The Cannabis plant has two strains, namely Sativa and Indica which has several therapeutic purposes and is useful as a medicinal herb.
While Sativa has its benchmark in providing relief from conditions like anxiety and stress, Indicas are quite relevant in providing full-body effects like increasing the deep relaxation and decreasing insomnia or lack of sleep.
However, the effects you will experience on its consumption does not indicate what benefits it will provide to you.
In this article, we are going to give a brief account on the Indica vs Sativa: Difference between the two Cannabis plants with their side effects, analysis and more.
How to Understand the Effects of Cannabis Strains?
While it is quite clear that the Sativas provide an energizing effect on a person and Indicas provide a more calming effect on a person’s mind, there are other factors that are pretty important to understand its effect.
These are the growing technique and chemical composition of the plant. There are many instances where the types of plants are broken into a particular breed or strain and these strain are then distinguished accordingly by there terpenes and cannabinoid content.
Thus, these compounds can help to know the effects of the strain efficiently.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds that are present in Cannabis plants.
Although more researches need to be conducted, scientists have identified its two main types namely Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and cannabidiol or CBD.
Apart from these two, there are several other lesser-known compounds as well. Here we have listed some of the Cannabinoids in detail:
THC:
THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most evident psychoactive compound present in the cannabis plant and is responsible for making a person high.
The amount of THC is increasing as the growers are creating hybrids with a significant concentration of CBD.
CBD:
This compound present in the cannabis plant does not have any psychoactive effect on a person and thus provide physical benefits to the human body by providing aid in reducing pain, preventing seizures, nausea and easing symptoms of migraines.
CBN:
Another compound called cannabinoil is used to ease the symptoms as well as side effects of certain neurological conditions like epilepsy., seizures as well as stiff muscles.
THCA:
THCA or Tetrahydrocannabinol acid is the same as THC. However, the difference lies within its nonpsychoactive effect on the human body.
Unlike THC, THCA does not have any psychoactive effect on the human body and helps in reducing inflammation due to medical conditions like arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Also, it can lessen symptoms of other neurological conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s Disease.
CBG:
Cannabigerol or CBG is a compound present in a cannabis plant that is helpful in reducing anxiety and symptoms of other disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Terpenes
Although, both THC and CBD are given more preference when it comes to identifying its effects, recent researches show that terpenes may just be as impactful as them.
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that affect the plant’s smell and influence the effect produced by certain specific cannabis strains.
Some of the common terpenes are listed below:
- Bisabolol
- Caryophyllene
- Linalool
- Myrcene
- Ocimene
- Pinene
- Terpinolene
- Limonene
- Humulene
- Eucalyptol
Sativa VS Indica: In-Depth Analysis
These two strains of Cannabis plant are quite famous and has a different source of origin, plant description, CBD and THC composition, effects, uses as well as popular strains. Thus, we will discuss the strains and the difference between them in detail.
Sativa: A Brief Discussion
In this section of the article, we are going to learn about the Sativa strain of the cannabis plant. We will discuss its origin, description, CBD to THC Ratio, Common effects, use as well as popular strains in brief.
Source of Origin
The Sativa strain of Cannabis or the plant Cannabis sativa is basically found in a hot and dry climate and where the days are pretty long and sunny. The areas which involve the growth of the Sativa plant are Central America, Western and Southeastern Asia, as well as Africa.
Description
Cannabis sativa is tall and thin and contains finger-like leaves and has the potency to grow taller than a height of 12 feet. Apart from that, the time taken by them to mature is greater than other types of cannabis.
CBD to THC Ratio
The CBD content in Sativa plant is in lower doses while the THC content in it is comparatively higher.
Associated Effects
The Sativa plant usually helps in providing an energizing and anxiety-reducing effect on the human body. It often produces a “mind high” effect that helps in providing a productive and creative effect on the body. Thus, its use can provide you with energy to complete your task efficiently.
Daytime or Nighttime use
Cannabis sativa plant can be used in the daytime as it has a stimulating impact on the human body.
Popular Strains
Here are three popular strains of the cannabis Sativa plant namely Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, and Durban Poison.
Indica: A Brief Discussion
Another very popular strain of the cannabis plant is Cannabis Indica. Therefore, in this section we are going to give a brief analysis of the origin, plant description, CBD to THC ratio, effects, use and popular strains of Cannabis indica plant.
Source of Origin
Cannabis indica is a type of cannabis plant that is found in native places of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India as well as Turkey. These plants are mostly adapted to dry, harsh, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush Mountains and are mostly found in such areas.
Description
These plants are short, stocky and have bushy greenery with leaves chunky, broader and wider in appearance. Each of these plants produces more buds and has the tendency to grow faster than the cannabis Sativa plant.
CBD to THC Ratio
In Cannabis indica plant, the amount of CBD present is higher in amount while the THC is lesser in amount.
Associated Effects
Cannabis sativa plant is famous for providing an intense and relaxing effect on the human body. It is also very effective in reducing nausea, pain and increasing the appetite.
Daytime or nighttime use
As it has a deeply relaxing effect, it is very effective if consumed at night.
Popular Strains:
Indica strain of cannabis plant involves three plants namely the Hindu Kush, Afghan Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.
Side Effects of Cannabis
Although, cannabis is full of outstanding benefits and provides aid in various ailments, there are certain potential side effects that may trigger on its consumption. Here, we have listed some of them below:
- Increased Thirst or Dry Mouth
- Dry eyes
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
- Anxiety disorders
- Paranoia
- Lethargy
- Increase in heart rate
- A decrease in blood pressure
These side effects are associated with THC consumption and not with CBD. In addition to what mentioned, smoking or vaping cannabis can irritate the lungs and deteriorate the health of your respiratory tract.
Conclusion
Summing up, we can say that both Cannabis sativa, as well as Cannabis indica, are pretty useful strains of cannabis and is different with respect to its CBD and THC content. Moreover, they also differ in their origin, plant description, the associated effects, and other conditions.
Also, cannabis has certain side effects associated with its use. These side effects are considered to be mild and slow in effect.
However, people with respiratory issues, lactating and pregnant ladies. People who are allergic to cannabis are advised not to consume cannabis in any form.