It can be easily estimated that hundreds of cannabis strains have actually existed throughout the pages of History. With so many available options in the market, it can be pretty difficult to find out which type works best for you. Of course, consumers often categorize cannabis into various intro groups.
Theoretically, that way, it could be an easy affair to identify which strain will have what kind of an impact. Every strain is unique in its own way, but blending them all together ruins the essence of the same. Primarily, there are three types of strains,
- Indica Strains,
- Sativa Strains, and
- Hybrid Strains.
But which one will do wonders for you – let’s find out. Today’s topic of discussion – is Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strains!
The Big Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid Debate: The Three Major Types Of Strains Ruling The World Today!
Welcome to the Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid debate! Now, let’s make one thing clear in the very beginning. Just like any good debate, there’s no clear answer as to the winning strain amongst these primary types. But one thing’s true – you can either be an Indica person or a Sativa person and if you like the best of both worlds, then Hybrid is your strain.
Today, we aim to understand the difference between the three primary types of strains. So, without wasting any time, let’s get started.
1. Indica Strains
The Indica marijuana strands are generally obtained from bushy, short plants. Typically, Indica strains grow in relatively cooler climates as compared to different types of cannabis. These are most commonly purchased by consumers who enjoy getting stoned at night. Regular users refer to the impact of Indica strains as a ‘body high.’
If you are looking for strains that serve as a good nightcap, the Indica is what you need – you can just start a movie or read a book while smoking some quality Indica-dominant strain! Sounds like an ideal night to us.
2. Sativa Strains
From a physical point of view, Sativa marijuana strains generally grow on thinner, taller plants. Actually, these strains can grow naturally to their full potential in a tropical, warm setting. Of course, any strain can be grown anywhere – and growers actually grow almost any strain just about anywhere, thanks to different indoor growing techniques and facilities.
These strains are an ideal choice for the middle of the day or an early morning ‘wake n bake’ session. This is especially true for people who plan on being active for the rest of the day.
3. Hybrid Strains
Of course, the best weed strains are always hybrid. While Indica strains are ideal for a comfortable setting when you just want to chill with your munchies, Sativa strains are ideal for an alert and active situation. Hybrid strains, on the other hand, are literally somewhere in the middle. To be honest, the vital similarities or differences between these strains are physical.
A lot of people are curious about the Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid debate only because they hear these words getting thrown around all the time. And that’s only normal – if you want to feel sleepy and calm, you will need a strain that is different from the one that can make you feel euphoric and inspired.
Uplifting Cannabis Vs. Calming Cannabis: A Modern Approach
If talking about the different types of weed concentrates was the conventional way of discussing cannabis, then talking about invigorating versus relaxing is a more modern approach. Since different types of weed joints can lead to different experiences, it does seem like the most rational way to resolve the Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid debate.
So let’s get down to the specifics – any cannabis enthusiast will tell you what they are after. This is precisely why it’s vital to know what kind of impact you are looking for – because the three primary strains have different effects on consumers. Let’s look at the effects of Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains briefly.
Effects Of Indica Strains
The most common effects of Indica strains are as follows,
- Sleepy,
- Hungry,
- Happy,
- Relieved, and
- Hazy.
Effects Of Sativa Strains
The most common effects of Sativa strains are as follows,
- Body High,
- Head High,
- Clear-headed,
- Relaxed, and
- Alert.
Effects Of Hybrid Strains
The most common effects of Hybrid strains are as follows,
- Soothed,
- Creative,
- Giggly, and
- Energetic.
Please Note
Of course, if you do want to find out about the specific effects of different strains, then you will have to find out more than just the different weed names. You have to find out about the strain’s terpene footprints and other specific effects. While both THC and CBD results can be easily explained, the plants that contain similar percentages of THC lead to entirely different experiences.
Your mood, body chemistry, and different other things can affect how you experience cannabis. However, terpenes are one of the essential factors that can not just set strains apart but also affect your experience with cannabis.
But Wait, What Are Terpenes?
If you are familiar with essential oils or aromatherapy, you would have a fair idea about terpenes. Nope, it’s not just a weed leaf, in case you don’t know what terpenes are. In fact, these are plants that produce aroma – these are responsible for the aroma you find in essential oils. Terpenes are most commonly found in pine needles, lavender, pepper, lemons, hops, and of course, cannabis.
Terpes are responsible for the different unique flavors and, more importantly, aromas associated with various cannabis strains. Naturally, different terpenes are known for their different flavors and scents, such as earthy, sweet, herbal, spicy, sour, and fruity. Marijuana connoisseurs blessed with refined palates will be able to easily identify the terpenes in different strains by just tasting or smelling them.
Finding out about delicious strains is a rewarding experience for most cannabis connoisseurs, very similar to finding out about the different types of weed pipes or even types of wax weed. And all that’s great. But in the process, we must also acknowledge the effect of terpenes. Yep, terpenes can have an impact on your experience with cannabis.
A particular strain’s terpene footprint has a huge impact on the overall impact of the strain. Just like people can choose lavender oil for relaxation and peppermint oil for work, the terpene content in cannabis also has different characteristics.
Additionally, it is also said that the terpene percentage of any cannabis strain might have an impact on how the consumer’s body engages with cannabinoids like CBD and THC – this is known as the entourage effect.
So, What Is The Entourage Effect?
A majority of us behave differently in different environments. For instance, if you are at a dinner with your colleagues, you might feel more calm and thoughtful. But if you are at a concert with your friends, you might feel more outgoing and energetic.
Similarly, cannabinoids behave differently based on the ‘entourage of terpenes’ in the strain. The terpene profile plays a very similar role to the cannabinoid profile in determining the complete chemical structure of any strain.
Some of the most common terpenes in cannabis are as follows,
- Myrcene,
- Limonene,
- Pinene,
- Linalool,
- Terpinolene, and
- Caryophyllene.
And It’s A Wrap!
And that’s a wrap on the Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strain debate. So, what are your thoughts on the same? And have you experienced all three kinds of strain – then please tell us all about it.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with Indica, Sativa, or/and Hybrid strains in the comments below.
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