What is cannabis?
Before talking about the differences between the two cannabis categories or lets say the difference between indica and sativa, we would love to know the what cannabis (marijuana or weed is). Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that is used for recreational and medical purposes. Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical substances. More than 100 chemicals, called cannabinoids, have been identified as specific to the cannabis plant. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid and is most responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. Another cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has little or no psychoactive effects, so you do not feel high. CBD counteracts some of the negative effects of THC. The legalization of medical marijuana has made it much easier for its sale and consumption. Nowadays, walk into any dispensary and there are a variety of “top-shelf” strains that go by many names, including Northern Lights, Girl Scout Cookies, Trainwreck, and Purple Urkle.
Cannabis is made up of hundreds of species commonly categorized as Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. A cross between and indica and a sativa will result to hybrids. The two main compounds in cannabis that are known to produce its effects are Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). After having an elementary concept of what cannabis is, we can now seek ro understand the difference between indica and sativa.
To understand the difference between indica and sativa, you need answers to the questions below:
- What is sativa?
Sativa, which has a high THC content, is a type of marijuana strain that gives users what is known as a “head high.” In other words, it provides a rush of energy to the brain which in turn leads to a stimulating effect. Because of this, people tend to smoke this type of marijuana in an attempt to try and be productive. However, the fleeting energy that one might feel at the moment isn’t worth the negative side effects that come with it. sativa plants typically have higher amounts of THC than CBD
The sativa strain grows in Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia and some western parts of Asia as well. Its physical characteristics include tall and thin leaves that resemble fingers as well as their size— sativa plants can grow to be 12 feet tall.
- What is indica?
Indica on the other hand, is used to relax due to the fact that users feel a “body high” when they use it. The indica strain also makes your limbs feel heavy and makes you sleepy which is why a lot of people use it before going to bed. Unfortunately, these so-called enjoyable side effects also come along with the negative side effects, which include things like dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, and much more.
The indica strain grows in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey as it prefers a dry and rocky climate. Unlike the sativa strain, the indica plant is short and bushy. The leaves are also bigger and wider than indica leaves. Indica contains less THC than sativa does, however it contains higher levels of CBD in it. After knowing or reading about both categories, you may now have a clue on the difference between indica and sativa.
Cannabis Hybrids
A hybrid cannabis plant results from the cross-breeding or cross-pollination of two different cannabis plants. Because of this, the physical characteristics and CBD and THC levels of hybrids can vary, as the genes of its parent plants can have an influence.
Many botanists grow hybrids to produce plants that have unique characteristics. For example, a botanist may cross-breed a ruderalis plant with a CBD-predominant indica plant so that the hybrid can have autoflowering capabilities and a high CBD profile.
Effects of cannabis hybrids
Cannabis use may cause side effects that can differ from person to person. Cannabis products that are CBD-predominant may cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, changes in appetite.
Additionally, research suggests that early THC use (teenage years or younger) may affect brain development. During these years, the brain is still maturing, and THC may impair the brain’s development process in regards to functions like memory, thinking, and learning.
Note that the method of cannabis use can contribute to side effects. For example, smoking cannabis may lead to respiratory problems, while orally ingesting cannabis may increase the chance of unintentional poisoning. Understanding the difference between indica and sativa and their effects before consumption is extremely important.
Difference between indica and sativa (appearance)
The notable difference between indica plants and sativa plants is their physical traits. Sativa plants are typically larger than indica plants, with the ability to grow anywhere between five and 18 feet or more. They are thin-leaved and often have few branches. Indica plants usually grow up to two to four feet, have broader leaves, and are compactly branched, giving them a bushier appearance.
Please keep in mind that the findings presented in this survey are intended only to provide food for thought and much more research in this area is needed. Because of the lack of research, people tend to rely on the Internet, friends, or dispensary personnel to learn how a sativa or indica-based product may make them feel.
However, the effects can differ widely from one person to the next and can be influenced by factors such as dosage, tolerance, method of use, and added ingredients. The CBD to THC ratio may also matter, as research suggests that a CBD to THC ratio in which CBD is higher may reduce the intoxicating effects of THC. It is obviously important to know the difference between indica and sativa for consumption preferences.
To summarize, Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are two types of cannabis species that are proposed to cause different effects. However, experts argue that this stance is subjective, as the compound content within a plant can differ from one plant to another, regardless of if a plant is categorized as a sativa or indica plant.
Sativa plants can grow from five to 18 feet, whereas indica plants grow from two to four feet. Indica plants typically contain higher amounts of CBD than THC, while sativa plants typically have higher amounts of THC than CBD. Indica is believed to cause more of a calming or relaxing effect while sativa is known to cause an uplifting feeling.
After reading through this article provided by 420cannabworld, we hope you the reader will be proud enough to admit that you know the difference between indica and sativa.