If you’re not sure whether to go with an Indica or a Sativa for your first grow, or if you’re already an experienced grower but are still not sure which choice is best for you, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll go over the main differences between these two main species of cannabis so we can help make the selection process easier for you.
Indica Vs Sativa – Main Differences, Effects and Benefits
Indica and Sativa are two of the main species of cannabis that have thousands of subspecies, commonly known as strains.?( 1, 2 )
Both of these types of cannabis have their very own distinct benefits and characteristics, and can produce wildly different effects.
Note: While this is typically the case, the effects you experience also have a lot to do with your body chemistry, the terpene and cannabinoid profile of the plant and other properties as well.
Although the effects you experience from cannabis consumption depend on a lot of factors apart from the type of strain you choose, this factor cannot be overlooked, as it is one of the most important ones. It’s no secret that Indicas and Sativas have their very own unique properties and specific effects, so let’s see what those are!
Main Effects and Benefits of Sativa Strains
Sativas offer a stimulating, uplifting and energizing high. They are great for social occasions, for being creative, motivated and productive, and are here to lift you up and give you a boost in energy when you’re feeling down or not super motivated. (3)
They are perfect for daytime use as their effects are not relaxing and lethargic like those of Indica strains.
They can elevate your mood, increase your energy levels, creativity and focus and increase your appetite. They are great at increasing your desire to be social, talkative and to engage with others and can help reduce feelings of depression and apathy.
Main Effects and Benefits of Indica Strains
Contrary to its uplifting and energizing counterpart, Indicas are designed to provide relaxing and calming effects. This makes them highly suitable for managing chronic pain, aiding sleep disorders, increasing appetite, reducing nausea, relieving stress & anxiety and much more.
These effects are mainly due to the typically higher amount of CBD in their composition, their muscle-relaxing properties and their anti-inflammatory properties.
Depending on which of these effects you seek, you can then make a more informed decision as to which type of cannabis would work best for you. If you’re still not sure which strain is best for you, check our tips below!
How to Find the Perfect Strain for You
You don’t have to be an experienced cannabis connoisseur to be able to tell which strains work best for you and how a certain strain may affect you.
While you can always mix and match and try out different strains until you figure out what type of flower works best for your needs, we would also like to share a few tips which will help make the process much easier.
Here’s what to look for when selecting the right strain for you:
1. THC and CBD Content
THC is one of the two main cannabinoids that play a crucial role in how the strain will affect you and what kind of outcomes you can expect. While THC and CBD share many of the same medical benefits, and can provide equal relief for many different conditions, including chronic pain, depression, insomnia and more, their main effects are quite different.
CBD does not cause any mind-altering, psychoactive effects, which is why some prefer it due to the lack of these “side effects”. Others prefer to get a good high out of their buds, which is why they look for high-THC strains that can take their high to the next level.
If you’re looking for a nice balance and would like to get a little bit of both worlds, go with strains that have high THC levels as well as some CBD, especially if you’re inexperienced with cannabis and wouldn’t want to risk getting your anxiety levels through the roof due to the high amount of THC.
2. Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrids
Depending on the experience you’re looking to get and your specific personal or medical needs, you can either go with an Indica, a Sativa or a Hybrid.
If you need help with chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia or other sleep disorders, stress and so on, Indicas would be a better choice for you. They will provide a sedating and relaxing experience, while Sativas are associated with an energetic and euphoric feeling, which is why they are recommended for daytime use, social events, as conversational catalysts or as mood and creativity boosters.
Hybrids on the other hand often provide the best of both worlds, and can offer equally amazing and unique experiences.
3. Seed Quality
Growing weed in your own home or back yard has certain benefits of its own, however the challenging part can be finding the high-quality cannabis seeds that will provide you with great results and good harvests.
At Herbies you can find some of the best selections of indica seeds and sativa seeds available. These come from reputable seedbanks from all over the world and have shown amazing results in terms of harvests, effects and ease of cultivation, among other factors.
No matter if you decide to go with an Indica or Sativa, you will not go wrong with any of the seeds available in the Herbies collection – the strains there are hand-picked, and the seeds are inspected before being shipped out. So simply pick the one that seems most appealing and suitable for you and start growing.
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