Indica and Sativa Marijuana: The Biggest Differences Between The Two Cannabis Plants

Sativa and Indica cannabis leaves side-by-side. As you can see the Indica leaves are wider and thicker whereas the sativa leave are thinner.

Each strain has different effects on the body and the head which can result in a wide range of medicinal benefits.

Indica Marijuana Plants

Indica plants typically grow short and wide. This growth pattern makes Indica plants better suited for indoor growing. The effects that an Indica dominant plant produces are a strong physical body high that will make you sleepy or ‘couch-locked’ resulting in a relaxed sensation.

Indica-dominant marijuana strains tend to have a strong sweet or sour odour to the buds (examples are: Kush, OG Kush) providing a very relaxing and strong body high that is helpful in treating general anxiety, body pain, and sleeping disorders.

Indicas are very effective for overall pain relief and are often used to treat insomnia in a lot of cases. Indica buds are most commonly smoked by medical marijuana patients in the late evening or even right before bed due to how sleepy and tired you become when high from an Indica strain of marijuana. The most popular Indica strains currently include Kush, Northern Lights and White Widow.

Benefits of Indica:

1. Relieves body pain

2. Relaxes muscles

3. Relieves spasms, reduces seizures

4. Relieves headaches and migraines

5. Relieves anxiety or stress

Sativa Marijuana Plants

Opposite from Indica plants, Sativa plants grow tall and thin, making them better suited for outdoor growing – especially since some strains can reach over 7 metres. in height. A Sativa high is likely to be more energetic and uplifting.

Sativa-dominant marijuana strains tend to smell more grassy and earthy and tend to provide an uplifting, energetic and “cerebral” high that is best suited for daytime smoking. A sativa high is one filled with creativity and energy as being high on sativa can spark new ideas and creations. Many artists take advantage of the creative powers of cannabis sativa (marijuana) to create paintings. The most popular sativa strains include Purple Haze and Mauwie Wauwie.

Benefits of Sativa:

1. Feelings of well-being and at-ease

2. Up-lifting and cerebral thoughts

3. Stimulates and energizes

4. Increases focus and creativity

5. Fights depression

Hybrid Marijuana Plants = Indica and Sativa Marijuana

Marijuana strains range from pure sativas to pure indicas and hybrid strains consisting of both indica and sativa(30% indica – 70% sativa, 50% – 50% combinations, 80% indica – 20% sativa). Because Sativa and Indica buds have very different medicinal benefits and effects, certain strains can be targeted to better treat specific illnesses.

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