boost your cannabis education with us
Sativa, Indica, Hybrids : Which Weed is Right For You?
The Latin name for Marijuana is Cannabis and it comes in 3 species or types, Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. A STRAIN is the term used to describe a naturally occuring or artificially bred combination of either of the two types ranging from a pure Sativa to a pure Indica with any ratio of both being referred to as a Hybrid. So all of the fancy, colourful strain names that you will encounter are really only either a Sativa, an Indica, or a Hybrid of both which already simplifies and demystifies the selection process.
To many people, deciding to deal with recreational or medical marijuana can be an easy decision, but still many consumers or patients can have trouble deciding what kind of cannabis to use. With thousands of strains available, it can become confusing or even overwhelming for people to figure out which strain is right for them.
Sativa and Indica are the two main species of cannabis, which have thousands of subspecies, or strains. Sativas contain more THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) than CBD/CBN (Cannabidiol/Cannabinol), while Indicas contain more CBD/CBN than THC. THC, CBD, and CBN are all cannabinoids, the beneficial compounds in marijuana that produce the medical and psychoactive effects. Each strain has its own effect, such as Sour Diesel, a Sativa which can relieve symptoms for depression, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or Granddaddy purple, an Indica which relieves stress, pain, and insomnia. Medical cannabis patients can easily use online resources, or consult with specialists to find out whether sativa or indica strains suits them the best.
Sativa
Sativa strain types are known to produce an uplifting and cerebral high that is typically very energizing and stimulating. Sativa are known to make you laugh uncontrollably or engage in in-depth conversations about the meaning of life. These strains typically cause you to analyze the human experience and think creatively, which makes Cannabis Sativa very popular among philosophers, artists and musicians. Some Sativa have even been found to enhance lights and sounds, making music, movies, and the rest of your surroundings more vibrant than ever before.
Patients looking for the perfect morning medication or daytime relief could benefit from accompanying their breakfast or lunch with a vaporizer packed with a high quality Sativa
Sativas are skinny plants that can reach up to 20 feet tall. They’re well known for their ability to relieve symptoms, while still allowing the patient to go about their daily life without feeling too tired or “couch-locked.” Sativa strains are known to alleviate many of symptoms for diseases and disorders such as:
-
Nausea
-
Depression
-
Low appetite
-
Glaucoma / Intro-ocular disorders
-
HIV / AIDS
-
Headaches / Migraines
-
Chronic pain
Indica
Indica plants grow wide, dense, and are generally much shorter than Sativa plants. Indicas are known to have more a sedative effect on the patient or consumer.
The effects produced by Indica strain types are very relaxing and narcotic-like, typically providing a full-body, or “couch-locked” effect. Indica are perfect for those days spent curled up on the couch watching TV, or surfing the web. However, most people use Cannabis Indica after a long day at work to relieve stress, provide full-body pain relief, and help them fall asleep at night.
Indica strains are ideal for chronic pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, nausea, appetite stimulation, and sleep deprivation. Individuals who suffer from diseases like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, sleep apnea and insomnia tend to benefit from the effects of Cannabis Indica. Indica also can alleviate symptoms of other diseases and disorders, such as:
-
Anxiety
-
Arthritis
-
Multiple sclerosis
-
Parkinsons
-
Panic attacks
-
Chronic Pain
Hybrids
Hybrid strains are the best of both worlds for many patients. Hybrid strains are a cross of two or more strains of cannabis, allowing the patient to get the desired effects of both Indica and Sativa strains in one hybrid strain. For example, if a patient or consumer has arthritis pain but needs to medicate before work each day. A hybrid strain would allow him to reap the benefits of Indica’s pain relief without becoming too drowsy.
There are a wide range of cannabis strains in between Indica and Sativa. These strains are known as “Hybrids” and show traits directly related to the genetics in its lineage. Hybrids can be broken down into three basic categories:
-
Sativa-dominant Hybrids: Cerebral high with a relaxing body effect. Provides physical and mental relief.
-
Even Hybrids (50/50): Ideal strains for people seeking a perfect balance of head and body.
-
Indica-dominant Hybrids: These strains provide a full-body pain relief, with a relaxing head high. Recommended for nighttime use to go to sleep, or daytime relief from minor pain. These strains are perfect for patients who suffer from all types of autoimmune diseases as well as insomnia or depression.
*Note: This link to video doesn't violate Owner's rights as it 's open for public sharing
Choosing the right strain of cannabis is most effective when the patient or customer uses a process of trial and error. HERBS 4 YOU dispensary has a knowledgeable staff that can help you pick what is right for your symptoms , mood or condition.