For those who have ever wondered about the differences between cannabis sativa vs indica vs hybrid effects — you have a lot to learn about these varying strains.

From differences in their physical appearance in the raw cannabis form to unique cultivation methods and varying psychoactive effects, these dominant strains distinguish themselves in surprising and fascinating ways.

Before we dive into the key differences between indica strains and sativa strains, those who aren’t familiar with cannabis plants should get a little introduction.

An Introduction To The Cannabis Plant

Cannabis originated in Central Asia or Western China, with documented cases dating back to 2800 BC.

Over the course of its long, illustrious history — cannabis has spread around the world, deriving a seemingly endless variety of strains, uses, and products.

When it comes to organizing cannabis plants, the main two categories you’ll hear about are indica strains and sativa strains. Growers also cultivate a wide variety of hybrid strains, which feature elements of both Cannabis sativa and indica.

What Are Indica Strains?

To a lot of cannabis enthusiasts, “indica” is short for “in da couch” because of the couch-lock many users enjoy.

While not scientifically astute, this generalization does come from the sleeper, cozier, and body-high that indica illicit.

Let’s look at some defining characteristics of the cannabis strain known as indica:

• Indica cannabis plants grow in drier climates

  — i.e. India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan

• Indica strains are known for strong, skunky aromas and flavors

• Indica plants feature more buds than sativa plants

• Grows faster

• Euphoric side effects of indica-dominant strains include calm, muscle relaxation, giggles, and sleepiness

Popular indica-dominant strains:

• Kush

• Grandaddy Purp

• Skywalker

• Northern Lights

• Cookies

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What Are Sativa Strains?

Sativa is more known among cannabis users as an uplifting solution for more focused, energized experiences.

While it features different effects, it also originates from different parts of the world.

Let’s look at a few of the defining characteristics of sativa-dominant strains of cannabis:

• Sativa strains grow in tropical, humid climates like Southeast Asia, and Central America

• Sativa-dominant for daytime usage

• Sativa plants feature less buds than indica plants

• Slower growing

• Uplifting side effects of sativa-dominant strains include excitement, focus, energy, euphoria, and more of a head-high

Popular sativa-dominant strains:

• Sour Diesel

• Tangie

• Haze

• Jack Herrer

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Where Do Hybrid Strains Come From?

The title of this article refers to indica, sativa, and hybrid strains of cannabis.

So, why are we only talking about the first two options?

You might have guessed this, but hybrid cannabis strains are cross-bred from indica and sativa plants.

This piece on Cannabis Breeding puts it well by noting that cross-breeding requires a male plant from one strain to pollinate a female of another.

Growers and manufacturers have cultivated hybrid cannabis strains for a long time.

In fact, despite the different physical and chemical makeup of indica and sativa plants, they’ve been bred and hybridized for so long that researchers say there’s no longer a clear distinction between the two.

Still, products are packaged and labeled based on these strains and their parent plants, so it’s worth knowing what to expect generally.

5 Key Differences Between Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa

While we’ve looked at some of the physical and genetic differences of these different types of cannabis, now let’s look at some ways they vary in terms of usage.

1. The Time and Place

Based on their reputations for delivering effects on opposite ends of the cannabis-use spectrum — indica and sativa strains can be reserved for the right time or place.

For example, you might want to take a sativa-dominant product if you’re looking to take the edge off while in a social situation — i.e., camping or dinner. If you’re looking to relax, be quiet, and enjoy — maybe look in indica’s direction.

For those who appreciate the full breadth of effects of cannabis, the most 50-50 hybrids designed for classic results should be at the top of your list.

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2. The Stickiness Of The Buds

Indica buds are stickier because they have denser, more resinous buds than sativa strains do. This could impact when and how you decide to consume it.

Those who are rolling a blunt might opt for easier-to-breakdown hybrid or sativa buds. At the same time, if you’re a fan of indica, then you might want to invest in a great grinder that you keep clean.

For an easy time consuming your favorite cannabis products, you can also opt for an edible or pre-roll.

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3. CBD-to-THC Ratio

Cannabis sativa has more THC than CBD.

Though products produced with sativa-dominant strains can have varying levels of THC, cannabidiol, and other cannabinoids based on how they’re produced, the more purely sativa something is, the more its balance will lean in the direction of THC.

Indica-dominant strains, on the other hand, feature more CBD than THC, with a ratio that’s described as often close to 1:1.

The higher levels of cannabidiol in indica-leaning products have been linked to the body high that’s often associated with these strains.

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4. Psychoactive Effects

Of course, any user’s response to cannabis products is shaped not only by the strain but also by their individual tolerance, current state, the specific type of product, the level of THC content, and an incalculable degree of additional variables.

The relaxing effects of a hybrid-dominant strain might feature a balance of an indica’s sedative effects and a sativa’s head high. The entourage effect is, in a sense, amplified when smoking hybrid flowers because you get all of the cannabinoids, as well as key elements of your buds’ parent plants.

As you move into more indica-dominant strains, you will enjoy more calming effects, which pair well with restful activities like watching a movie or cooking a meal.

On the flip side, if you choose to delight in some sativa-dominant products, you can count on a more uplifting and energetic high that could take the edge off afternoon chores or some brainstorming for a creative project.

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5. Flavor Profile

Different strains produce different aromas and flavors.

There’s also more to the flavor profile of cannabis products than the strain, like the specific terpenes included and the type of product you’re consuming.

While indica-dominant flowers have been described as “skunky,” more discerning consumers might also add that they have a richer, more pungent flavor than sativa. They often feature earthy notes and elements of darker-colored fruits — i.e. grapes and plums.

Sativa-dominant flowers, on the other hand, produce a lighter and arguably more diverse set of flavors and aromas. Its fruity notes are on the lighter side — i.e., citrus and apple.

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FAQs About Indica vs Sativa

Q: Does indica vs sativa matter?

A: As simple as this question is, it’s also an important one that lies right at the heart of cannabis culture.

For cannabis users with specific itches they like to scratch, it can be a massive help to know which strains they respond to most favorably.

For a lot of people, cannabis is an end-of-the-day delight, which might make them lean more toward indica. For others, cannabis is an important part of everyday productivity, which lends more to sativa usage.

Q: Doesn’t the individual user play a role too?

A: Yes! We all have different temperaments and tolerances, plus with so many other variables that can influence the psychoactive effects a given cannabis product produces, there’s certainly an argument that this simple, binary categorization doesn’t determine too much.

WebMD actually mentions a study that found strains labeled as indica as “just as closely related to strains labeled sativa as they were to other indica strains.”

The lesson from these varied reflections — do what’s best for you. If you’re looking for products that match the description of indica, hybrid, or sativa, try those out and see how you feel.

If you’d prefer another direction from there, you can find products derived from both major cannabis strains at the Mood.

There, you can find flowers, pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles with breakdowns of the strain, cannabinoids, cultivation methods, and more to help you get in the mood you want to be in.

Q: Are sativa and indica different plants?

A: Nope. They are each variations of the same plant — Cannabis sativa, also known as the hemp plant.

Instead of thinking about sativa and indica cannabis products as coming from different plants, it makes more sense to think about them as different strains of the same plant. It’s also worth noting that they are dominant strains, and most cannabis plants are hybrids that lean more toward either indica or sativa.

Discover Your Favorite Strains and Hemp-Derived Products

Mood’s online dispensary is designed to help any cannabis user take the edge off how they like.

Check out some of our favorite THCa-dominant flowers to get a sense of our strain variety.

Relaxed Indica-Dominant THCa Flowers

These indica-dominant flowers are designed to help you wind down easily. Featuring nearly 27 percent THCa, these sweet and minty-tasting buds are great for a bowl or joint. Like all of our products, these buds come from American-grown hemp plants that are totally pesticide-free.

Get an eighth of Counting Sheep for just $54 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Upbeat Sativa-Dominant THCa Flowers

For a joint that’s going around at a social event, these sativa-forward flowers should help keep your motor running. Described as an energized, euphoric feeling — the high that comes with Cookies-derived buds is phenomenal. Its flavors include hints of sweet oranges and fresh, ripe cherries.

Pick up an eighth of Tropicana Cherry Cookies for just $40 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Even-Keeled Hybrid THCa Flowers

For those who are looking for a reliable, classic high that you know and love, check out this 50/50 hybrid featuring 21.25 percent THCa. Deriving from Zkittles and Gelato hybrids, this specific strain comes from California. It brings with it notes of citrus and sour berries.

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Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains: Which is Right for You?

Now that you know how each strain offers a unique cannabis experience, you can tailor your product use to what works for you on a given day or night. Indica strains offer relaxing, body-focused effects, making them ideal for winding down. Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing properties, perfect for social or creative activities. Hybrid strains provide a balanced experience, combining the best of both worlds.

By exploring these distinct strains, you can discover the unique flavors, effects, and benefits each one offers. Visit the Mood Shop for a wide range of high-quality cannabis products that suit every mood and occasion.

Prices subject to change.