Understanding Indica, Sativa & Hybrid

For anyone familiar with cannabis, the terms Indica and Sativa are likely well known. These labels are used to categorize the main types of cannabis plants and the effects they generally produce. However, after hundreds of years of crossbreeding and selective cultivation, true, pure Indica or Sativa strains are rare. Today, many cannabis products are hybrids, with characteristics that lean toward either Indica or Sativa. So, when shopping for cannabis, terms like "dominant" or "leaning" are often used to help consumers better understand the effects of the strain they’re purchasing.

Indica

The common term used to describe the broad-leafed cannabis plant. These plants are typically shorter and bushier, with dense, compact flower clusters. Indica strains usually have a shorter maturation period and are known for their high resin content. The leaves tend to be darker in color, and the plant's aroma can range from earthy and piney to gassy or musky. Potential effects for Indica strains tend to be more sedative.

Sativa

Used to describe the narrow-leafed cannabis plant. Sativas tend to be taller with more space between growth nodes, and their buds are typically longer, less dense, and more spear-like. These plants have a longer maturation period and usually display lighter-colored, wispier flowers. Sativa strains often have brighter, fresher aromas like citrus, fruit, herbs, and fresh-cut grass. Potential effects for Sativa strains tend to be more uplifting and energizing.

Hybrid: A Mix of Both Worlds

Today, most cannabis on the market is a hybrid of some kind. This is the result of years of crossbreeding various Indica and Sativa strains to produce new characteristics, flavours, and effects. While hybrids can offer the best of both worlds, they tend to have a balanced profile that falls somewhere between Indica and Sativa. Hybrid strains can vary widely in their effects, so it's important to understand whether a particular strain is "Indicadominant" or "Sativa-dominant" in order to better predict how it might affect you.

While Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid are helpful terms for categorizing cannabis, it's important to remember that many strains today are hybrids, combining elements of both types. The terms “Indica” and “Sativa” are still used to describe general tendencies in a strain’s effects, but the variations between individual strains are vast. Understanding these basic distinctions can help you choose the right strain for your needs.

THC	Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. While typically consumed by smoking cannabis, it is also available in oils, edibles, tinctures, capsules and more.
CBD	Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD is found primarily in extractions from the hemp plant, and is often sold in gels, oils, supplements and extracts. CBD is a nonpsychoactive compound, and does not produce a ‘high’.
Plant Type	Plant Type refers to the strain of plant, which impacts how it will affect you. i.e., sativa, indica, hybrid.