There are numerous different forms of marijuana, commonly known as weed. Cannabis is the name given to dried plant seeds, stems, leaves, or flowers. The manner in which the plant is prepared and what sort of Cannabis plant it is determines the specific type of cannabis.
The chemical Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the most important component in marijuana. THC has psychotropic effects, which means it may alter mood, attention, memory and cognitive functioning. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another main component of marijuana plants that has relaxing properties but no psychoactive side effects. CBD is also assumed to relieve pain.
The most potent varieties of weed have a higher THC to CBD ratio, which means they contain a lot of THC but little CBD. When the ratios are more balanced, CBD can counteract the effects of THC. As a result, the amount present in a strain’s cannabis determines its impact on humans.
What are the different types of marijuana? Cannabis plants can be classified into two categories: sativa and indica. While weed has origins dating back to these two strains, there are now hundreds of other hybrid strains made up of a combination of the two.
Major Types of Weed and Effects
Cannabis plants are divided into two species, Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa, each of which contains two distinct types of cannabis: Cannabas indica and cannabas sativa. The various sorts of marijuana vary depending on both the variety of weed plant they originate from as well as the effects they have on a person or the type of high they provide.
Cannabis ruderalis, a third variety that has been used to produce cannabis recently, is one of many species. It contains less THC and is mostly utilized for medical marijuana. Furthermore, hybrid strains have been developed that combine the two primary species.
Marijuana users will generally select a kind of marijuana based on the desired effect. While each variety is known for its distinct impact, one person’s experience may differ significantly from another’s. The manner in which the drug is taken (i.e. smoking or eating) can also have a significant impact on the result obtained from it.
While each person’s experience is unique, there are some typical consequences associated with each strain:
Indica
Cannabis indica is a variety of cannabis native to the Hindu Kush region near Afghanistan. It has a short stature and the appearance of a shrub as a result of its origin in a chilly, mountainous environment. The leaves are darker, fuller, and rounder than those on sativa plants. Buds tend to grow in clusters.
Because THC is present at such a large concentration in C. indica, it is considered a strong cannabis plant. It has relaxing or sedative properties and might cause people to want to just sit on the sofa after eating it. As a result, it’s frequently used before going to sleep because of its calming qualities. Because of its soothing effects, it produces more of a “body high.”
Indica is a popular choice for those suffering from sleeplessness owing to its sedative capabilities. Indica strains are frequently used by people who suffer from sleeplessness because of their sleep-inducing properties. According to a recent study, people using the indica strain experienced greater relief from insomnia and pain than those who used the sativa variety. This effect may be due to the fact that indicas have higher levels of THC.
Sativa
Cannabis sativa is a species of cannabis that originated in warmer climates such as Mexico and South Africa. It grows to be unusually tall, with long, thin leaves and flowers that may only thrive in the dark for more than 11 hours each day under particular lighting conditions.
The reason for this is that the CBD in C. sativa has lower amounts of THC than the CBD in indica, but higher levels of CBD, resulting in more balanced levels of both chemicals. The sativa strains have energizing properties and are commonly used to obtain marijuana early in the morning or late at night. Some users feel that because to this strain, they are able to focus better and be more creative. According on some individuals, C. sativa provides a cognitive “head high” rather than an energetic “body high.”
Sativa is popular among those who suffer from sadness or fatigue since it has a stimulating and uplifting effect. It’s also been said to help with ADHD symptoms, as well as other mood problems.
Hybrid
Paradoxically, hybrid strains are produced by cross-germinating the seeds of two well-known Cannabis types in order to achieve the effects of both. The majority of today’s cultivated Cannabis strains are hybrids rather than complete indicas or sativas.
The effects of hybrid strains are generally measured based on the impact they have. A sativa-dominant strain, for example, will be more likely to provide stimulating benefits and a cerebral high.
Ruderalis
Another species of cannabis, Cannabis ruderalis, was originally discovered in southern Russia. C. ruderalis has thin, fibrous stems with big leaves and grows shorter than the other two types of marijuana. It is also an autoflowering plant, which means that it will blossom if the plant matures rather than depending on light.
Cannabis plants cultivated under artificial light tend to have lower THC contents than those grown under natural light, with the most potent of the three strains being C. sativa var. ruderalis. Because of its low levels of THC, it is rarely used for recreational purposes and is more commonly employed in medical marijuana.
Common or Coveted Strains of Weed and Effects
There are several distinct categories of cannabis plants, each with its own set of characteristics. While some recommend that marijuana be burned to relieve pain and stimulate the nervous system, others claim that smoking it is more effective. There are many different types of weed available for purchase these days. Although it’s not easy to generalize about weeds by their effects alone, certain kinds have particular qualities that make them desirable in certain regions or circumstances. Some strains, on the other hand , produce very potent buds while others can’t even grow competent flowers because they’re too weak (noted below). With the ability to create hybrids combining indica and sativa effects, there are now “designer strains” of cannabis bred for superior quality.
Some names for types of marijuana are unusual, and they’re frequently linked to their effects, origins, or the way they look or smell. Some examples include Purple Urkle, Willy’s Wonder, Permafrost, Pineapple Express , Strawberry Cough , Island Sweet Skunk
The following are a handful of popular or coveted marijuana strains, as well as the effects they’re known to have:
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid plant that provides physical relaxation and vitality. This strain has a high THC content. A boost in blood pressure is typical as a result of the powerful energy compounds.
Its blooms have a petrol-like scent and are hence named for the similar odor. The leaves are medium-size, yellowish-green in color. It has a sour or skunky flavor that some people dislike.
People who suffer from minor stress, tension, or sadness tend to use Sour Diesel. It has also been discovered to help with muscular aches and pains. Some people smoke it to boost their appetite when they are feeling less hungry. The powerful high produced by sour diesel might be overwhelming in some individuals, resulting in paranoia. This is most likely due to its high THC concentration.
Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a pure indica strain that provides a complete and relaxing body high. It has a THC content that is rather high. The name “Purple Kush” comes from the color of its purple leaves and the fact that one of the strains it was created from grew in the Kush region near Afghanistan. It’s one of the most popular Kush varieties around.
It is a popular pain medication, which is used by those who suffer from chronic pain, depression, or anxiety. It may also assist with situational or temporary discomfort.
Blue Dream
The Blue Dream hybrid is a blend of sativa and indica strains that is mostly sativa-dominant. It has an excitatory cerebral high that can increase motivation and attention. Some users claim that it has soothing and pain-relieving effects.
The strain’s name is derived from the fact that its origins are unknown, making it a mystery. It has a sweet flavor that some people compare to blueberries and sugar.
Blue dream has been shown in studies to have therapeutic effects on chronic tiredness, depression, and lack of hunger. It has also been said to help with chronic pain and headaches.
Indica vs. sativa: understanding the basics
When marijuana consumers think of “indica” versus “sativa” cannabis strains, the term indica is generally associated with physically sedating plants that are ideal for watching television or as a nightcap before bed, while sativa is known to be more active and cognitive. Hybrids are thought to have a balance of indica and sativa effects.
However, not all indicas make you want to stay in your couch, and not every sativa is meant to invigorate its users. As more study is conducted and we learn more about the cannabis plant’s chemical compounds—the cannabinoids and terpenes—one thing becomes clear: they determine the effects you’ll experience, not whether it’s indica or sativa. In fact, those two names originated in botany rather than effects.
However, even today, the belief that indicas, sativas, and hybrids deliver distinct effects is still deeply rooted in mainstream cannabis culture. If you’ve ever been to a dispensary, you’ve likely heard a budtender begin a strain recommendation by asking which of those three types you prefer.
Let’s learn about where the terms “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid” came from, as well as how a cannabis plant’s chemical profile affects your body to create emotions.
Origin of ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’
Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are two different types of cannabis that were distinguished in the 18th century by the words “indica” and “sativa.” Indica hemp plants from Europe and western Asia that were used for their fiber and seeds were known as “sativa.” Indica strains found in India whose primary purpose was seed, fiber, and hashish production were known as “indica.”
Here’s how terms have shifted since their earliest botanical definitions:
- Today, “sativa” refers to tall, narrow-leaf cannabis strains that are believed to provide energy. However, these narrow-leaf drug (NLD) types were originally Cannabis indica ssp. indica.
- Indica has come to be a term for sturdy, broad-leaf plants that are thought to offer sedating effects. Cannabis indica ssp. afghanica is a technical variety of broad-leaf drug (BLD).
- Hemp, as we know it, is a term used to describe non-intoxicating industrial hemp varieties cultivated primarily for fiber, seeds, and CBD. Cannabis sativa was originally called cannabaceae.
Although the plants we consume are almost always Cannabis indica, both names are used—even though this is incorrect—to characterize the hundreds of different kinds available on the market.