Indica v. Sativa: Explaining the Difference [Powered by Weedy]

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So you’re in the market for some cannabis. Which type should you buy? There are countless strains available (your local dispensary probably carries at least a dozen), and the selection can be overwhelming. With names like G13, Purple Haze, Bubble Gum, and Bruce Banner, very few of which give a clear idea of what to expect, a little knowledge goes a long way.

Let’s start with the basics:

Note: Your local dispensary will be able to help you find the right strain for your needs. You can also use a strain finder, such as https://weedy.com/strains to view all of the properties of a respective strain.

Indica vs. Sativa

Indica and Sativa are the two main species of cannabis. These can be thought of as two different plants. In fact, popular strain-types like Kush and Haze are simply a subset of the indica and sativa families. Odds are that your dispensary will have their selection categorized by “Indica,” “Sativa,” and “Hybrid” (combination of the two). The differences start with appearance; sativa has thinner leaves, while indica has thicker leaves. The sativa plant is also much taller than its indica counterpart. Indica is the optimal choice for indoor growing as sativa plants can grow to be 20 feet in height.

For many medical and recreational users, though, the most important difference lies in the different effects felt once administered.

Sativa strains (Bruce Banner, Purple Haze, the “Diesel” family) are known for their “uplifting,” cerebral, and euphoric effects. Medically, they are recommended for:

Stress

Depression

Moderate pain

Indica strains, meanwhile, are appreciated for their relaxing and pain-relieving body effects. These strains (G13, Bubblegum, and the “Kush” family) are recommended for:

Stress

Pain

Insomnia

What’s the right choice for you? This is something to discuss with your doctor and/or the staff at your local dispensary. Most dispensaries have a very knowledgeable staff that will be able to recommend the optimal marijuana strain based off of your medical condition. Many people will try different strains until they find one that works best for their disease or condition.