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Sativa and indica. Main differences.

21.12.2022

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Content:

Indica and sativa

If you're even slightly familiar with cannabis, you've probably heard of sativa and indica. Today we'll look at why people categorize cannabis into these two categories, what sativa and indica are, and we'll also look at the third category known as ruderalis or "wild".

Origin of names

Let's start with the origin. Cannabis sativa was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It was used as a source of industrial fiber, oil, for religious practices and for medicinal purposes. Carl Linnaeus published Species Plantarum, classifying all cannabis plants into one group "Cannabis sativa L." where "Cannabis" is the genus, "sativa" is the species, and "L." indicates Linnaeus' system. "Sativa" is derived from the Latin "sativum", meaning "cultivated".

French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck updated the name in 1785, adding two different species: "Cannabis sativa," a taller, longer and fibrous plant, and "Cannabis indica," a lower, bushy plant with a high THC content, its name meaning "from India," where it was thought to have originated.

A third species, Cannabis ruderalis, was described by the Soviet botanist Dmitry Yanishevsky in 1924. This low-growing plant contains minimal amounts of THC and is not used for recreational or industrial use. Ruderalis (Dichka) blooms regardless of light regime and age and has been used to develop new autoflowering varieties.

***As a side note, what we call "technical hemp" refers to industrial, non-psychoactive cannabis varieties harvested primarily for fiber, seeds, CBD and new cannabinoids such as delta-8. Modern varieties of industrial hemp reach heights of 3-4m. Hemp fiber can be used to make materials and textiles, its seeds can be eaten, and CBD and other cannabinoids can be extracted.

These definitions mainly refer to the physiological structure of each type of cannabis. They characterize more specifically the structure of the cannabis bush, leaf structure, inflorescence height, bushiness of side branches, etc.

Indica and sativa difference

Botanical differences

The differences between these species start with the structure of the plants. Because sativa and indica grow in different environments, they look different and have different effects on the body.

How do you identify sativa and indica?

Sativa tall, it can reach a height of 2-3 meters. It has a slender shape with long internodes, narrow leaves and lush buds. Originally, sativa landrace***s grew in warm and humid climates, they grew long to 4-5 meters tall and lanky. The warm climate in which the sativa grows also means that it has a long flowering season. The flowering period for sativa can be as long as 12-14 weeks. The plant is not restricted to early flowering unlike indica because the weather will not be cold at the end of the flowering period. Sativa originated from warmer areas such as Central America, Africa and Southeast Asia.

***(Landrace is an original cannabis strain that has grown for centuries in a specific natural environment. It has not mixed with other genetics and is perfectly adapted to its environmental conditions)

Varieties indica medium height, characterized by a dense, bushy structure. The internodes are frequent, with broad and short leaves. Indica grow short and bushy because of the cold environment, and their life cycle is shorter because indica need to have time to produce offspring before the cold and moisture of fall and winter arrive. Indica comes from colder regions of the world, including eastern and central Asian countries.

Ruderalis bushes are small plants with thin leaves. They have a very low THC content and low CBD, but possess the autoflowering gene.

Important note. Hemp seeds of different species look the same. It is impossible to tell from the seeds whether it is indica, sativa, or ruderalis.

The smell of indica and sativa

In terms of odor, indica has a rich herbaceous, spicy, earthy aroma, while sativa is mostly characterized by a light floral and fruity aroma. This is due to the presence of different terpenes. These are organic aromatic compounds that are found in almost all plants. They are responsible for the odor of almost everything we know. Each cannabis strain has different ratios and names of terpenes. We will talk more about terpenes in the following articles.

Sativa and indica differentiating effects

One of the main questions is what are the differences in effects between indica and sativa?

Classifying indica and sativa based only on the effects of "stone" and "high" is outdated and not accurate enough. Science points to a better way to determine the effects of a cannabis strain. Knowing the chemical profile of each specific strain is enough.

The effects induced by cannabis use are determined not so much by the type of biological structure of the plant as by its cannabinoid-terpene profile.

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, influence the final effects experienced by the individual. Genetics and plant breeding make it possible to create hybrids that have certain traits of both indica and sativa, both in appearance and effects.

There are a variety of hybrid cannabis varieties on the market today, which can exhibit a combination of traits and effects associated with indica and sativa. For example, a plant may have the external structure and growth characteristics typical of indica, but have the vigorous and stimulating effects usually associated with sativa, due to its high content of terpenes or certain cannabinoids. Also, the effect is very dependent not only on the variety, but also on the time of harvest. If you keep your sativa to amber trichomes, expect a more relaxing and slowing effect (like indica). And if you prefer a more cheerful and energetic hai, cloudy or clear trichomes are an indicator that it is a good time to harvest.

Let's break down the general chemical profile characteristic of indica and sativa.

Sativa:

Cannabinoids: typically high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and low in CBD (cannabidiol). The approximate ratio may be 3.5-4:1 (THC:CBD) or greater.
Terpenes: sativa can contain high levels of terpenes such as limonene, pinene and terpinolene. These terpenes can give sativa an energizing, stimulating effect, with increased mood and concentration.
Effect: Sativa is often associated with uplifting, energizing, and creative effects. It can increase energy, stimulate imagination and inspiration, and promote conversation. Sativa can be useful in combating fatigue, depression and stress.

Examples of sativa hybrids:

Indica:

Cannabinoids: Indica usually contains a higher level of CBD than sativa. An approximate ratio may be 2.5:1 (THC:CBD) or less.
Terpenes: Indica often contains terpenes such as myrcene, linalool and caryophyllene. These terpenes may give indica a more sedative, relaxing effect and have calming properties.
Effect: Indica are associated with stronger, sedative effects. They can induce relaxation, drowsiness, and relieve pain and spasms. Indica may be useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.

Examples of indica hybrids:

The ratio of different cannabinoids and terpenes affects the effects that a particular cannabis strain produces. For example, higher levels of THC can lead to more intense psychoactive effects, while high levels of CBD can moderate the psychoactive effects and provide a more relaxing effect. Terpenes can also modulate the effects of cannabis, contributing to the overall odor profile and affecting mood and physical state.

The term "entourage effect" refers to the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that enhances or modulates the overall effects of cannabis. This means that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create a more complete and unique effect than if they were used separately. For example, certain terpenes can help enhance the relaxing properties of CBD or increase the effectiveness of THC in relieving pain. This interaction between the components of the plant creates a characteristic effect for each strain.

Thus, to fully appreciate the effects of cannabis, it is important to pay attention to the cannabinoid and terpene profile of each particular strain. Different combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes create unique effects that can range from sedative and relaxing to energizing and stimulating.

So why still use the indica, sativa and hybrids model instead of the cannabinoid and terpene model?

There's a big push in the cannabis industry to abandon the indica/sativa/hybrid classification system because it's not based on science - the terms are botanical names that refer to the structure of the plant, not the effects it produces.

However, much of the cannabis industry is still stuck categorizing varieties into indica and sativa for one main reason: it's easy. Give the consumer three options - right, left or middle - and you can easily explain the approximate effect the consumer will get from the product.

Both models have a right to life, and consumers of all levels can use both. For a simpler and more general way of choosing a cannabis strain and its effects, the indica/sativa/hybrid model may work for you. Once you're comfortable with cannabis, you can explore the nuances a bit more and learn about chemical profiles, cannabinoids, and terpenes.

Medical efficacy

The most important difference between these two subspecies of cannabis is in their medical effects and how they affect energy levels and productivity.

Modern cultivators medical cannabis purposefully breed and cultivate a wide range of strains of both indica, as well as sativa, to make available the right medicine for a particular patient, with a unique combination of disease, preferences and lifestyle. Patients often have work or family responsibilities that require a certain level of energy and cannot tolerate the sedative properties of many indica varieties. However, when choosing between chronic pain or the soothing effects of a strong indica strain, most patients will choose the latter.

The main conditions for which indica-dominant varieties help include fibromyalgia, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, all types of arthritis and epilepsy, to name a few. Indica also helps with the side effects of chemotherapy in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, cancer.

As for sativa, it is generally better suited for psychological disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Indica is often best for pain and inflammation and is thus useful for patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and cancer. In the end, each patient will favor a few varieties, which will likely fall into the sativa, hybrid, and indica categories.

Literature:

1. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid Entourage Effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. A thorough study of the interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids.

2. McPartland, J. M., & Russo, E. B. (2001). Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts: Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts?. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, 1(3-4), 103-132. A detailed study of cannabis and its extracts, including sativa and indica.

3. ElSohly, M. A., & Slade, D. (2005). Chemical constituents of marijuana: The complex mixture of natural cannabinoids. Life Sciences, 78(5), 539-548. A review presenting an extensive analysis of the chemical composition of marijuana.

4. Clarke, R. C., & Merlin, M. D. (2013). Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany. University of California Press. A review paper on the evolution and ethnobotany of cannabis.

5. Backes, M. (2014). Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana. Hachette, UK. A practical guide to medical cannabis, including sections on sativa and indica.

6. Pertwee, R. G. (2006). Cannabinoid pharmacology: The first 66 years. British Journal of Pharmacology, 147(S1). This review provides important insights into the pharmacology of cannabinoids.

7. Zuardi, A. W. (2006). History of cannabis as a medicine: A review. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 28(2), 153-157. An overview of the history of cannabis as medicine.

8. Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(3), 833. A review of cannabinoid receptor function and the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system.

FAQ

What's better sativa or indica?

In terms of difficulty of cultivation, indica is simpler, faster and easier. However, there are plenty of sativa hybrids on the market that are also easy to care for. In terms of effects, each variety is different, but there is a tendency. More indica in the genetics - the effect will be "stone". That is, relaxing and soothing. If there is more sativa in the genetics of the variety, the effect is likely to be tonic and inspiring.

How much sativa is weathered out of the body?

How long the effect lasts can be determined by the level of THC. The more THC in the plant, the more intense and longer the effect will be. On average, the duration varies from 2 to 4 hours. The effects of sativa are thought to be less long lasting. To some extent this is true, sativa has a lower percentage of THC on average compared to indica.

What is the effect of indica?

Indica is often associated with relaxation and reduced stress levels. Indica can also alleviate pain and promote sleep, so it is commonly used in the evening to aid in falling asleep, or for other medical purposes, such as in therapy for PTSD, or to reduce symptoms after chemotherapy.

Author: Dmitry Morgan