Choose Your Strain: Indica, Sativa or Hybrid
Original cannabis subspecies’ included Ruderalis, a smaller, lower-yielding crop still found throughout certain parts of Asia and Russia. While some say today’s medicinal patient may have a use for the autoflowering cannabis subspecies, due to its low maintenance and low yields, we will be exploring the two most-popular strains to arrive in North America. The two most popular and different types of cannabis strains are Sativa, Indica and their hybridization, hybrid, which doesn’t require ruderalis to hybritize.
While many assume a particular cannabis strain is categorized as either Indica, Sativa, or hybrid based on the presence or absence of a particular cannabinoid, or a cannabinoid in a particular volume, it’s actually the terpenes that determine the distinction between Indica, Sativa and hybrid.
Sativa, Indica and Hybrid
With so much information and terms about cannabis strains out there, and some form of legalized cannabis in most US states, it’s important to explore some distinctions between the different types of cannabis strains, Indica, Sativa and hybrid.
What is Sativa?
Sativa plants are known to stand taller and thinner compared to Indica plants and produce tighter leaves once in the growth cycle. In addition to what a cannabis plant looks like aesthetically, cannabis consumers generally understand a Sativa strain to be one that produces a more cerebral and energizing high, perhaps due to migrating from the warmer, brighter climates of Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
While people around the world continue to equate Sativa to “up” and “creative” we must also share with you that there is research to disprove this claim entirely. Because the endocannabinoid system is still being explored by scientists and researchers, it is important to remember that strain results can vary from person to person when consuming cannabis.
Banana Split is one of our favorite Sativa strains and boasts frosty, trichome-crusted buds with a sprinkling of bright orange hairs and a pleasant fruity aroma. Known for terpenes mercine and limonene, Banana Split is known to give your brain a boost! Slow and steady.
What is Indica?
If Sativa plants are taller and thinner, then Indica must be shorter and fuller, right? Right. Originating in dryer climates of the Middle East, Indica cannabis strains are cut from more outward-growing plants with fuller, greener leaves.
Said to produce relaxing and calming effects in consumers, researchers attribute physiological and psychological effects to the plant’s terpene profile more than a difference in strain.
Cyprus OG is definitely one of our go-to Indica cannabis strains. Named after the talented rap group, Cypress Hill, this strain has all of the flavor and smell you would expect from the godfathers of canna-rap! Loaded with a scent of loud pine and lemon, its effects are both sedative and enjoyable.
What is a Hybrid?
A hybrid cannabis strain is a cross between Indica and Sativa genetics and can inherit the features and structure of both species at different ratios. Cannabis breeders can breed two strains together to create a hybrid strain.
Quite simply, a hybrid is a blend bred to even out energizing and calming effects and often, for farmers to improve yields on strains.
A popular hybrid cannabis strain is Biscotti. A hybrid from the world-renowned Girl Scout Cookies cultivar, this hybrid cannabis strain pleases every sense; from its gorgeously dense nugs to its fruit-infused flavor, Biscotti is a go-to for cannabis connoisseurs.
Why Learn the Difference Between Cannabis Strains Indica, Sativa, Hybrid?
Due to sweeping legalization measures and being deemed an “essential business” during the COVID-19 crisis, cannabis seems to be one of, if not the plant of the decade! Americans in all but 3 states are now ordering or will soon be ordering and consuming some form of regulated cannabis. A plant criminalized for decades, US citizens are now googling different types of cannabis strains from most of the country.
Cannabis has seen a resurgence due to the now pretty undeniable, medicinal and recreational benefits of the plant. We hope to have helped educate you on one of the basics on your cannabis journey, learning the different types of cannabis strains: Indica, Sativa and hybrid.
Tahoe Harvest Collection is the best recreational and medical marijuana delivery service in North Lake Tahoe. Our team takes safety and health very seriously, enacting a strict eight-step procedure for every delivery. A premium cannabis dispensary service based in Truckee, California, THC is dedicated to providing top-of-the-line medical and recreational products to the people of North Lake Tahoe California, with delivery available to any residence, workplace, hotel, restaurant or any other private property.