Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, and CBD
Posted on Nov 17th, 2020 | Tags: cannabis 101, cannabis education, and marijuana | Categories: cannabis, cannabis101, marijuana, and medical marijuana
Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, and CBD
Cannabis strains are derived from the Cannabaceae plant family. Most cannabis cultivators will agree that Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are the two main subspecies of cannabis plants. When looking at the flower on our daily product menu, you’ll see the terms “Indica,” “Sativa,” or “CBD” in each flower description, signaling whether that strain has properties that are more “indica-like,” “sativa-like,” or are rich in CBD.
Each of these strains has certain effects and characteristics, and it’s important for consumers to choose flower strains that are best suited for their particular symptoms for medical use and for their desired effect for adult use.
It’s important to note that the terms “indica” and “sativa” were historically meant to describe a plant’s lineage and its leaf shape and size. The terms were created by botanists to classify the different types of Cannabaceae plants and did not take into account the plants’ effects on the human body. It wasn’t until modern cannabis cultivators began using these classifications that the pharmacological effects became synonymous with the strain.
All modern cultivars are technically hybrids, but what you’ll typically see classified as hybrids on today’s dispensary menus (including Triple M Plymouth and Triple M Mashpee menus) are the intentional crossbreeds of indicas and sativas, designed with specific qualities and effects in mind.
What are the main Cannabis Strains?
Sativa: Sativa strains of cannabis are naturally occurring in warm, tropical areas of the world including Southeast Asia and Africa. They are reported to stimulate brain activity, enhance mood, increase alertness and focus, and increase creativity. Sativa strains are often preferred for daytime use. Medically, sativa strains have been reported to combat pain, inflammation, nausea, and depression.
Indica: Indica strains are naturally occurring in colder mountainous climates. Indica strains are reported to have relaxing effects and drowsiness, making them preferred for nighttime use as a sleep aid. Indica strains are commonly used to relax muscles and to combat pain, inflammation, spasms, anxiety, and insomnia.
Hybrid: Hybrid strains are a result of cross-breeding strains; most commercial strains are hybrids and contain varying levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Hybrid strains can be “sativa-dominant” or “indica-dominant,” meaning they lean more towards one or the other due to their genetic history and/or effects.
CBD: While CBD is not a separate variety of cannabis plant, Cannabidiol (CBD) strains are specifically bred for CBD content. These strains can contain both THC and CBD, or they can be entirely CBD. CBD is nonintoxicating and is reported to have relaxing effects for both the mind and body. However, when combined with THC (like in our 1:1 edibles, for example), it can have a psychoactive impact.
What are the effects of each cannabis strain?
Sativa:
- Head high
- Alertness
- Increased Energy
- Uplifting
- Euphoric
- Creativity
Indica:
- Body high
- Relaxation
- Sleep Aid
- Pain Relief
- Appetite Stimulator
How do I know what strain to choose?
Always consult with your doctor before trying cannabis for medical purposes. Each strain has specific properties that may produce your desired effect, and we recommend a “Start low and go slow” approach when trying cannabis.
Additionally, the effects you feel from cannabis come from a specific set of compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) interacting with your endocannabinoid system. Understanding how cannabinoids and terpenes work together and the effects that various compound combinations have is key to finding the right cannabis strain to meet your needs.
As you look at our Triple M product menus, for example, we categorize products based on those “indica-like” or “sativa-like” effects, based on the actual cannabinoid profiles and terpene profiles of each flower.
Overall, if you’re searching for a more uplifting euphoric effect, we recommend sativa-leaning strains. If you’re looking for a more relaxed high, choose indica-leaning strains.
How do I use cannabis flower?
Cannabis flower is commonly consumed via inhalation via smoking or vaporization. There are many different ways to smoke or vaporize flower for consumption. Some of the more common delivery methods for smoking cannabis are:
- Hand pipes (often called bowls)
- Water pipes (otherwise called bongs or bubblers)
- Vaporizers
- Rolling papers (often called prerolls or joints).
When cannabis is inhaled into the lungs, the cannabinoids are soon absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The effects of inhaled cannabis can be felt within about five minutes, and can last between 1-4 hours. For new users, we recommend taking one puff and seeing how you feel after about twenty minutes before trying another.
Remember, strains vary quite a bit, even within the same strain family
Ultimately, knowing the difference between “indica-like” or “sativa-like” effects is a helpful starting point in choosing which products to use. However, once you start really understanding how terpenes play into the overall effect of cannabis flower, you’ll begin to notice that choosing flower makeup based on cannabinoid and terpene profiles can provide much more assurance in finding your desired effect.
Our dispensary agents are here to answer all your cannabis questions. Stop by our Plymouth Medical Dispensary, our Mashpee Medical Dispensary, or our Plymouth Adult Use Dispensary and ask away!