Some people are adamant that indica strains are sedative with earthy aromas. In contrast, sativa strains are supposedly energizing with sweet aromas. However, the extent to which indica and sativa labels actually capture meaningful information is unclear.
Detailed strain analyses
Our team of researchers at Dalhousie University worked with Bedrocan International, a Dutch medical cannabis company, to study hundreds of cannabis strains with indica and sativa labels. We measured the chemical compounds produced by each strain. This included not only the major psychoactive cannabinoids like THC and CBD but also the terpenes that give cannabis its distinctive aromas. We also measured the genetic profiles and were then able to examine the chemical and genetic differences between strains.
If labels describing cannabis strains do in fact represent two distinct groups of cannabis, then the differences should be reflected by chemical and genetic differences. Our study, published in Nature Plants, found that indica and sativa labels are largely meaningless.
Not only did we find that indica/sativa labelling is misleading, but so are the names given to strains. For example, we found that two strains both named “OG Kush” were more similar to other strains with different names than they were to one another. Overall, strain names are often not reliable indicators of a plant’s genetic identity and chemical profile.
Broken telephone
If you’ve ever played a game of telephone, you’ll know how easily words can get twisted. Usually by the end of the game, the words are completely different from when it started. The way in which indica and sativa have been used over the years is similar to a very long game of broken telephone.
At one point in time, indica and sativa may have been used to describe two distinct species of cannabis. Over time, the two species likely hybridized to the extent that most of the cannabis grown and consumed today is a mashup of the two ancestral lineages. However, the use of indica and sativa has persisted as vernacular labels and have today taken on new meaning to describe psychoactive effects, aromas and morphologies.
In certain cases, we found weak correlations between indica and sativa labels and a small number of the aromatic terpenes. Strains labelled indica tended to have higher amounts of the terpene myrcene, which is thought to contribute to sedation and the more intense “couch-lock” effect.
On the other hand, strains labelled sativa had higher amounts of sweet and herbal terpenes, like farnesene and bergamotene. These findings echo what cannabis consumers have long said about the differences between the two labels.
We have a hunch that due to the absence of strict naming and pedigree tracking, producers have been assigning labels to cannabis based primarily on aroma. Considering the historically clandestine nature of cannabis breeding, it’s unsurprising that labelling would have been relegated to more subjective methods, like smell, rather than a more consistent system that reliably distinguishes strains.
Improving labelling
As Canada moves into its third year of legalized cannabis consumption, there is a need to revamp how cannabis is labelled, and clearly communicate its effects. The current way we label and name cannabis strains appears to fall short of the labelling standards applied to other agricultural crops.
For instance, imagine walking into a grocery store and buying a crunchy Honeycrisp apple, only to realize when you got home that it was in fact a less crisp McIntosh apple. Unlike apples, cannabis produces psychoactive compounds — the inconsistency of these labels could be very frustrating. From a medical standpoint, improper labelling could lead to negative or undesirable health outcomes.
Cannabis is an incredibly diverse crop that produces over one hundred aromatic and psychoactive compounds with distinct aromas and effects. Adding to the complexity of cannabis compounds, research has also indicated the possibility of an “entourage effect,” whereby terpenes interact with cannabinoids to mediate different psychoactive effects.
Reducing cannabis to two categories does little to capture this incredible versatility and potential. We are likely better off abandoning the use of the terms sativa and indica altogether, and instead labelling cannabis with the quantities of key compounds that have medicinal effects or are known to affect consumer preferences.
However, mounting scientific evidence suggests that these labels are largely meaningless, with no significant chemical or genetic differences between the two—implying that consumers may not be getting the specific effects they seek. “The idea of indica-sativa is heavily misconstrued,” says Pasternack.
Indica and sativa plants differ not only in their physiological effects, but also in their appearance. Indica plants are short and stocky, featuring leaves that are broad and “chunky.” Sativa plants tend to be taller and skinnier and may even be lanky in appearance, with leaves that are thin and pointed.
Cannabis plants have over 100 compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes a “high,” and cannabidiol (CBD), which does not. As plants, the two strains look different. Indica is a shorter plant with broader leaves and a woody stalk.Sativa is tall with thin leaves, and they grow more quickly.
The often-applied rule of thumb is that sativa is more invigorating and energizing, while indica is more relaxing and calming — but it's not that simple. Individual plants produce varying effects, even among the same type of cannabis. It all depends on the plant's chemical composition and the growing technique used.
Due to the way that generations of cannabis cultivators have crossbred strains, it is extremely rare to find anything at your local dispensary that would be considered pure indica or pure sativa. That is, most things are hybrids.
Cannabis sativa strains are generally uplifting and give you a 'high.' Sativa strains mainly consist of a high limonene content that uplifts the mood. There are strains of cannabis, such as Indica, that induce sleepiness. The percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels can have an impact on your sleep cycle.
For example, Sativa strains tend to have higher THC content, which induces the “high” associated with cannabis use. In comparison, Indica strains typically have higher levels of CBD, the non-psychoactive compound shown to offer potential health benefits.
Unlike Indica strains which cause a body high, Sativa strains induce a euphoric head high. Sativa strains also contain higher levels of limonene and pinene terpenes, which are associated with mental clarity and mood elevation. All these effects can provide favorable conditions for an intriguing sexual encounter.
If you're one of them, you've probably been confronted with the choice between buying strains labelled indica or sativa. Some people are adamant that indica strains are sedative with earthy aromas.In contrast, sativa strains are supposedly energizing with sweet aromas.
Can you mix Indica and Sativa-dominant strains? Yes you can, and many do precisely that. The effects may feel similar to a well-balanced hybrid cannabis strain. Some can find that e.g. the most powerful sativa strains can feel a little too much for less experienced smokers, perhaps producing a touch of anxiety.
Summary. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the two main types of cannabis. Sativa has a higher THC content, making it more energizing and delivering the characteristic "high" one expects with cannabis. Indica has a higher CBD content and induces calm, making it ideal for relieving stress, anxiety, and pain.
Sativa strains are known to produce a “mind high,” or a mood-boosting, energising effect that helps you feel more alert. Sativa often has higher doses of THC and lower doses of CBD. Indica strains offer relaxing effects that may also help to reduce pain, increase your appetite and aid sleep.
Haze strains are usually pure Sativa or Sativa-dominant. That's in stark contrast to Kush strains, which are almost exclusively pure Indica or Indica-dominant.
Durban Poison is a remarkable 100% Sativa variety that is known for offering fast-acting effects that also tend to last longer due to its higher potency.
Indica plants are typically shorter, bushier, and have broader leaves compared to their sativa counterparts. They are known for their fast flowering times and high resin production. 100% indica strains are sought after for their potent physical effects, which can include deep relaxation, sedation, and pain relief.
Indica is thought to be more calming, and may help produce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. People appear to prefer indica for pain management, relaxation, and sleep. Sativa is considered more stimulating, and it may produce feelings of euphoria for some. People tend to use sativa to gain an energy boost.
The effects of a hybrid strain can feature characteristics from both Sativa and Indica strains, which would make sense since the hybrid comes from both. The side effects of a hybrid strain include a boost in energy followed by a feeling of being tired and euphoria and temporary happiness.
Hybrid strains can be both an upper and a downer. It will depend on what species is dominant in your particular strain. If it's Indica-dominant, then it's more of a downer given the relaxing properties of Indica cannabis. If it's Sativa-dominant, it's more of an upper given its energy and creativity-boosting qualities.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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