What kind of cannabis is best for you? (Sativa, Indica or Hybrid?)

In the past, movies and television have been mis-leading when it comes to cannabis. We’ll get into why another time but for now, it’s important to note that it's highly unlikely that you’ll end up living out a cringy scene from a classic 90’s movie.

Since then, we’ve learned much more about this wonderful plant, its characteristics and effects. If you’re curious for yourself, it all starts with two primary plants, Sativa and Indica.

What is the actual difference between Sativa and Indica?

Indica and sativa were properly identified in the mid-1700s. Today, it’s rare to find pure examples of either. Licensed producers will label which of the two is dominant in its breakdown. The two names were originally used by botanists to describe the physical characteristics of the plant. Surprisingly, it didn’t have anything to do with their psychoactive properties. It was years of cultivation, cross breeding and culture that made them efficient indicators of the effect and characteristics you can come to expect.

Here’s what effect to expect:

Sativa (Cannabis sativa):

Cannabinoids: High-level THC - Low-level CBD.

Effects: Often considered the “creative” strain. Sativa is known for its uplifting effects, producing a stressless energy that reduces anxiety and helps you feel more productive.

Preferred strains: Handcrafted Green Kraken from BOAZ,

Peggy's Pride from Msiku, or Ghost Train Haze from Up Cannabis.

Indica (Cannabis indica):

Cannabinoids: Higher level CBD - Mid-level THC.

Effects: Known as the “relaxing” strain. Indica is famous for its full-bodied effect, producing a more sedated experience that helps increase appetite and reduce nausea or pain.

Preferred strains: Granddaddy Purple from 48North, Cherry Punch from BLKMKT, or Garlic Z from Thumbs Up.

Hybrids

Cannabinoids: Typically higher in either THC or CBD.

Effects: Hybrids are sought after for their unique effects. Commonly used for pain management and reducing stress and anxiety.

Preferred strains: White Widow from 7ACRES, HiFi 4g from Steel City Green, and Ex-Wife from Qwest.

Understanding cannabinoid ratio is important in identifying what effect you might prefer over others. Another gigantic influence on your experience is the flavour profile of your bud. Why is some cannabis so blueberry-like? Why does some smell like lemon? These are all produced by a natural compound in the plant called terpenes. Terpenes also play a role in how much cannabinoids can be absorbed. But we’ll get into that in another blog.

In the meantime, your GCCC budtender is there to guide you through the process of finding what you're looking for. You can always stop by and ask our pro’s on Fourth Ave in St. Catharines or Niagara street in Welland.