What are the differences between Cannabis Indica and Sativa?

Many people approaching cannabis for the first time have doubts about its properties and uses. Are all strains the same? Are there some special varieties for medicinal use and others for recreational use? Are there differences between Cannabis Indica and Sativa? Is one better at a certain time of day than the other?

The word ‘cannabis’ is a taxonomic term that refers to a genus of flowering plants which are members of the Cannabaceae family. It includes three main subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. It was in 1753 that the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus first classified Cannabis sativa, differentiating it from other plants by its morphological characteristics. More than three decades later, in 1785, the French naturalist Jean Baptiste Lamarck described and named a second species, Cannabis indica (‘indica’ is the Latin word for India), which exhibited notable differences in structure and effects compared to Cannabis sativa. Hence, ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ were terms that were originally used to distinguish between cannabis strains according to their place of origin, and were intended to differentiate the appearance of each plant.

Geographic differences

The world is very large and each variety of cannabis has a different geographical origin. The place where they were born influenced them and prepared them for their native climate. For the Indicas , this means areas between 30º and 50º degrees of latitude, such as Nepal, Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan or China. All the countries of the Hindu Kush area, a huge mountain range covering more than 800 km.

The Sativas come from equatorial zones, between 0º and 30º degrees of latitude, places such as Jamaica, Mexico, Colombia, Thailand, Cambodia and Southern India.

Different appearances and flowering time

The plants of the Indica family are thicker, more aromatic and shorter. They usually have thick layers of resin that protected them in their day, up in the mountains, against the adverse weather conditions of extreme cold and wind. Their flowering time is also shorter and this is why they are highly appropriate for interior cultivation. Plants of the Sativa variety have a thinner and taller morphology. They tend to grow more, although they need a little more time to do it. The climates that favour them most are equatorial and they are more suitable for cultivation outdoors.

Each has its own effect

Indica Cannabis tends to relax us and its effect is felt throughout the body, relaxing the muscles and immersing us in a general laxity. It also tends to affect senses like taste, touch and hearing. Sativa cannabis has a stimulating effect, often provoking laughter. It is also more cerebral, so it is perfect for creativity. For this reason, many people choose cannabis Sativa for daytime activities, and opt for cannabis Indica for the tranquility of evening time. Indicas tend to be characterized by their relaxing effect, being “stoned” and Sativas for their uplifting effect, being “high”.

Different medicinal uses

Having established that each variety has distinct characteristics, it’s no surprise to hear that their applications also differ. Cannabis Indica is recommended for people who sleep badly or have issues with insomnia. This variety is also known to offer chronic pain relief and decrease muscle tension so it is used to treat the spasms and tremors common in diseases such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis. Cannabis Sativa can help patients with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or fatigue. It is also recommended for people with nausea, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, as it stimulates the appetite.

Different flavor profiles

For all types of flavours there are demanding and refined palates who can tell the difference between one wine and another or two different oils. The taste of cannabis comes from its terpenes, oils which give off fragrance and give the plant its characteristic smell. These can also be found in other plants and fruits. Do Sativa and Indica varieties have a different flavour? Many say that Sativa may have a lighter and more fruity aroma, although its sister Indica is not far behind with the rich fruity taste it normally leaves in the mouth. Then there are the flavour differences of the many varieties: penetrating, dense, light, spicy, earth-flavoured, sweet and fruity, fuely….some plants taste like pine or even ammonia!

Conclusion

Are Indica and Sativa the only two varieties of cannabis? No, the family is constantly expanding, with the arrival of the next generation of hybrid varieties, plants from different geographical location mixed by breeders for enhanced properties. Nor can we forget other varieties like the powerful Ruderalis and Hemp, which, despite having no psychoactive effects, is used medicinally and also to produce a myriad of objects such as clothes, paper and construction materials.

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