Indica VS Sativa VS Hybrid: How to Choose the Best Strain
Did you know that about 55 million American adults used cannabis at least once in the last year? Of those, about 35 million adults describe themselves as “active users.” An “active user” means they use cannabis at least once a month. Recent studies show there are almost as many marijuana smokers in the United States right now as cigarette smokers. People use it for a variety of reasons, both medical and personal. Many people aren’t sure of the differences between Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strains when looking for the best strain.
Continue reading to learn what each of these strains is used for and how you can choose the best one for you.
Sativa Strains
Sativa cannabis strains grow best in the warmer parts of the world and do well with high humidity levels. Some of the common locations you’ll find Sativa strains grown include Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Physically speaking, Sativa strains are tall, slender plants that feature skinny leaves. The leaves are generally light green.
Sativa effects tend to be centered around the mind, which is why people say it offers a “head high.” People find smoking Sativa makes them feel more energized and better focused. These effects make Sativa strains best for daytime use, because using them at night may cause insomnia.
Why Do People Commonly Use Sativa?
There are many reasons people use Sativa cannabis strains. Some simply prefer the head high to the “body high” dominating Indica strains. Other common reasons you may choose a Sativa strain include:
- Help ease depression symptoms
- Ease headaches
- Decrease nausea
- Help combat appetite loss
- Generally, focus better
The reason Sativa is thought to assist with these issues is these strains contain high amounts of THC and low amounts of CBD.
Popular Sativa Cannabis Strains
There are dozens (if not hundreds) of Sativa cannabis strains available. A few of the most popular strains include:
- Acapulco Gold
- Panama Red
- Durban Poison
- Sour Diesel
- Green Crack
- Jack Herer
- Lemon Haze
- Super Silver Haze
Certain strains may be more prevalent in specific areas. Often, the availability of a strain will affect its popularity.
Indica Strains
Indica cannabis plants are typically grown in the harsh, dry climates of the Middle East. Physically, the plants are short and bushy with broad, dark green leaves. The buds themselves tend to be a lot denser in Indica plants versus Sativa plants.
Indica effects tend to focus more on the body, which is why people say it causes a “body high.” You may have heard this referred to as “couch lock.”
Since Indica strains tend to be so relaxing, they’re best for nighttime use. Using them during the day can cause drowsiness at inappropriate times.
Why Do People Commonly Use Indica Strains?
There are many reasons people choose Indica strains over other options. Some users simply prefer a body high over a head high. Other reasons people commonly use Indica strains include:
- To relieve body pain (especially muscle pain)
- Reduce nausea
- Increase appetite
- Help ease insomnia symptoms
- Reduce anxiety symptoms
The reason Indica strains are thought to have these effects is they have higher CBD levels than Sativa. Most Indica plants contain an almost even amount of CBD and THC.
Popular Indica Cannabis Strains
There are numerous Indica cannabis strains available. A few of the most popular strains include:
- Hindu Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
- Bubba Kush
- Northern Lights
- Blue Cheese
- Purple Kush
Local popularity may vary based on what’s readily available. Some strains grow better in some areas than others.
Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Hybrid cannabis strains are created by crossing a Sativa and an Indica together. Sometimes, hybrids are formed from three or more different strains.
Sometimes a hybrid cannabis strain will be Indica-dominant or Sativa-dominant. Other times, it can be an almost even combination of the two. The effects a person receives from using these strains depends on the combination of parent strains used.
Why Do People Commonly Use Hybrid Strains?
People may use hybrid strains for a number of reasons. How they help depends on whether they are more Indica or Sativa.
Some people use hybrids because the head high or body high may not be as potent. Other times, the high is even stronger than a typical strain.
Popular Hybrid Cannabis Strains
There are hundreds of hybrid cannabis strains. A few of the most popular include:
- Fire OG
- Trainwreck
- Pineapple Express
- Blue Dream
- OG Kush
- White Widow
- AK-47
As with their Sativa and Indica parent strains, local popularity is likely to vary based on what’s readily available.
How to Choose the Right Strain Type for You
Many people use both Indica and Sativa strains, but for different things. If you want to smoke during your day to help you feel energized, you could use a Sativa. Before you went to sleep, you could use an Indica to help you relax.
If you want a balanced high that offers light relaxation and a little focus, you could choose a hybrid. Try to find one that is an almost even mix of Indica and Sativa.
The best way to choose the right strain type is to figure out what you’ll be using it for. The most common reasons people use each strain are listed above.
Do You Have More Questions About Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid Strains?
Sativa strains offer more of a head high, while Indica strains provide more of a body high. Hybrid strains provide a combination of the two. Choosing the right one for you depends on what you’re looking to use it for.
Do you have more questions about Indica vs Sativa vs hybrid strains?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. You can also check out our line of Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains.
