Sativas vs. Hybrids vs. Indicas: What’s the Difference?

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According to a rough estimate, there are thousands of different cannabis strains. With so many alternatives available, deciding which type of cannabis is best can be difficult.

Fortunately, cannabis strains have been divided into three categories: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains, making it easier to determine which strain will produce a particular impact.

Let’s learn the differences between Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains, find out how they’re used, and understand how they affect the body and mind.

Types of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids

Here are the three main types of cannabis strains:

1. Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Indica strains come from short, bushy cannabis plants. They contain more CBD – a compound that reduces pain, eases migraines, and induces relaxation. This strain causes a “body high.”

People who want to relax at night and feel drowsy use this cannabis strain. It can also improve the sleep of people with insomnia. Common Indica strains include Grape Ape, Afghan Kush, Purple Kush, Granddaddy Purple, God Bud, and Hindu Kush.

2. Cannabis Sativa

Sativa strains come from cannabis plants that are taller and thinner in appearance. These plants thrive in warm or tropical environments. Of course, thanks to indoor growing facilities, any form of cannabis can now be cultivated successfully almost anywhere.

This strain contains more THC – a compound that causes a “high” and induces a state of euphoria. People use Sativa strains in the morning and afternoon to increase their productivity, performance, and creativity.

Common Sativa strains include Durban Poison, Panama Red, Strawberry Cough, Green Crack, and Acapulco Gold.

3. Cannabis Hybrids

Hybrids are strains generated from two parents. A hybrid has many, if not all, of the positive medical features of both of its parents.

Producers can “cross” any two cannabis strains to generate a new strain with the best possible medical effectiveness, sometimes for specific diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and epilepsy.

It’s worth noting that any two strains can be combined to form a hybrid. While Indica/Sativa hybrids are famous for their “alert mellowness” and productivity, medicinal cannabis growers can also cross subtypes of Indicas or use two Sativa subtypes as parents.

Hybrid strains having more Indicathan Sativa qualities are “Indica-dominant” (Indica-dom), those with more Sativa traits are “Sativa dominant” (Sativa-dom), and those with equal Indica and Sativa qualities are “balanced.”

Some common hybrid strains include Blue Dream, Skywalker, Gorilla Blue, Apple Fritter, Trainwreck, White Widow, and Pineapple Express.

Effects of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids

Here are the three main types of cannabis strains:

1. Indica Strains

Indica strains make people feel relaxed. These strains are usually referred to as “night-time” strains as they are utilized to relax and unwind towards the end of the day. It can also reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Sativa Strains

Sativa strains make people feel joyful, uplifted, euphoric, and active. Sativas are sometimes referred to as “daytime” strains and are consumed by people who want to feel productive, imaginative, and focused. This strain helps smokers be more present and active, allowing them to accomplish their tasks quickly.

3. Hybrid Strains

As hybrid cannabis strains have genetics from both Indica and Sativa varieties, their effects can be influenced by both. Feeling happy, euphoric, uplifted, active, and calm are all common effects, depending on the hybrid strain you’ve consumed and the effects its “parent” strains have been known to produce.

Looking at a hybrid’s parent strains can help you predict what kind of benefits it will have. For example, if the strain has more Indicain its lineage, it may make you feel more relaxed. But if it has more Sativa in its lineage, it may make you feel more energized or happy.

Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains: The Differences

Indicas tend to deplete energy and are best consumed in the evening or at night when the day’s work and activities have been completed. When taking cannabis Indica, some individuals may have “couchlock” — a condition in which they are so calm or relaxed that they can scarcely get off the couch.

Sativas, on the other hand, are intellectually uplifting, boosting performance and creativity. They produce more of a “thinking high,” while Indicas provide more “body high.” However, Sativa plants take longer to grow and produce less medicine (flowers) than Indica.

Hybrid cannabis strains are made from and can share the qualities of both the above strains. Their appearance depends on the combination of strains they’re created from.

Efficacy of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains

Modern medical cannabis producers actively develop and grow diverse strains in the Indica and Sativa categories to ensure that the proper treatment is available for each patient’s specific illness, preference, and lifestyle.

Indicas – Indica strains are used by people who suffer from pain and inflammation, making them ideal for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and people living with cancer. They also help people with insomnia get better sleep.
Sativas – Sativa strains are better for treating psychological problems, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety, because they induce a “mind high” that can induce calm.
Hybrids – Hybrids usually have an effect similar to the strains they’re made from. For instance, a Sativa dominant hybrid will be useful for treating psychological disorders, while an Indica dominant hybrid will help treat physical pain.

The Takeaway

Indica, Sativa, and hybrids are three different cannabis strains and have differing effects. Cannabis Indica is said to have a soothing or relaxing impact, while cannabis Sativa is thought to have an uplifting one. In contrast, hybrids can have either a euphoric or relaxing impact.

You should choose the cannabis strain that is appropriate for your needs. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping at night, you should use an Indica strain to lull yourself to sleep. Similarly, if you struggle with depression, a Sativa strain will help you remain calm and feel happier.