Cannabis is one of this generation’s most controversial plants, with different parties and organizations arguing about its medical benefits as opposed to its common bad reputation as an illegal substance. However, recent innovations and more liberal opinions in medical and legal fields have recognized the value of cannabis. Indica and sativa are two well-known types of the cannabis plant and are oftentimes confused for each other. Here’s why one is unlike the other, and vice-versa.
In both scientific and legal terms, there is not distinction between the two, as all cannabis strains are acknowledged to be Cannabis Sativa L.
Sativas grow relatively taller than indicas when grown under similar conditions, and the buds can grow bigger. These large buds run along the branch as opposed to other strains that cluster around the plant’s nodes/ Albeit larger, sativa buds are less dense and tend to weigh less than Indica in their dry state. Their odor is not as striking.
Sativas take more time to flower, usually ranging 60 to 90 days to complete the blooming stage. What sativas lack in flowering efficiency, however, is made up by its shorter vegetative growth. Sativa leaves have a lighter shade of green then Indica plants, and medicine derived from the former have lower CBD and higher THC counts. Medicinal strains of this variety are known to provide benefits including reduction of anxiety, being an antidepressant, chronic pain treatment, as well as an increase in serotonin, focus, and creativity. Sativa growers also place value in the “high” that sativa plants give. These high characteristics include being energetic, giggly, creative, or even psychedelic at times. Sativa is not as overpowering in terms of a “stone” effect and brings less chance for users to fall asleep.
Indicas are stocky and compact and grow dense and heavy buds. The buds grow in dense clusters around the nodes of the Indica. Indicas are relatively fast when it comes to flowering, taking only 45 to 60 days to flower. Medicinal Indica strains are valued for their qualities which include mental and muscle relaxation, reduction of nausea and acute pain, and increase in appetite and dopamine. Medicine produced from Indicas have higher CBD and lower THC counts. Indicas have a “stone” effect and is centred on the user’s body. Usage can also enhance physical sensations like touch, sound, and taste.
Indica |
Sativa |
|
|---|---|---|
| Species | Cannabis Sativa L. | Cannabis Sativa L. |
| Average height | 3-10 feet | Up to 20 feet |
| Leaves | Narrow | Broad |
| Buds | Dense and heavy; tend to grow in clusters around the nodes | Large and light; grow along the length of the branch |
| Vegetative growth | Slow | Fast |
| Flowering time | 45 to 60 days | 60-90 days |
| Effect | “Stone” effect | “High” effects like high energy, creativity, or psychedelic behavior |
| Benefits | Mental and muscle relaxation, reduction of nausea and acute pain, increase in appetite and dopamine | Reduction of anxiety, antidepressant, chronic pain treatment, increase in serotonin, focus, and creativity |
Venn Diagram
