What are the Different Types of Marijuana?

This modern world of weed is extensive. If you are new to the use of cannabis, you may notice that weed is available in different strains and categorized into various types. There are 3 different types of marijuana, and each type offers a specific effect.

The 3 types of weed are indica, sativa, and hybrid. If you plan to begin using cannabis, it is very important to learn and understand the differences between each them. All these forms of weed will get you high, but the experience will vary in each type.

Indica vs. Sativa

Indica and sativa strains are two original kinds of cannabis. A hybrid strain is a combination of sativa andindica. A hybrid strain can be 50% indica and 50% sativa or one side can be more dominant over the other.

If you see a cannabis strain defined as “sativa-dominant hybrid”, that will mean the strain comes with a mix of sativa and indica genetics, but the sativa side is stronger than the other.

Their Origin

Not only their effects vary, but these types of marijuana differ in origin. The sativa strains are from the hot and dry areas near the equator, such as South Africa and Mexico. Indica strains are native to countries with cooler climates such as Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.

Characteristics and Cultivation

Sativa strains are at their best when they stay under warm climates. These plants grow tall. Their leaves are thin and long while their buds are light and airy. They exist in colors orange, red, and even rust colors. Sativa strains flower in 60 up to 90 days and are suitable for outdoor growing.

However, indica strains are native to colder and mountainous weathers. They grow thick, short, and very bushy. Their leaves are rounder and fuller than the sativa plants.

Also, the buds of indica strains are compact and dense, often with a very strong scent. Indica strains typically take 45 up to 50 days to flower.

Sativa

If you are looking for the cannabis strains that will keep you up and alive, then the sativa strains are the best choice for you. These strains are known for their uplifting effects. Need some boost to your creative skills? These strains are the ultimate answer.

Contrary to what other people think, not all cannabis strains in the market induce a lazy and stoned feeling. Some strains will do. Others will never.

Sativa is psychologically exhilarating, making you feel uplifted. The invigorating kind of weed is great for stimulating conversations, social situations, and artistic pursuits. Sativa strains are also best to use in the morning to get yourself ready to face the challenges of the day.

Here are some of the famous sativa strains:

•        Green Crack

•        Durban Poison

•        Sour Diesel

•        Chernobyl

•        Strawberry Cough

Indica

Indica strains are popular due to their lazy and sedating effects. Think of the classic and stereotypical stoner that will keep you glued on the sofa. That is how indica strains work.

They are great for anybody who wants some sort of relaxation after a tiring and busy day. Indica strains produce more of the body high instead of the cerebral one. However, this does not mean that indica doesn’t get you high because they most certainly do.

You will notice a change in the way you think about things, but it is more a dreamy and relaxed high that will keep you feeling comfortably locked to the sofa.

Indica strains are best for relaxing, listening to music, or watching movies. They are also great for anybody who deals with insomnia because they are known to force users to sleep through their sedating effects.

Famous indica strains are:

•        Master Kush

•        Hindu Kush

•        Granddaddy Purple

•        Northern Lights

•        LA Confidential

Hybrid

These strains provide a combination of two different worlds. Many of the strains available in the market as of now are hybrids. They are offspring of indica and sativa strains.

Hybrid strains usually take on the qualities of both indica and sativa strains, providing a well-balanced head and body highs. Hybrids are either indica-dominant or sativa-dominant. Meaning, they hold strong characteristics of one of their parent strains.

Hybrids that are sativa-dominant will provide more of the elevated mental high while the indica-dominant hybrids provide more relaxing and sedating effects. The following are some of the popular hybrid strains:

•        Lemon Kush

•        Blue Dream

•        Tahoe OG

•        Super Silver Haze

•        Skywalker

Ruderalis

Actually, there is one more type of cannabis aside from sativa, indica, and hybrid varieties. This is ruderalis, which are those strains with fast flowering times. Ruderalis is less common than indica and sativa. Perhaps, it is your first time to encounter this term.

Ruderalis plants usually grow up to 2 feet tall but their branches and leaves are somewhat thick that make them look bushy. These plants are native to northern areas because their flowering time starts early.

These strains are easy to grow, so they are highly recommended to beginners. Modern ruderalis hybrids typically start to flower in 21 to 30 days after you planted the seeds.

Their flowering time depends on their age, so these plants will flower by the time they reached the right age even if they are not getting enough exposure to light. It’s why many ruderalis hybrid strains are popularly called autoflowering strains.

They are not as popular as the indica and sativa strains because they lack similar psychotropic effects found in other cannabis varieties. Ruderalis strains naturally have low THC content. Cultivators and breeders use them when searching for the genetic source for the hybrids. That is due to their ability to thrive in cooler climates.

Understanding the Differences Between the Types of Marijuana

As they come from one family sativa and indica differ in many ways. For growth period, indica are fast-growing while the sativa plants take more time to mature. In THC:CBD ratio, sativa strains are high in THC and low in CBD. On the contrary, indica strains are low in THC but high in CBD. The same is the case for ruderalis.

The varying THC:CBD ratios in different cannabis strains naturally lead to varying effects. For indica, the effects are linked to physical and psychological relaxation, increased appetite, and reduced nausea.

On the other hand, sativa strains are more connected to reduced feelings of depression and anxiety and increased creativity and focus.

Both can help in dealing with pain, but sativa strains are better for chronic pain while the indica strains are great for acute pain.

Likewise, indica strains are effective in increasing dopamine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that delivers messages between brain cells called neurons. Dopamine is very crucial as it aids to control emotions, motivation, movement, and sensations such as pleasure.

However, sativa strains increase the production of the hormone called serotonin, popularly known as the “happy hormone.” Serotonin helps in regulating learning, mood, anxiety, and sleep.

When it comes to the ideal time for using them, sativa strains are better to use at daytime or early in the morning to keep yourself focused, clear-headed, and calm. Indica strains are better to use late in the afternoon or early in the evening as they promote a night of more peaceful and restful sleep.

Which Type of Marijuana is Ideal for Your Needs?

Many cannabis users settle for one kind of weed. There are those who toke sativa every day while some use indica strains when they come home. If you are wondering what kind of cannabis is ideal for you, then the first thing you need to ask yourself is your purpose for using it.

Do you need a revitalizing mental stimulation? Feel the need to tap into your artistic side? If those things are what’s on your mind, then you might be looking for nice sativa strains.

However, if you need some help in falling asleep every night or you want a perfect to destress after a tiring and busy day at work, then your best choice will be the indica strains.

One of the things that you should keep in mind when choosing a type of cannabis is that you must try at least 3 strains: one sativa, one indica, and one hybrid or ruderalis. Pick up a small amount of indica, sativa, hybrid or ruderalis at the nearest recreational dispensary.

If it is your first time to use weed, don’t do this cannabis strain testing in those days you have something important to do. The last thing that you need to do is taking a toke of sativa before leaving the home for work if you have never used weed in the past.

Don’t try all those strains in just one day. The best thing to do is to try just one type of weed each day. This way, you will feel the real effects of every strain type. Try doing it every other day for better results. Follow these steps and rest assured that you will find the right strain for your needs.