Whether you’re a complete beginner to cannabis or you just want an explanation of all the different strains and their properties, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’re going to learn all about the three main cannabis strains, their properties, what they’re used for. As well as a wealth of other information that will help you the next time you visit our Cannabis Superstore.
Indica and Sativa
For starters, let’s focus on the two big names; indica and sativa.
You may have heard these names before when visiting a dispensary. They’re the two main strains of cannabis that offer uniquely opposing effects. Let’s take a look at their basic properties:
- Indica – These strains are believed to be more sedating, meaning they can help you relax, fall asleep or calm your nerves before something big happens. They can be used to help you fall asleep, to relieve stress or even just to make your bath more relaxing.
- Sativa – These strains are empowering. This means that they give you uplifting effects that make you think faster, they make you more creative and also help you reduce anxiety so that you’re more active at social gatherings.
These are the basics functions of both the major strains, but depending on how they are bred and used, they can contain many different effects and also be used in different ways.
Indica Properties
Indica is generally known to be shorter when compared to sativa. The plant generally doesn’t grow as tall, but it becomes broader and bushier. This means that it has shorter flowering cycles and it can also be grown in colder climates with shorter seasons.
Sativa Properties
On the other hand, sativa is generally quite the opposite. It’s much taller, has narrower leaves, has longer flowering cycles and is far better suited for warmer climates with longer seasons so that it has a chance to grow.
Scientific Data
Unfortunately, there isn’t much scientific data to go with these claims. It’s just something that has been known and passed down in many different circles and among dispensaries, so most people swear by these effects. There are no consistent patterns that prove indica and sativa can perform in these ways, but we do know that they have become worldwide terms and are generally accepted to have these effects.
When you visit a dispensary you’ll likely be given the choice of indica or sativa strains. However, the descriptions are vague and these are often characterized by the size and shape of the plant. Sadly, this has little bearing on what effects you should expect, which is why many researchers are frustrated that the market has started to confuse consumers about which strains they should be purchasing.
Instead of categorizing by indica and sativa, it’s important to realize what you actually want from a strain and this is when it’s important to learn a couple of terms:
- THC – THC is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the compound in cannabis that makes you feel hungry, high, and helps to relieve symptoms like pain. This is often used by people that want to experience a euphoric effect to help with anxiety, insomnia or even depression.
- CBD – CBD is cannabidiol. This is a non-intoxicating compound that is known to help alleviate pain, inflammation and generally help with medical problems. It only contains a small amount of THC and is often used by those who have issues when using THC, or if they need a head-clearing effect.
- Balanced THC/CBD – Lastly, we have a mix of THC and CBD, balanced depending on what effects are required. This offers a mild hit of euphoria but still provides pain relief. This is an excellent choice for anyone new to cannabis and gives a good introduction.
Some Final Words
In short, it’s important to remember that the words indica, sativa, and hybrid generally don’t have much bearing on the effects that you’ll experience. Not all indica strains will help you sleep, and not all sativa strains will help you with anxiety.
Instead, you should be looking at the THC and CBD levels of each strain and trying different types to see what cannabinoid profile suits you best.
