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Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid: What's the Difference?

Updated: Jan 4


a chart showing the difference between sativa, indica and hybrid strains

Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid


The cannabis industry is experiencing growth like never before because of its increasing popularity and acceptance among people from different walks of life. However, its growing popularity has come with more questions about strains, their effects, and how to choose the right strain. Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are the original species of the cannabis plant.


When breeders cross Sativa and Indica plants, they form hybrids. The effects of hybrids are a combination of Indica and Sativa effects. Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa strains have numerous similarities yet distinct characteristics. This article discusses the differences between Sativa vs Indica vs hybrid.


Sativa


Sativa plants are tall and slender with skinny light green leaves and a fibrous stalk. They flourish in high humidity levels like in Southeast Asia and Central America. They are known for producing an energizing and invigorating effect on the body. In addition, they work actively to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and give you birds-eye focus.


However, you should only use Sativa strains when you want to be active because it can cause insomnia if you’re tired and want to sleep. Sativa strains also ease headaches, decrease nausea and improve appetite because of high THC and low levels of CBD. Popular strains of Sativa are Sour Diesel and Durban Poison.


Indica


Cannabis Indica is another popular strain of the cannabis plant. They grow well in the dry, harsh climates of Middle Eastern countries. They have short woody stalks with dark green leaves and take a shorter time to develop than Sativa strains. The buds of Indica plants are also denser than those of Sativa. Unlike Sativa, the effects of Indica are more body-centered. They cause a body high, also known as couch lock, because of a higher level of CBD than THC. It’s best to consume Indica strains when ready to relax because they reduce insomnia and cause deep relaxation. They also reduce symptoms of anxiety, relieve muscle pain and improve sleep. Famous examples of Indica strains are Purple Kush, Hindu Kush, and Blue Cheese.


Hybrid


Hybrids are the lovechild of Sativa and Indica plants. They are formed by crossing multiple different strains to produce a unique strain. Hybrid strains can be Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or have equal quantities. The effects of hybrids on the body depend on the specific combination of parent strains used and the amount of each strain.


Sometimes, hybrids produce head or body highs that are not as potent as Sativa or Indica; other times, they create more substantial head or body highs than Indica or Sativa. Hybrids also offer relaxing/energizing effects on the body. Some popular hybrid strains are OG Kush and White Widow.


Bottom line


The right strain of cannabis depends on the effects you’re looking forward to experiencing. So your choice should depend on whether you’re looking forward to a head high, body high, or both.

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