Over the years, thousands of cannabis strains have been cultivated and developed.  It is important that patients know the different types of cannabis medicines available to them.  Some varieties of cannabis are more suitable for specific medical conditions than others.  First, let’s understand the basics of Sativa and Indica.

Indica’s are best known for their sedative properties and usually decrease energy.  Due to the relaxing nature of Indica strains, many people use Indica plants in the evening or before bed.  On the other hand, Sativa has a more uplifting and cerebral effect, enhancing feels of creativity and productivity.  Generally, Sativas produce more of a ‘mind high,’ while Indicas are said to produce more of a ‘body high.’

Sativa and Indica have different appearances as well. Indica plants are short and stocky, its leaves are broad and chunky. While Sativa plants are tall and skinny in appearance, their leaves are thin and pointed.  Sativa plants need more time to grow and yield fewer flowers than Indica varieties.

Why are strains created?

Modern cultivators deliberately grow and cultivate new strains within Sativa and Indica in order to make the right medical cannabis available to them for a particular medical condition. Cultivators and dispensaries grow and make available as many strains as possible to meet targeted ailments. Conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, glaucoma, among others are their main focus.

Sativa strains are best suited for those suffering from psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While Indica is used to relieve pain for those suffering from cancer, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

What is Sativa?

While consumers have the image of Sativa energizing and uplifting, not all Sativa products fulfil that purpose. It is said to be helpful in decreasing stress and anxiety, sharpening focus, and enhancing creativity.

Effects of Sativa

Sativas are recommended to be consumed during the day as it has effects that make you feel happy, energetic and uplifting. It helps in focus and getting work done.

What is Indica?

Indica consumers believe that upon consumption one will be ‘in the couch’, however not all put you on the couch. Indica affects the whole body which helps those suffering from insomnia and lets the body relax.

Effects of Indica

Indica helps one feel happy, relaxed, and sleepy. It is recommended to use it in the evening or at night.

What is a hybrid strain?

Hybrid strains are bred from both Sativa and Indica descended plants. Breeders can cross any two strains to create a new strain. These can be effective for those suffering from Crohn’s disease, lupus, and epilepsy. Hybrid strains help patients fight pain and inflammation while not putting the patient to sleep during the day.

Effects of Hybrid

Hybrid strains are derived from Indica and Sativa, hence the effects would be a mixture of both. Feeling happy, relaxing, energetic, and uplifting. It mainly depends on which hybrid is consumed and what effects its parent strain produces.

Strain effects

What are the best predictors of effects if Indica and Sativa are not?

The effects of different strains of weed depend mainly on cannabinoids and terpenes in the strain.

Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant is composed of various chemical compounds, which are led by cannabinoids. Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the main drives for therapeutic and recreational effects.

THC helps us relive pain, the feeling of nausea and makes us hungry and high. CBD on the other hand is a non-intoxicating compound known to help curb medical conditions such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by fruits and plants. They are found in fruits, flowers, lavenders, cannabis, oranges, etc. Secreted by the same glands that ooze THC and CBD, terpenes helps in making cannabis smell like citrus, berries, fuel, pine, etc.

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External links:

 https://www.crescolabs.com/indica-vs-sativa/

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/sativa-indica-and-hybrid-differences-between-cannabis-types