Written by Sebastian Little

Trying to decide between sativa and indica-dominant edibles? Maybe a middle-of-the-road hybrid is more your flavor.

While experimentation and considering things like your tolerance, current state of mind, and general preferences all play major roles in how you enjoy different strains and edibles — it helps to get an idea of where to start.

This guide is designed to help with exactly that.

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While “sativa” and “indica” are terms that are used a lot in the cannabis world, it’s important that you learn about them in context.

Learning about the tendencies and general side effects of each of these dominant strains can give you a somewhat general idea of what to expect from a given batch of edibles.

At the same time, your tolerance, state of mind, and the production of the edibles and the THC content all play massive roles in your edible experience.

This makes figuring out whether or not sativa or indica edibles are right for you kind of a complex thing to explore.

There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer to this stuff, so we will begin this guide by introducing indica strains, sativa strains, and hybrid strains. We’ll then go over edibles, how they work, and the variety that’s out there.

In the end, you should have all of the tools you need to decide between sativa and indica edibles.

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Key Differences Between Sativa and Indica

Indica and sativa are the dominant strains of the cannabis plant.

Because of a long history of cultivation and cross-breeding, most modern hemp plants are hybrids of the two that more heavily favor traits of one over the other.

There are also plenty of middle-of-the-road hybrid strains that feature more evenly balanced designs.

An Introduction To Cannabis Sativa

Users tend to associate sativa cannabis products with more energized and focused psychoactive effects that are better for daytime use.

Researchers believe this is because Cannabis sativa has higher concentrations of THC than other strains.

While the uplifting effects of consuming sativa products are unique, so are the strain’s origins.

Sativa plants grow in humid and tropical climates, such as those in Central America—e.g., Mexico—and Southeast Asia, e.g., Vietnam, and Thailand.

Energizing Effects of Sativa

• Head high

• Stimulation

• Creativity

• Social enthusiasm

• Positivity

Popular Sativa-Dominant Strains of Cannabis

• Tangie

• Sour Diesel

• Jack Herer

• The Haze varieties

• Maui Waui

• Strawberry Cough

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An Introduction To Cannabis Indica

Indica is well-known for its relaxing sedative effects. Unlike sativa types of cannabis, Indica plants have a near-even CBD-to-THC ratio.

Historically, indica users like chilling and nighttime use.

It’s cultivated in Middle Eastern countries, such as Afghanistan, to make hashish. It’s also grown in India and South Africa.

Indica plants produce more buds and feature a heavier, musty aroma than their sativa-dominant counterparts. The resinous indica buds are also quite sticky.

Relaxing Effects of Indica

• Body high

• Couch-lock

• Relaxation

• Munchies

• Giggles

Popular Indica-Dominant Strains of Cannabis

• Kush varieties

• Northern Lights

• Grape Ape

• Girl Scout Cookies

• Skywalker

• Gelato

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And Then There Are Hybrid Strains

As we mentioned above, pretty much all modern strains of cannabis are hybrids of one form or another.

When we discuss sativa and indica strains above, we are referring to hybrids with more dominant sativa or indica genetic designs.

Usually, when a product is simply categorized as a “hybrid strain,” it possesses a well-balanced lineage with close-to-equal levels of each.

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So You’re Going To Take Some Edibles...

Eating edibles is a proven and delightful way to kick back and enjoy the different effects cannabis has to offer.

While homemade cannabis brownies were the go-to edibles of past generations, today’s enthusiasts have a seemingly endless variety of candies, baked goods, tinctures, and more to choose from.

You can better determine the edibles that are best for you partially by looking into the strains of the hemp used to create them.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the specific THC levels, any other cannabinoids that may be included, and the quantity you’re taking.

While some edibles might be more THC-centric, for example, others might feature CBD, Delta-8 THC, and other cannabinoids that can lend to the entourage effect.

How Edibles Work

When we smoke or vape cannabis, the cannabinoids enter straight into the lungs and into the bloodstream. This is how they find CB1 receptors and our endocannabinoid system to latch onto and deliver their euphoric effects.

When we eat cannabis products, cannabinoids, and fat-soluble bioactive molecules take a longer trip to the bloodstream.

Here’s a little bit of what that journey looks like:

• Salt and enzymes break down the molecules carrying the cannabinoids in the intestine

• The resulting cells enter the gut lining and convert to lipid nanoparticles

• The particles travel to the lymphatic system and then the bloodstream

Throughout this journey, cannabinoids can attach to receptors throughout the body.

Also, you can’t just eat raw cannabis and expect to feel anything. The process through which we make edibles has a lot to do with why they work.

How Edibles Are Made

If you just throw cannabis into a recipe, you’re not likely to enjoy the effects of THC.

Traditionally, cannabis enthusiasts and cooks have baked products by cooking cannabis slowly in butter or oil, letting that substance absorb compounds like THC and other cannabinoids, and then using the THC butter to create the final batch of brownies, cookies, or treats.

This process works because cannabinoids are fat-soluble chemical compounds rather than water-soluble.

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Many Factors Play Into Edible Side Effects

Many factors can influence the types of side effects a user feels after eating it.

Your preference for indica vs sativa-dominant strains is just one piece of the puzzle when finding the right edibles for you.

Users with higher tolerances will obviously prefer higher doses, while a low dose could be key to a new user having a manageable and enjoyable time.

In addition to the levels of THC, you also want to be careful about what else might be in your edibles. Today, you can find THC-infused products with other mind-altering ingredients like alcohol.

On the flip side, you can find THC and hemp-derived products that feature natural ingredients that are geared toward a specific mood or vibe.

Our Sexual Euphoria THC Gummies, for example, feature natural ingredients for libido enhancement. They include muira puama extract, horny goat weed, maca root, Korean red ginseng, and L-arginine.

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Deciding Between Sativa vs. Indica Edibles

What’s The Occasion?

Your desired effects are often going to reflect what you’re up to.

To put it simply, you might prefer an indica-dominant strain for a night in with a loved one, a quiet afternoon walk, or cooking dinner by yourself after a long day of work.

You might prefer a sativa-dominant strain when you’re working on an art project with friends, headed to a cannabis-friendly party, or are feeling a little morning magic.

What Mood Are You In?

Your mood going into an edible experience is almost as important as what you’re doing.

For those who are tired and simply looking to unwind and fall asleep early, you’ve probably figured out by now that indica is the way to go.

If you’re on an adventure and just looking to add some good vibes, then sativa edibles might be more your speed.

What’s Your General Preference?

More important than what you’re doing or how you’re feeling — your preferences will more often than not tell you whether to take indica edibles or sativa edibles.

While all of the generalities stated throughout this guide are true, someone who generally prefers indica might want a kush-derived edible, even if it’s for morning use. And sativa lovers may choose to take an edible that’s classified as energized, even if they’re enjoying a quiet night in.

While you can use insights to discover strains and edibles that you haven’t yet enjoyed, you can also use your experience to hone in on what’s going to help you enjoy your edibles as much as possible.

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FAQs on Cannabis Edibles

Q: Are edibles healthier than carts?

A: We’re not a wellness resource, and you’re best off checking in with a doctor or health expert to determine the cannabis products that are best for you.

When figuring out what’s best for you, there are some obvious pros and cons.

While carts do require inhaling vapor, edibles don’t. On the flip side, carts are zero calories, while edibles can come with a range of different sugars and processed fats.

The best thing you can do when vaping or taking edibles is to have a good look at what you're consuming.

For example, Mood’s Vapes are transparently third-party tested to ensure they meet federal legal and health standards. The product details are also on the product page, so you can read about the breakdown of cannabinoids you’re consuming.

At the same time, Mood’s Edibles range from sweet treats that are great for a cheat day to minimalist gel caps and concentrate-filled tinctures.

Q: Can edibles expire?

A: Yes, edibles can expire. The shelf life of the food they are made with largely determines their longevity. So, gummies will last a lot longer than brownies, for example.

Even if you freeze your edibles properly, they can still go bad over time. Though it will definitely extend their shelf life to a degree.

Q: Can edibles make your eyes red?

A: Yes, edibles can make your eyes extremely red.

While they won’t have the added irritation that smoking can cause, edibles still deliver cannabinoids that bond to cannabinoid receptors in your body.

This process lowers your blood pressure, and that can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve causing red eyes, dilated pupils, and sometimes blurry vision.

Hydration and eye drops are among the most effective methods you can use to deter or minimize stoner eyes.

Sativa and Indica Edibles From The Mood Shop

When there’s a showdown of sativa vs indica edibles in your mind, remember that you can always pick up a little bit of each.

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Enjoy Summer With a Frozen THC Treat

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Lock In A Classic High In a Jiffy

Delivering a classic high, these fast-acting and highly potent gummies are designed to start delivering their calming effects within just 15 minutes. Featuring a blend of Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC, they’re well-balanced and strong — a great balance for experienced users.

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Hit The Hay With These Gummies

These delicious blackberry-flavored gummies are designed to help users calm and restore. Made with indica-dominant cannabis plants, they infuse five natural ingredients that promote rest and relaxation: vitamin B2, ashwagandha, magnesium, L-theanine, and reishi.

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