Sativa vs Indica: Discover the main differences

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an indica and a sativa strain? Although these terms are used every day in the cannabis world, their actual meaning may surprise you. Today on the Cannactiva blog, we tell you the differences between indica vs. sativa, and how they affect the effects of each strain. Join us until the end of this topic, one of the most exciting in the cannabis world!

What do Indica and Sativa mean?

For some, perfection would be that when buying cannabis flowers it would be possible to select the strain according to the precise effect one wishes to experience when consuming it. Thus, the designations “indica” and “sativa” are used to classify cannabis strains according to whether they provide different physical or mental effects.

The “indica” strains are associated with body effects of relaxation, pain and anxiety relief and sleep, while the “sativa” strains produce more cerebral effects of euphoria and creativity.

Nowadays, breeding has achieved such a hybridization in cannabis, that the classification between indica and sativa according to the appearance of the buds, shape, color or size, is almost impossible. Therefore, the classification “indica” and “sativa” refers to the effects of cannabis, not to differentiated physical traits.

What are the differences between indica and sativa?

Different origins and morphological characteristics

Indica Varieties

The theory says that the “indica” varieties originated in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, specifically in the Hindu Kush region (see the article on Hindu Kush). The physical characteristics attributed to the indica varieties are plants with a lower stature, wide leaves, dense foliage and dense and compact buds (although, as we know nowadays, this is not the case: in reality, there are cannabis with different characteristics and relaxing effects). In terms of effects, indicas offer a deep sense of relaxation, calm and tranquility.

The “indica” effect is one of deep relaxation and tranquility. Imagine yourself lying on the couch full of calm and inner peace.

Sativa Varieties

On the other hand, “sativa” plants are native to equatorial regions such as Mexico, Thailand and Colombia. Physically, it has been said that they are taller plants, with narrower leaves and more elongated and airy buds (it is now known that this is not the case: there are cannabis with different morphology that gives cerebral effects). More mental, euphoric and stimulating effects are attributed to these sativa varieties.

The “sativa” effect is more mental, euphoric and stimulating. Like a spark that ignites your creativity and awakens your motivation.

Finally, there are the so-called hybrid varieties, which represent the perfect harmony between the effects of relaxation and motivation, and which present mixed qualities of the two classes.

We now know that the real origin of cannabis is in Central Asia, possibly in the foothills of the Himalayas, supported by biological and biochemical evidence. The different physical characteristics described in ancient times, depending on the origin, are related to the different crosses that had been produced in the different regions where the plant was cultivated.

Chemical differences between Indica and Sativa: cannabinoids and terpenes

What there is a basis and consensus for classifying cannabis according to whether it is “indica” or “sativa” in effect is according to its chemical composition. The effects of cannabis vary depending on the terpene and cannabinoid profile specific to each strain.

Indica strains tend to have moderate levels of CBD and sedative terpenes, most notably myrcene (but also others, such as linalool). These components provide a relaxing body effect, which can be beneficial in relieving stress, insomnia and body pain.

As for their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, indicas tend to have lower THC levels, or more balanced with respect to CBD, which makes them less psychoactive and without intense euphoric or mental effects.

On the other hand, sativa strains tend to have higher levels of THC and stimulant terpenes, such as limonene, pinene and terpinolene. This contributes to its more euphoric brain effects and may be helpful in enhancing creativity, improving mood and combating fatigue. However, sativas with very high THC levels can cause intense psychoactive effects and may not be suitable for all users.

Are CBD strains Indica or Sativa?

No, not all cannabis is “indica” in terms of CBD or cannabidiol content. We would like to quote neurologist and noted cannabis researcher Ethan Russo when he says that (1):

“The supposed sedation of so-called indica cannabis strains is mistakenly attributed to CBD content, but in reality CBD is stimulating in low and moderate doses! The sedation in the most common Cannabis strains is largely due to the myrcene content, a terpene with a sedative effect similar to a narcotic. Conversely, a high limonene content will improve mood, while the presence of the terpene alpha-pinene, may reduce THC-induced short-term memory impairment.”

This is evidence that not only cannabinoids are important, but that terpenes also play a prominent, if not decisive, role in the “sativa” or “indica” effects of cannabis. This interaction between the various components of the plant is known as the cannabis entourage effect.

Aromas: can you tell if it is indica or sativa by the smell?

Just as cannabinoids have no odor, terpenes are the aromatic compounds that are the protagonists of the flavor of our favorite strains.

The terpene compounds responsible for the indica effect tend to have sweet, citrus, fruity and floral aromatic profiles, while the sativa effect varieties produce terpenes that are more earthy, woody, resinous and diesel… But only hypothetically. Not even the most trained cannabis connoisseurs would be able to distinguish an indica from a sativa by aroma alone. Let’s see why.

To quote odor scientist Avery Gilbert, each fragrance has its own intensity curve, and the blend of terpenes creates a distinct olfactory perception that cannot be easily attributed to the smell of each terpene separately. This makes smell an unreliable technique for guessing whether the bud is indica or sativa.

Uses of Indica and Sativa: when to choose each one?

Because of their relaxing and sedative properties, the “indica” varieties and their extracts are often used for more bodily effects, such as relieving stress, anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia and chronic pain. They can also help relax muscles and promote physical and mental relaxation.

The “sativa” varieties are most popular with those seeking intense cerebral effects, creativity and a boost of energy, to combat fatigue or to promote artistic activities and sociability.

In addition to the “pure” varieties, there are indica and sativa hybrids on the market, which balance the relaxation of the indicas and the stimulating effects of the sativas.

Two species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica.

The designation “indica” and “sativa” maintains a certain relationship with the history of cannabis and its botanical designation. Carolus Linnaeus was the first to describe the cultivated cannabis plant in Europe, in 1753, which he named Cannabis sativa(sativa meaning “cultivated” or “cultivated”) (2). Its appearance was sparsely branched and lanky, of great height, and among its uses was the production of grain and fiber.

A few years later, in 1785, the botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck described what he believed to be another species of the genus Cannabis, with plants from India, which he called Cannabis indica (2). These were more compact in appearance, rounded and with highly developed inflorescences (large buds).

We now know that the main difference between the cannabis plants described by Linnaeus and by Lamarck at that time is due to the different uses given to the plant (for fiber, or for flower). Later, it was determined that botanically there is only one species of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, which would include both plants. This classification is still in force today, although there is some controversy, and some taxonomists include subspecies such as sativa, indica, ruderalis and afghanica (or kafiristanica).

What you should keep in mind is that “indica” or “sativa” refers only to the effects of the plant, not to the botanical name.

Flowering time and cultivation methods

Theoretically originating from cold, dry mountainous regions, “indica” varieties are said to be adapted to cold, short summers and have developed shorter flowering times, and are best suited for indoor cultivation.

In contrast, sativas, growing in temperate climates, are said to have developed adaptive characteristics to survive in tropical and hot areas with long summers, such as greater height, larger internodal spacing, smaller buds and narrow leaves. These physical traits allow them to protect against threats such as mold and pests, which is why they are considered the best varieties for outdoor cultivation. Although, as you can imagine, this is quite inaccurate, since cannabis breeding has allowed an extensive development of the plant and its varieties.

Comparison Table: Differences between Indica and Sativa

Characteristics	Indica	Sativa
Geographical origin	Himalayas, India (Hindu Kush)	Equatorial zones (Thailand, Mexico, Colombia)
Morphology	Low plants, broad leaves, dense buds	Tall plants, thin leaves, airy buds
Effects	Body relaxation, sedation, ideal for sleep	Mental stimulation, energy, creativity
Dominant terpenes	Myrcene, linalool	Limonene, pinene, terpinolene
Best use	Stress, anxiety, insomnia, relaxation, relaxation	Fatigue, low moods, creative activities
Recommended cultivation	Indoor (faster flowering)	Outdoor (requires more space and sun)

Discussion on the differences between indica and sativa

If you came to this post looking for the differences between indica and sativa, you have already found them. But it would not be honest on our part to end here, because in reality there are many nuances about the differences between “indica” and “sativa”.

Indica and sativa: just to confuse us

Most experts agree that the terms “indica” and “sativa” as classifications of cannabis are inaccurate or outdated. First, because it has been scientifically proven that the morphology of marijuana leaves or even cannabis flowers is not related to their phytochemical content. Therefore, to insinuate that a more compact or airy bud, or a more or less wide leaf, or that the appearance of a more or less spiky plant determines the effect of cannabis, is little less than fanciful.

Paraphrasing the cannabis researcher Ethan Russo, one of the greatest connoisseurs of the cannabis world (1):

“There are strains of Cannabis with distinct biochemical compositions, but the commonly applied distinction between sativa and indica is completely erroneous and an exercise in futility. At present, it is by no means possible to determine the biochemical content of a cannabis plant based on its height, branching or leaf morphology. The degree of hybridization is so extensive that only a biochemical analysis can reveal with certainty what is actually contained in the plant.”

It should be noted that there is no dispute that each cannabis variety may have characteristic “indica” or “sativa” effects. What is in question is how to predict this outcome as a function of a given phenotype. It is easy to find experts who openly question this:

Perhaps in the old days it was terminology that was part of the underground lexicon and made sense. But nowadays, the variety of cannabis is such that there are multiple combinations of phenotypes (phenotypes are the physical characteristics expressed by the plant, including its color, shape, cannabinoid and terpenoid content).

Classification according to chemotype: a solution?

The alternative to the “indica” and “sativa” labels proposed by scientists is a classification based on the chemotype of marijuana. That is, to perform an analysis of cannabinoids and terpenes of each variety, and for the consumer to have at his disposal all the precise list of phytochemicals present in a strain.

Obviously, this is only proposed by scientists, because nothing would be more confusing to a customer than receiving a list of indecipherable chemical names. It would only make sense in the case of medical cannabis studies.

Cannabis has multiple chemotypes that are distinguished by their chemical composition, such as the predominance of THC, CBD or a combination of both. In addition, strains with high levels of THCV, cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG) have been selectively bred. There are also strains that produce virtually no cannabinoids. If we add terpenes to the equation, the diversity multiplies.

However, even knowing the chemotype would not be a perfect solution, because studies on the entourage effect of cannabis (the synergy between cannabis compounds) are in their infancy. Terpenes can produce effects in the organism in tiny doses, moreover, they can interact with cannabinoids modifying their effect. All these reactions are not deeply studied, so a list of the five or six major terpenes and cannabinoids in a strain is not 100% enlightening about the effects of that cannabis.

The solution to this dichotomy proposed by Ethan Russo, an eminent cannabis researcher, is clear: stop using the terms “indica” and “sativa”! (1).

Is it possible to predict the effect of cannabis on a person?

As if the biology of the plant itself were not intricate and complex enough, finally our endocannabinoid system comes into play. It has been scientifically proven that everyone reacts differently to the same doses of cannabinoids.

In addition, there are factors that can modify the personal experience with cannabis, such as the predisposition to relaxation, the fact that an aroma evokes different sensations in each person, or the environment in which it is consumed. This sociological perspective on the effects of cannabis had already been taken up by Howard Becker in his book on cannabis in the last century (1953).

In conclusion…

In short, for some, it would be ideal and very comfortable to be able to walk into a marijuana dispensary and ask for “something to boost my morale”, or “a relaxing strain for this weekend”, but the reality paints a much richer and more complex picture. In the end, personal experience and preferences are a key and determining factor in the sensations we experience.

Our recommendation is that, if you are looking for a particular effect in a strain, you should take into account the information provided by the cannabis store, but also your own sensations, the environment and personal predisposition. And ultimately, dare to experiment!

References

1. Piomelli D, Russo EB. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016 Jan 1;1(1):44-46. doi: 10.1089/can.2015.29003.ebr. PMID: 28861479; PMCID: PMC5576603.
2. Watts, G., Science commentary: Cannabis confusions. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 2006. 332(7534): p. 175.