Whether you smoke cannabis recreationally or for medical care, you always need to know what you’re putting into your body. Cannabis strains are broken down into Indicas and Sativas.
Comparing Indica vs Sativa will give you a clearer idea of what you’re smoking. Read on to learn more about the difference between these strains and what impact they have.
Indica vs Sativa: What’s the Difference?
These are the two major categories of cannabis that people smoke. Sativa plants are taller and more stringy, while Indica strains are shorter and wider.
Each type has more than 100 different terpenes that play a role in the effects that you experience.
You might be asking, what are terpenes? These are oils and compounds that affect everything from the aroma of the cannabis plant to the side effects that you experience.
Here are some of the major details you need to know about Indicas and Sativas:
1. Indicas Give You More of a Body High
People just getting into cannabis tend to first differentiate the two plants based on the type of high they feel. When you smoke weed, you’re typically experiencing a head high or a body high.
Indicas provide the opposite, as the sensations put you in touch with your body rather than your thoughts. As such, the effects tend to be heavier and more sedating. This is why many dispensaries use the phrase “In the couch” to help people remember the effects of Indicas.
This is a high that makes you more likely to zone out or to experience the couch lock sensation.
2. Sativas Give You More of a Brain High
When you smoke a Sativa, you’re going to feel more cerebral effects.
As such, these strains are considered uppers, and you’ll be less likely to deal with couch-lock. You will be more in touch with the flow of your thoughts and the chatter of your mind.
People can often handle these highs better than Indicas when they’re new to cannabis because they aren’t as heavy and still allow you to function in most normal situations.
3. People Commonly Use Indicas for Pain Relief and Sleep
Since Indica strains are heavier, people often use those sedative effects to their benefit. This is an excellent remedy both for insomnia and pain relief.
The effects will overtake your body, easing your tension and making it easier for you to relax. A heavy Indica can assist you with any pain issue you can imagine, from stomach cramps and migraines to the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Sativas are Great for Social Anxiety and Creativity
People like Sativas because of the overall sense of euphoria and positivity that they experience. This makes it a better kind of cannabis to use during the daytime and when you’d like to be social.
You can use this type of cannabis when you’re undergoing any sort of creative project, such as writing, painting, and problem-solving. These strains are uplifting and give you plenty of energy, making it a go-to choice when you’d like to put some headphones on and clean the house.
5. Sativas tend to Smell Pinier and Burn More Quickly
Sativa strains have more of a piney, citrusy aroma. These plans also burn quicker than Indicas, making it easy to run through your supply.
Indica strains also burn with thicker smoke and have more of an earthy smell.
6. Indica Plants Are Bushier and Shorter
While Sativa plants tend to be more stringy, Indica plants are fatter, shorter, and bushier. If you’ve ever seen a cartoon drawing of the cannabis plant, it’s probably a Sativa.
The prototypical marijuana drawing usually has thinner leaves, which is the biggest giveaway for the type that you’re dealing with.
7. You’ll Get the Munchies More With Indica
Seemingly insatiable hunger is a side effect that many cannabis strains come with. This is typically a side effect of the Indica plant, which is why so many people use it for hunger suppression.
Patients going through chemotherapy will find great use from Indica plants since it heals bodily pain while stimulating an appetite that is often lost during this process.
People that smoke Indicas should have their snacks ready to go prior to consumption, or should set up a delivery so that they can relax and wait for the food to arrive.
8. Learn About the Most Popular Strains
While Indica and Sativa are broad categories, the sheer amount of strains of each you can try out is endless.
Strains like OG Kush and Blue Dream are long-time favorites and award winners. OG is a long line of Cannabis Cup award-winning Indica strains, while Blue Dream is the most popular Sativa in the world.
Trying either one of these is a good entry point into the world of Indicas and Sativas. This will give you an idea of the types of effects you will find with these cannabis strains so that you can start branching out and using them as you please.
For those who enjoy both effects, hybrid strains give you the best of both worlds. You’ll experience the upper effects of Sativas, followed by the subdued effects of Indicas, or vice-versa.
Shop For the Best Cannabis for Your Needs
Now that you have an idea about Indica vs Sativa, you can begin shopping for whatever cannabis you’d like. There are several dispensaries that can sell you what you’re looking for, in the form of flower, edibles, and vapes.
Use us as a resource on all things cannabis-related.
