Sativa vs. Indica: The Biggest Differences between the Two Cannabis Plants Indica and sativa are two major types of cannabis plants which can mix together to create hybrid strains. Each strain has its own range of effects on the body and mind resulting in a wide range of medicinal benefits. Indica plants typically grow short and wide, compared to Sativa plants that grow tall and thin. Indica plants are better suited for indoor growing because of their short growth, and Sativa plants are better suited for outdoor growing because some strains can reach over twenty five feet in height. The high produced from smoking Indica bud is a strong physical body high that will make you sleepy or ‘couch-locked’. It provides a deep relaxation feeling, where as a Sativa high is known to be more energetic and uplifting. Marijuana strains range from pure Sativa to pure Indicas and hybrid strains consisting of both. Indica and Sativa 30% Indica – 70% Sativa, 50% – 50% combinations 80% Indica – 20% Sativa. Because Sativa and Indica buds have very different medicinal benefits and effects, certain strains can be targeted to better treat specific illnesses. Indica dominant Marijuana strains tend to have a strong sweet or sour odor to the buds, ex. Kush. OG Kush providing a very relaxing and strong body high that is helpful in treating general anxiety, body pain, and sleeping disorders. Indicas are very effective for overall pain relief and are often used to treat insomnia for many people. Indica buds are most commonly smoked by medicinal Marijuana patients in the late evening or even right before bed, due to how sleepy and tired you become when high from an Indica strain of Marijuana, like Kush. Some benefits of Indica are relieving body pain, relaxing muscles, helping control spasms, relieving anxiety or stress, reducing the frequency of seizures, and relief from headaches and migraines.
Sativa dominant Marijuana strains tend to have a more grassy type odor to the buds, providing an uplifting energetic high that is best suited for daytime smoking, and a Sativa high is one filled with creativity and energy. Being high on Sativa can spark new ideas and inspire many new creations. Many artists take advantage of the creative powers of Sativa to create paintings, sculptures, and photos. Some benefits of Sativa are feelings of wellbeing and at ease, it is up lifting, and cerebral thoughts stimulates and energizes increases focus and creativity fights depression. Indica and Sativa are both strains of the cannabis weed also known as Marijuana typically is used as a psychoactive drug in its dried herbal form. Cannabis has three known species, Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Indica has higher levels of THC, which means higher side effects, so Indica will most likely get you sleepier, compared to a Sativa. Since Sativa has a higher concentration of THC levels, it has more psychoactive effects, and will therefore likely cause pronounced effects on the nervous system like mood changes, perception, and general behavior. Although it has more sedative properties, Sativa is also said to cause alertness and hallucinatory effects.