Contents

1. A quick overview – Sativa vs. Indica

2. Differences in Physical Traits 

3. Chemical Properties of Sativa and Indica strains

4. Benefits of Sativa Plant – Declutter your mind.

5. Benefits of Indica Plant – Brush off the stress!

6. Summary

Ever wondered what Sativa vs. Indica debate has anything to do with your experience with cannabis. 

If you haven’t, then you should, and if you have, then here are some interesting facts about these strains that will answer your queries. The hype is all about the different THC to CBD ratios, and this is basically the point that sets them apart. 

And to be honest, there is more for you in this blog if you want to learn the differences and benefits of these cannabis strains.

A quick overview – Sativa vs. Indica

Cannabis is one big genus that has over 700 different strains under its roof.

The ones that you are reading about right now- Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica – are just two of them. 

The popularity of these two strains out of 700 can be explained by the number of individual benefits they offer.

Their differences can be divided into two categories – Physical and Chemical.

Origin and Growth – Because roots matter

Cannabis sativa grows in warm and dry climates such as Africa and Central America. This is how you can grow your cannabis on the rooftop. 

In contrast, Cannabis indica tends to grow in turbulent cold environments such as that of the Hindu Kush Mountains. 

Sativa plants are taller, can reach up to 20 meters. The branches of a sativa strain usually spread out first but go all the way up to reach this height. 

On the contrary, Indica plants are shorter but grow quickly, and the flowers, they are generally found around the nodes. 

Leaf Shape and Sizes – Phenotypes tell the tale

Cultivators of the plants also differentiate sativa from indica on the basis of their leaf sizes. 

Sativa plants have thinner leaves, and they are of light-green color. Yes, the image of pencil-like leaves that you see drawn on every cannabis product is actually sativa!

Indica plants, on the other hand, have deep-green leaves that are broad in shape, and they have thick stems. 

Flowering Cycles – The longer, the better

There is another major difference in the strains. Sativa plants; they take forever to mature. 

With an enhanced period of flowering, sativa strains take around 10 to 16 weeks to develop fully. To cultivators’ delight indica plants have shorter flowering cycles. 

But here is the catch; sativa still tops indica off with more flower yield per plant.

Sativa plants are very high yielding, meaning they give more flowers per plant as compared to indica plants.

Daytime and Nighttime strains – Explains their MO!

There is another debate going around about daytime and nighttime uses of marijuana.

And there is legit science behind daytime and nighttime uses of these strains. Because the sativa strains have an energizing and euphoric effect on its consumers, it is advised that you take it in the morning for a fresh start to your day; thus, it is a daytime strain.

Indica strain best work in nights owing to its ‘relaxing on nerves’ ability.

Chemical properties – Sativa vs. Indica 

Moving onto the second category, let’s discuss the chemical differences of strains.

THC to CBD ratios – Trust the proportions

Coming to the most basic difference among the two, THC to CBD ratio, sativa plants again are the winners. 

They contain more THC content than CBD, which is great if you pursue energizing and an exhilarating weed experience.

Indica plants share high CBD to THC levels instead, which in other words, will make you feel relaxed and relieve your pain but won’t be enough for intoxication. 

Let’s raid the biggest chunk of the post here; that what medicinal and recreational benefits you can get out of the two strains of marijuana, in other words, which strain is going to work for you and which is not.

Benefits of Sativa Plant – Declutter your mind.

Because sativa strains are known for their uplifting and creative effects on the consumer, it’s widely beneficial for daytime endeavors, which pretty much can be anything. 

You can have a great cycling experience when high, and your meetings are more focused when you are on ‘sativas.’ This is all about the THC’s energizing effects, which help you socialize, work-out, and experience things better. 

Summarizing the medicinal benefits of marijuana won’t take long because it creates the same intoxicating effect on the brain if given in an optimized manner.

These are best for relieving chronic pain and act as anti-depressants. 

Sativa strains such as Maui Wowie and Super Silver Haze reduce inflammation and relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Some strains even treat insomnia. 

Benefits of Indica Plant – Brush off the stress!

Indica Strains like Northern Lights and LA Confidential serve as a back door to a relaxed and peaceful night.

Because Indica is known to trigger dopamine in the brain, it punches you hard with a surge of peace and sedation. Indica dominant strains are best for binge-watching your favorite Netflix series or taking week-old stress off your shoulders. 

Indica strains serve as a major help in many medical conditions when the pain becomes unbearable.

Indica strains also release the nauseous feeling and muscle spasms. Indica strains help with insomnia as well – you sleep better at night under indica’s calming effects on the body. 

Summary

All in all, both the strains have distinct features and qualities to themselves. 

Sativa gives you a creative boost and helps you manifest your inner self – channels your energies and brings out a more focused version of you.

Indica strains, on the other hand, are best known for releasing body tension.

Next time you go on a hunt, consider these botanical properties before purchasing the strain that gives you the same benefits you seek.