Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid

When shopping for cannabis strains you may notice they are often put into three categories: indica, sativa and hybrid. Most cannabis users will use the strain categories to determine the effects. What is the difference between the three?

Often times when cannabis users think of  marijuana strains, they think the indica strains are sedating and relaxing wheras sativa strains are uplifting and energizing. Hybrid strains are thought to have a mix of both indica and sativa effects. Indica doesn’t always mean ” in da couch” and sativa doesn’t necessarily energize all users.  As research continues to take place and we are able to learn more about the cannabis plant. We know that the chemical compounds in each strain meaning the cannabinoids and the terpenes will determine the effects consumers feel. Did you know the origins of those two terms are rooted in botany and not effects ?

However, in today’s cannabis world the belief that indica, sativa and hybrid strains do deliver distinctly different effects is still rooted in the cannabis culture. When you shop with a dispensary, you are often recommended a specific strain based on what type you prefer. “Do you prefer indicias, sativas, hybrids?” is likely asked pretty quickly within the start of conversation. This is a great way to be able to understand what type of cannabis a user is looking for, in need of for symptoms, etc.

Do you know where the terms indica, satia and hybrid actually came from?

“The words “indica” and “sativa” were introduced in the 18th century to describe different species of cannabis: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The term “sativa” described hemp plants found in Europe and western Eurasia, where it was cultivated for its fiber and seeds. Cannabis indica refers to the intoxicating varieties discovered in India, where it was harvested for its seeds, fiber, and hashish production” (Leafly).

Popular indica strains (leafly):

• Purple Punch
• Granddaddy Purple
• White Rhino
• Bubba Kush
• Northern Lights
• Blueberry
• Grape Ape
• Blue Cheese

Popular sativa strains (leafly):

• Sour Diesel
• Jack Herer
• Green Crack
• Durban Poison
• Strawberry Cough
• Amnesia Haze
• Super Lemon Haze
• Super Silver Haze

Popular Hybrid strains (leafly):

• GG4
• Blue Dream
• Gelato
• Wedding Cake
• GSC
• OG Kush
• White Widow
• Pineapple Express

What is your favorite strain? Do you find yourself sticking to indicas, sativas or hybrids? Or do you like a mixture of all three? We would love to hear from you!

To shop our PG Organix products, click here.

If you have any questions or need a strain recommendation, we would love to help.