Depending on what type of high you’re trying to achieve, you may be better off with an indica strain over a sativa. These are the two main types of marijuana (and you can also find some hybrid strains that combine the properties of both, like for example, the lava cake strain, which is known for being an indica-dominant hybrid), but how do you know which is best?
This article will list some of the benefits of both Indica and Sativa strains, comparing the two types to see why many people prefer an indicator over a Sativa bud.
What’s the Difference Between Indica and Sativa Strains?
The simplified version of this answer is that Indica strains are typically more relaxing and can have a calming effect on the user, whereas sativas tend to energize and invigorate you.
There’s a lot more to it than this, however, as any frequent marijuana user will tell you.
The high you experience will ultimately depend on the varying effects of the individual plant which is determined by a mixture of its chemical composition and how the plant was grown.
You also need to consider the CBD and THC content of the different strains, which are both types of cannabinoids that affect the high of a certain type of weed. Seeing as there are around 144 known cannabinoids as of today, it’s fair to say this leaves things pretty open.
Despite this, there are certain characteristics that are generally associated with each strain, meaning they each have their own benefits and can help with different things.
But before we dive any deeper into the different effects of indicas and sativas, let’s discuss the differences between THC and CBD.
THC and CBD
The psychoactive properties that medical experts discovered in THC are what create the “high” that the majority of people acknowledge as the after-effects of smoking marijuana.
CBD, on the other hand, does not induce a “high” but instead affects your mood. This can be useful for those suffering from mood disorders such as anxiety or psychosis, as the “heaviness” that comes with the high sends you into a state of deep peace and relaxation.
Benefits of Indica Strains
Originally discovered in the Middle East in locations such as Pakistan and Tibet, India strains often have a CBD to THC ratio of approximately 1:1, although their CBD content does tend to be higher than the amount that is present in a Sativa strain of marijuana.
Due to the amount of CBD cannabinoids contained in Indica strains, types of marijuana from this family are thought to be beneficial in terms of pain relief and they can relax your mood.
People suffering from insomnia or struggling to sleep will benefit from an Indica strain as they help you relax before bed and can send you off to snooze town feeling calm and serene.
As well as sleep disorders, indica strains can also be used to help treat conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and muscle spasms thanks to their relaxing properties.
Benefits of Sativa Strains
Discovered on the other side of the world in countries such as Southeast Asia and South or Central America, sativa strains typically prefer to grow where the weather is warmer.
The higher THC content found in most Sativa strains is what makes this type of marijuana the better choice for daytime smoking, as they act almost like a stimulant to provide energy.
Because of its reputation as energizing marijuana, Sativa strains are usually the preferred choice for when you’re socially smoking with friends or family at a gathering. Unlike indicas, you’re less likely to lose your train of thought or start dozing off after smoking a Sativa strain.
Sativa strains can also be used to treat symptoms of nausea, chronic pain relief, and migraines with a decent degree of success.
Final Thoughts
Although they have their differences, there are some serious similarities between these two strains than originally thought, and the multiple factors that could potentially affect the high you are able to achieve with a certain strain mean it’s not solely down to the strain type.
Indicas and sativa strains are both used for a wide range of recreational and medical purposes, and the THC and CBD quantity means they each work best for different purposes.
Now you know what these are, all you need to do is determine what purpose you’re going to use marijuana for and then decide which type of strain you’d prefer.
