For all the newcomers navigating the fun world of cannabis, it can be a little confusing and intimidating— especially given how far we’ve come in today’s age when it comes to cannabis cultivation. It’s more than mere farming these days; it’s a craft— an art if you will.
So you’re shopping around for a cannabis product for the first time (or the first few times)— whether a cartridge or pack of edibles— and you realize that it’s not as straightforward as you initially thought it was. Indica? Sativa? Hybrid? What do these words mean?
Worry not, friend! We’re here to help guide you on your journey of cannabis enlightenment. Let’s break down the 3 strains of cannabis together so that we can figure out which one(s) works best for you and your needs!
The Differences Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains of Cannabis
Indica Cannabis
The Indica strain of cannabis is native to the countries of Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India— meaning that it’s acclimated to the dry and tumultuous climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
Indica plants are small and stocky, with chunky and bushy leaves that grow vast and broad. Not only are they faster growing than Sativa, but they also grow buds more abundantly as well.
Indica plants typically have higher levels of CBD, but that doesn’t exactly mean that the THC is less in comparison.
When it comes to its effects, people seeking Indica are looking to relax and unwind, and maybe even reduce pain and nausea. What does this mean ultimately? Well, it’s definitely is a strain best consumed at night.
Sativa Cannabis Strains
Cannabis sativa is mostly found in very hot and dry climates, including parts of Africa, Central America, and Asia.
These plants look very different than their Indica counterparts— they tower tall and thin (they can grow upward of 12 feet!) with leaves resembling fingers.
Sativa plants usually have lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC.
So what does that mean for you? Well, Sativa is often described as producing something known as a “cerebral” or “mind high”— meaning that it may help in creating an energizing, anxiety-reducing feeling that lends itself to a possible increase in creativity and productivity (the opposite of the “lower” high that Indica can provide). This is a great strain to be used in the daytime.
Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Now when it comes to specificity in shopping around for your cannabis product, Hybrids are where it’s at.
Hybrid strains of cannabis are usually cultivated in greenhouses or designated farms by crossing Indica and Sativa strains.
This means that as far as what the plant itself looks like, it’s all dependent on what combination of plants the parents are.
While many hybrid strains are grown with the objective of increasing overall THC percentage, each different type has a unique ratio of CBD to THC.
Since each plant is unique when compared to other hybrid strains, their usage can range from possibly alleviating anxiety and stress to maybe easing the harsh effects of radiation or chemotherapy. Because of the specific nature of farming hybrid plants, determining if the strain is best used at day or night depends on its overall predominant effects.
In Conclusion…
At the end of the day, we all have different things we want from our cannabis consumption— and a lot of the time our needs and wants change.
It’s important to have the right information about cannabis and its various strains so that we can maximize our experience with this awesome substance.
Please visit our online shop here at Treetop Hemp Co— we’ve got a wide variety of gummies, cartridges, and disposables that we know you’ll love in our various cannabis strains!