Today, cannabis is undoubtedly the one of the most commonly used substances in the world, with approximately 158 million people consuming it globally, as recently reported by the United Nations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 48.2 million people use cannabis annually in the United States.
Why is cannabis consumption so prevalent? Besides being an amazing stress reliever, studies have shown that cannabis contains numerous therapeutic properties that may promote pain management, may help reduce inflammation, may treat anxiety and depression disorders, various gastrointestinal conditions, may prevent neurological problems such as epileptic seizures, and may even fight cancer symptoms.
When purchasing cannabis at a dispensary, you’ll notice that there are different cannabis strain types in the market, the most prevalent ones being sativa and indica. Read on to find out everything you need to know about these strains, including the significant differences between these cannabis strain types.
Cannabis Sativa: Here’s What You Should Know
According to cannabis connoisseurs and various scientists, sativa is known to be energizing and tends to produce a more creative high. Sativa cannabis strains originally grow in the warmer and humid parts of the world, particularly in South America, Central America, Africa, Western Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Though there are many sativa strains, the most well known sativa strains are:
- Green Crack
- Durban Poison
- Super Silver Haze
- Sour Diesel
- Tangie
- Strawberry Cough
- Blue Dream
- Trainwreck
- Maui Wowie
- Jack Herer
Cannabis Indica In-Depth
Unlike the Sativa plant, the Cannabis Indica plant thrives in dry and harsh climate, making it native to the Middle East, in areas such as Turkey, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
There are various strains of Cannabis Indica which include the following:
- Granddaddy Purple
- Northern Lights
- Strawberry Banana
- Wedding Cake
- GSC
- Hindu Kush
Sativa v. Indica: Physical Differences
Scientists often rely on the physical differences of plants in order to distinguish the various strains of plants. These variations include differences in height, leaf shapes, and branching patterns.
The cannabis sativa plant is often really tall, as it can grow to a height of more than 12 feet. Besides its height, the sativa plant also tends to have extremely thin leaves.
On the other hand, indica plants tend to be shorter, with a highly woody stalk. That said, when it comes to growth patterns, cannabis indica plants tend to mature and grow faster than sativa plants.
Cannabinoid Composition: Sativa v Indica
Put simply, cannabinoids can be described as the chemical compounds that exist in the cannabis plant and are responsible for the effects caused by the plant. The two most prevalent cannabinoids of the cannabis plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It is fundamental to note that these two compounds often affect the body differently.
THC contains psychoactive properties, which is why it is the compound responsible for the “high” feeling we often experience after consuming cannabis. On the other hand, scientists have lauded CBD for its numerous therapeutic properties. Although research is still ongoing, reports show that CBD provides numerous health benefits, such as treating anxiety-related disorders, diabetes, neurological conditions, and arthritis. Similarly, CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that help treat acne, fibromyalgia, and other health conditions caused by inflammation.
That said, when differentiating between sativa and indica, it is essential for us to look at the THC and CBD composition in both strains. Numerous scientists report that sativa tends to have higher doses of THC and low CBD doses, while indica contains higher doses of CBD and low THC doses.
Knowing the CBD and THC composition of these cannabis strains is essential since these chemical compounds largely influence the effects we tend to experience after consuming them.
Indica v Sativa: Differences in Effects of Use
One of the major differences between the indica and sativa cannabis strains is their effects on our bodies. Some of the common effects of cannabis sativa include the following:
- Has an energizing effect: Sativas usually results in an energizing and creative high. As a result, it is mostly consumed during the day, often before carrying out physical activities, creative projects, and social interactions.
- Enhances creativity: Numerous sativa users have stated that this strain of cannabis helps expand their minds making it easy for them to generate new ideas.
- Improves concentration: Various reviews suggest that sativa consumption often results in sharper focus, making it easy for users to fully concentrate on the task at hand.
On the flip side, indicas are often sought-after due to its deeply relaxing and calming properties. Indicas are most popular for its medicinal uses. These include the following:
- Potentially preventing insomnia and promoting restful sleep.
- May be relieving of muscle spasms and stiffness.
- May alleviate pain and inflammation.
- May manage neurological complications such as epileptic seizures.
- May help with anxiety and depression.
Visit the Best Dispensary in Las Vegas
If you are interested in trying cannabis products, then stop by Planet 13 Las Vegas today
At Planet 13 Las Vegas, we carry the best cannabis products available in Las Vegas such as vaporizers, edibles, and topicals.
Our knowledgeable staff members are trained to help you decide if indica or sativa strains are right for you.
If you live in Las Vegas, take advantage of our delivery or curbside pickup and check out our out-of-the-world deals.
