Sativa Vs. Indica Vs. Hybrid: Cannabis 101

Approximately 55 million adult Americans tried marijuana at least once in the previous year. It’s interesting to note that about 35 million of them identify as "active users." One who uses cannabis at least once a month. 

But, as interesting as those statistics might sound, a lot of users and intending users still find it difficult to pinpoint a strain that would give them the effect they desire. Many people utilize it for a wide range of medicinal and non-medical purposes. 

Naturally, cannabis strains offer different effects to users. Having a good knowledge of each strain is as important as knowing a medication dosage. When hunting for the ideal strain, many individuals are unsure of the distinctions between Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains. 

In this article, you will get to find out the strain that gives the “high effect.” You will learn about the three major strains and their differences. Also, things to consider before choosing a strain. 

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Sativa strain is most likely to make you high due to its high content of THC. THC is responsible for the “psychoactive effect.” The CBD (cannabidiol) content for the Indica strain is greater than the THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) content. While the THC content of the Sativa strain is greater than that of CBD. As a result, the CBD component of any strain is what gives cannabis its therapeutic properties.

However, the psychoactive properties of the THC component are what provides the "high" experience. Depending on the CBD and THC content of the strain you pick, hybrids will have varying psychoactive and therapeutic properties.

Sativa strains have slender, finger-like leaflets and are tall and thin. They take longer to develop than some other varieties of cannabis and can reach heights of more than 12 feet. Sativa often has greater levels of THC and lesser levels of CBD. 

• Mood Alleviation
• For headache and pain relief
• Boost appetite and
• To enhance concentration.

Sativa frequently has an invigorating, anxiety-relieving effect known as a "mind high." Sativa-dominant strains may make you feel creative and productive rather than rested and drowsy. 

• THC in particular is more potent when consumed because it transforms into 11-hydroxy-THC, which has higher euphoric effects that can linger for hours or even days in some people.

• Sativa strain that contains high THC levels may cause cottonmouth, often known as dry mouth. It happens when the cannabis hits salivary sensors, decelerating saliva production.

The three Sativa strains Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, and Durban Poison are widely used.

Some additional Sativa varieties are:

• The Green Crack 
• Super Silver Haze

The short, stocky Indica strains have thick, broad leaves that are covered in lush foliage. They generate more buds per plant, and they expand more rapidly than Sativa. While the CBD concentration in Indica strains is frequently higher, the THC amount isn't necessarily lower.

• Indica strains ease bodily pain; especially pains related to muscles
• Reduction of  nausea
• Boost sleep
• Reduction of anxiety.

Indica is valued for its highly calming properties. Additionally, it could lessen pain and nausea while boosting appetite. Additionally, there are claims that Indica can assist with relaxing and stopping sleeplessness.

• An Indica strain may cause you to become clumsier than normal or have difficulty performing dexterous jobs when you're high.
• It can affect the parts of the brain that are responsible for taste and smell. Food tastes much better when you're high, and once you start eating, it might be difficult to quit.

Afghan Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Hindu Kush are three well-liked Indica strains. Other varieties include:

• Bubba Kush
• Northern Lights

Usually, Sativa and Indica strains are combined to create hybrids, which are then produced on farms or in greenhouses. The mix of the parent plants determines how a hybrid strain will look. 

• Alleviate mood
• Boost euphoria 
• Energize and calm mood

There are several reasons why people could adopt hybrid strains. Whether they are more Indica or Sativa depends on the desired effect. 

They can include everything from alleviating anxiety and stress to easing radiation or chemotherapy side effects. Depending on the hybrid you consume and the effects its parent strains generate, common effects include feeling joyful, euphoric, uplifted, energized, and relaxed.

A hybrid strain's effects might resemble both Sativa and Indica strains, which makes sense given that it is a cross between the two.

Hybrid strain's side-effects can include a spike in energy, accompanied by a sensation of exhaustion, exhilaration, and momentary happiness.

Hybrid strains are often categorized as balanced, sativa-dominant, or indica-dominant. Pineapple Express, Trainwreck, and Blue Dream are a few well-known hybrid strains. 

Sativa

Cannabis sativa is mainly found in regions with hot, dry weather and lengthy sunny days. Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Western Asia are among these.

Indica

Indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have evolved to withstand the Hindu Kush mountains' frequently harsh, arid, and erratic environment.

Hybrid

In greenhouses or on farms, hybrids are often produced by crossing Sativa and Indica strains. Breeders have taken use of cannabis' variety more than ever in the past six decades by fusing strains from all over the world.

The effects of each include:

Sativa

Sativas are well known for their energy and increased productivity effects. They're excellent for exercising, going on hikes, doing tasks, cleaning, and everything else that calls for concentration.

Indica

Indicas are calming and comforting, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day while enjoying a movie or some music, napping, or simply staring at the wall.

Hybrid

The effects of hybrid strains combine those of Indica and Sativa varieties.

Sativa Medical Uses Include:

• Used for painkillers
• Can be used to control nausea and vomiting
• Also can be used to improve appetite. 

Indicas for Medical Purposes Include:

• Used to stimulate appetite
• Can help to relax the muscles in case of cramps
• Also can be used to treat insomnia. 

Hybrid

• Hybrid strains like Pineapple Express may aid in relieving nausea without making the user feel drowsy or lethargic.
• A hybrid like White Widow, which is equally split between Sativa and Indica, is made to reduce pain while also improving mood.

Choosing the right strain has a great outcome on how your body would react to the effects of these strains. You might want to sit and read this. 

It is better to start out gently and stick to cannabis strains with minimal THC content or CBD-only varieties. Going slowly into something new is preferable to going all out. In other words, practice a small dose until you feel comfortable doing so. At first, focus on little single hits.

When evaluating what may impact your high, dosing might be the most crucial aspect to consider. If you do less of it, you could think you shouldn't have bothered; if you do too much, you might find yourself slumped on the sofa, hoping for the euphoria to wear off. Consider using tiny dosages of a low-THC strain if you have a poor tolerance.

There is no assurance that a certain strain will have a particular effect because each person responds to cannabis in a different way. You can, however, experiment with strains that have terpene and cannabinoid profiles that are likely to have the desired effect. For instance, it makes sense to choose a substance with a higher THC content if you want to feel euphoric. Try a strain that contains linalool, a terpene thought to have stress-relieving qualities, if you were searching for a more calming experience.

It's challenging to predict how much a variety would influence individuals since everyone's body chemistry is unique. Even if you use cannabis as often as others, your systems may still respond to it very uniquely. You might only need one or two puffs, while the guy next to you in a club might be capable of burning down the entire joint.

How you use marijuana will however alter how a strain makes you feel. A single vape puff is typically believed to be milder and to have lower effects than one joint puff. Dabs usually aren't for novices because they have a quick, large influence. Try edibles if you seek lengthy impacts, but begin small and progress slowly.

The three major cannabis strains are there for you to explore. The Indica strain gets you the soft feeling, if you are looking to get super active, the Sativa strain is your ideal strain, but if you want to get the feel of both strains, give the hybrid strain a shot. Their benefits are numerous, from the therapeutic effects to the mood boost. 

The list is endless. While you explore the benefits, you might want to keep in mind the best strain for you. However, if you’re looking for cannabis alternatives to the ones listed, why not check out our range of products at Batch.

We have a range of gummies, oils, and even topical CBD products depending on your preference. And, for additional information on CBD offerings, check out our BATCH Blog.