Busting the Sativa vs Indica Myth
No discussion about cannabis is complete without the mention of sativa and indica, the two most common ‘types’ of cannabis. You might have heard that indica is a heavier, more sedating strain while sativa tends to be lighter and more energizing. But is there any truth to this? In short: kind of, but it’s not that simple.
The cannabis industry has heavily relied on the sativa vs indica comparison because it’s an easy way to help consumers learn more about cannabis and better understand what they might expect from an experience. Yet they don't mean much when describing how effective different strains are—or even what kind of effects you might feel after consuming them. So if you're wondering how different types of weed affect your body or mind, here's what science has learned about sativa vs indica (plus some tips for choosing which might be best for you).
Sativa vs Indica: What Do They Represent?
Most people assume that strains of cannabis (aka “cultivars”) are either sativa, indica, or hybrid—a blend of the two. It’s not that this is inaccurate since all plants will, in fact, be one of these three identifiers. And, as clever cannabis marketing has told us, these labels mean something when it comes to effects. That said, there are terpenes that are commonly found in strains categorized as sativa, indica or hybrid, and while these terms remain imperfect, they are still a useful shorthand for understanding the kinds of terpenes found in—and thus the likely effects of—a given strain.
Sativa Effects
Sativa is most often associated with an energetic, mental high. It’s said to be felt more strongly behind the eyes, offering a stimulating mental buzz. People often select sativas for daytime highs, or to inspire creativity and increase productivity. It’s not the go-to choice for bedtime. Sativas tend to have a higher THC-to-CBD ratio than indica, and for some people, that can lead to a rush of energy or a bit of anxiety.
Indica Effects
Indica is notorious for its heavy sedation, the kind of weed that gets you truly stoned to the bone. It’s perfect for unwinding, zoning out, relaxing the body, and preparing for sleep. This is why indicas are often recommended as the ideal nighttime weed, or what you might consider for alleviating pain. Indicas offer a high that is more deeply felt throughout the whole body, so it’s not sold as the best choice for being active.
What Sativa vs Indica Really Means
We have been told to think that sativa and indica describe an effect, but those terms also describe a strain’s geneology.
Sativas originally come from warm, humid climates and are adapted to grow with long, lanky branches. This helped provide enough airflow to prevent mold and mildew from all that added moisture. The warmer temperatures also mean a longer growing season, and it’s common for sativas to take much longer to flower and produce their buds.
On the other hand, indicas hail for colder northern climates where the growing season is cut short. As a result, indicas grow much faster by staying short and squat and focusing on fattening up their buds before the cold season creeps in.
What Determines a Cultivar’s Effects?
So, if it isn’t sativa and indica that tell us what type of effects to expect, how can we know? It’s a combination of factors. The way the plant grows doesn’t tell us how it will make us feel, but the ratios and percentages of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. There are hundreds of each, and they exist in varying combinations and weights in every different plant. These precious compounds tell us the most important information about a particular plant and its effects.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fairly common at this point in the industry. THC has always been known as the compound that gets us high, and with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD became a household name. Marijuana (and hemp) both contain a plethora of cannabinoids, and there are over 100 that we currently know about.
Of course, you might only find a handful with measurable value on any given lab test, but these mighty little molecules are the powerhouses of the plant. The majority of cannabinoids grow in the plant’s trichomes.
There’s CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, THCA, CBDA, and so on. Alongside the dominant THC and CBD, each of these minor cannabinoids offers its own unique benefits, and then, collectively, they all work together to enhance each other’s best attributes.
Terpenes
Terpenes are minuscule, volatile compounds that form in the plant’s trichomes. They give the plant its taste and aroma. There are many terpenes in cannabis, and you probably know them to be floral, pungent, spicy, earthy, and herbal.
The terpene myrcene is musky and acts like a super-booster to THC, adding to its sedative properties. Limonene is a bright, juicy terpene that improves mood and just makes you feel happy. It’s no wonder it’s used in aromatherapy for this exact purpose.
Much like cannabinoids, each terpene has its own properties, but when combined with other terpenes (and cannabinoids), they create a symphonic harmony of completely unique effects. Not to mention, they make weed taste downright mouthwatering.
Flavonoids
Researchers have discovered nearly 6,000 different types of flavonoids in nature; many of these compounds are unique to specific plants. Cannabis contains several flavonoids that are found nowhere else—these substances have been dubbed ‘cannaflavins.’ Although the name suggests that they have to do with flavor, that's not actually their most important role.
Flavonoids are responsible for giving cannabis plants their characteristic coloring. For example, anthoxanthins and anthocyanins are flavonoids that give certain strains of cannabis their deep purple color.
And, yep, you guessed it. Just like terpenes and cannabinoids, flavonoids play a role in this synergistic effect called the entourage effect. Together, all of these compounds create the magic we experience when consuming cannabis.
Sativa vs Indica: Final Verdict
Cannabis is complex. It would be rare to find the exact same plant with the exact same profile time and again. Yet, as you become more familiar with certain terpene and cannabinoid combinations, you’ll soon discover what you love best for every occasion.
The biggest thing to remember is that cannabis affects everyone differently. We each have a unique endocannabinoid system that processes cannabis based on various factors. The big takeaway from the sativa vs indica myth is that we each have to experiment with cannabis and discover what we love best. Fortunately, this is where the fun begins! It means tasting new flavors, experiencing new form factors, and indulging in all of the benefits cannabis has to offer.
Let us be your guide on your tasting journey. Check out our entire lineup of luxury cannabis and concentrates rich in terpenes and cannabinoids, and dive into the wonderful world of becoming a cannabis connoisseur.