DIFFERENCES INDICA AND SATIVA
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDICA AND SATIVA?
Before knowing the differences between Indica and sativa we must know what cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica mean. In the years 1750 and 1785 the two species of cannabis were classified. First, Cannabis Sativa L. was classified by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus and later Cannabis Indica Lam. described by the French naturopath Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Although Linnaeus believed cannabis to be a single species, Lamarck collected plants in India which he described as another species of cannabis. It was not until the last century that the Russian botanist Janichevsky discovered a third species of cannabis in Russia growing on roadsides, a species known today as Cannabis Rudelaris (genetics used for autoflowering seeds).
What does Sativa or Indica mean?
All cannabis plants (Cannabaceae) belong to the same family, which is why all cannabis plants are considered Cannabis Sativa L.. Cannabis species have so far been differentiated into Sativa and Indica. As they are the same species, they can be crossed with each other, which is how hybrids have developed.
Even though they belong to the same family, the origin of each species, the climate for their development, the appearance and the effect are different. In our Grow Shop Online we will explain the differences between them.
Origin of indica and sativa strains
The origin of each species is very different and is very relevant in the development of plants. That is why, depending on your region, it will be more advisable to choose Indica cannabis strains or Sativa cannabis strains.
Cannabis Indica originated in the North of Central Asia, although over the years, it spread through the valleys of mountain ranges naturally and with the help of humans, reaching Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Tibet, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, among other Asian countries.
Cannabis Sativa originates from tropical - equatorial zones and is native to three different continents: Asia, America and Africa, in countries such as South India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Jamaica, Brazil, Mexico and the Congo.
DIFFERENCES INDICA - SATIVA
Best climate for planting Indica
Indica varieties, having developed in mountain valleys, are more resistant to low temperatures and extreme climates. That is why, if we are in cold and dry areas, Indica plants will be our best ally to withstand cold nights, heavy storms and snowfall, without worrying about fungi and problems caused by the cold.
Best climate to grow Sativa
Sativa strains thrive in warm, tropical climates and have little resistance to low temperatures, thanks to their development close to the equator. As they are found in areas where summers are longer, flowering will be longer than in Indica varieties. If we are in areas with high temperatures for long periods of time, it is advisable to plant sativa varieties.
Visual difference between sativa and indica
Indica cannabis plants tend to be stubby, bushy plants of between one and two metres in height, with dark green fan leaves and fat fingers. They are compact plants with many branches and short internodal distance. The buds of an indica strain are much more compact and dense.
Cannabis sativa plants are usually very tall and slender plants, reaching heights of more than 3 - 4 meters, with longer leaves and thin fingers. They are plants where the branches are very long and with more spacious internodal distance, thus making the development of their buds, which are longer, lighter and thinner, are distributed throughout the branches of the plant.
Different flowering times
Cannabis indica plants have a rather short flowering phase, between 6 and 8 weeks of flowering, being in mountainous areas where low temperatures and bad weather occur in shorter periods, has made these plants adapt to the climate so that they can survive, thus achieving a much faster flowering period.
Cannabis sativa plants have a longer flowering phase than cannabis indica, usually taking between 10 and 16 weeks of flowering, but being in areas where the days usually have the same hours of light throughout the year, approximately 16 hours of light, sativa plants have adapted so that they grow and flower at the same time, instead of having a growth and flowering phase like the indicas.
Difference between indica and sativa buds
Cannabis indica buds are different from cannabis sativa buds. We can say that the buds follow the same pattern as the visual appearance.
The buds of an indica strain are more compact, dense and wide. While the buds of a sativa strain are lighter, airy, long and thinner.
The Afghan Kush variety is one of the first Kush varieties originating 100% Indica. Claustrum by Positronics is one of the 100% Sativa varieties on the market.
Hybrids
The fact that cannabis is a single species has made it possible to cross indica strains with sativa strains to produce hybrids. Nowadays most cannabis strains are hybrids due to crossbreeding, and it is less common to find 100% indica or 100% sativa strains. These crosses have been made with the aim of obtaining new varieties of cannabis with different aromas, effect, potency...
Hybrid cannabis plants are usually dominated by one of the two, that is, they are usually plants with more indica or sativa part, but with both genetics, so that we will have characteristics of each genetics, so we can enjoy the benefits of each of them. It is common to find different plant phenotypes in the same cannabis strain. The same cannabis strain can have more indica or sativa dominance.
Effects of cannabis sativa and cannabis indica
What is the effect of sativa?
Sativa strains usually have high doses of THC, while the percentage of CBD in them is usually very low or almost nil, which is why the psychoactive level is higher. As they are strains that are more exposed to light, the amount of trichomes on the plant increases to protect it from ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the greater the quantity of trichomes, the greater the presence of THC.
The main effect associated with cannabis sativa strains is that they are mentally stimulating, helping you to feel focused and motivated. The euphoric effect increases energy and stimulation at a cerebral level, encouraging creativity and conversation, which is why many cannabis users use it when creating, improving inspiration when painting, making music or writing, among many others.
In addition, fits of laughter are common. Cannabis sativa makes its users laugh out loud, because everything seems to be funnier or funnier, even in absurd situations. This is related to the consumption of cannabis sativa during the day, to take advantage of this energetic stimulus.
What does indica do to you?
The vast majority of cannabis indica contains a high amount of cannabinoids THC, CBD and CBN. The levels of CBD and CBN they contain slightly counterbalance the THC, so indica cannabis strains tend to be more stable in their effect and are considered less psychoactive for that reason.
Thanks to these cannabinoids the effects of cannabis are more bodily and narcotic, increasing physical sensations such as increased relaxation, body relief, sleepiness, reddening of the eyes or dry mouth. Indica strains are often recommended for smoking before bedtime.
The cannabis consumed by the vast majority of people is usually indica cannabis, due to its ease, speed of cultivation or commercial profitability. For this reason, the stereotypical cannabis user is a calm, relaxed and lazy person.
Which is better to smoke indica or sativa?
Depending on the desired effect, it is better to use cannabis indica or cannabis sativa.
If we want to achieve a pleasant relaxation, more rest, feelings of tranquillity and body relief. It is better to smoke cannabis indica.
If we wish to achieve energetic, creative or social states, it is better to smoke cannabis sativa.
Depending on the purpose we have after the consumption of cannabis, it will be better to smoke one or the other. Each person is different and the effects affect each person differently, so are you ready to enjoy which is best for you?
Which is stronger Indica or Sativa?
Cannabis indica has a much more narcotic effect, which is why it induces a state of relaxation, drowsiness and being-but-not-being.
Cannabis sativa is much more psychoactive with high doses of THC, making its effect more stimulating and energetic, allowing us to be in another world ready to create and think.
Each strain of cannabis has a percentage of THC, the higher the percentage, the stronger the effects.
Importance of terpenes
Although we have seen the effects between Indica and Sativa, recent studies claim that there may be a relationship between terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids to produce these effects. In other words, the combination of these three elements would cause the effect produced by a cannabis strain to be one or the other, known as the "entourage effect". Although this theory has not been confirmed, research continues and terpenes are found in plants and fruits, as well as in cannabis.
After having informed you about the difference between indica - sativa strains, you can now choose the type of cannabis plant strain that suits you best. To do so, you can search for the type of strain you want in the seed selector. If you have any questions or doubts, you can ask without obligation and any Calle25 employee will help you find the strain that best suits you.