Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?

Three different variations of marijuana can be grown: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. When Indica and Sativa plants are crossbred, they produce hybrid strains. Each different type of plant produces different strains of marijuana. Each can also deliver a different high and a variety of effects. Some users only smoke Sativa, and some only smoke Indica. Which marijuana strains are your favorite: Indica, Sativa, or hybrid?

Different cannabis variations can give off many different strains, and these strains can deliver unique blends of psychoactive effects. Some people who smoke marijuana only smoke one type of plant to get a certain effect. These effects can range from wanting to get up and active to being “couch-locked” and desiring sleep, plus everything in between.

Indica

Indica plants have short, thick leaves and tend to grow horizontally and not too much vertically (meaning they are typically short and fat). These plants are also densely branched. Indica plants are great for growing indoors because they do not get as big as Sativa plants.

When it comes to effects, Indica strains are more of a relaxing and calming type of high. Some people use these strains as a muscle relaxer.  However, smoking too much of an Indica strain could result in a desire to sleep or even simply passing out. These strains are best to be used at night for this reason.

Indica strains are usually used to relieve stress or aid with sleep. These strains have also been known to help with anxiety. Patients who use Indica strains for medical purposes use them for many different reasons, including chronic pain, sleep disorders, Crohn’s Disease, glaucoma, and many others. Also, if you are looking to help with general pain, then try an Indica strain.

Common Indica Strains: OG Kush, Hindu Kush, Purple Kush, Afghan Kush, Blue Cheese, Purple Urkle, Grape Ape, Godfather OG, God’s Gift, and Grandaddy Purple

Sativa

Unlike Indica plants, Sativas are tall with long, narrow leaves. They are also loosely branched and tend to be grown outdoors. Some Sativa plants can reach up to 20 feet tall! This is a good reason why indoor growers stick to Indica plants.

Sativa strains give off stimulating effects. The high from a Sativa strain can be energizing and put someone in a good mood. Other effects include enhanced creativity and the desire to be more social. Sativa strains are best to be used during the day.

A patient can benefit from using Sativa strains for medical conditions such as depression, ADHD/ADD, and other mental conditions. If you are feeling down and want to be in a better mood, then try a Sativa strain. Even though Indica strains are used to treat anxiety, Sativa strains can be used too. Some users may notice increased anxiety, however. Everyone may experience different effects, so it’s a good idea to test out a strain before using it for routine medical purposes.

Common Sativa Strains: Sour Diesel, Green Crack, Lemon Haze, Maui Wowie, Purple Haze, Pineapple OG, AK-47, Jack the Ripper, Shipwreck, and Headband.

Hybrid

When it comes to a hybrid strain, it can be a mix of both parent strains. These strains are typically crossbred from an Indica and a Sativa strain. When creating a hybrid strain, the goal is usually to get desirable effects from both strains into one.

Hybrid strains can either be more like an Indica strain or more like a Sativa strain (or a great balance of both). Some are for nighttime use, while some are for daytime use. Hybrid strains are prevalent and favored by many. Finding pure Indica or Sativa strains nowadays is nearly impossible. Most strains on the market are hybrids of some sort.

Crossbreeding strains, also known as hybridization, can be used for many different reasons. An Indica strain can be crossbred with a Sativa strain to bring down the effects of the Sativa strain, and vice versa. In addition, if someone has two favorite strains of marijuana, they can crossbreed them into one strain. Hybrid strains have a wide range of effects, which is why it is best to test one out before sticking to it.

Common Hybrid Strains: Blue Dream, Gorilla Glue #4, Pineapple Express, Skywalker OG, Fire OG, Alien OG, Gelato, Girl Scout Cookies, Fruity Pebbles, and Strawberry Banana.

To summarize the three variations of cannabis, Indica strains are best for aid with sleep and stress and may cause drowsiness, Sativa strains can promote creativity and the desire to go out and do more, and hybrid strains are a mix of the two. Everyone is different and may experience different effects than one another. This is why it is best to test out any strain before you use it for medical use or even regular recreational use.

This is all the information you need to know about the difference between the Indica, Sativa, and hybrid plant varieties so you can know which is best for you. Want to learn more about different ways to smoke these strains? Then click here! Thanks for reading!