What are the differences between Indica and Sativa marijuana plants?
For decades, cannabis users and botanical experts have distinguished between two main modalities of the cannabis plant: cannabis sativa y cannabis indicaWithout needing to be an expert on the subject, any user or anyone who has listened to someone talking about cannabis will have realized that this is one of the most popular and most popular key differences to consider before growing or consuming marijuana.
Sativa Variety
Geographical origin of Sativa and Indica: adaptation to the environment
The differences between sativa and indica are not casual, but are the result of a botanical evolution adapted to the climate of each region where they have developed.
The most pure varieties sativas come mainly from equatorial and tropical zones.. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Jamaica, Colombia or Mexico, are places where their autochthonous varieties are purely sativa. In these places, sunlight is abundant and constant throughout the year, the temperature is usually high and the environment contains high humidity. These conditions favored its development as a tall plant resistant to heat and humidity.
Indica cannabis strains, on the other hand, originate from mountainous regions.. There, the climate is much colder and drier, which resulted in plants that are more robust, compact and tolerant to adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain and frost.
Morphology: how they look and grow
The fact that pure indica or sativa strains have developed in such geographically disparate locations has radically affected their appearance and morphology and obviously their growing and development cycles.
Pure sativa varieties are much taller and spikier plants.It can easily exceed 2 or 3 meters in height. Its leaves are much thinner and elongated, with much narrower leaflets. Also, and since they develop in places with few changes of photoperiod, its maturation is much slower, and can take up to 4 months to finish its flowering.
Indica Variety
Indica varieties, on the other hand, have a much smaller and more compact morphology.. They tend to grow more bushy, branching in width, and not so much in height. The morphology of their leaves is wider and with larger leaflets. Its maturation is faster, usually finishing in just two months.
It should also be noted that in places where sativa varieties have been developed, it is possible to develop up to two annual growing cycles. On the other hand, in the places where the indica varieties are developed, the months in which they can be cultivated are fewer, due to the harsher winters.
Effects of Sativas and Indicas: how they affect body and mind
Although the effects may vary depending on the cannabinoid and terpene profile of each strain, there are general trends depending on whether the strains are indica or sativa.
- Sativas: more stimulating, energizing and cerebral effects. They increase creativity, trigger sensory perception and promote concentration. Ideal for listening to music or creative work.
- Indicas: more relaxing, sedative, less cerebral and more corporal effects. They are used to rest, relieve pain and reduce stress.
For these reasons it is very important to know what effects we are looking for and what is our physical state and mood before consuming one type of cannabis or another.
Chemical profile: THC, CBD and terpenes
Sativa strains tend to have a higher content of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound. Indicas, on the other hand, tend to contain more CBD (cannabidiol), which modulates the effects of THC and provides therapeutic properties.
The terpenes also have an influence:
- Limonene (more common in sativas): energizing effects.
- Myrcene (more common in indicas): relaxing and sedative effects.
Conclusion
Although the distinction between Cannabis sativa e indica is still useful, modern research points to the fact that the complete chemical profiles (cannabinoids + terpenes) are more determinant in the effects than the traditional classification. Even so, understanding their morphological differences, effects and uses is fundamental for a responsible and informed consumption.
At present, most strains available on the market are hybrids, genetic combinations of indica and sativa.. These strains seek the best of both worlds: balance between relaxation and activity, or customized effects according to the consumer's needs.
With all this information you already have the necessary tools to choose well what you like or need for your crop and to enjoy and get the most out of your plants. In World Breeders we offer you a wide range of both worldsYou can choose between pure sativa or indica varieties and even hybrids that will offer you the best of each one.
By Joseba Del Valle.
