Marijuana has become an everyday part of the lives of millions of Americans. More than half of American adults admit that they’ve tried marijuana at least once in their lives. Out of these, 22 million are active users.

The statistics include both recreational and medical marijuana. Yes, they’re chemically and functionally different. To understand the differences, you need to start with the various strains of marijuana that exist.

Let’s take a look:

Sativa

Cannabis Sativa is prevalent in hot, equatorial, and arid climates like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America. The plants are thin, gangly, skinny, and can grow even taller than 12 feet. The leaves are finger-like and take much longer to grow out compared to other cannabis strains. As far as the chemical composition is concerned, Sativa comprises higher doses of THC and lower doses of CBD. This is why it’s said to be more psychoactive in nature.

Sativa strains are more commonly used to bring about an anxiety-reducing effect. It makes the user feel high on energy, productive, and ‘mind-high.’ It helps you overcome the impact of lethargy, tiredness, and lazy. Sativa strains also help deal with writer’s block, depression, and lack of focus. Since this strain has a more stimulating effect, it is more preferably used during the daytime. Typical Sativa strains include Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold, and Panama Red.

A medical marijuana doctor holding a cannabis leaf and oil.

 

Indica

The origins of cannabis Indica can be traced to the mountains of Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Afghanistan. The Indica plant is short, sturdy, and bushy. The leaves are chunky, and they grow out wide. Generally, the plant grows faster than Sativa, produces more buds, and is well-adapted to the Hindu Kush region’s harsh climate.

Unlike Sativa, Indica strains are bigger on CBD and contain lesser THC levels, making it less psychoactive. This is why it’s more commonly used for its relaxing effects. Unlike Sativa, it doesn’t make you feel energized and is best consumed at night. Indica may also help with the symptoms of pain, nausea, and reduced appetite. Common Indica strains include Afghan Kush, Hindu Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are the unique variants of cannabis produced by farmers in greenhouses. These are specifically cultivated by combining Indica and Sativa strains and are engineered to bring about specific target effects. The plant’s appearance and structural description depend on that of the parent plants. The CBD to THC ratio is also unique to every strain and can be varied by using appropriate genetic techniques.

Cannabis producers and farmers get to select the predominant effects of the strain, and therefore it can be consumed during the day or night accordingly. Farmers classify hybrid strains as either Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or balanced.

A well-experienced doctor can only determine the appropriate strain for your condition. If you need to get in touch with a California marijuana doctor IndicaMD will help you! We will also make it easy for you to get your Medical Marijuana Card in Manhattan. Get started now.