When browsing a dispensary’s product menu, you’ve probably noticed the variety of cannabis strains and products classified as indica, sativa, or hybrid. That’s because this plant is classified into two types of cannabis species – cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. 

Also referred to as just ‘indica’ or ‘sativa’ in cannabis terminology, both species are common classifications of cannabis that consumers will often seek out when choosing the right product for them. 

Besides of the unique effects and smoking experiences between these two types of cannabis, indica and sativa classifications also reflect the overall morphology and features of the plant. 

Plant Morphology 

Even though indica and sativa are both from the cannabis species, some slight visible differences can be used to distinguish the two:

• When it comes to cultivating cannabis, sativa plants grow skinny, tall, and slim with a fibrous core along with thin, long leaves. 
• Cannabis indica plants often grow more short, broad, and bushy with a woody stalk. These leaves are often wider and more tout. 

As you can imagine, a hybridized cannabis plant will show more of a combination of these signs, depending on the plant’s overall genetics. However, no matter their morphology or classification, all cannabis plants go through a seedling, vegetative, and flowering phase before being ready for harvest. As a result, these flowering plants produce thick, dense, and sticky buds. 

Sativa 

When enjoying a sativa cultivar, users often report some stimulating and psychoactive effects of euphoria. More of a cerebral rush and mood boost can be felt with sativa heavy cannabis products, which is often when high-THC content comes into play. 

Energy, creativity, and focus are some of the many featured effects you’ll find in these high-THC sativa strains – such as Durban Poison, Green Crack, Jack Herer, and Sour Diesel. 

Indica

For indica-related cannabis cultivars, effects often associated with consumption include feelings of euphoria, happiness, and sleepiness or mild sedation. Cannabis indica typically pairs well with moments of unwinding and relaxation to relieve anxiety. 

In today’s cannabis market, there is a bevy of indica strains that offer a combination of euphoria and relaxation. Some of the more common strains known for these effects include Granddaddy Purple, Zkittlez, Northern Lights, and Bubba Kush.

Hybrid 

Hybrid cannabis is known to be bred between indica and sativa strains. The common effects of hybrid strains all reflect the effects known between the two; euphoria-inducing, relaxing, uplifting, sedating, stimulating, etc. (In all actuality, it depends on the particular hybrid consumed and its genetic lineage, or parent strains.) 

Some of the many common hybrid cultivars known today include GSC, Blue Dream, Wedding Cake, and Gelato. By hybridizing different sativa and indica strains — cannabis breeders, cultivators, and consumers alike are able to expand and experiment with their preferred effects and flavors in order to create an ideal combination.

Gram’s Five & Dime: Helping You Find The Right Products For You

For cannabis, there is a long list of features and details that contribute to determining whether the cannabis product is sativa, indica, or hybrid. 

When it comes to choosing cannabis, there is no right or wrong among these three options. Instead, there are slight differences that contribute to making the overall cannabis plant so complex and unique. 

Learning and understanding these differences between indica, sativa, or hybrid cannabis cultivars can help you navigate the sea of options available at our dispensary for you to enjoy! 

*Always be sure to consult a physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen.*