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What is the difference between indica and sativa?

29.06.2022

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Cannabis can be divided into two main types: indica (Cannabis indica) and sativa (Cannabis sativa). There is another lesser known subspecies - ruderalis growing in the northern regions of the planet. These are small plants with a short three-month maturation cycle, and it is from them that autoflowering varieties were bred. However, let's focus on just the two main types. Note that it is now very rare to find a pure turkey or sativa, because most of the current varieties are hybrids of these two separate genetic lines.

Indica vs. Sativa: Discovery Story

Cannabis was first classified by the biologist Carl Linnaeus in 1750. Linnaeus considered this genus of bast fiber plants to be monotypic (containing only one species) and named it Cannabis sativa. Linnaeus was a Swedish botanist and developed this classification while working with cannabis plants that were grown all over Europe at the time.

In 1785, the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published a description of a different type of cannabis that differed from the Linnaean variety. Lamarck called this species Cannabis indica. and noticed that these plants are inferior in fiber, but have a stronger drunken action. The description was based on landraces he collected in India.

What is the difference between indica and sativa: geographical origin

Indica grows in northern regions - Nepal, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan, that is, mainly in Asia or the Indian subcontinent.

Sativa comes from the equatorial regions of Colombia, Mexico, Thailand and Cambodia.

To cope with the long, warm and humid summer, this plant has adapted to grow large. height, with large distance between branches, narrow leaves and fluffy circles. These characteristics naturally protect the bushes from high humidity, mold and insect pests.

Since Sativa is often taller, it is more suitable for growing in open soil. Grows best in warm tropical climates with long summers.

We'll take a closer look at the many differences between indica and sativa below.

Plant size

Indica is shorter, stronger and therefore more suitable for growing indoors. Plants branch more strongly and form a thick stem. Sativa is much larger, especially outdoors, and can reach over three meters in height. The internodes are wider, the bushes do not branch as much.

Flower time

Indica naturally occurs in cooler, drier, and mountainous regions such as Nepal, India, and other parts of the Indian subcontinent where summers are cooler and shorter. To deal with this problem, Indian hemp plants have a shorter flowering period.

A pure indica usually matures in October; and the flowering period itself lasts from six weeks to two months. Unlike Sativa, it also doesn't take off much in height once it starts flowering.

Because of its smaller growth and shorter flowering period, Indica is suitable for growing indoors. These hardy plants can produce very dense buds when used with special techniques. cultivation (LST, SCRoG, topping, main-lining, defoliation, super cropping). Thanks to their fast flowering, they can be grown several times a year.

Sativa takes much longer to fully mature. Bushes grow more slowly, bloom later, and the flowering period itself can last three months. Harvest is held no earlier than the end of November.

Harvest

Indica tends to produce higher yields as it is stockier and has more lateral branching. Buds are hard and compact, densely overgrown and dotted with resin.

Given enough space for root development, Sativa can grow to gigantic proportions and exceed the overall yield of Indica. The flowers are lighter, longer, more fluffy and less resinous.

What is the difference between indica and sativa - effects

Indica influences are more physical and sedative. It relaxes and promotes falling asleep.

The sativa effect is more brain-inducing, energizing and stimulating. Keep in mind this is a very conditional definition. The effects can be very different, depending on the particular variety, as well as the mental and physical condition \ of the user.

How does indica differ from sativa?

In addition to physical differences, some scientists also suggest that these types of cannabis may contain different concentrations of terpenes that affect the effect of inflorescences. For example, some sources believe that the high concentration of myrcene affects the sedative qualities of indica.

Myrcene is a terpene found in many plants such as hops, thyme, lemongrass, mango, cardamom, and cannabis. It is believed to have an earthy and slightly peppery aroma, and It also gives marijuana a unique sedative effect.

We hope this article helps you clear up some of the myths surrounding the differences between indica and sativa. While there are obvious morphological differences between a pure Indica and a Sativa, other differences are very difficult to spot and there seems to be more than just genetics behind it. However, the words Indica and Sativa have helped us create a language through which we can categorize and differentiate this amazing plant.

Author: Sergey Esipov