What Is an Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid Strain?

When you walk into a dispensary or are browsing an online cannabis catalog, things can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Indica, sativa, high THC, diamonds, terpenes – there are so many terms to know that you might feel like you missed a vocabulary lesson! Luckily, cannabis researchers have long been studying and documenting the effects of different strains based on cannabinoid content. Knowing the qualities of a strain can help you find the right fit for your needs. So, what is an indica, what is a sativa, and what is a hybrid? Let’s take a closer look.

The Three Sisters: Indica, Sativa, Ruderalis

There are three main varieties (or species, or subspecies) of cannabis: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. Sativa and indica are highly psychotropic. They are the varieties most often found in the recreational and therapeutic markets. Sativa and indica are often cross-bred to form a category of strains called hybrids. 

The terms sativa and indica were coined in the 18th century. The name cannabis sativa was used to describe a hemp plant in Europe and the Middle East that was grown for its fiber and seeds. The fiber is used to make durable canvas, ropes, and other highly useful items.

Historically, the name cannabis indica was used to categorize the more intoxicating cannabis varieties discovered in India, where it is cultivated for fiber, seeds, and hashish production. 

What Is an Indica?

An “indica” or indica strain is any variation of plants from the Cannabis indica family. Cannabis indica plants are shorter and bushier with large, broad fan leaves. When grown outdoors, they prefer a cooler environment, like high-elevation mountainous climates. Indica strains are associated with more of a physical “body high,” which makes them a popular pick for medical marijuana users. 

Indica Effects & Benefits

Sedation, relaxation, and pain relief are some of the qualities linked with indica varieties. Because of these characteristics, indica strains are popular for evening and nighttime use. 

Indicas can also be helpful for stress relief and combating fatigue associated with overwork. And, because indicas typically aren’t stimulating, many people find them helpful for insomnia. 

Additionally, indicas can stimulate the appetite, making them the perfect smoke to enjoy before dinnertime. After eating, indicas can contribute to a state of “rest and digest,” creating the perfect buzz to prepare your nervous system for sleep.

Top Indica Strains

Some popular indica and indica-dominant strains include:

• Granddaddy Purple
• Purple Punch
• Northern Lights
• Bubba Kush

Want to explore more similar strains known for their relaxing and pain-relieving benefits? Check out our full strain library for even more examples.

What is a Sativa?

“Sativas” or sativa strains come from – you guessed it – the Cannabis sativa family. Cannabis sativa plants grow tall and thin, and when grown outdoors, they tend to prefer warm, tropical environments. 

Sativa strains are associated with producing a cerebral  “head high.” That means they’re great at promoting spikes in mental energy, creativity, socialization, and more. 

Sativa Effects & Benefits

Increased alertness and energy, focus, creativity, upliftment, and euphoria are all qualities associated with sativa use. Many people who use cannabis in the mornings or throughout the day prefer to use sativa at these times as it is stimulating instead of sedating. Sativa can lend itself to productivity and motivation, making it an ideal ally for completing tasks or projects.

Top Sativa Strains

Some of the most well-known sativa strains include:

• Sour Diesel
• Durban Poison
• Lemon Haze 
• Strawberry Cough

This is just a small sampling of all of the sativa strains out there. Visit our strain library to see more sativas and sativa-dominant strains that will help you take on whatever the world throws your way.

What is a Hybrid Strain?

It’s not uncommon for breeders to mix sativa and indica descendants together to create what is known as a hybrid strain. In fact, it’s very rare to come across a strain that is pure sativa or pure indica. Hybrids bring the best of both worlds to the table, creating a blend of uplifting and calming effects that vary based on their terpenes and genetic history.

Hybrid Effects & Benefits

Most hybrid strains usually display dominant characteristics of either sativa or indica depending on the strongest genetics of a parent strain. These indica- or sativa-dominant hybrids can help you experience the benefits of one type while also enjoying some perks of the other.

Top Hybrid Strains

Since most strains fall into the hybrid category, there are endless examples to choose from. Some of our favorite hybrid strains include:

• Gary Payton
• OG Kush
• Runtz OG
• Zoap

Once again, you can head over to our strain library to check out even more examples of hybrid cannabis strains.

Cannabis Ruderalis and Auto-Flowering Strains 

The third type of cannabis, cannabis ruderalis, is a low-THC variety that many scholars consider to be its own cannabis species. This is because it contains characteristics and phenotypes that differentiate it from sativa and indica. 

There is some debate as to whether this group is only a subdivision of sativa. The current consensus among plant databases is to consider it cannabis sativa var. ruderalis. 

Because ruderalis contains very little psychoactive cannabinoids, it is uncommon to see its use in recreational and medicinal cannabis production. It does, however, contain CBD, which makes it valuable therapeutically. 

Ruderalis has a much shorter production time than the other two varieties. Because of this, cultivars have crossbred ruderalis with both sativa and indica to create “auto-flowering” strains which finish in half the time it takes to produce other varieties. This allows for outdoor cannabis producers to harvest two or three crops per outdoor season as opposed to just one. 

The Importance of Cannabis Science

All of the claims about sativa vs. indica and head high vs. body high are anecdotal. Indica and sativa are botanical terms only.  More studies are needed before we can truly determine the psychoactive differences between the two. 

Cannabis research determines that the specific effects of a strain are based on cannabinoid and terpene content. The two most prolific cannabinoids, THC and CBD, produce significantly different effects. Most strains contain both cannabinoids, so it’s the ratio between the two that determines the overall effect. 

Our endocannabinoid system is vast and complex. Individual cannabis tolerance and body chemistry also play an important part in how you will feel after using specific strains. 

Another thing that plays a role is terpenes. These are compounds found in many plants that produce unique and therapeutic aromas. Aroma has a direct effect on neurochemistry, meaning that terpene profiles can impact how your brain reacts to cannabis use.

Cannabis terpenes are secreted by the same glands that produce cannabinoids. Different terpenes are responsible for creating a wide range of cannabis aromas. 

Citrus, evergreens, berries, and fuel are some of the different aromas created by terpenes in the cannabis plants. Aromatherapy research could potentially reveal varying physiological effects of the different cannabis aromas, further contributing to the vast health benefits of cannabis. 

Final Thoughts: Get to Know the Strains

Because the differing effects of sativa indica are still anecdotal, it is important to learn about individual strains so that you can make the right choices when shopping for cannabis. Reading blogs, articles, and research papers online is a great way to start learning. Keeping a personal weed journal could be a way to document and reference your experiences when trying out new strains. 

The best way to learn the answer to questions like “What is an indica?” or “Which strain is best for me?” is to ask professionals. The experienced staff at The Green Dragon CBD are happy to answer any cannabis questions and help guide you towards the best products for your needs. Contact us here to learn more about cannabis strains.