Sativa vs Indica, do you know the difference?

How to recognise the difference between Cannabis Indica and Sativa plants

Indica and Sativa varieties originate from different continents. While Cannabis Sativa originated in equatorial regions, its cousin Indica comes from the Indian subcontinent. The plants also differ in terms of their appearance and growth cycle.

Cannabis Indica has a compact appearance, with very dense, aroma-laden buds. The flowers are concentrated in clusters on the nodes along the stems, and the leaves are short and dark green.

In contrast, Cannabis Sativa has a more slender, airy appearance with lighter, thinner leaves. Sativa often has a higher growth rate than Indica. Its flowers are more spread along the branches and less dense. When dried, Cannabis Sativa flowers are lighter and have a less distinctive smell than those from Cannabis Indica.

Different cannabinoid compositions produce different effects

All legal cannabis enthusiasts will tell you that Indica and Sativa each have a specific effect on the body. Yet, according to one of the leading experts on cannabinoids, Dr. Ethan Russo, research has failed to identify variety-specific effects. Most of the CBD products you consume are derived from Indica-Sativa hybrids that have been specifically developed to achieve certain cannabinoid concentrations and unique flavours.

The two families of varieties do not have the same chemical composition. Indica cannabis has lower THC/CBD ratios, average cannabinoid levels and is thought to be richer in terpenes. It is a good painkiller and promotes relaxation. The Indica variety is, therefore, synonymous with the "stoned effect" and is enjoyed by those looking to relax, whether alone or with friends, often at the end of the day. Sativa cannabis generally has a higher THC/CBD ratio, with higher THC and lower CBD. They are known to have an increased ‘head high’, or stimulating, effect. They promote brain activity and are energising. Therefore, they are commonly used before exams or parties.

Should I use CBD from Indica or Sativa?

Although Indica and Sativa strains are the benchmarks for any legal cannabis enthusiast, they are primarily used to classify the types of CBD products available. The latter are not obtained from the original cannabis varieties but from hybrids and/or sub-varieties of Sativa and Indica.

When choosing the right CBD product for you, remember that Indica or Sativa are primarily used to identify the dominant effect you are looking for. Additionally, choosing a CBD product is not just a matter of preferring a ‘head high’ or ‘stoned’ effect. The taste of the product and the way it is used are as important as the desired effects.

The cannabis strains used in The CBD Farm products are selected due to their quality, flavour, CBD and other cannabinoid content, and how rich they are in molecules such as terpenes to provide a unique experience.