{"id":1004,"date":"2019-10-09T13:10:56","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T13:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.medicalmarijuanainc.com\/?p=30229"},"modified":"2019-10-09T13:10:56","modified_gmt":"2019-10-09T13:10:56","slug":"indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid-whats-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicalmarijuanainc.com\/2019\/10\/09\/indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid-whats-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trying to choose between an indica, sativa, or hybrid when you visit the marijuana dispensary? We can help!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Cannabis strains are typically broken up into one of three distinct groups: indica<\/a>, sativa<\/a>, hybrid. Although all these strains are considered marijuana, these general classifications help users determine the types of effects, smells, and even flavors they should expect from a strain. While these classifications aren’t perfect, they offer a good start to understanding marijuana strains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First we will look at the origins of marijuana strains and some of the differences between indica vs sativa, before going into detail about hybrid cannabis strains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Origin of Cannabis Strains<\/span><\/h2>\n

When speaking of the original locations for indica and sativa strains, we must discuss landraces<\/em>. These original landraces (a region\u2019s native, naturally occurring cannabis strain) are locally adapted strains optimized through natural evolution to grow in their specific microclimates around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indica strains are generally agreed to have originated near Central Asia and spread to regions in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Turkey. Indica landraces like Afghani Kush, Hindu Kush, Mazar I Sharif generally thrived between 30\u00b0 and 50\u00b0 latitudes by adapting to these local growing conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Growing in warmer weather, sativa landraces, like Durban Poison, Panama Red, and Acapulco Gold, originated in the countries located on or near the equator, such as Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and Southeast Asia. Today, sativa strains still grow wild throughout many humid and tropical areas of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"sativa<\/p>\n

These naturally growing cannabis landraces formed the genetic backbone for modern marijuana strains. By crossbreeding these landraces, as well as the strains that were produced by this breeding, the immense variety of cannabis strains we have now was made possible. <\/span><\/p>\n

Morphology and Growth<\/span><\/h2>\n

Visually, it is often possible to identify an indica vs sativa plant by focusing on certain characteristics.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indica strains tend to grow short and bushy \u2013 usually under 6 feet tall. Sativa strains, on the other hand, can potentially reach heights up to 20 feet when grown outdoors and their branches are spread out and grow upwards. Sativa leaves are long and narrow, while the leaves of an indica plant are thicker and broader. <\/span><\/p>\n

Because they grow smaller, indica strains are well suited for cultivating indoors. Indica plants typically produce less of a yield than sativa plants. However, this lower yield is offset by an indica\u2019s shorter growing cycle. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sativa plants have much longer vegetation periods than indica strains, taking anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks to fully mature during the flowering period. This longer vegetation period often results in a much higher yield come harvest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hybrid<\/p>\n

Chemical Composition<\/span><\/h2>\n

On a chemical level, indica and sativa strains are different in the make up of their cannabinoid content, as well as in the balance of other compounds, such as <\/span>terpenes<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are over 100 cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and <\/span>cannabidiol<\/span><\/a> (CBD), the primary cannabinoids found in marijuana. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pure sativa strains usually produce a high THC content and low CBD content. Landrace indica strains, on the other hand, tend have a lower THC content and a somewhat higher CBD content. However, thanks to crossbreeding, both indica and sativa strains, as well as their hybrid strains, can be found with varying <\/span>THC:CBD<\/span><\/a> cannabinoid concentrations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After THC, CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in marijuana. CBD is noted for the way it interacts with the body, controlling the effects of THC and perhaps modulating a strain\u2019s particular high.<\/span><\/p>\n

At least 120 different terpenes have also been found in cannabis. The concentration and balance of these terpenes can largely influence the flavor and scent of a particular strain \u2013 and may even affect its high. <\/span><\/p>\n

Indica strains are known for having flavor profiles ranging from sweet musk and rich earth to dark fruit, like berry and grape, while sativa strains are known for citrus, pine, and even tropical profiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"difference<\/p>\n

Effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although each cannabis strain will have nuanced effects on the body and mind, indica and sativa classifications can help users determine how a strain\u2019s personality will manifest itself. <\/span><\/p>\n

Effects from indica strains exist predominantly in the body, though the hundreds of hybrids available differ widely in their exact effect profiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indica effects<\/strong> can be described as<\/span><\/p>\n