Indicas, Sativas and Hybrids

Sativa

Cannabis sativa plants tend to be tall, produce flowers with a wispy bud structure, and feature delicate, narrow leaves. These plants are native to warmer, more equatorial climates. In popular culture, sativa plants are often considered to be opposite to indica plants. While indicas are misconstrued as sedative and relaxing, sativas are often associated with strains that have energizing effects. Current cannabis mythology speculates that sativa flowers produce an alerting and coffee-like psychoactive experience. As mentioned in the above section, however, the science so far is inconclusive as to whether or not indica and sativa varieties actually produce unique effects. Hybrid Flower

Indica

Cannabis indica plants tend to be short, wide-branching, and feature wide fan leaves. This variety is named after its country of origin, the Indian subcontinent – the “indica” in “cannabis indica” refers to India. While taxonomists originally used the indica and sativa nomenclature to describe the plant’s physical characteristics, the categories have taken on a new meaning in popular culture. Many consumers believe that indica flowers produce a sedative effect, while sativa flowers produce an energizing effect. As it turns out, however, the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes is by far a better indicator of the overall experience a strain provides. A cannabis variety that produces high levels of myrcene and high levels of THC, for example, is likely to cause sedation regardless of its indica/sativa status.

Hybrid

Hybrid flowers are commonly referred to as mixtures between indica and sativa plants. In reality, most plants today are hybrids. Even many cultivars marketed as near-complete indica varieties, like Northern Lights, are technically hybrids. Humans have been growing and breeding cannabis plants for millennia. Throughout this time, the herb has changed and adapted to the demands our species have placed upon the plants. As the human species continues to develop the relationship further, hybridization will likely continue.