You’ve likely encountered cannabis categorized into three major groups – sativa, indica, and hybrid. Budtenders, dispensaries, and cannabis users frequently refer to these three types of cannabis, and while they describe the genetics and type of cannabis plant grown, they are also typically used as a quick reference to classify the type of effects a cannabis strain has on the body.
As cannabis science develops, we’ve learned that there’s usually a better way to figure out what kind of effects a strain will have through analyzing the exact cannabinoid and terpene content specific strains have, but for a broader and less intimidating method, the three genetic classification system has stuck. So, what separates these three types of cannabis from each other, and which one sounds like the best fit for you?
Indicas
Indicas, or “Cannabis indica,” are cannabis plants which are short, plump, and abundant in psychoactive compounds which contribute to the “high” we experience when consuming cannabis. Indicas have a reputation for providing sedative and relaxing effects, sometimes referred to as “couch lock”, and tend to grow faster than sativa cannabis plants. Since Indicas are usually known to help calm and relax us, they tend to be popular strains for nighttime and assisting in sleep. Indicas can also cause you to experience euphoria, happiness, and an increased appetite depending on the specific strain and your unique body chemistry.
Some popular indica strains worldwide include:
Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, Zkittles, Ice Cream Cake, Papaya, Grape Ape, OG Kush, Afghani, and G-13. A popular indica here at Sunakin is Godfather OG, a cross between XXX OG and Alpha OG known to help induce feelings of sleepiness, pain relief, and general relaxation.
Sativas
Sativas, or “Cannabis sativa,” are cannabis plants with tall, thin and fibrous stalks that are also abundant in psychoactive compounds that help us feel “high”. Sativa cannabis plants require more time to grow and are usually much larger and drier than indica plants due to their longer time to harvest. Considered nearly the opposite of what you’d expect from an indica, Sativas are generally thought to induce energizing and uplifting effects when consumed. They’re a solid choice for when you want to feel productive or engage in physical activity like working out, cleaning, or tackle a focus-driven task. Sativas are usually enjoyed as a daytime strain.
Some popular sativa strains worldwide include:
Sour Diesel, Strawberry Cough, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, Green Crack, Super Silver Haze, Tangie, Maui Wowie and Blue Dream. A popular sativa here at Sunakin is Alaska, a strain with secret genetic backgrounds that delivers heavy euphoric, energetic and focused feelings.
Hybrids
Hybrids are simply cannabis plants that are crossbred and have genetics derived from both Indicas and Sativas. Depending on the percentage of genetic lineage, an 80% Indica 20% Sativa hybrid may be classified as an “Indica,” despite being a hybrid plant.
Hybrid cannabis effects vary heavily on the parent strains and split between Indica or Sativa genetics. Higher Indica in its lineage may indicate effects expected from an Indica, and higher Sativa may indicate effects expected from a Sativa, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Hybrids are extremely popular and abundant, and some of the most popular hybrid strains worldwide include: Girl Scout Cookies(GSC), Wedding Cake, Gelato, Gorilla Glue, White Widow, Cherry Pie, Chemdog and Runtz. A popular hybrid here at Sunakin is Ghost Hulk, a cross between Ghost OG and Bruce Banner that relaxes the body while uplifting the mind and inspiring creativity.
It's safe to say that no matter the type of person you are, figuring out whether Indicas, Sativas, or Hybrids suit you and which strains within those general categories work best for you requires experimentation and documentation. Start on a general basis of what sounds best for you and your situation and make note of the feelings that you experience with each strain. The more genetics and types of strains you try, the easier it will be to track down the exact strain and type of cannabis that best suits your life.
