Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid – What’s The Difference?

When exploring cannabis and hemp-derived products, either online or in-store, terms like “Sativa,” “Indica,” and “Hybrid” are usually prominently displayed in product descriptions, menus or labels. These are common cannabis strain classifications and differentiate the type of cannabis or hemp that the product is made with.

Whether someone is new to the world of cannabis or a seasoned connoisseur, understanding the differences between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains is crucial. Unfortunately, these terms can sometimes be misinterpreted or misapplied within the cannabis community.

The goal of this article is to educate consumers so they not only understand these terms, but are able to make informed decisions from the array of products available at a Leafy8 retail store. And for those who feel unsure, Leafy8’s knowledgeable staff is always on hand to assist in selecting the right strain – be it Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid.

Interesting Facts to Know

• Often, “Sativa” is used to describe Sativa-dominant hybrid strains, while “Indica” refers to Indica-dominant hybrids.
• The effects of cannabis aren’t solely based on whether it’s an Indica or Sativa strain. They result from a mix of factors, such as the plant’s compound profile and individual human body responses.
• Sativas often are associated with uplifting, energetic effects; Indicas on the other hand are known to be calming and relaxing.
• Hybrids combine traits from both Indica and Sativa strains.

With no shortage of cannabis varieties to choose from, it’s common to have questions about strain selection and their subjective effects.

The good news is: with a little strain schooling, a few pro tips from our Leafy8 budtenders and some experimentation, anyone can very quickly find themselves on the path to finding something they love.

When visiting a Florida hemp dispensary, vape, flower, and concentrate strains are typically grouped into three categories:

• Sativa
• Indica
• Hybrid

So, a reader may be wondering: what are the key differences between indica and sativa? What about a hybrid?  And why does it matter?

People who read about infused cannabis and hemp products online may come across varying viewpoints on the properties of Indica versus Sativa strains. In this guide, we’ll sift through the facts and common misconceptions about these strains. By exploring the realities of Sativa vs. Indica effects, we aim to help readers pinpoint their ideal strain using an easy-to-follow chart.

What are Indica, Sativa and Hybrid Strains?

Let’s start with the basics: what do “sativa,” “indica,” and “hybrid” mean?

Botanists use these terms to describe different plants from the cannabis family. Since the 18th century, science has distinguished two marijuana species: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa.

Due to widespread crossbreeding over the past 40 years, there are no longer any genetically pure sativa or indica strains. Most of the strains on the market are hybrid.

Today, by “sativa” people often mean sativa-dominant hybrid strains, “indica” mostly refers to indica-dominant strains, and “Hybrids” are strains that have relatively balanced mixtures of both.

What is Indica?

Indica plants are shorter and denser than sativa. They have broader leaves, and their colors go from dark green to purple.

In the 18th century, Europeans were only familiar with sativa strains. When Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published his description of a “new” species from India, which looked slightly different, he simply baptized it as “Cannabis Indica,” which means cannabis from India.

Effects of Indica Strains

Indica’s effects are typically associated with relaxation and a body-dominant effect profile. However, this stereotype does not necessarily apply to all Indica strains.

People who use indica often say the most common effects include:

• Relaxation
• Sedation
• Reduced sensations of pain and/or anxiety*
• Body effects

Many people feel that indica-dominant strains can be very relaxing and soothing, and might say they prefer to use indica flower before bedtime. These effects can vary not only from strain to strain but also from person to person.

It’s possible that the same strain may have a different effect for different people. As always, individual experiences can vary – it’s best to start slow and work your way up slowly over the course of an hour or longer depending on method of consumption.

Indica Basics

• Origin: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey.
• Plant characteristics: Short and bushy, with broad, dark green leaves.
• Associated Effect Profile: Body-dominant

Popular Indica-dominant Strains

• Northern Lights
  • Very close to pure Indica
  • Main terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene
  • Popularized in the Netherlands in the 1980s
  • Smelly, resin-coated buds
• Blue Cheese
  • Blue cheese aroma
  • Hybrid made by crossing UK Cheese and Blueberry strains
  • Main terpenes: beta-caryophyllene
  • Often described as highly relaxing
• Bubba Kush
  • Tight bush, big leaves
  • Peppery scent, sweet flavor
  • Main terpenes: delta-limonene, beta-myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene
  • Believed to be highly sedative
• Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
  • Dense, purple buds
  • Fruity scent
  • Main terpenes: alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene
  • Can be great for relaxing the whole body
• Hindu Kush
  • Originally from the Hindu Kush mountain range
  • Dense, high-resin buds
  • Main terpenes: caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, humulene, alpha-pinene
  • Sandalwood scent
  • Very calming
• Afghan Kush
  • Stocky plant, resin-coated buds with red hairs
  • High THC
  • Main terpenes: caryophyllene, myrcene, humulene, terpineol
  • Hashy scent
  • Reported by users to be relaxing

What is Sativa?

Sativa plants are lanky and tall, with thin, light green leaves. They originate from regions close to the equator like Central and South Americas and Southeast Asia.

Many people tend to consume sativa flower when they want to be alert and clear-headed. Since sativa is thought of as a more stimulating strain, it is often enjoyed during the day.

Effects of Sativa Strains

Sativa strains are often associated with stimulating and mood-improving effects. Sometimes described as energizing and uplifting, sativa-dominant cannabis strains may boost focus and concentration.*

People who use sativa say the most common effects include:

• Energizing
• Boosting creativity
• Euphoria
• Boosting productivity
• Cerebral, mind-dominant effects

Sativa Basics

• Origin: South and Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia
• Plant characteristics: Tall and slim with thin leaves.
• Associated Effect Profile: Mind-dominant

Popular Sativa-dominant Strains

• Jack Herer
  • Spicy black pepper and pine aroma
  • Main terpenes: terpinolene, caryophyllene, pinene
  • Described as invigorating
  • Considered ideal for creatives
• Durban Poison
  • Of South African origin
  • Sweet scents
  • Main terpenes: alpha & beta-pinene
  • Some report it can be euphoric (small dose) or lethargic (large dose)
• Green Crack 
  • Green and orange colors
  • Citrusy flavor
  • Main terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-pinene, humulene
  • Can have very energizing effects
• Clementine
  • Citrusy scent
  • Main terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, humulene
  • Energizing in the morning
  • Reported euphoric effect
• Strawberry Cough
  • Berry scents
  • Main terpenes: limonene, caryophyllene, linalool
  • Created by crossing Haze and Strawberry Fields strains
  • May help focus and creativity*
• Super Sour Diesel
  • 90 percent Sativa hybrid
  • Citrus & ‘gas’ terpene profile
  • Main terpenes: caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene
  • High potency
• Lemon Haze
  • Lemon scent
  • Green and yellow buds
  • Main terpenes: beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene, humulene, myrcene
  • Associated with heightened perception, mood boost

Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Chart

As previously mentioned, indica strains are often associated with calming effects, while sativa strains are typically considered uplifting.

Yet, a clear-cut distinction between sativa as an energetic head high and indica as an inducer of sleepiness and relaxation is more stereotypical than realistic.

Sativa strains with paradoxical “indica-like” effects abound and vice versa. The perceived effects of cannabis on the brain and the body are given by the delicate interplay between marijuana compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids. This is known as the entourage effect.

The method of cannabis consumption, setting, an individual’s body and cannabis habits also play an important role. This includes dosage, regularity of usage, personal tolerance, metabolism, weight and many other factors.

What is Hybrid Cannabis or Hemp?

Hybrid cannabis or hemp is the result of many years of crossing sativa and indica strains to find the perfect mix of relaxing and uplifting effects. There are thousands of hybrid strains and cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics, often the result of cross breeding several cannabis cultivars and phenotypes.

Hybrid plants are usually grown in greenhouses or on farms. There is no standard appearance for hybrid plants, as it depends on which parent plants are used to create the hybrid strain.

Producers and farmers select hybrids for their specific and unique effects. This means that the commonly associated effects can range greatly depending on the particular parent strains.

Effects of Hybrid Strains

As Hybrids are balanced strains containing both sativa and indica genetics, their effects vary greatly. To determine what effect a specific strain can have it is best to look at its “parent” strains.

Popular Hybrid Strains

• OG Kush
  • Made in California, OG Kush has a high THC content which can cause euphoria and cheerful relaxation.
  • Main terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene.
• GG #4
  • Once known as Gorilla Glue #4, this strain provides a couch-lock effect that can last for hours according to some.
  • Main terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene.
• Skunk #1
  • As smelly as its name suggests, Skunk has been described as uplifting and relaxing.
  • Main terpenes are myrcene, pinene and limonene.
• White Widow
  • Produces a long-lasting, relaxed, social experience.
  • Main terpenes are limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene and trans-nerolidol.
• GSC (formerly Girl Scout Cookies)
  • Originating in the Bay Area, GSC has a very high THC percentage. It can provide very long-lasting effects.
  • Main terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene and linalool.

Terpenes and Cannabinoids: Understanding Strain Effects

While there’s no shortage of stereotypes distinguishing Indica from Sativa effects, relying solely on these classifications can be an oversimplification. The effects of a particular strain on an individual depend on a myriad of factors, from its specific chemical composition to the person’s unique body chemistry. While there’s no shortage of stereotypes distinguishing Indica from Sativa effects, relying solely on these classifications can be an oversimplification.

The effects of a particular strain on an individual depend on a myriad of factors, from its specific chemical composition to the person’s unique body chemistry. Thus, while Indica and Sativa labels offer a starting point, they don’t paint the full picture.

To truly anticipate how a strain will interact with the body and mind, it’s beneficial to dive deeper into its unique profile and perhaps even personal experiences with similar strains. Remember, cannabis and hemp-derived products interact with everyone differently, and their impact upon consumption is as unique as a fingerprint.

There are a variety of factors that can influence the effect of a specific strain of cannabis or hemp on your body, including (but not limited to) delta-8 THC dosage and concentration of the product, its cannabinoid and terpene profile, their ratio and interaction with each other, your tolerance to marijuana, metabolism, body fat, and even the food and drinks consumed in the hours prior. Yes, there’s a lot of variables in this equation!

According to PHYTECS’s MD Ethan Russo, a board-certified neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher, a better understanding of cannabis strain effects comes from an understanding each strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile.

Terpenes

Cannabis plants owe their potent aroma to terpenes, the aromatic oils responsible for the smell and flavor of plants. Originally developed to fend off predators, the strong smell of cannabis hints at the importance of terpenes in its biology.

Terpenes are secreted in the same glands as THC and CBD. Research suggests that some terpenes may have a relaxing effect, while others may improve focus and concentration.*

In 2011, a study found that terpenes offered “complementary pharmacological activities.” In other words, though the main function of terpenes relates to flavor and fragrance, they also play an important role in determining the effects of cannabis. This is another reference to the entourage effect.

Scientists have discovered more than 100 different terpenes in cannabis. Myrcene, the most common one, is found in the Granddaddy Purple strain. Other common terpenes are limonene, linalool, caryophyllene, alpha- and beta-pinene, alpha-bisabolol, and eucalyptol.

Terpineol, which produces a flowery, citrusy scent, may be partially responsible for the “couch-lock” effect, when relaxing into the seat feels just right.

Interestingly, the effects of terpenes vary depending on what other terpenes are present around them. That’s one reason why it takes experimentation to find what particular strains tend to work best.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids play a key role in a strain’s effect on the human body because our endocannabinoid system (ECS) has special receptors for them. Our ECS regulates sleep, memory, mood and appetite. The most widely known cannabinoids in marijuana are CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Nevertheless, scientists identified over 100 cannabinoids. Each one possesses unique psychoactive effects and benefits.

There are two types of natural cannabinoids: phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids that become activated after cannabis plants are dried. Endocannabinoids are found naturally within the human body, and are used to regulate various bodily functions. THC produces much of the psychotropic effects of cannabis.

Some lesser-known cannabinoids are:

• CBG (cannabigerol)– This is a non-stimulating cannabinoid that is thought to have potential medical uses.
• THCV (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin)– This compound is becoming the subject of more and more studies. Some hope that THCv will be able to aid efforts in future medical research.
• Δ8-THC– Potentially attractive for medical use, delta-8 THC has many of the same benefits found in cannabis but can produce less anxiety than delta-9 THC at an equivalent dosage.*

Choosing a Cannabis Strain

When visiting a Florida hemp or cannabis dispensary, it’s normal to have questions about the wide variety strains on the menu. The good news is that Leafy8 budtenders are expertly trained on the effects of different strains and can also advise on dosage. In addition to that, we can recommend a consumption method that will be well-tolerated.

Indica vs. Sativa FAQs:

Can someone feel the difference between an indica or sativa strain?

There can be some overlap of effects, but generally, indica strains produce calming effects, and sativa strains make users feel more active or creative.*

Are indica or sativa strains better for a first-timer?

Indica, sativa and hybrid strains all have the potential to contain 20% or more THC, but lower potency varieties are usually available. A few hits of a low-THC sativa or a mild indica are both good starting points for anyone looking to start their journey into cannabis and hemp-derived products.

Is there really a difference between sativa and indica strains?

Indica and sativa dominant strains do have differences, and it’s unlikely to find ‘pure’ strains in the market due to centuries of crossbreeding. Modern science supports the notion that the two cultivars are different, especially in terms of cultivation needs, leaf shape and other characteristics.

Consumers report that sativa-dominant strains are predominantly energizing, while indica-dominant strains tend to be relaxing in nature. However, these effects can vary depending on each strain’s characteristics, the amount taken, and other factors like metabolism and age.

How do indica strains make you feel?

Many users say that indica strains makes them feel relaxed and eases tension. Some even say it helps them sleep. This is subjective, and individual experiences often differ from the norm.

Which is more relaxing, indica or sativa?

There can be overlap between the effects of indica-dominant and sativa-dominant cannabis strains. While effects may vary depending on the strain, the form of consumption and the user, people have generally reported that indicas tend to be more calming and relaxing, and medical marijuana doctors may prescribe them as a muscle relaxant, anxiolytic or a sleep aid.*

Will sativa strains keep me awake?

According to numerous consumer reports, sativa strains have the potential to help with focus and concentration.* Some users claim certain sativa-dominant strains help them stay more alert, and many report using it to study overnight. If you’re looking to stay alert through the night, you can experiment with Jack Herer, Durban Poison or Super Lemon Haze. Our bodies react differently to specific cannabis strains, and you won’t know how it may impact you until you try it out yourself.

Do sativa strains make you sleepy or hyper?

Sativa strains enhance focus and alertness. People report it makes them hyper rather than sleepy—but take this information with a grain of salt. The complex interaction between compounds present in sativa strains contributes to their effects on the brain, and the balance of natural cannabinoids can greatly vary from one strain to another.

Does sativa help you focus?

Many users have reported that sativa helps them focus. Studies show that frequent consumers who stop consuming sativa strains can become slower at information processing, one of the key aspects of focus and concentration.

What are the benefits of sativa strains?

Humanity has been using sativa as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Research studies show sativa strains may provide a host of benefits for human health, while some users report it helps them stay focused, reduces anxiety and improves their overall mood.* While more research is needed to make any definitive claims, these promising suggest there’s still plenty to learn about the benefits of the cannabis plant.

Have more questions about indica, sativa or hybrid strains? Or choosing the right strain for you?

Visit a Leafy8 hemp dispensary and speak to one of our knowledgeable budtenders today to learn more about the products we offer.

About Leafy8: We manufacture, distributes, and sell hemp-derived products that exceed industry standards of quality and are always independently lab-tested for purity. Each scientifically formulated product has a QR code linked to a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). These COAs break down what exactly is in each product. With a commitment to educating the public, the company has become a trusted provider in the industry. Leafy8 is known for its premium products and outstanding customer service.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.