Sativa, Indica, and Hybrids – What’s the difference?

If you’ve heard people talk about cannabis, you’ve probably heard them mention terpenes, strains, cannabinoids, and tons of other words that sound foreign. Some words you’ll hear a lot if you spend some time in a Green Nugget dispensary are Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid.

Many people who have heard of these terms think that the names correlate to the effects you can expect while consuming cannabis. Those labels actually differentiate the physical features of the plants, which helps the people growing cannabis care for the plants. The things that determine the feelings you get while consuming cannabis are the cannabinoids and terpenes that make up the plants. The most well known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the high, energetic experiences you feel when you smoke sativa. CBD is responsible for the chilled out mellow you experience when you smoke indica.

With that said, these general labels do still help you identify the kind of effects you can expect. It’s a bit of a “not all fighters are boxers” situation – most of the time when you consume a Sativa product you will experience the uplifting feeling you associate with it, but every once in a while, you’ll find a Sativa strain that is low in THC and high in CBD, giving you the exact opposite effects you would expect from a Sativa strain.

Most online retailers will let you browse by strain as well as the effects you want to experience. If you come in person to a Green Nugget dispensary, our budtenders are happy to talk with you and recommend a product that fits your needs. If you’re curious about the difference between Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains, read on!

Sativa

Sativa plants are longer and generally grow in warmer climates. These strains are usually seen as mood uplifters. Most Sativa plants have a high concentration of THC, the compound responsible for the “high” most people associate with cannabis. People associate this strain with physical activity, events, and creativity. If you’re looking for a mood booster, this might be the strain for you.

Indica

Indicas are shorter plants that can grow in colder climates. They generally have higher CBD content and are considered to be relaxants. If you want to chill out after a long day at work, an Indica strain might be what you’re looking for.

Hybrid

The distinction between Hybrid vs Sativa or Hybrid vs Indica is a little redundant. Most Sativa and Indica strains aren’t 100% of either; they’re usually a Hybrid strain that leans towards one or the other. Hybrid strains are specially grown to create specific effects when consumed. The effects of one Hybrid strain can be entirely different from another. If you’re looking for a happy medium between the effects of an Indica and a Sativa or if you’re seeking a very specific type of high, Hybrid strains are your best bet.

Hopefully, you’ve learned a little about Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains! If you have more questions about the differences between Hybrid, Indica, and Sativa strains, visit a Green Nugget dispensary or give us a call!