Sativa VS Indica

In the world of medical Cannabis medicine is split into two main groups based on their general effects, Sativas and Indicas. This may seem strange to most UK smokers, who due to the illegality of Cannabis are not offered detailed (if any) information about the product they are buying, but I will give a general overview of each type and give examples of some strains.

Sativa

Sour Grape Haze (Sativa)

Cannabis strains which fall into the Sativa category can be identified by having a more heady, cerebral high and less of a body effect. Sativa strains are identified by their high THC percentages. THC is the most famous cannabinoid and is responsible for the majority of the psychoactive effects of Cannabis such as:-

• Uncontrollable giggling
• Losing train of thought
• Enhancement of sight and hearing
• Feeling alert
• Reduction in social anxiety
• Reduction in depressive symptoms
• Increased mental focus

In terms of the actual plant a Sativa plants are generally tall with thin leaves and have longer, less dense buds than Indica strains. The flowering time for Sativa strains is also considerably longer than that of Indicas. The buds of a Sativa strain will generally have clear/milky crystals (Trichomes) on them, this indicates a higher amount of THC.

Medical uses for Sativa strains vary widely and as a result they are used to treat many ailments a few examples of ailments treated with Sativa strains are:-

Sativa VS Indica Leaf Comparison

• Depression
• Headache and Migraine
• Nausea
• Anorexia
• Chronic Fatigue
• Chronic Pain

Some well known Sativa strains are:-

• Haze
• Sour Diesel
• OG

Indicas

Strains which fall into the Indica category give more of a body high than a cerebral high and are often seen as the more medicinal strains of Cannabis. In contrast to the Sativa varieties, Indicas generally have a low THC percentage and a higher CBD percentage. CBD is a cannabinoid which is much less known than THC. It is responsible for the body effects of cannabis such as:-

• Couchlock (Feeling as if you are glued to your chair)
• Drowsiness
• Increased appetite (The Munchies)
• Body euphoria
• Relaxation (Physical and Mental)

An Indica plant is generally much shorter than a Sativa with broader leaves and more dense buds. Indica strains generally have a short flowering time in comparison with Sativas and are more suited to indoor growing. The trichomes on an Indica plant are more amber than clear/milky, this indicates a higher percentage of CBD. Most Cannabis sold in the UK is in the Indica category due to it's shorter flowering time and higher yield per plant when compared to a sativa.

Indica strains are used to treat more physical issues and ailments than Sativas. A few examples of ailments treated using Indica dominant strains are:-

• Epilepsy
• Neuralgia
• Fibromyalgia
• HIV/AIDS
• Insomnia
• Muscle Spasms
• ADHD/ADD

Some well known Indica strains are:-

• Afghani 
• G-13
• Cheese

Hybrids

Most medical Cannabis is not exclusively Sativa nor Indica, but a combination of the two. These strains are known as hybrids. Growers cross genetics from different strains in order to create new strains with specific effects, much in the same way that we cross breed different dogs to achieve different features. Most hybrids are either Indica or Sativa dominant. Meaning that they have more characteristics of either Sativa or Indica which can give a general idea of the medicine's overall effects.

Some well known Hybrid strains include:-

• AK-47
• White Rhino
• White Widow

I hope that this overview has given you some insight into the world of medical Cannabis and has helped you to understand that cannabis is more than just a drug it is a complex natural pharmaceutical.

If you have any further comments on Sativa vs Indica then please leave a comment!