “head high” and contributing to alertness, focus, creativity and euphoria.
Cannabis indica is a subspecies of cannabis that grows short and bushy and produces large, broad fan leaves. It is commonly associated with producing a “body high” and contributing to relaxation, sedation and pain relief.
