Before marijuana became legal in some states, you typically wouldn’t get to choose from street dealers which strain you wanted to buy. You simply bought what was available. Now that recreational marijuana is legal in 11 U.S. states and medicinal marijuana is legal in 33 states, dispensaries are popping up all over the country. With a plethora of strains and sub-strains to choose from, it may be a bit overwhelming to shop at a dispensary. Here’s a crash course on marijuana strain characteristics and effects to fit your personality and mood.
Indica
Picture this: It’s 8:30 p.m. on a Friday night after a long and tense week at work, taxing day with children’s temper tantrums at home or whatever your week looks like; but now it’s finally time to unwind. What you need is your current tv series you’re binging on queued up and a packed bowl of indica weed for a relaxing and mellow evening followed by the best night’s sleep.
Indica short for the scientific name, Cannabis indica. Indica is known for its mellow, sedating qualities. In movies, tv shows and pop culture, high people typically act cool and calm, with sleepy eyes—depicting indica’s effects. Indica is excellent for binge-watching Netflix, reading and relaxing, listening to music, or just winding down after a long day at work. Indica has higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which means you get a greater body high.
Since indica has sedating and relaxing characteristics, it’s best smoked and consumed in the evening so you don’t fall asleep. Indica can be used as a natural sleep aid but beware of dependence. Indica is better for beginners or overly anxious people. It reportedly makes you less paranoid than sativa.
Indica Physical Appearance and Scent
The indica leaves are broad compared to sativa leaves. Indica plants are short. They grow about three to six feet indoors. The aroma of indica is strong, pungent, earthy and skunky. They commonly take about seven to 10 weeks to bloom flowers.
Popular Indica Strains
Bubba Kush, Purple Kush, Northern Lights, Blueberry, Blue Cheese, Granddaddy Purple, Bubblegum, Cheese, Dutch Crunch, Death Star, Obama Kush, White Rhino
Sativa
Imagine it’s Saturday afternoon and you are free from plans or obligations. You have the rest of the day and night to do as you wish. Maybe you’ve been neglecting some house work like folding your laundry, cleaning your home, meal prepping, working on your yard or garden, or you had to clock in a few hours on a spreadsheet during the weekend. Or perhaps you’re going to spend the next few hours leisurely playing guitar, painting or drawing, reading, or knitting—then light up a joint of sativa weed for a more interesting, intriguing and focused time.
Sativa, Cannabis Sativa, has roughly the opposite characteristics of indica. Sativa has more levels of THC and less CBD, leaving you with a greater head high and less sedating qualities. When you smoke sativa you can feel more energized, upbeat, and creative. Some people even report getting a bump of energy like having a cup of tea or coffee. Sativa is perfect for creating art, socializing, cleaning and household chores, and doing tasks. Avoid smoking sativa if you are an overly anxious person or just starting out. Sativa is a great day time strain—it won’t put you to sleep like indica.
Sativa Physical Appearance and Scent
The sativa plant grows tall and has skinny leaves. Sativa plants grow tall. They can grow up to 20 feet tall. Sativa is where hemp is obtained from. The scent of sativa flowers is typically sweet, fruity and spicy. Sativa plants typically produce fewer flower buds and take longer to produce flowers—about 10 to 17 weeks.
Popular Sativa Strains
Sour Diesel, Strawberry, Pineapple Express, Jack Herer, Purple Haze, Amnesia, Acapulco Gold, Candyland, Mowie Wowie
