What Is The Difference Between Indica and Sativa Cannabis?

Sativa and Indica cannabis leaves side-by-side.

Indica and Sativa are the two major types of cannabis plants. They can be mixed together to create hybrid strains. Each strain has its own range of effects on the body and mind, resulting in a wide range of medicinal benefits.

Indica Marijuana Plants

Indica plants typically grow short and wide. This growth pattern makes Indica plants better suited for indoor growing. The high produced from smoking Indica bud is a strong physical body high that will make you sleepy or ‘couch-locked’ and provides a deep relaxation feeling.

Indica-dominant marijuana strains tend to have a strong sweet or sour odor to the buds (ex. Kush, OG Kush) providing a very relaxing and strong body high that is helpful in treating general anxiety, body pain, and sleeping disorders.

Indicas are very effective for overall pain relief and is often used to treat insomnia for many people. Indica buds are most commonly smoked by medical marijuana patients in the late evening or even right before bed due to how sleepy and tired you become when high from an indica strain of marijuana. The most popular Indica strains currently include Kush, Northern Lights and White Widow.

Benefits of Indica:

1. Relieves body pain 2. Relaxes muscles 3. Relieves spasms, reduces seizures 4. Relieves headaches and migraines 5. Relieves anxiety or stress

Sativa Marijuana Plants

Opposite from Indica plants, Sativa plants grow tall and thin, making them better suited for outdoor growing – especially since some strains can reach over 25 ft. in height. A Sativa high is known to be more energetic and uplifting.

Sativa-dominant marijuana strains tend to have a more grassy type odor to the buds providing an uplifting, energetic and “cerebral” high that is best suited for daytime smoking. A sativa high is one filled with creativity and energy as being high on sativa can spark new ideas and creations. Many artists take advantage of the creative powers of cannabis sativa (marijuana) to create paintings. The most popular sativa strains include Purple Haze and Mauwie Wauwie.

Benefits of Sativa:

1. Feelings of well-being and at-ease 2. Up-lifting and cerebral thoughts 3. Stimulates and energizes 4. Increases focus and creativity 5. Fights depression

Hybrid Marijuana Plants

Marijuana strains range from pure sativas to pure indicas and hybrid strains consisting of both indica and sativa (30% indica – 70% sativa, 50% – 50% combinations, 80% indica – 20% sativa). Because Sativa and Indica buds have very different medicinal benefits and effects, certain strains can be targeted to better treat specific illnesses.