INDICA VS SATIVA FLOWER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Generally speaking, there are two types of weed: indica and sativa. These types originated in slightly different places, and come with differences in how they look, taste, and affect the user. When you’re getting into smoking, you might be asked which you prefer. To an inexperienced smoker, this question can be confusing and overwhelming. Here, we’ll address the differences between the two types of cannabis to help you better navigate all of FireHaus’ options.
FLOWER MORPHOLOGY
Simply inspecting a plant’s appearance can tell you a lot about it. Light green sativa plants typically have longer, thinner leaves, while dark green indica has short, wide leaves. Similarly, sativa has airy, tall buds that are more elongated in shape. Indica is known for its dense, plump buds which may appear purple-tinted.
TASTE
Even when inhaled, cannabis tends to leave a flavor in the mouth. Sativa has a sweeter, spicier undertone to it, but may be described as being grassy. Indica is usually muskier, and may smell like pine, earth, or skunk.
CHEMICAL CONTENTS
The plants differ in their relative concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Sativa has a much higher THC level and relatively low CBD levels. Indica has a higher level of THC than it does CBD, but the two are closer to equal. Therefore, indica strains are much higher in CBD than sativa strains.
MENTAL EFFECTS
You should choose your strain depending on how you hope to feel, as both strains tend to result in different mental states. Sativa is stimulating. It tends to cause alertness and energy. Users have reported that it is uplifting, and improves their focus. Indica generally has the opposite effect. It’s known for being sedating, resulting in a calm and relaxed attitude.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS
In addition to the mental state they cause, each strain has physical aspects to match. Sativa, which is stimulating, causes a head high. Smoking sativa makes users feel spacey and even hallucinogenic. For those who smoke indica, a body high is more common. This type of buzz can result in “couch lock.” Couch lock is where the physical sedation makes your limbs feel heavy and your head feel fuzzy, and users feel as if they’ve melted into and are glued to their seats.
OVERALL SMOKING RESULT
The combinations of each strain’s physical and mental effects make them ideal for different things. Sativa is known for its stimulation of creativity. Because of its upbeat nature, it tends to reduce the symptoms and effects of depression, ADD, mood disorders, and nausea. Indica’s relaxing effects make it good for reducing stress, anxiety, pain, aches, and insomnia. It is often used to aid those afflicted by spasms and seizures, as it reduces their prevalence. Both strains affect appetite, although sativa can be said to merely increase it while indica heavily stimulates it.
TIMING
In general, sativa is used during the daytime because it causes feelings of sociability and euphoria. Indica is used at night to soothe, calm, and work as a sleep aid. With that said, these are just general rules! Smokers tend to try out both and figure out what works best for them, and when.
STRAINS
There are infinite types of each strand. Some sativa strains you might be most familiar with are Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Lemon Haze. Popular indica strains include Granddaddy Purple, Grape Ape, and Northern Lights. At FireHaus, we offer both. And if you think that both sound beneficial to you, it might be time to consider an Indica/Sativa cross that combines the effects!
