Cannabis Strains Education
Cannabis plants come in a variety of different shapes, sizes and profiles, categorized as strains. There are thousands of different strains available, each one with its own unique blend of properties that can be beneficial for a variety of uses. The most popular and well-known medical strains are currently categorized as Indica or Sativa, although there are many Hybrid varieties that fall into more than one categorization at differing ratios. Below you will find information on each category of cannabis and their effects. When exploring the many varieties of cannabis you may find you lean towards a certain category based on your needs and lifestyle, or you may start to explore strains which can fulfill different needs in your life based on specific activities and desired outcomes.
Cannabis Indica: Originating in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Indica strains are known for their sedative and relaxing effects, sometimes resulting in “couchlock,” a state in which the user becomes so relaxed they can barely get up from the sofa. Indica strains tend to decrease energy and be better for consumption in the evening or at night after concluding the day’s activities. Indicas are beneficial for pain relief and muscle relaxation. Indica varieties tend to contain terpenes that emit musty, earthy and skunky odors, and are considered to be beneficial for pain and inflammation.
Cannabis Sativa: Sativa strains originated in equatorial regions such as South America, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Sativa strains tend to be uplifting and cerebral. While indica delivers what has been considered a “body high,” sativas result in more of a “mind high,” enhancing creativity and productivity. Because these strains typically take longer to mature and yield less medicine, they have typically been overshadowed by indica varieties prior to legalization. The terpenes in sativa varieties tend to produce sweet, fruity or spicy aromas, and are considered to be beneficial for psychological disorders such as anxiety.
Hybrids: Hybrids are new and unique strains that are cross bred from parents strains of different types. Theoretically, the hybrid possesses many or most of the beneficial medical of both parent strains. By cross breeding two different strains, breeders hope to deliver the best possible medical efficacy in the medicine. While hybrids are often a mix of indica and sativa strains, breeders also mix distinct strains of sativas and indicas to produce a variety of effects and potency.