The Differences between Indica vs Sativa (Explained in one image)
I will answer the following question:
"I want to know the difference between Indica and Sativa. Please explain to me briefly, as I prefer not to read long sentences."
I'm one of the founders of a cannabis shop in Thailand, and I regularly smoke both indica and sativa. This article will cover the basics, research data, and my personal experiences.
What's the Difference between Indica and Sativa
There is another strain called Hybrid:
- 1) Indica-dominant: Relax and Chill
- 2) Sativa-dominant: Head High, Energizing
- 3) Balanced: 50/50 Indica & Sativa effects
This classification is commonly used, but there is a problem.
Indica and Sativa = Meaningless
Once again, the following classification is commonly used:
- Indica: Reduce Pain. Relax. Treat Insomnia.
- Sativa: Head High. Energizing. Concentration.
- Hybrid: 50/50 Indica & Sativa effects.
Dr. Ethan Russo who is a neurologist and researcher said the classification of indica and sativa is meaningless. Because we can't determine the biochemical content based on these classifications[1].
Many cannabis shops told me that "Indica is for relax" and "sativa is for energizing", but it's not correct. This way of thinking is becoming popular in the mainstream.
In-depth Explain of Cannabis Effects
Cannabis contains two main biochemical components:
- Cannabinoids: Every chemical substance such as THC and CBD.
- Terpenes: Chemical substance with smell found in many plants.
While most people recognize that high-THC equates to stronger effects, it's not accurate. There is an effect called the entourage effect, which suggests that taking many compounds together makes more effects than taking them alone. [2]
Therefore, it is important to consider not only the strength of THC but also the specific cannabinoids and terpenes present. Here is a list that has a further explanation:
Effects of Cannabinoids
| CBD | No euphoric effects. Reduce pain, anxiety, and insomnia |
| CBG | No euphoric effects. Appetite-stimulating. Reduce eye pressure. |
| CBN | No euphoric effects. Anti-insomnia. Delay Alzheimer's disease. |
| CBDA | No euphoric effects. Anti-inflammatory. Aids in breast cancer. |
| CBC | No euphoric effects. Antimicrobial effects. Growth of new brain cells. |
| THC | Euphoric effects. Relax and chill. Reduce pain. Feels happiness. |
| THCA | No euphoric effects. Antimicrobial effects. Neuroprotective. |
| THCV | Weak euphoric effect. Appetite suppressing. Helps Alzheimer. |
| THCH | *Need more research. Euphoric effects. Enjoyable. Reduce pain. |
| THCP | *Need more research. 33 times more potent than THC. |
| THC-O | *Need more research. Stronger than THC. Hallucinatory effects. |
| Delta-6a10a | *Need more research. Euphoric effects. Boosts confidence. |
| HHC | *Need more research. Weak euphoric effect. Energizing effect. |
Effects of Terpenes
| Limonene | Citrusy scent. Reduce anxiety and depression. Digestive aid. |
| Myrcene | Earthy and musky scent. Couch-Lock effects. Reduce pain. |
| Pinene | Pine scent. Anti-inflammatory. Treat asthma and bronchitis. |
| Linalool | Floral scent. Reduce anxiety and depression. Clear up acne. |
| Caryophyllene | Woody scent. Reduce depression, PTSD, and anxiety. |
| Carene | Sweet and earthy scent. Healing bones. Improve cognitive function. |
| Bisabolol | Floral scent. Antimicrobial effects. Enhance the absorption. |
| Borneol | Woody menthol smell. Couch-Lock effects. Anti-insomnia. |
| Eucalyptol | Cooling menthol scent. Antimicrobial. Reduce pain. |
| Terpineol | Floral scent. Anti-depressant. Cancer-fighting. |
| Cineole | Refreshing minty smell. Antimicrobial. Anti-inflammatory. |
| Humulene | Smells like hops. Prevents cancer. Suppressing appetite. |
If you want to learn more, visit references. Additionally, here are the boiling points of terpenes. It's better to enjoy your weed under the boiling temperature.
Boiling Points of Terpenes
| Limonene | 156℃ |
| Myrcene | 167℃ |
| Pinene | 156℃ |
| Linalool | 198℃ |
| Caryophyllene | 130℃ |
| Carene | 170℃ |
| Bisabolol | 153℃ |
| Borneol | 210℃ |
| Eucalyptol | 176℃ |
| Terpineol | 50℃ |
| Cineole | 176℃ |
| Humulene | 125℃ |
Suppose you want to target Caryophyllene, choose a temperature of 130°C. However, at this temperature, THC cannot be taken because its boiling point is 157°C. Therefore, there will be no euphoric effects.
Of course, you want to enjoy THC, right? In that case, let's start at 130°C to enjoy Caryophyllene. After that, you can increase the temperature to around 180°C to experience the effects of THC and, and also CBD as their boiling point is 180°C. [3]
How to Choose Weed: 3 ways (Feeling, Smell, Goal)
There are three ways to choose weed:
- 1) Feeling
- 2) Smell
- 3) Goal
When selecting weed based on your feelings, indica is for relaxation, while sativa is for energizing effect. This is a good approach for beginners.
When choosing based on smell, simply opt for the aroma you prefer. This method often leads to finding an ideal strain since our sense of smell is quite sophisticated.
How to choose Weed by your Goal
In a nutshell, here are the recommendations:
| Sleep | Blackberry Kush、Master Kush、Purple Punch |
| SEX | Rainbow、Trainwreck、Watermelon Zkittlez |
| Creativity | Lemon Berry Candy OG、Blue Dream、Berberry Cheesecake |
| Energy | Pineapple Express、Green Crack、Sour Diesel |
| Stress | Strawberry Banana、Wedding Cake、Lava Cake |
| Appetite-stimulating | Ice Cream、Cherry Pie、Black Diamond |
| First timers | Northern Lights、Blueberry、Blue Dream |
The above is cited from Budtender Listicle. Also, there is another tool named Leafly - Browse Weed Strains, where you can explore weeds based on your purpose. That said, the effects vary from person to person. The best way is to find what works best for you.
Lastly: Is Smoking a Joint Bad?
A joint is the most common method of consuming weed.
But I don't recommend smoking a joint. Because the damage to your lungs is big, and you inhale harmful substances. These disadvantages make weed taste bad.
Instead, I recommend a vaporizer, which avoids the disadvantages of smoking joints. Here is the in-depth explanation: How to Smoke Weed: Complete Guide for Beginners. The article ends here. Thank you for reading🧘✨
[1]: The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
[2]: The entourage effect: How cannabis compounds may be working together
[3]: Want the most from your cannabis terpenes? Temperature matters
[Info of Cannabinoids]:
The scientific trends of cannabinoid research / What are Cannabinoids: Their Benefits, Side Effects, & More / Your guide to the hottest hemp cannabinoids
[Info of Terpenes]: Terpenes And Marijuana: Everything You Need To Know / Cannabis Terpenes Effects Guide: Complete List & Chart / 15 terpenes in cannabis explained [Updated 2023]