What are the differences between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?

Posted by Jason Robillard on Aug 7th 2022

What are the differences between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?

The different terminologies within the Cannabis sphere often leave neophytes confused. Terms like Indica, Sativa and Hybrid are thrown without context, making them difficult to understand for those unfamiliar. For a beginner, it’s vital to understand the most basic terminologies in the industry to identify their needs: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid.

The Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid are different sorts of Cannabis strains that have unique characteristics. These strains not only differ in their physical properties but also have distinctive chemical properties which influence the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoid profile.

The purpose of today’s round-up is to offer our readers a quick introduction to different Cannabis strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains, along with their respective benefits.

What is Indica Strain?

Indica strains are a particular class of Cannabis strains recognized by their dense hairs, dark color with small leaves. Cultivated in dry conditions, Indica strains feature unique properties which induce a ‘body high’ after consumption, leading to a relaxed state of the body. In some cases, India can cause ‘couch lock. This term refers to a person’s inability to perform any task and a desire to rest for a prolonged period.

Indica strains are calming in nature and could offer relief from various sorts of conditions. Moreover, due to the calming nature of the Indica strain, it is recommended for nighttime use.

Indica Strain: Who Is It For?

Indica strain is used by people who have difficulty falling asleep or suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia. The relaxing nature of Indica strains works as a sleeping aid; anyone suffering from bad quality of sleep could consume Indica strains to get a better night's sleep.

Similarly, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of Cannabis can be best experienced after consuming an Indica strain. For chronic pain, Indica strains can be pretty beneficial for the body regarding pain handling.

What is Sativa Strain?

Sativa strains belong to a class of Cannabis strains that plays a vital role in mood-lifting and offering an energizing effect. Known for providing a mind high, Sativa strains could help a person stay focused on the tasks at hand. Since Sativa strains offer a mind high, they’re recommended for daytime use because they could cause sleep disorders if consumed at night.

Sativa strains are recognized by their long leaves with thin hairs. These strains are usually cultivated in areas with higher humidity levels with warm temperatures. Indoor greenhouses are often preferred for cultivating top-shelf Sativa strains.

Sativa Strain: Who Is It For?

For daytime alertness and a feeling of euphoria, Sativa strains come highly recommended. The strain’s ability to promote creativity and increased energy makes it an ideal choice for day-time use, and some people even prefer to use them during office hours to be more productive at work.

Moreover, for social anxieties and PTSD, Sativa strains could do wonders since they can have a very positive effect on the mind.

What is Hybrid Strain?

A Hybrid strain contains the characteristics of an Indica and a Sativa strain. Combining the effects of both these strains, Hybrid strains offer the ideal ratio of mind and body high. The effects of a Hybrid strain are characterized by the influence of genes of the parent strains. For instance, a strain with a higher concentration of Sativa characteristics would be termed a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain.

The effects of a Hybrid strain vary from person to person, but it is said to offer relief for various psychological and physiological conditions.

Hybrid Strain: Who Is It For?

Hybrid strains have distinct cannabinoid profiles, and it's up to the users to decide what sort of strain they’re after. A Hybrid strain containing all the significant cannabinoids would be ideal for someone who’d like to experience the entourage effect.

Similarly, those who’d like a mild version of Indica could consume an Indica-dominant hybrid strain to experience the body high. And those after the mind high could opt for a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain.