Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid: What are the differences?

Have you heard the terms Sativa, Indica or Hybrid and wondered what are the differences. Well, you have come to the right place. Generally, a Sativa strain gives your energy and is uplifting. An Indica strain helps you relax and aids in sleep. A Hybrid strain is a mix of both.

Appearance of Sativa & Indica

What is a Sativa Strain?

Sativa plants are tall, loosely branched and have long, narrow leaves. They are mostly grown outdoors and can reach heights of up to 20 feet.

What is an Indica Strain?

Indica plants are short, densely branched and have wider leaves. They are most suited for indoor growing. This is the common Cannabis leaf that you see all over the internet and on bongs, shirts and other paraphernalia.

Sativa & Indica Effects

Sativa strains are more stimulating, while Indica strains tend to be more sedative. The major qualities of Sativa strains are:

• daytime use
• anti-anxiety
• anti-depressant
• treats chronic pain
• increases focus and creativity
• increases energy levels

The major qualities of Indica strains are:

• night time use
• increased mental relaxation
• muscle relaxation
• decreases nausea
• decreases acute pain
• increases appetite
• body high
• pain + nausea relief
• stress + anxiety relief

Sativa strains are well suited for daytime use. The body feels at ease and enhances your creativity. Indica strains tend to have the opposite effect. They provide a "couch-lock" feeling. Indica strains are best suited for evening use. After a day of stress, an Indica strain is recommended. For those with medical conditions such as depression, ADHD and anxiety would find that a Sativa strain would provide the best relief. Due to its uplifting and energizing effects on the mind, Sativas are a great choice when treating mental ailments. Those with chronic pain and inflammation would find that an Indica strain would help the best. Patients also dealing with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, and sleep disorders tend to benefit from Indica's full-bodied, muscle relaxing effects. While some users may find that certain Sativa strains increase their anxiety it's important to do your research first on a particular strain before purchasing.

Hybrid Strains

Hybrids are crossbred strains of cannabis that have both Indica and Sativa genetics. The goal is usually to create a strain with characteristics from each strain.

What are some Sativa, Indica or Hybrid Strains

Top Sativa Strains

• Amnesia Haze
• Sour Diesel
• Jack Herer
• Green Crack
• Tangie
• Purple Haze
• Ghost Train Haze

Top Indica Strains

• Northern Lights
• Bubba Kush
• Grandaddy Purple
• Purple Kush
• Blue Cheese
• Skywalker

Top Hybrid Strains

• Skywalker OG
• Girl Scout Cookies
• OG Kush
• Pineapple Express
• Trainwreck
• AK-47
• White Widow
• Lemon Kush

While Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains are typically found with both CBD and THC, today companies are extracting the terpenes from those strains and add to CBD isolate and slabs. The terpenes then give you the same effects from their Cannabis parents.