hamilton marijuana dispensary

Indica, Sativa and hybrid explained

When you first get into Dacanna Hamilton Cannabis Dispensary as a smoker or a breeder, it can get overwhelming. There is a lot of information to process with various types, potency and THC levels available. For most newcomers in the cannabis business,  it can be a pain to understand this overload of information. Let’s break down this information starting from the very basics, and how to consume them responsibly

 

To put it simply, there are 2 main different types of cannabis plants that are commonly used, Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. There is another variation called Cannabis ruderalis as well, but it is often not used in Cannabis products and is mainly used by breeders to produce higher quality hybrids.

 

Initially, both types of cannabis were used to produce different results for the consumers. Sativa gives a more energetic feeling affecting the cerebrum, whereas Indica was responsible for much more calming effects, more physical than mental. However, this has changed due to the interbreeding of these plants to produce various different strains and hybrids. Now each strain or hybrid is used for a targeted effect for its consumers. With hundreds of hybrids available, the user can get a specific effect or a combined effect from both the plant’s properties.

 

Cannabis Indica



Not only do the Indica and Sativa plants produce different psychological effects, but they also differ in their appearance. The Cannabis indica plant is short, dense, and bushier. It also has a darker green colour than its counterpart, along with wider leaves. The Indica plant is best suited to be grown in cooler climates since they have a shorter flowering period.

 

The main area where indica is often used is medicine. The plant affects productivity and energy, producing a generally relaxed feeling. Thus the Indica plant is the best option for evenings or at night. Some potent strains can also give the “couchlock” effect where the consumer is so relaxed that they don’t even get up from the sofa.

 

When we look at their specific ingredients, indica is optimum for treating pain and inflammation; therefore, it is often prescribed for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia or cancer. 

 

The scent of the Indica and Sativa plant is also different, with the Indica strain emitting a musky and earthy odour. 

cannabis sativa

Cannabis Sativa



On the other hand, the Sativa plant is thinner and slimmer in terms of general appearance, and it contains light green leaves compared to the dark green indicas. The leaves of the plant are thinner and longer when compared to the Indica strain. The prime time for Sativa growth is during the warmer climate, and it can naturally grow up to 12 feet tall.

 

The mental effects that you get from Sativa are the complete opposite of the Indica plant. Sativa strain produces a more uplifting and energetic mood. It is said to increase productivity and boost creativity in individuals. Whereas the Indica plant gave more of a body high, the Sativa plant focuses on the mind and serves a mental high. Even so, the Indica plant has dominated the market since the Sativa plants have a smaller yield.  

 

Since the Sativa plant is used for a mental high, it is used as a treatment for many psychological disorders such as depression, PTSD, anxiety etc. Many other diseases and medicines are also accompanied by side effects like depression and anxiety; thus, Sativa can be used to treat those typical symptoms.

 

The scent of the Sativa plant is much better than the Indica plants, with sweet, fruity and spicy notes. The difference in smell is due to the amount of terpenes present, which acts like CBD or THC and can often have a pungent smell.

Hybrids

 

There is still a lot of debate on the properties of the 2 cannabis strains and the effects they produce. Although they are certain of a few factors, the effects of each can change from strain to strain. That is why breeders opt for a combination of the two Strains to produce a hybrid plant that ultimately makes most of the products. Breeders continue to explore and devise new hybrids to achieve their desired effects through the plant.

 

A hybrid plant possesses the beneficial qualities of both its parent plants. They are often used to create products that have the utmost medical efficiency. Some of the diseases these hybrid strains can target include lupus, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy etc.

 

By mixing the 2 Cannabis plants, they produce an effect of “alert mellowness” where productivity is increased while limiting mental stressors such as anxiety.

 

Hybrid strains are mentioned according to their ratios. Strains that contain more indica than sativa are labelled as Indica Dom, while those with a higher content of Sativa are called Sativa Dom. Sometimes each strain might even have a ratio like 60/40 depending on the amount of indica and Sativa present. Other times they may only have the percentage of a particular strain mentioned such as 40% indica.



Cannabis Ruderalis

 

Cannabis Ruderalis is a short and stalky plant when compared with the Sativa and indica variants. It is generally only about 1 to 2.5 feet in height, containing 5 to 13 leaflets that are light green in colour. The leaves resemble the leaves of the Indica plant but are more narrow and smaller. 

 

The main property of the ruderalis plant is its auto-flowering cycle. This cycle allows the plant to start flowering 21- 30 days after being planted regardless of the light cycle.

 

The actual THC content in the Ruderalis variety is quite low. Therefore it is not used in THC products alone. It is used to form hybrids that contain the auto-flowering property. When used in the hybrids, the breeders can create a plant that has a high THC potency and an apt flavour profile while still being auto-flowering to gain the best result.

 

To summarize, the leaves of the cannabis plant are essential to differentiate the 3 types of Cannabis Plant. All the mentioned are sold in our Hamilton Cannabis Dispensary Store. Each type has its own growth period, and each one has its own benefits. The Indica is used for a body high targeting inflammation and pain while the Sativa produces a more mental high addressing psychological disorders. The Ruderalis type although does not produce a high, it is great for breeding purposes for its auto-flowering properties.

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