What is the Difference Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?

If you're a marijuana smoker, you've more than likely pondered the question, what is the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains?

Both the characteristics of the plant as well as the effects are very distinct in their unique ways.

Ever accidentally decide to smoke some dank Sativa before bed? I'm sure it wasn't long before you ended up cleaning up your whole house instead.

Yes, we've all been there.

That’s why it is important to understand the difference between a Sativa high and an Indica High as well as the hybrid effects. 

The point of this article is to help make you an expert in determining not just the different types of cannabis strains and their effects, but which weed strains will work best for you when it comes to indica vs sativa vs hybrid. 

Keep reading below to have a better understanding of Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains.

Understanding Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Cannabis Strains 

The fact is, both Indica and Sativa strains are very distinct in their appearances as well as effects. As for hybrid, well, the name is pretty self explanatory; a mixture of both strains combined.

So what is the difference between indica and hybrid, or the difference between sativa and hybrid?

To identify the difference between indica, sativa and hybrid, you first would have to know the difference between the three plants.

What is Sativa and How Can you Tell the Difference

Sativa plants are taller, skinnier, and have more fingers and can even have as many as 13. Sativa and Inidica both came around in the 18th century, sativa was the term used to describe hemp plants that were found throughout Europe and Western Eurasia.

What is Indica, Tell the Difference From First Glance

Indica on the other hand, are known for their short and stout characteristics as well as less fingers, possessing anywhere from seven to nine. Their leaves appear fatter and wider than that of a Sativa plant. Indica was discovered in India where it was harvested for its seeds and fibers then used to produce hashish.

What is Hybrid Weed, Learn How They Differ From Both

Hybrids are special Hybrid marijuana is special, in that unlike both Sativa and Indica plants, they are quite difficult to identify. This is because they will generally resemble or favor their parent strains, making it extremely tough to distinguish.

Now that you know the differences between the types of plants, it's time to learn more about the reactions and side effects of an Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis strain.

 

The Effects of a Sativa High

The THC effects of Sativa can be summed up in just two words; energetic and uplifting.

It is distinct with characteristics such as creativity and productivity. Another way to describe a Sativa high would be a boost in serotonin. In other words, an absolute mind high with anti-anxiety effects, making it a wonderful choice for the daytime.

Dry pipes are excellent not just because they are portable, but because it will deliver a clean and satisfying hit, all while not getting you too over the top, with that intense high. With a dry cannabis pipe, you'll be able to get on the right level and still be functional for all your daily activities!

Below you will find a couple Sativa strains that are popular amongst cannabis smokers.

Green Crack 

Green Crack is a sativa strain that has been around for quite some time. This was developed underground, and where it came from is unknown which is not uncommon. It has certainly become one of the most popular Sativas in the world. So if you want a perfect Sativa high, try this strain.

Sour Diesel 

One of the more famous sativa strains in the world. This strain of weed was actually an accident, whoever created this used Chemdog91 and Super Skunk and came up with a gas smelling bud that is wonderful if you are looking for a different sativa high.

What Does an Indica High Do to You? The Effects of Indica

Unlike Sativa, the THC effects of an Indica high are quite on the opposite end of the spectrum. It can best be described in one word; sedative.

Smoking Indica is recommended for night time use, Indica strains tend to be the perfect go to, for those looking to unwind and relax. 

Indicas do wonders for those with chronic or severe anxiety, nausea, or pain, due to its deep tranquilizing and calming effects. So if you are dealing with any of these issues, you should try smoking Indica.

It's recommended to stick with a premium glass water pipe, for that much needed night time relief. Unlike dry pipes, which are excellent for day time use, bongs will give you that instant potent Indica high, right before bed.

What better way to end your night then with a hit straight to the dome, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of an exceptional Indica strain?

If you are able to, try these two strains for a wonderful Indica high.

Northern Lights

If you are into smoking Indica, then you are probably familiar with Northern Lights. This Indica strain has been around for a very long time, and is a descendant of Afghani Kush. It has a beautiful skunky smell that will light up any room and wonderful flavor when smoked. 

This hits the body hard and will leave you stuck in the couch for the rest of the evening. 

Granddaddy Purple

If you are like a lot of stoners, then you want to look to smoke something that looks as good as it tastes. Since its creation in 2003 Granddaddy Purp has become increasingly popular. It’s like smoking something fruity and refreshing. This Indica high makes for a perfect relaxing evening if you are wanting to just chill at home.  

What does Hybrid Weed do to you The Hybrid Effects

Now we know what smoking indica and a Sativa strain will do, but how do we determine Hybrid effects in the body?

Well that depends on two factors; type and quality. The real question is, is it an Indica dominant strain, or a Sativa dominant one? Once you've figured that out, the next thing to ask yourself is, what is the quality of these two strains?

Keep in mind the quality of an Indica or Sativa dominant strain, will greatly determine the effects of THC that you feel upon consumption.

If it's an Indica dominant, you can expect to more heavily feel the relaxing effects, but you will also feel the uplifting awakening effects of the Sativa high.

If it's a Sativa dominant cannabis strain, then you can expect those effects to be reversed, with heavy sensations of a mind like productive high, while also getting the benefits of the sedative calming effects. Both work interchangeably, going back and forth between the sensations.

Now if it's a 50/50 even distribution of both types of cannabis, you can expect to equally feel the effects from both the Sativa high and Indica High, without one overpowering the other.

 A good rule of thumb is, dominant strains will always dominate the high.

They allow smooth refreshing hits, which are suitable for both daytime and night. It won't bring you over the top, but if you need it to, it will definitely give you the satisfactory hit you were looking for.

Now with basic understanding. You won’t have to ask “what is the difference between indica, sativa and hybrid anymore.” Here is some hybrid weed that you may want to check out. 

OG Kush 

You can’t have a list of weed and not include OG Kush, this hybrid weed has been around since the 90’s and has become a staple in  the California weed culture. Many other strains use OG kush to cross breed. OG Kush is usually known to have high THC levels which most smokers love. 

While it isn’t known to put you to sleep, if you smoke enough it will definitely put you to sleep for the night.

White Widow 

If you are looking to feel happy go lucky, I would recommend a sativa or this hybrid weed. This is a wonderful hybrid that will give you a long lasting high that won’t make you feel tired or bogged down. 

So if you are wanting to maintain social activity and still feel relaxed then the hybrid effects of White Widow is what you might be looking for. 

Keep reading below to find out how you can find the best cannabis strains for you!

Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: Which is Best For You?

Whew, you made it. You now know not only the different types of marijuana strains, but also the effects. More importantly though, you will soon know how to find the right cannabis strain for you!

Given the effects, it is generally suggested that you stick with Sativa for daytime use and Indica for night time. Since an Indica plant can easily put you down, it is recommended to choose Sativa to get a more productive day in, and then wind down with the other at night. 

Hybrids are wonderful in the sense that you get to enjoy the best of both worlds and experience both the benefits of a Sativa high and Indica high, making it a truly spectacular type of strain.

It should be easy now to figure out what will work best for you given the particular circumstance. Again, hybrids are unique, in that they offer the sensations of both, therefore making it easier to use for any time of the day without receiving overwhelming THC effects, from one particular type of plant.

Conclusion 

Pure strains are hard to come by and due to their rare nature, it is more than likely you'll find yourself smoking a hybrid weed strain. These days, the cannabis you find in your local smoke shop tends to be a combination of both Sativa and Indica strains.

This is due to the significant amount of cross breeding that has been done since the 90s.

Almost 90% or more of strains today are ALL hybrid weed. Whether or not it is 99% an Indica cannabis plant and 1% Sativa, it is still considered a hybrid if it is not 100% pure bred.

However, all because an authentic marijuana strain is hard to come by, it doesn't mean it does not exist, therefore, you are NOT out of luck.

So there is never a question of “whats better indica, sativa or hybrid”, it is all based on preference. 

 There isn’t always a major difference between indica and hybrid or a distinct difference between sativa and hybrid. It would all depend on the percentage of the strain used to cross breed. 

What are you waiting for?  Find yourself a bangin glass piece and some dank buds to relieve all your stress!