Understanding Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Cannabis Strains

“Do you prefer an indica or a sativa?” is typically the first question asked at a dispensary. Indica vs. sativa refers to the two main categories of cannabis strains. Both indicas and sativas differ in appearance and effects. Indicas are generally known for a sedating effect, while sativa strains are known for a cerebral high. However, it’s more complicated than we once thought.

1. Indica vs. Sativa: Is There a Difference?
   1. Indicas
   2. Sativas
   3. Hybrids
2. What Actually Determines the Effects of Indica vs. Sativa?
   1. Cannabinoid Profile
   2. Terpene Profile
3. Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Edibles
4. Start With the Effect You Want

Because there are so many medical marijuana patients who find that a specific strain provides the best relief for their medical symptoms—from anxiety and depression to chronic pain and epilepsy—and because the terms indica and sativa appear on cannabis packaging, it’s important to understand the differences between types of strains.

Indica vs. Sativa: Is There a Difference?

Sativas are typically known for producing a creative “head high,” which some find helpful for being productive during the day. Indicas, on the other hand, are associated with a “body high” that has been reported to promote relaxation, sleep, and pain relief. You may have heard of it referred to as “couch-lock.” Hybrids are the third category and are popular in the cannabis market; hybrids are bred from both sativas and indicas and can have effects associated with either.

Indicas and sativas historically came from “landrace strains,” but there has been so much cross-breeding since then by retail markets that strains nowadays require advanced chemistry studies to classify. Much of what we think we know about indicas, sativas, and hybrids is from colloquial reports and centuries of anecdotal experience (1) (2).

Indicas

• Appearance: Cannabis indica plants are short and bushy with short, wide leaves.
• Desired Effects: Indicas are informally known for sedative effects that relax the body. To easily remember that pure indicas are sedative, “in the couch” sounds like “indica.” For this reason, many marijuana users choose to medicate with indica in the evening before bed to help unwind or manage insomnia.
• Common Indica Strains: GMO Cookies, Bubba Kush, and Purple Punch are all indica strains you may have come across before.

Sativas

• Appearance: The leaves of cannabis sativa plants are known for being tall and narrow.
• Desired Effects: Sativas are invigorating and uplifting. They go nicely with social gatherings, creative projects, and physical activity. Therefore, they are a popular option for medicating during the day when you’re active.
• Common Sativa Strains: Jack Herer, Super Lemon Haze, and Sour Diesel are popular sativa strains with euphoric effects.

Hybrids

The names sativa and indica are also used when referring to hybrids. Hybrids are types of cannabis strains that have been bred from both sativas and indicas. “Sativa dominant” and “indica dominant” are terms commonly used at dispensaries to describe which subspecies a hybrid most resembles. If you prefer sativas, for example, you may find that you like the effects of sativa-dominant hybrid strains of cannabis the most.

• Appearance: Hybrids can have a mix of characteristics of both indicas and sativas, depending upon the genetics.
• Desired Effects: Hybrids bred from sativas and indicas land somewhere on the spectrum. Exactly how a specific hybrid effects someone changes depending on which traits were inherited from the parent plants.
• Common Hybrid Strains: Blue Dream, Wedding Cake, and White Widow are popular hybrid strains that have been bred from both indicas and sativas.

So, why do we think the words indica and sativa make all the difference in our choices? To more effectively choose cannabis products that produce the different effects you’re looking for, let’s go into more detail about the defining characteristics of strains.

What Actually Determines the Effects of Indica vs. Sativa?

Today, the conversation around strains is a lot more complicated than once thought, and new categories are being proposed. Due to selective breeding, most strains are not purely indica or sativa. There are other factors that are more telling of the benefits and effects of a specific strain.

Two of the most important of these factors are the cannabinoid profile and the terpene profile of each strain. In order to find the right strain, you need to understand how these factors influence the experience you have and the type of high you feel. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Cannabinoid Profile

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis; the two most well-known are THC and CBD. Instead of choosing your strain based on the classification of indica, sativa, or hybrid, try basing it on the combination of THC and CBD instead.

THC

THC (short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the intoxicating cannabinoid that is responsible for the “high,” and it can relieve feelings of pain and nausea. THC-dominant marijuana strains are known for producing a high, or euphoric experience. But high THC content is also popular for alleviating pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a host of other issues (4). However, some people can feel anxious side effects after using strains that contain high levels of THC, or they might prefer not to feel strong psychoactive effects. If so, higher CBD is the way to go.

CBD

CBD (short for cannabidiol) isn’t intoxicating, and it’s been studied to help ease pain, anxiety, inflammation, and a lot of other medical conditions (3). CBD-dominant strains generally only contain trace amounts of THC. This is especially important if you need to keep a clear head or handle other important things while attempting to manage pain. Additionally, CBD can potentially reduce or counteract the psychoactive effects of THC (5). Some cannabis patients prefer a balanced mix of THC and CBD, like a 1:1 ratio.

There are other cannabinoids, like CBN, CBG, THCA, and THCV, that all impact the effects of a strain. When shopping, be sure to consider the cannabinoid profile of the strain or the product to find the right effects for your needs.

Terpene Profile

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds that are responsible for the unique scents of fruits and plants, like the calming scent of lavender or the energizing scent of citrus fruit. In nature, the strong volatile smells that terpenes create act like pest deterrents. These aromatic compounds are produced in the same glands of the cannabis plant that produce THC and CBD. They’re what give the plant its unique smell and give each individual strain its distinct bouquet of aromatics and tastes.

Cannabis terpenes can make us feel stimulated the same way essential oils do. Pinene is a terpene that can cause us to feel alert, while linalool can relax us. It’s worth trying to get familiar with the most common ones as they are important ingredients and are thought to confer additional medicinal benefits to cannabis strains (6). If you can, smell the strains you’re thinking about buying. Find the ones that stand out to you the most and try them out.

Popular Terpenes Found in Cannabis

• Pinene: There are two main forms; one smells like basil, dill, and hops while the other smells like pine needles and rosemary. The anecdotal benefits include mental focus, a boost in energy, anti-inflammatory effects, and more.
• Linalool: Linalool is responsible for the famously relaxing effects of lavender. This terpene could contribute as an anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and anxiety-reducer.
• Myrcene: Myrcene creates the spicy and hoppy smells of hops, lemongrass, and thyme, and it is even found in mangos. It’s an anti-inflammatory and an antimutagen (meaning that it counteracts mutagens/radioactive agents).
• Limonene: Are you drawn to strains with a citrus scent? Limonene is to thank for that. It’s thought to suppress appetite, kill bacteria and fungus, and help relieve nausea, pain, and depression.
• Caryophyllene: The spicy scent of pepper comes from caryophyllene. This terpene also creates the signature scents of oregano and cinnamon. Caryophyllene is thought to reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and relieve stress (7).

Cannabis contains a fine-tuned spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes that all work in combination and synergistically—also known as the entourage effect—to create physiological and psychoactive effects that can be used to our benefit. Different strains will possess different levels and combinations of these constituents and each one can be used therapeutically, especially when they are targeted at the micro-level. Make sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis medicinally.

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Edibles

Despite being very different products, cannabis edibles and cannabis flower follow the same rules when it comes to indica/sativa/hybrid classification. But unlike dried flower, store-bought edibles typically contain distillate or other cannabis concentrates that are extracted from the flower. This means that there are far fewer edible choices overall and the variation between indica and sativa edibles is often not as pronounced as the variation between indica and sativa flower.

• Sativa edibles create rejuvenating, cerebral effects that are ideal for productivity and fighting depression.

• Indica edibles produce a more body-centric, calming high that is well-suited for people dealing with pain, anxiety, and insomnia. However, it should be noted that edibles as a consumption method are known to cause heavy, sedating effects in the body due to how they are processed, so you’ll feel some of that even with sativa edibles.
• Hybrid edibles create effects somewhere in the middle.

Just like with flower, many cannabis experts are now recommending that consumers look at factors beyond the indica/sativa classification when picking out edibles. Because the extraction process used to make edibles is notorious for destroying the flavor-fueling terpenes, look for higher-quality edibles that contain specific terpenes. The cannabinoid content will also tell you a lot about the effects; for example, edibles with both CBD and THC will be stronger and reduce anxiety.

If you want a little more control over the effects of your edibles, consider skipping the dispensary and making your own at home. While store-bought edibles are made with extracts, which have limited cannabinoid and terpene content, homemade edibles can be made strain-specific using decarboxylated flower. Not sure what to make? Check out this recipe for cannabis-infused junk food cookies.

Start With the Effect You Want

To find the right strain, it’s important to understand how you want to feel when you consume cannabis and which conditions you want to alleviate. Knowing whether a strain is an indica or a sativa is not enough information to tell how it will make you feel; note the potency levels of the cannabinoids and the terpenes in the strain.

Always speak with a medical professional before attempting any of these products. Interested in learning more? Veriheal offers thorough and informative consultations with a licensed medical cannabis doctor who can guide you through all of your concerns and provide you with reassurance without judgment of your medical choice to pursue cannabis. Book an appointment today!

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.

This guide is a compilation of blog posts written by Lo and Anthony Dutcher. Originally published on 6/24/21 and updated on 5/31/23.