Sativa or Indica: Which Strain Is Best for What Pains You?
Cannabis comes in different shapes, names, colors, and over 700 different strains. The two main subcategories are sativa or indica.
Both strains possess different qualities affecting the body and mind, but which is best for you?
Keep reading to learn about sativa, indica, and hybrid marijuana strains, and which to choose.
Sativa
The sativa strain of cannabis is known for its perceived ability to boost mood. It’s a popular choice for social gatherings as it produces a euphoric, creative high. Sativa strains often have a higher ratio of THC to CBD.
It is believed to have medical benefits. It may be useful in improving appetite, mood, energy, and focus. Specific sativa-dominant marijuana strains like Sour Diesel is praised as the ultimate way to lift mood and energy.
While sativa has a positive impact on many, some people may feel a heightened sense of anxiety or paranoia using such strains. A panic attack caused by cannabis may induce sweating, a sudden sense of impending doom, a worry someone’s watching you, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling that you’re not attached to your body. Panic attacks aren’t life-threatening, and the feelings will go away within a few minutes to an hour.
Charlotte’s Web is a high-CBD, low-THC sativa strain that bud-tenders and consumers alike endorse since it will cause the same high as other sativa strains, but without the anxiety. Other popular sativa strains are Shining Star, Jack Herer, and Euforia.
Indica
Those who are looking for a chill, relaxing high might stick to indica strains only. Rather than producing a cerebral, euphoric high like sativa, indica strains cause a body high. It’s associated with “couch-lock,” the sense you’re sedated and “locked” to the couch.
The calming high of indica cannabis strains make this a popular choice for stress relief, soothing pain, falling asleep, and decreasing nausea. It even shows promise as an antiepileptic substance, but more research still needs to be done in this area. The effects could be from the high-CBD to low-THC ratio found in most indica strains.
Popular indica strains are Northern Lights, Bubba Kush, and Skywalker OG.
Hybrids
Hybrid marijuana strains are unique crosses of sativa and indica plants. Hybrids are typically grown by experts looking to enhance specific qualities found in the parent plants. They’re often labeled as sativa-dominant or indica-dominant.
The effects of hybrids depend on which strain is dominant but generally provide a balanced cerebral and physical high. It’s a way to enjoy the sedative impact of indica without the couch-lock or fatigue and get the mental stimulation offered by sativa strains. Medical marijuana patients use hybrids for anxiety, depression, pain, and trouble sleeping.
Only you can know how you’ll react to different strains. If you’re not sure what the best option is for you, take a look at this list of the best strains to choose from.
Sativa or Indica: Which Strain Do You Choose?
Sativa gives a stimulating, euphoric, and energizing high that is chosen for these properties. Indica marijuana strains produce a relaxing, sedative effect that could calm you down to the point of couch-lock. Hybrids could bring you a balanced mix of the two.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide between sativa or indica and which one is right for you. For more posts on everything from cannabis to fashion and tech, check out the rest of our blog!
