Indica vs sativa: which type suits you?

There are various types of marijuana and crossbreeds of marijuana. For the most part these are derivatives of two plants: Indica and Sativa. Perhaps you have never thought about this before and assumed that there is only one type of hemp plant. However, there are multiple varieties of the cannabis plant.

The two plant species that are distinguished from each other are different in a number of ways, such as effect, appearance, and growth. Which cannabis plant suits you best?

What is cannabis indica?

Indica is a popular hemp plant that is recognizable by its broad leaves. It is a plant that grows faster and brings in a bigger harvest compared to its competitors. It is a plant that has many beautiful dense buds that are perfect to produce hemp products.

Originally, the Indica plant comes from Afghanistan, where its products have been used for hundreds of years for various purposes. Almost every marijuana strain on the market today can be partly derived from the Indica plant. Pure Indica cannabis is also found, unlike pure Sativa weed which is almost impossible to obtain.

A well-known characteristic of the Indica plant is that it contains a high concentration of CBD. THC, on the other hand, occurs in a lesser concentration. CBD and THC are both substances in cannabis called cannabinoids. These provide the cerebral and physical effects one feels when ingesting a cannabis product. CBD provides a relaxed feeling, and THC provides the “high” people often talk about.

Since the Indica plant contains high levels of CBD, it is the perfect plant for medicinal cannabis. Cannabis products used as medicine are high in CBD and low in THC. In other words, it reduces pain and makes you feel relaxed, but it doesn’t get you high.

What is cannabis sativa?

Sativa is native to China. This plant was used as a medicine thousands of years ago. However, it was soon discovered that Sativa causes the well-known “high”. This is due to the high concentration of THC that a Sativa plant contains.

Although the Sativa plant also contains CBD, the CBD concentration is many times lower in the Sativa plant. This is the reason that Sativa is generally used recreationally.

Although the Sativa plant offers a greater “high,” it takes more time and effort to produce Sativa cannabis. The plant grows slowly, and the harvest of a single Sativa plant is also smaller compared to the indica plant.

How do the plants differ in growth?

Indica plants grow quickly and have a flowering period of 45-60 days. They rarely grow taller than 1.5 meters, which is why they are often used for growing cannabis indoors.

Sativa plants take longer to grow and have a flowering period of 60-90 days. Sativa’s are large plants that grow tall into the air. For example, it is quite common for a Sativa plant to grow 3-4 meters tall. A Sativa plant is, therefore, better grown outdoors.

The growth of the plant depends mainly on nutrition. Sativa plants do not need much to grow and take up little nutrients from the soil during the growth process. This is in contrast to the Indica plants, which need a lot of nutrients to grow from a small plant into a large bush.

What external differences are there?

Just like Indica and Sativa plants differ in effect, they also differ in appearance. Although some external features have already been mentioned, there are some other characteristics by which you can recognize an Indica plant and a Sativa plant.

An indica is a small plant that looks more like a bush than a tree.It has many sturdy branches from which thick dark leaves (usually with about 5 fingers) grow along with compact buds.

The Sativa, on the other hand, looks more like a tree than a plant with thin stems. The narrow leaves attached to these are long and pointed in shape. A Sativa leaf is light in color and has more fingers, on average about 11.

 You can also recognize the Sativa plant by its loose buds that are far apart.

What are the differences in effects?

Indica and Sativa cannabis are used for different purposes. They are therefore taken by different types of people and at different times throughout the day. It simply depends on what effect you are looking for.

The effects of Indica cannabis are what is generally called ‘stoned’. This weed reduces your energy making you feel tired and heavy. This marijuana strain is often used in the evening when the day’s activities are over.

Indica can also have a painkilling effect. Therefore, Indica is often used for medicinal applications.

The effects of Sativa resemble an actual cognitive ‘high’. You feel energetic and creative. As a result, it contributes to productivity. Sativa is therefore often used during the day. Effects of Sativa cannabis include increased appetite, increased energy, and laughing fits.

Hybrid species

By now, there are numerous cannabis strains available. They are generally hybrids between Indica cannabis seeds and Sativa cannabis seeds. These are called hybrids.

These crossings result in weed that contains THC and CBD in different quantities. This allows you to choose the weed that produces the exact desired effect.

Not only the differences in effects are the reason for crossing cannabis species. Shortening flowering periods and increasing yields are also reasons for crossing Indica and Sativa plants.

Indica vs Sativa: try both at coffeeshop The Border

Wondering which strain suits you best? Or would you like to try both strains? Come to The Border coffeeshop on the border of Amsterdam and Amstelveen. Our staff will help you make the best choice.