Understanding Cannabis plants Indica and Sativa
Indica strains generally provide a sense of deep body relaxation provide a “couch lock” or body high that is well suited for nights when you just want to wind down. Indicas are often used to relieve stress and aid with sleep.Cannabis Indica plants are short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica plants typically grow faster and have a higher yield than the Sativa variety. Medicine produced from cannabis Indica plants have higher CBD and lower THC counts.
The major qualities of Indica medicinal strains include:
- increased mental relaxation
- muscle relaxation
- decreases nausea
- decreases acute pain
- increases appetite
- increases dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centres)
- for night time use
Conditions like multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease and sleep disorders tend to benefit from Indica’s full-bodied, muscle relaxing effects.
Sativa strains They are usually grown outdoors and can reach heights of up to 20 feet, take longer to grow, mature between 10-16 weeks and require more light. Medicine produced from cannabis Sativa plants have lower CBD and higher THC counts. A feeling of well-being and ease is often associated with Sativas, making them ideal for social situations. They are also said to promote deep conversation and enhance creativity.
The major qualities of Sativa medicinal strains include:
- anti-anxiety
- anti-depressant
- treats chronic pain
- increases focus and creativity
- increases serotonin (a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of learning, mood, sleep, anxiety and appetite)
- for day time use
Sativa strains are often used to treat conditions like anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression and other mood disorders, although it’s been noted that certain Sativa strains may increase anxiety. Research the strain and it’s THC/CBD mix.
Today, it is widely accepted that marijuana has two main species: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Indica and Sativa strains are thought to have different effects and people often use them for different purposes. Indica strains tend to be used at night, while Sativas are better during the day. Different strains can also be beneficial for different conditions. Indicas are often used for painful conditions, while Sativas are often used for mental disorders.
Each strain has unique genetics, resulting in different levels of THC and CBD.
Due to high levels of crossbreeding, the terms Indica and Sativa are no longer a good way of predicting cannabinoid levels. They are better used to describe the physical characteristics of the plant. This has left us with every plant providing slightly different effects to every individual person that consumes the herb.
This is why it is so important to know what your cannabis medicine is. Who you obtain your cannabis medicine from must know what they are supplying you and the effects that you should expect, as well as the amount that you should be taking.
