Do you know all the growing characteristics, the origins of the best marijuana varieties and, above all, the difference between Indica and Sativa Cannabis?

When choosing a cannabis genetic to grow it is good to know that there are many variables and many differences between one plant and another. Not only structural and morphological, but also with regards to maturation times and therapeutic effects.

This practical guide is designed to help you understand the meaning, effects and different morphology that determine the obvious diversity between the two species. In this article, therefore, we will delve into the substantial differences between indica and sativa in order to better guide you in your choice.

Article summary:

Continue reading and find out how to learn to distinguish between the two strains of Cannabis. 

Indica vs Sativa discover the differences and make your choice

When talking about cannabis it is inevitable to come across its main variants. Not only Indica and Sativa , but also less well-known and used Ruderalis.

In this article, however, we will only focus on the first two types of cannabis: Sativa , also known as industrial hemp , and Indica , also known as Indian hemp .

The diversity between the two species of cannabis involves different aspects of the plant, in particular:

  1. Flowering times;
  2. Plant morphology and leaf appearance;
  3. Flower density;
  4. Aroma and taste;
  5. Origin
  6. Effects.

Let's analyze them specifically in the next paragraphs. Keep reading.

Do you want to know more about the topic? Check out our guide: “ How to grow cannabis ”.

Meaning of terms and geographical origin of various types of marijuana

The history of cannabis is as much ancient as complex. Traces were found in Peruvian mummies in 1500. Its appearance in Europe also dates back to the same period, where it was introduced by some nomadic tribes originating from Asia.

Let's find out how these two types of weedwere discovered and defined :

We know that Cannabis was classified in 1753 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus , who after various studies stated that there was only one monotypic species of the plant and called it Cannabis Sativa Lineaus .

A few years later, exactly in 1785 , a French naturalist, Jean Baptiste Lamarck, completely denied this statement. After a trip to India and in particular to the western areas of the country, he described in detail a variety of local cannabis.

He realized that the Indica variety was actually very different from the plant studied by Linnaeus and cultivated in Europe. It is therefore to Lamarck that we owe the distinction between cannabis sativa and indica.

The French scholar did not limit himself only to describing the morphological differences, but also analyzed the effects of consuming this plant, which took the name of Cannabis Indica Lam . 

Lamarck, in fact, noticed how some of these plants had stronger narcotic effects and were able to activate very different euphoric states compared to the relaxing and sedative ones of European cannabis.

From these historical notes it is also possible to understand another substantial difference between the two species which concerns their geographical origin .

Although the various types of marijuana grow in many widespread areas throughout the world, scholars have identified the points where their natural expansion began, obviously divided by type of plant:

  • Indica : often called "Kush", it is native to the mountainous areas of the Hindu Kush and grows mainly in arid and desert areas such as those of the Middle East (Turkey, Morocco, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tibet and Nepal); 
  • Sativa : also called "Haze" , comes from warmer and more humid places and equatorial areas, such as Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Brazil, Cambodia and in general all of South America and South-East Asia.

Which type of ganja to choose:

The differences between the two varieties of plants concern not only the geographical origin, but also the growth characteristics, appearance and the effects that the plants cause in those who consume them. Let's see what they are in the next paragraphs.

How to distinguish Indica and Sativa plants

The fact that sativa and indica cannabis varieties grow in such different territories in terms of climate is also reflected in their different way of growing and flowering.

We are often asked how it is possible to distinguish a Sativa and an Indica. Well, even if you are not a botanist by training, it is not difficult at all. The two varieties, in fact, have characteristics and morphology that differentiate them even to a less expert eye.

CANNABIS SATIVA

Originating from humid places, the Sativa cannabis species has adapted in appearance and morphology to the climatic conditions of origin. To cope with the long, hot summers, the plants have grown very tall .

It comes with:

  • thin stems;
  • large internodal spaces;
  • fluffy buds;
  • long, narrow fan leaves with fine fingers.

In fact, with a lower density of buds, the sativa plant enjoys greater internal ventilation, in this way it can protect itself from high humidity and any infestations of mold and parasites typical of hot and humid habitats. 

The tendency of sativa marijuana to reach considerable heights and its slender conformation with long branches make it more suitable for outdoor cultivation . The best performance, obviously, is offered in hot and tropical climate conditions.

Compared to its indica rival, the sativa variety produces slightly fewer buds, which grow across a good portion of the length of the branch, rather than creating dense clusters around the nodes.

The inflorescences are much lighter, tapered and vaporous than an indica plant, but can reach truly incredible dimensions. The smell of a sativa's buds is less strong and recognizable, while the earthier aroma resembles the taste of gasoline.

An example of a rare 100% sativa strain is Dr.Grinspoon (Barney's Farm):

CANNABIS INDICA

Indica is a variety of cannabis typical of areas with a cold, dry and mountainous climate, such as Nepal, or in sub-continental areas where summers are short and cool. To adapt to this climate, the plant remains low in height and comes with:

  • Compact and conical structure;
  • Dense foliage;
  • Dense buds;
  • Broad, short and thick fan-shaped leaves

Its short and compact shape helps not to disperse humidity. While the particular structure of the broader leaves with wider fingers allows it to capture more sunlight and store more water. The leaves themselves are among the easiest points to distinguish the two species.

Compared to sativas, the indica species tends to flaunt lush branching, with short distances between nodes. Indica buds, harder, denser and more fragrant, tend to develop in clusters around the nodes, leaving few free spaces between one cluster and another. Unlike Sativa, the terpene profiles of indica flowers have sweeter flavors reminiscent of honey and fruit flavors.

Generally, cannabis indica plants are darker green. Not growing too much - in most cases it is difficult for it to reach 200 cm in height - it is the ideal cannabis for indoor cultivation.

An example of a rare 100% indica variety is Critical Kush (Barney's Farm):

Indica and Sativa flowering time

The differences between indica and sativa types of cannabis also concern flowering times. As you should know, when the plant begins to produce shoots it means that it has entered its flowering phase . 

Indica cannabis has a faster flowering than sativa, but on the other hand it is slower to grow in the vegetative period and vice versa. Sativa, on the other hand, takes less time for the first vegetative stage and then lengthens its flowering times.

We would like to remind you that the flowering times between the two species always depend on genetics, but indicatively we can state that the flowering days necessary for the different subtypes are:

  1. Sativa : 8 to 16 weeks;
  2. Indicates : 6 to 12 weeks.

The cannabis sativa variety continues to grow significantly even during the pre-flowering phase, almost tripling the height compared to the size of the final harvest. 

Indica plants, on the other hand, have a slow vegetative phase and fast flowering, during which they can double their size, although not reaching excessive heights. Flowering more quickly, it is the ideal species for growers who have little time and space for cultivation.

At this point you will have assimilated all the basic notions to be able to easily identify and distinguish the different physical characteristics of indica and sativa cannabis. 

But what about the effects and terpene profiles? And, above all, is it possible to distinguish the two varieties just by tasting their flavour? Some Growers say yes. There is probably a correlation between the effects of some classic strains and their terpene composition, i.e. the flavor. However, we doubt the scientific veracity of these claims.

In the next paragraph, however, we will focus on the different effects generated by the buds of the two varieties, and their benefits from the perspective of a therapeutic treatment.

If you are interested in the topic covered in this paragraph, you can learn more by consulting our guide: " Outdoor and indoor cannabis flowering ".

Sativa vs Indica effects and benefits

Marijuana indica and cannabis sativa have different effects due to different beneficial properties from both a physical and psychological point of view.Bear in mind that indica marijuana was anciently used by the Indian people for spiritual purposes and for its healing properties.

As Shantybaba (Scott Blake, creator of numerous cannabis genetics) said:

“Sativa is like the riesling like the champagne, Indica is like the heavy red Barolo…” .

Most contemporary cannabis genetics are hybrids , that is, they are made up of both sativa and indica in percentages that can vary to the advantage of one or the other. 

This is also thanks to the research of breeders, who have created many of the varieties available on the market today. With ever-active research and the birth of increasingly numerous and diversified genetics, today it is not uncommon to be able to grow even perfectly balanced hybrids (50% indica - 50% sativa).

As we know, the effects of cannabis are "similar but very variable" and can manifest themselves in different forms depending on the consumer's organism and the quantity of terpenes and cannabinoids present on the plant.

To the question: "do you prefer indica or sativa" , Franco Casalone (Breeder and master of cannabis cultivation) replied: "Depending on the moment of the day!"

This is to underline that the consumption of cannabis indica (notoriously more narcotic and sedative) is perfect for ending the day, as it above all causes a relaxing physical effect .

Thanks to these peculiarities it is widely used for treatments against pain, against spasms and for sleep-related disorders.

In contrast, sativa herb has a more cerebral (high), stimulating and euphoric effect. It promotes attention and creativity, can give euphoric rushes to the mind and, thanks to its energizing action, it is the most suitable for daytime consumption.

Here is a schematic summary of the different benefits of indica and sativa with their effects:

INDICATE:

  • Decreases the sensation of pain;
  • Increases appetite;
  • Induces and regulates sleep;
  • Relax your mind and muscles;
  • Counteracts sensations of nausea;
  • Increases dopamine (neurotransmitter that regulates the sensation of pleasure).

SATIVA:

  • Counteracts depressive states, increasing serotonin and improving mood;
  • Reduces anxiety;
  • Increases attention and creativity;
  • Relieves the feeling of fatigue;
  • Relieves chronic pain.

Be careful though: some strains of sativa herb contain such high levels of active ingredient that they can cause slight hallucinations and psychedelic states that result in anxious states. 

Among the best-selling sativa varieties we find the famous Amnesia Haze , the result of the cross between a Haze and an Amnesia, which gave life to this wonderful strain.

Indica and Sativa medical effects differences

Especially in recent years, cannabis has been recognized as a valid and natural means to combat various disorders and pathologies. To the point that, with a historic decision, the United Nations Commission removed cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs , no longer considering it as a "drug".

This opens up the possibility of recognizing the therapeutic potential of a substance which, in many countries around the world, is already used to treat pathologies resistant to traditional medical treatments. The hope is that we will soon make this cure available to hundreds of thousands of patients forced to grow it illegally for treatment.

Given this, from the perspective of consumption for therapeutic purposes it is very important to evaluate the concentration of CBD and THC in the plant.

These are the two natural principles present in cannabis. THC is responsible for the psychophysical and psychotropic effects, while CBD above all has relaxing effects.

In general, we can say that the indica variety has a higher percentage of CBD than its sativa sister. This, as mentioned, causes a more sedative effect and is recommended for some rheumatic pathologies (arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia) or neuropathies. It is also indicated as an appetite stimulant in cachexia, anorexia or in cancer patients.

Varieties with low or non-existent CBD and high THC content , like most sativas , however, will have a more euphoric effect and are indicated for other pathologies, in particular anxiety conditions and depressive states, but also for the treatment of chronic pain .

In conclusion, the choice of indica or sativa for medical use is definitely a personal aspect. Moving forward by trial and error, under the guidance of a specialist and relying on the messages from your body, is the best path to take to begin an adequate therapeutic path.

What you need to know is that all the light cannabis you can buy online and in authorized grow shops is almost totally free of THC. It's aways recomanded to check your country law about the allowed THC levels in order to avoid any problems.

Visit our category dedicated to certified and feminized marijuana seeds . In our e-commerce you will find all types of light hemp with high CBD content and absolutely legal.