Types of Cannabis
Cannabis has been used throughout history, but, the way we categorise cannabis – as “sativa,” “indica,” or “hybrid” – may not be the most helpful, especially when it comes to medical use. Scientists are now looking at “terpene profiles” to get a clearer picture of what each type of cannabis can do.
The Old Way :
Indica vs. Sativa
Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the names given to the two main types of cannabis plants. Originally distinguished based on their place of origin (Cannabis indica was first used to describe plants found in India), the classification has since been used as a guide to the possible effects of different cannabis products.
Indica strains have often been quoted as being associated with relaxation and sedation, and sativa strains are linked to energy and upliftment. However, this binary classification system is increasingly being challenged. Many modern cannabis strains are hybrids, blurring the lines between indica and sativa characteristics. Moreover, research suggests that the effects of cannabis are influenced by a complex interplay of compounds, not just whether a strain is predominantly indica or sativa.
Cannabis is a complex plant that contains thousands of active compounds, the most prominent of which are cannabinoids. However, cannabis also naturally contains a broad spectrum of terpenes. The authors of a recent analysis argue that the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes should therefore be considered when categorising cannabis cultivars.
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Sativa in-depth
๐ Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia.
๐ Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow to about 6 feet (ft) or 2 meters (m). They take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
๐ Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Sativa often has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC, whereas indica tends to have less THC than CBD.
๐ Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect.
๐ Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its stimulating effects, sativa is often used in the daytime.
๐ Popular strains: Various sativa strains may be used for different purposes.
Indica in-depth
๐ Origin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
๐ Plant description: Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds.
๐ Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, but the THC content isn’t necessarily less.
๐ Commonly associated effects of use: Indica is sought after for its intensely relaxing effects. It may also help reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
๐ Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is typically consumed at night.
๐ Popular strains: Like sativa, there are also various indica strains.
Hybrid in-depth
๐ Each year, cannabis growers produce new and unique strains from different combinations of parent plants. These cannabis hybrids are often grown to target specific effects.
๐ Origin: Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of sativa and indica plants.
๐ Plant description: The appearance of hybrid strains depends on the combination of the parent plants.
๐ Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Many hybrid cannabis plants are grown to increase the THC percentage, but each type has a unique ratio of the two cannabinoids.
๐ Commonly associated effects of use: Farmers and producers select hybrids for their unique effects. They can range from reducing anxiety and stress to easing symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.
๐ Daytime or nighttime use: This depends on the predominant effects of the hybrid.
๐ Popular strains: Hybrids are typically classified as indica-dominant (indica-dom), sativa-dominant (sativa-dom), or balanced.
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