Indica tends to be more relaxing and may be better at controlling pain, while sativa is more energizing.
Understanding these effects and their mechanisms can help you to pick the best option to meet your needs.
(For instance, 1:1 is an equal amount of THC andcannabidiol, or CBD).
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
There are additionalcannabinoidsand substances such asterpenesthat play a role, too.
When comparing indica vs. sativa vs. hybrids, you will notice differences in their THC and CBD content.
Harlequin, for example, is primarily sativa but grown to have higher CBD content.
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Hybrids may be crossed with this species because it makes growing easier.
Composition
THC and CBD affect the brain differently.
THC causes the “high” associated with cannabis use, while CBD does not.
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Although this can vary, the THC and CBD content determines their effect on the brain and moods.
Comparatively:
Side Effects
Cannabis use may cause side effects that differ from person to person.
Currently, there are over 100 identified cannabinoids and over 150 different terpenes.
THC and CBD are the two main cultivated cannabinoids, but several others are grown, too.
While terpenes can have various therapeutic effects, they also influence how cannabis smells to the consumer.
Certain terpenes have different fragrances that individuals may prefer over others.
Terpenes
Terpenes play a significant role in how a cannabis strain affects you.
Both sativa and indica can contain various amounts of the different terpenes.
Indica plants are shorter.
They usually grow up to 2 to 4 feet and are compactly branched, giving them a bushy appearance.
Indica leaves are also broader.
Sativa leaves are thin and the plants have fewer branches.
Summary
Cannabis sativaandCannabis indicaare the two main types of cannabis.
There are also high-CBD hybrids likeHarlequinthat work similarly to indica without the risk of getting stoned.
High-THC hybrids likeBedrocanare used more for medicinal purposes and may cause anxiety in sensitive people.
Several other hybrids exist, and growers combine types to cultivate additional cannabinoids and terpenes, too.
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