Health

Cannabis Sativa vs Indica: What Are the Differences?

The benefits of cannabis have drifted into the mainstream. Headshops and CBD dispensaries are springing up all over the globe. Karger estimates there were 3.6 million medical cannabis users in the USA in 2021.

The general public has been consuming plants enjoyed by alternative cultures for decades. Those in the know are aware of two main types: cannabis Sativa vs Indica.

What are the differences between these two types? How do they produce their effects? Read on for your cannabis Sativa vs. cannabis Indica guide.

How Does Cannabis Produce Its Effects?

Both cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica work via our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS was discovered in the mid-1980s. It maintains homeostasis in our bodies: temperature, immune response, mood.

The ECS has CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 regulates brain functions like mood, learning, and memory. CB2 regulates inflammation, immune response, and pain.

Delta-9-hydro cannabinol (THC) has a greater affinity for CB1 receptors. This is how it creates its mental high. THC binds to CB2 to a lesser extent, creating its physical effects.

Cannabidiol (CBD) affects how THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Its exact mechanism is a bit of a mystery. But it can reduce inflammation, pain, anxiety, and nausea.

What Is Cannabis Sativa?

Cannabis Sativa is a tall, spindly plant. It needs strong light and takes longer to grow than Indica.

What place does cannabis Sativa guide you to? Fans of Sativa relish its uplifting, energetic high. Its higher THC to CBD ratio gives a cerebral buzz.

Cannabis Sativa is loved by artists, day users, and party-goers. It can help treat mental issues like mild depression and anorexia.

What Is Cannabis Indica?

Cannabis Indica is a squat, dense plant, with broad leaves. It has higher yields than cannabis Sativa, needs less light, and grows faster.

What place does cannabis Indica guide you to? Indica creates more of a body high than Sativa. Its higher CBD to THC ratio is great for relaxation and sleep.

The term stoned could have been coined for Indica.

Cannabis Sativa vs Indica: Which Should You Use?

Cannabis Sativa is better suited to recreational users. But it is useful for treating low mood, eating disorders, and stress. Its lighter high makes daily tasks easy to complete at low does.

Cannabis Indica is the go-to medical cannabis plant. Its high CBD levels give it less of an intoxicating effect, and it helps many physical issues. You can use cannabis Indica to treat insomnia, headaches, joint pain, and glaucoma.

Studies have even shown that CBD can help prevent seizures. Some chemotherapy patients use it to reduce pain and nausea. For recreational users, nighttime Indica use is best.

Both cannabis Indica and Sativa work well in dabs. Check out promisedleaf.com to see what options you have.

Settled on Your Strain?

We hope our cannabis Sativa vs Indica guide helped you choose the strain for you. Both cannabis Sativa and Indica have their uses, and if you pick the right one, they can help you in all kinds of ways.

For medicinal use, cannabis Indica works best. If you want to have fun, ease mental stresses, or get a pick-me-up, go for cannabis Sativa.

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