Sativa vs Indica Strain Guide
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid: Marijuana’s Three Main Categories and Their Many Strains
The three main categories of marijuana are indicas, sativas, and hybrids. Within each category are numerous marijuana varieties called strains.
Growers create strains by breeding plants of the species cannabis indica with each other or by mating plants of the species cannabis sativa with each other. Crossbreeding an indica plant with a sativa plant produces a hybrid.
Breeding creates new strains that provide different psychoactive effects, aromas, flavors, and appearances. These “child” strains inherit a distinct mixture of qualities from both parents.
The seemingly endless outcomes of breeding offer master growers infinite opportunities to experiment and create strains that produce dazzling, new effects.
Before we cover the effects of indica and sativa, let’s not forget the third, sometimes overlooked marijuana species: cannabis ruderalis. People don’t consume ruderalis as often as indica and sativa due to its low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
But ruderalis plays an irreplaceable role in cultivation, and its relatively high levels of cannabinoid (CBD), compared to its indica and sativa cousins, contribute to a unique sensory experience called the Entourage Effect.
Indica Strains and Their Psychoactive Effects
Indica plants sport deep colors and wide leaves. They grow from two to six feet high and produce plump, dense buds. Consumers describe indica’s psychoactive effects as soothing, sedating, heady, and calming, often highlighted by a “body buzz.”
Indicas are perfect for relaxing on the porch, Netflix and chilling, indulging in Bach, the Grateful Dead, anderson.paak, or Tool. (Your choice. Just like your favorite strain.)
Master growers coin imaginative names for their beloved creations…
“Pure” Indica Strains
A short list of popular indica strains includes:
- Afgani
- Hog’s Breath
- Northern Lights #5
- Skywalker
- True OG
Indica Hybrid Strains
Favorite indica hybrids include:
- Afgoo
- Atomic Northern Lights
- Blue Kush
- Godfather OG
- Sugar Shack
Sativa Strains and Their Psychoactive Effects
Sativa plants are lighter in color than their indica cousins and have thinner, longer leaves. They grow from eight to 15 feet tall and produce longer, less dense buds.
Consumers describe sativa’s psychoactive effects as sociable, energetic, imaginative, contented, focused, and elated. The perfect bud for daytime activities, creative exploits, or a lively night on the town.
“Pure” Sativa Strains
Among the most cherished sativa strains are:
- Allen Wrench
- Haze
- Lamb’s Bread
- Maui Waui
- Panama Red
Sativa Hybrid Strains
Several sought-after sativa hybrids are:
- Alpha Blue
- Harlequin
- Lemon Skunk
- Pineapple Express
- Sour Diesel
Hybrid Strains
A few of the most popular include:
- Blue Dream
- Girl Scout Cookies
- OG Kush
- Sour Bubble
- White Widow
The strains we’ve presented here is but a tiny sample from the vast cannabis universe. We apologize if we left out your favorite.
Have a go-to strain or a few, select running partners? Don’t be intimidated by the wealth of choices. The likelihood of a novel strain surfacing that tickles your fancy means the adventure never ends!
