IT may not be as easy as you think to identify the differences when assessing indica vs. sativa plants in the world of cannabis.
About 12% of American adults smoke marijuana and hear a lot about the indica vs. sativa debate We are seeing the amount of users of this amazing plant increase, and the debate increases as well. The amount of smokers are increasing as more states legalize it for medical or recreational purposes. Are you thinking about purchasing cannabis products for the first time? It’s a lot more complicated than you think it is.
In fact, when it comes to cannabis plants, there are two different strains: Indica and Sativa. Understanding the difference between the two will make shopping for cannabis products much easier. Keep reading below to learn the difference between Indica vs. Sativa plants, how they affect users, hybrid products, and how cannabinoids are the building blocks.
People who aren’t part of the cannabis community don’t know that there are two different types of plants: Indica and Sativa. These two types of hemp flowers not only look different but they’re used in various ways. Sativas are grown in warmer temperatures closer to the equator. Indicas, on the other hand, do better in colder climates.
Sativas also take longer to develop before being harvested. This is because they have less chlorophyll. It’s easy to tell these two plants apart once they grow. Sativas are tall and skinny, while Indicas are short and bushy. Even the buds differ. Sativas are stickier and Indicas are denser.
Wondering about the difference between Sativa vs. Indica leaves? Indica leaves are typically broader than Sativas. These characteristics are important to understand as you go shopping for cannabis. Understanding both plants can help you know what you’re purchasing.
Sativa cannabis, for instance, has a sweet or fruity scent. Indica Strains have that stereotypical “skunky” smell people use to describe marijuana.
Now that you understand the physical characteristics of these two plants, let’s examine the Indica vs Sativa high. Their effects on users are different. You should have an idea of what kind of a feeling you’re looking for when shopping for one of these plants. In general terms, the Indica plant is a sedative. It’s perfect for people trying to relax or fall asleep. Sativa provides users a boost of energy, which works for athletes or creative personalities.
It turns out that the way both of these plants grows affects the amount of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These are two of many cannabinoids or chemicals found in cannabis. You may have heard of CBD on the news. Many people are using it as a supplement to help with pain or anxiety, although more research is being done before it can officially be recognized as a medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
THC is the psychoactive substance in marijuana. When you hear someone talk about hemp products, they typically mean cannabis with only a small percent of THC. Interestingly, being taller and growing in warmer climates, Sativa contains more THC. Indicas grow in harsher environments and therefore contain more CBD and less of the psychoactive substance.
The amount of THC in both types of cannabis plants can range between 8% and 22%. As a consumer, you should decide what you’re looking for ahead of time. Communicate to the dispensary whether you’re seeking a high or the health benefits of the plant. They will recommend the right product with the ideal amount of CBD or THC.
Advances in technology have helped the marijuana industry to begin offering hybrids of the Indica and Sativa strains. In some cases, customers prefer a hybrid version of marijuana because it’s the best of both worlds. Hybrid products are made by cross-breeding the two strains. Science has made this process easier to do, but remember that traits will often develop naturally beyond their control. Growers can’t predict 100% how the two strains will manifest in a hybrid product.
If you want to know exactly what you’re getting from a hybrid, you should check out the lab reports. Third-party, independent tests are often done by reputable suppliers. The results should be a list of all chemicals present in the plant, including a percentage of CBD and THC.
You should make a habit of asking for the lab results even if you aren’t buying a hybrid. Remember, you didn’t grow the plant yourself. You won’t know what’s been done to it. A chemical composition report will point out if herbicides or other potentially dangerous toxins were sprayed on the plant.
We’ve mentioned cannabinoids a few times in this article, but now we’ll explain what they are so you’re informed. Cannabinoids are chemical substances found in the cannabis plant. There about 540 of these substances. CBD and THC are two well-known cannabinoids. More research is being done by the FDA and other researchers to determine if cannabinoids help treat certain medical conditions.
They each have different reactions in the body and respond differently if mixed with others. An example of this is the “entourage effect” in CBD with THC. Users claim the product works better with all of the natural chemicals working together.
Some evidence suggests cannabinoids could be an option for patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, or extreme forms of epilepsy. The FDA approved its first medication containing CBD in 2018 for childhood seizures. From a legal perspective, CBD was made legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. THC is illegal unless a state allows medical marijuana or recreational marijuana. Only 11 states allow recreational marijuana.
Now that you understand the difference between Indica vs. Sativa, are you ready to start shopping for premium, high-quality hemp? Remember to do plenty of research before buying any cannabis products and understand what you’re ordering. The last thing you want is to order something to help you sleep, but have it give you a boost of energy.
Colorado Breeders Depot is a wholesale CBD and CBG company. We offer hemp seeds, flowers, and professional consultations for consumers and farmers. And we can help with the information about indica vs- sativa as you move forward in your journey.
We produce all of the seeds we sell and we specialize in wholesale orders. Browse our inventory of CBD and CBG seeds, and please contact us with any specific questions.
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