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What to Know About the Differences Between Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid Strains of Weed
Instead of looking at the cannabis type alone — like sativa, indica, or hybrid — look at the description the grower and dispensary provide.
More and more, the cannabis industry is moving away from the term “strains” and using chemovars (chemical varieties), since the word “strain” is often used to refer to bacteria and viruses.
Chemical varieties include:
- Type I: High THC
- Type II: THC/CBD combined
- Type III: High CBD
In other words, the category or type of cannabis may not be the greatest indicator of the effects you’ll experience.
The often-applied rule of thumb is that sativa is more invigorating and energizing, while indica is more relaxing and calming — but it’s not that simple.
Individual plants produce varying effects, even among the same type of cannabis. It all depends on the plant’s chemical composition and the growing technique used.
Cannabinoids
Cannabis plants contain dozens of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. These naturally occurring components are responsible for producing many of the effects — both negative and positive — of cannabis use.
Researchers still don’t understand what all of the cannabinoids do, but they have identified two main ones: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Less common compounds include:
- Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is used to ease symptoms and side effects of some neurological conditions.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA): This is similar to THC but has no psychoactive effects.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): CBG is thought to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.
