Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
A common way you’ll hear people classify cannabis strains is by referring to them as Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid. Plants produce varying effects, depending on their chemical composition and the growing technique used and they are often classified into these three buckets. As the industry evolves, we are starting to see brands refer to their terpene profile, not just the strain type. But for beginners, here is a 101 on the 3 common classifications.
Indica
A simple, popular way to remember the effects of an Indica strain is that it produces an "in the couch" kind of feeling. With Indica’s, your experience may look like the traditional stoner propaganda, sunk into the couch eating a bag of Doritos. Don’t get us wrong - we have all been there and it is a great feeling that we can thank Indica strains for providing! They give you that total body, post 90-minute massage, just want to chill, feeling.
According to Healthline here are some of the characteristics you can expect from indica strains:
Commonly associated effects of use: Indica is sought after for its intensely relaxing effects. It may also help reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is better consumed at night.
Popular strains: Three popular indica strains are Hindu Kush, Afghan Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.
Origin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
Plant description: Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds.
Typical CBD to THC ratio: Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, but the THC content isn’t necessarily less.
Sativa
Sativas on the other hand give you a little bit more energy. Often people talk about feeling more creative or having more energy after consuming Sativas. If you are heading to a party, a wedding, or want to add some lightness to your Saturday chores, consider a Sativa strain.
According to Healthline here are some of the characteristics you can expect from sativa strains:
Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect. If you use sativa-dominant strains, you may feel productive and creative, not relaxed and lethargic.
Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its stimulating impact, you can use sativa in the daytime.
Popular strains: Three popular sativa strains are Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, and Durban Poison.
Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia.
Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow taller than 12 feet, and they take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
Typical CBD to THC ratio: Sativa often has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are just like they sound, a hybrid of the other two strains, Indica and Sativa. Each year, cannabis growers produce new and unique strains from different combinations of parent plants with the goal of enhancing the specific effects of the plant. You’ll find that most edible products are labeled as hybrids and there are a few companies starting to brand their products for the specific effect they are targeting (such as relax, soothe, celebrate, sleep, or achieve).
According to Healthline here are some of the characteristics you can expect from hybrid strains:
Commonly associated effects of use: Farmers and producers select hybrids for their unique impacts. They can range from reducing anxiety and stress to easing symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.
Daytime or nighttime use: This depends on the predominant effects of the hybrid so you’ll have to do some experimentation here.
Popular strains: Hybrids are typically classified as indica-dominant (or indica-dom), sativa-dominant (sativa-dom), or balanced. Popular hybrids include Pineapple Express, Blue Dream, and Trainwreck (an Omlie favorite!).
Origin: Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of sativa and indica strains.
Plant description: The appearance of hybrid strains depends on the combination of the parent plants.
Typical CBD to THC ratio: Many hybrid cannabis plants are grown in order to increase the THC percentage, but each type has a unique ratio of the two cannabinoids.
Omlie tip: A higher THC percentage isn’t always a good thing. Think about how you want to feel and then select your strain. Use the THC percentage to help guide how much you will consume but don’t make that your only data point. A high-CBD Sativa is perfect for those Saturday errands around the house - our Denver-based favorite strain is called Tango.