One of the most common questions regarding weed is the differences between indica vs sativa. This question can take on many different forms coming from varying perspectives whether it is out of pure curiosity, asked by a user, or even a grower. By understanding their differences, you can find out which family of weed is the right choice for you. The following is a list of popular questions I have received over time or found others asking for answers regarding indica vs sativa.
- What are the Physical Differences Between Indica vs Sativa?
- What Kind of High is Produced by Use of Indica vs Sativa?
- What is Better for Treating (Insert Ailment Here), Indica or Sativa?
- What are the Best Strains of Indica and Sativa?
- Is Kush an Indica or Sativa?
- What Strains are Easier to Grow, Indica vs Sativa? Which Takes Longer to Grow?
What are the Physical Differences Between Indica vs Sativa?
The best way to tell if a marijuana plant is indica vs sativa is to look at the plant itself. Sativas will tend to be taller, stalkier while indicas will tend to be shorter and bushier. Even more evident is the shape of the plant’s leaves; indicas have stubby fat leaves whereas sativas have narrower, finger-like leaves.
When it comes to identifying an indica vs sativa by its dried and cured bud, there is really no surefire way to identify until it is used. Indica buds do tend to be denser and darker, and sativas are usually lighter and more airy; however, this is not by any stretch an ironclad method of identifying what family the bud actually is. The only way to tell at that point would be through usage and discovering what the effects of the weed are on the individual using.
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What Kind of High is Produced by Use of Indica vs Sativa?
This is one of those questions that will vary based on the user, but using each one does have certain tendencies.
Indica – Indica use creates a “couch potato” body high. This kind of high numbs the body down and helps give an overall sense of relaxation. Many users will use indica right before they plan to go to sleep because it is such a relaxing feeling. Be wary though, it can also induce lethargy and make intricate motor skills difficult and sometimes impossible. No one should ever drive while under the effects of weed.
Sativa – Sativa use produces a “heady” high, which often results in a much more energetic, creative feeling. Sativa strains are often used in conjunction with creative endeavors such as writing, painting, and brainstorming new ideas. Sativa use is also much more likely to spur states of anxiety or paranoia especially if those are feelings regularly felt outside of being high.
What is Better for Treating (Insert Ailment Here), Indica or Sativa?
Firstly, you should always speak to a doctor or health professional before deciding if the effects of weed are appropriate in treating your specific disease. That being said, when looking at indica vs sativa from a medicinal perspective, these are some key similarities as well as differences.
One of the most well known similarities between the indica and sativa strains is their nausea relief. It is very popular for use by people who suffer from AIDS or are currently going through chemotherapy and suffer from severe bouts of nausea related to their disease or treatment. Increased appetite is another popular benefit to people like this who are extremely ill, but they have a hard time eating or keeping food down. When an individual is suffering from disease, it is especially important that their body receives the proper nourishment. Having an appetite can be the difference between recovery and persistent sickness.
Noteworthy differences between indica and sativa are their abilities to relieve pain and insomnia. While both strains can achieve these effects, indicas are much more renowned for their potency as an analgesic (pain reliever) and ability to induce relaxation and sleep. If you are suffering from chronic pain from afflictions such as with Multiple Sclerosis or fibromyalgia, indicas will most likely be more effective at reducing pain levels. If you are suffering from persistent sleepless nights, then indica strains are most likely going to be your best bet. Under indica's effects, users will definitely feel drowsy and tired, which for someone who can't bring themselves to rest can be a real blessing.
Sativa represents a medicinal option with varying degrees of the previous benefits outlined, but with the added bonus that it can leave you functioning for the most part. In some regards, users will be more alert and aware such as in their ability to create and think outside the box. It is appropriate to think of sativa as more of a daytime medicine while indica is rightly thought of as a night time remedy.
What are the Best Strains of Indica and Sativa?
Best is certainly a relative term, and one thing I try to be very clear on when it comes to the effects of weed is that the individual reactions in people are going to be just as diverse as the number of strains. Some people may get a much more enjoyable effect from one strain than others, while they may not like their body's reaction to a popular strain. However, these are some high-demand, well-known strains of indica and sativa.
| Sativa Train Wreck Jack Herer Blue Dreams Maui Wowie* Pineapple Express* | Indica Kush White Widow* Purple Urkle Big Bud* Green Crack |
Is Kush an Indica or Sativa?
The simple answer is it is indica dominant, but you will find many Kush strains are just as much a sativa as indica, in other words a hybrid strain. I usually wouldn’t take the time to answer what each individual strain is identified as because there are new marijuana strains conceived daily, but this specific question is one I get a lot.
Which Strains are Easier to Grow, Indica vs Sativa? Which Takes Longer to Grow?
For anyone looking for the convenience of always having easy access to the effects of weed, growing is certainly a cost-effective option. Growing can have a relatively high startup cost, but, with success and determination, can pay for itself in just your first harvest.
That being said, many people ask me what is easier to grow, indica vs sativa. The answer is pretty straightforward, and their methods are relatively the same. Because they are both part of the cannabis family, all different strains need a lot of the same basics: an abundance of great lighting (do NOT skimp on lighting), plenty of nutrients, a PH-balanced environment, clean water source, and warm, toasty temperatures. In my experience, there is little variation, if any, between growing indica vs sativa.
The one major difference is in grow times between indica and sativa. Indicas have a much shorter flowering stage (the stage where buds and trichomes are formed) than sativas do. Indica flowering stage is typically between 8-10 weeks long whereas sativa flowering can be as long as 14-15 weeks. These numbers are also variable based on how much stress your plant is subject to over that period as well as the conditions of its environment.
