Today, cannabis producers typically classify their strains into one of three categories based on their effects: “Indica,” “Sativa,” or Hybrid.
Botanically, the terms "Indica" and “Sativa” have vastly different meanings from what consumers are thinking when it comes to cannabis strains, which is why many are calling for these outdated terms to be replaced, with more emphasis focused on the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the strain.
The Cannabis sativa subspecies was identified in Europe 32 years before the discovery of the indica subspecies in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, the "father of modern taxonomy." In 1785, biologist and academic Jean-Baptiste Lamarck collected samples from cannabis plants found growing in India. He labeled these plants and those originating from India and spreading to Southeast Asia and Africa as Cannabis indica, whose features differentiated it from the previously discovered and labeled Cannabis sativa variation. Lamarck reported that, in contrast to the Cannabis sativa type Linnaeus had identified, it was also intoxicating and had a strong smell.
Much later, in 1924, the afghanica variety was identified by Nikoli Vavilov and his team when they found farmers in Afghanistan cultivating cannabis to make hash. In 1976, formal nomenclature was established by Earnest Small, officially giving the species the name Cannabis sativa, with indica and sativa being labeled a subspecies. As it stands, there are four main subspecies of the Cannabis sativa species:
- Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. afghanica
- Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica
- Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa var. sativa (what we know as ‘hemp’)
- Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa var. chinesis.1
This article will focus on the afghanica and indica varieties, as they represent the genetic history of the current "Indica" and "Sativa" plants we see today. The terms "Indica" and "Sativa" became a reference to the physical attributes of the plants in the early 1980s, and a "Hybrid" just indicates it is a cross between two plants. However, in today’s market, "Indica," "Sativa," and Hybrid have evolved as descriptors that are supposed to tell consumers which effects they might feel once they consume the product. This categorization approach has started a long-running debate between cultivators, marketing teams, retailers, and consumers about the validity of the titles and whether there is a better terpene-based approach.2
So, what really are the differences between "Indica," "Sativa," and Hybrid strains? Does the conventional wisdom about their effects hold up? As the cannabis world has grown, the conversation has gotten more nuanced and complex, but fear not; there are still simple ways to pick the right strain for your needs.
What is Indica?
Today, the plants we consider "Indica" originate from the afghanica variety genetics, known as the “broad leaf drug type.”
The term Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. afghanica refers to all cannabis varieties from dry regions of Central Asia, primarily Afghanistan, but also Pakistan and Iran. These cannabis plants have many branches, and their buds weigh more, giving them a dense appearance. These plants have dark green leaves that are short and broad to help minimize water loss. They typically only grow between 2-4 ft tall indoors (taller outdoors). The plant's high resin content makes it ideal for hash production. Compared to their counterparts, these plants have shorter growth periods, mature early in the season, and have higher frost tolerance, which lends to the theory below.
It is believed that these plants originated from the Hindu Kush Mountains, where they adapted to the cold climate. In addition to late-season cold snaps in Central Asia, these conditions may explain the plant's high volume of resin production and purple colors, as both are produced in response to the cold environment to protect the plant.1,2
Usage
As cannabis has evolved, so have the modern terms used to describe it. In modern settings, like your local dispensary, the term "Indica" is often used to describe a strain or product's possible intoxicating effects.
"In-da-couch" is a popular reference to indicate that items labeled "Indica" suggest that they might provide a more relaxing, sedating effect. Cannabis flower and products labeled as "Indica" may offer consumers more of a body high.
Several studies have done lab analysis on "Indica" labeled strains and found that they had higher levels of terpenes like myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene present compared to "Sativa" labeled strains.3,4
Whatever the combination, the blend of cannabinoids and terpenes typically found in these strains may provide effects many medical cannabis patients turn to when dealing with conditions like insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety.5
Because of its potential body-heavy effects, consumers often consider "Indicas" to be “nighttime” strains best avoided when the goal is to feel more uplifted or energized. However, this effect is not always universal because everyone can react differently. Because of this, individuals may feel more uplifted after using a product labeled "Indica."
Some users also report more intense side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and paranoia after smoking strains labeled as "indica," which is associated with THC content, rather than the label of “indica."
Popular Indica Strains
Famous "Indica" strains include but aren't limited to:
- Hindu Kush
- Afghan Kush
- Grand Daddy Purple
- Northern Lights
- Blueberry
These strains can sometimes be challenging to find on dispensary shelves. If your dispensary has a wide selection of strains, you can often find the desired effects by seeking out chemovars rich in terpenes like myrcene, linalool, pinene, and caryophyllene.
What is Sativa?
On the other side is Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica, or the "narrow leaf drug type," where the "Sativa" we are familiar with today comes from. Seems confusing, right? This is where the modern terms "Indica" and "Sativa" create a rift among consumers, cultivators, and scientists, as they don’t match up with the botanical definitions or, in some cases, the morphological appearance of the cannabis varieties we have today.
The Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica is much taller than its afghanica counterpart. It has tree-like branches that expand and grow upwards, with long, narrow leaves giving the plant a much more open and aerated appearance. Where afghanica buds group around the nodes, flowers on this variety are found in and along the stalks.
It is thought that indica plants adapted their thin leaves to reduce transpiration and ensure good aeration on hot days. These plants have more extended vegetative growth periods of 10-16 weeks and produce less dense buds than the afghanica variety.1
The "Sativa" in dispensaries that we know today, Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica originates from South Asia, primarily India, where it was then dispersed to places like Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.1 This variety was discovered by Lamarck in 1785.
Usage
In today's market, "Sativa" labeled products are typically associated with having a stimulating "cerebral" effect that might promote feelings of creativity, which could be suitable for social situations and artistic endeavors. It is often noted to be a more desirable daytime experience for many.
Several studies have done lab analysis on "Sativa" labeled products, finding that they may contain slightly higher levels of CBC and CBG. They also tend to have higher levels of terpinolene and limonene.3,4
Because of the typically more stimulating mental effects many individuals feel, "Sativa" strains may often be used by consumers searching for relief from mood disorders, depression, and ADHD. It is important to note that some users have reported feelings of anxiety, insomnia, and dizziness when consuming sativa-labeled products. Interestingly, animal research notes that isolated terpinolene can actually lead to drowsiness and sedation.6 However, in combination with cannabinoids like THC, researchers believe it may produce stimulating effects.7
Popular Sativa Strains
- Sour Diesel
- Jack Herer
- Acapulco Gold
- Panama Red
- Strawberry Cough
- Green Crack
- Tangie
- Train Wreck
What are Hybrids?
Hybrids are a cross between any two strains that can carry some effects of both the traditional high-THC cannabis varieties, Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. afghanica ("Indica") and Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica ("Sativa"). A hybrid plant can be a cross between either two afghanica or two indica variety plants or a cross of an afghanica and indica plant. Almost all modern strains are technically classified as hybrids, and you will rarely find pure (or landrace) strains.8
According to High Times, the first hybrid strains developed during the 1960s when consumers began searching for higher THC levels. At the time, cannabis was grown almost entirely outdoors, so breeders needed plants that finished growing early enough to cultivate outdoors in the North American climate. Although Northern Mexican and Jamaican (Cannabis sativa) strains flowered faster, they didn't deliver high THC levels. So breeders crossed them with Panamanian, Colombian, and Thai (Cannabis indica) strains that produced high levels of THC and flowered longer.
Then, through a process called inbreeding – taking male and female sibling plants with desirable characteristics and breeding them – they created many of the "original" "Sativa" and "Indica" strains we know today.9
Usage
Many consumers assume hybrids are an equal balance between the typical cerebral and the body effects of "Sativas" and "Indicas." However, they fall more on a spectrum. Because hybrids are from two different strains, the effects largely depend on their parent strains and their unique genetic makeup of terpenes and cannabinoids.
When browsing available hybrids, asking about the terpenes the strain has is often helpful to help you navigate which one might help your symptoms best.
Popular Hybrid Strains
The following strains are sometimes under the labels of "Indica" or "Sativa." This is because the specific batch's chemotype – the genetic makeup of cannabinoids and terpenes – might be more inclined toward having certain effects associated with the commercial "Indica" and "Sativa" terms.
- Pineapple Express
- OG Kush
- GG4
- White Widow
- Chemdawg
- Gelato
- GSC
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Effects
There is much debate within the community on whether or not the labels "Indica," "Sativa," and Hybrid are valid ways to compare the effects of two strains in today's heavily hybrid market. However, choosing from "Indica," "Sativa," or Hybrid labels seems to be an easy starting place to help narrow an extensive list of chemovars.
While it isn’t a hard rule and more of a generalization, many cannabis users believe the following:
- Indica indicates a more relaxed effect.
- Sativa is more stimulating.
- Hybrid offers a more balanced experience that falls somewhere in between.
While many breeders and companies use these labels of "Indica," "Sativa," or Hybrid in a more modern way to help consumers find the desired effects based on a particular terpene profile, i.e., their "Sativa" strains are high in terpenes associated with the effects of the modern "Sativa" term, there are equally as many who haphazardly stick any label on their products, regardless of terpene profile. This can lead to consumers picking up the wrong product, especially if the state doesn’t mandate terpene testing or the company doesn’t provide it on the packaging. (Hint: You can always ask to see a COA for a product at a dispensary!)
It is generally best to focus on a particular strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile rather than a label of "Indica," "Sativa," or Hybrid. Still, if your state does not mandate testing for terpenes, these labels may be your best indicator other than trying a variety of strains out to see which ones you like best.
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Potency
While concentrates, regardless of "Indica," "Sativa," or Hybrid label, are more potent than flower due to the way the cannabinoids are extracted, it’s harder to determine potency based on the labels of "Indica," "Sativa," and Hybrid when it comes to flower and concentrates. In addition, there are limited research findings to indicate that these labels translate to ingestible cannabis products like edibles.
The potency of products can also be a subjective experience as the combination of the individual's mental and physical well-being and the unique blend of chemical compounds in the plant determines the final effect of feelings. The differences in THC and CBD are associated with various factors such as genetics and grow and harvest processing methods. They can vary from plant to plant, even if they have the same genetics and growing conditions.
In the end, two people can consume the exact dosage of the same cannabis, and one may note a more potent experience than the other. Studies have driven this point home with results that show “Indica” and “Sativa” labeled cultivars did not differ in cannabinoid concentrations of THC or CBD. Instead, researchers noted more prominent differences in the terpene profiles of the chemovars.6
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Summary
This table reflects patient experiences commonly reported with "Indica," "Sativa," or Hybrid labeled strains and why they choose to use them. Individuals new to cannabis may use this as a starting point; however, the effects are not guaranteed to be the same for everyone. The focus should instead be on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles present rather than the label of "indica," "sativa," or hybrid.
| Reasons for Use | Reported Effects | |
| "Indica"(Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. afghanica) | Insomnia, relaxation, pain relief | Associated with a body high, calming, soothing feelings |
| "Sativa"(Cannabis sativa subsp. indica var. indica) | Creativity, social situations, physical activities | Associated with uplifting, simulating, cerebral feelings |
| Hybrid | Anxiety relief, pain relief | Associated with both euphoria and relaxation |
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid: How to Choose the Right One?
When first deciding what cannabis subspecies is right for you, it's essential first to determine your desired effects. Do you want something to inspire and create? To relax? To socialize? To sleep? Or, are you searching for a specific medical benefit, such as pain or anxiety relief?
To apply what you’ve learned about "Sativa" vs. "Indica" vs. Hybrid origins, search or ask about terpene profiles and cannabinoid content to better understand how any strain might make you feel.
As a final note of caution for new consumers, while the effects of strains can be similar among a wide variety of users, everyone's endocannabinoid system and body are different. Observing which strains make you feel energized, calm, or sleepy and experimenting with new strains is the best way to find what works for you specifically.
Navigating the strains and products available at a dispensary can be overwhelming. It can be challenging to learn a strain’s terpene and cannabinoid profile, and even if you do understand which terpenes are associated with which effects, the sensation produced may feel entirely different alongside the other terpenes and cannabinoids found in the plant.10 Some cannabis brands don’t show this information on their products, while others don't even test for these features.
Other times, a cultivar grown by two different farms can be categorized as totally opposite categories, as in the case of the AK-47 strain that won both the best "Indica" and best “Sativa” in two different years at the Cannabis Cup.
Be patient with the process, and trust your experience as the industry works through these kinks.
Dr. Ethan Russo, former director of research and development for the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute, once said, "It is essential that future commerce allows complete and accurate cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles to be available."11
References
- McPartland JM. Cannabis Systematics at the Levels of Family, Genus, and Species. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2018;3(1):203-212. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0039
↩︎ - McPartland JM, Small E. A classification of endangered high-THC cannabis (Cannabis sativa subsp. indica) domesticates and their wild relatives. PhytoKeys. 2020;144:81-112. doi:https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.144.46700
↩︎ - Hazekamp A, Tejkalová K, Papadimitriou S. Cannabis: From Cultivar to Chemovar II—A Metabolomics Approach to Cannabis Classification. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2016;1(1):202-215. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0017
↩︎ - Elzinga S, Fischedick J. Cannabinoids and Terpenes as Chemotaxonomic Markers in Cannabis. Natural Products Chemistry & Research. 2015;3(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6836.1000181
↩︎ - Sholler DJ, Moran MB, Dolan SB, et al. Use patterns, beliefs, experiences, and behavioral economic demand of indica and sativa cannabis: A cross-sectional survey of cannabis users. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2021;30(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000462
↩︎ - Ito K, Ito M. The sedative effect of inhaled terpinolene in mice and its structure–activity relationships. Journal of Natural Medicines. 2013;67(4):833-837. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-012-0732-1
↩︎ - Raz N, Eyal AM, Zeitouni DB, et al. Selected cannabis terpenes synergize with THC to produce increased CB1 receptor activation. Biochemical Pharmacology. 2023;212. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115548
↩︎ - McPartland JM, Guy GW. Models of Cannabis Taxonomy, Cultural Bias, and Conflicts between Scientific and Vernacular Names. The Botanical Review. 2017;83(4):327-381. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12229-017-9187-0
↩︎ - Barcaccia G, Palumbo F, Scariolo F, Vannozzi A, Borin M, Bona S. Potentials and Challenges of Genomics for Breeding Cannabis Cultivars. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.573299
↩︎ - McPartland JM. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica versus “Sativa” and “Indica.” In: Chandra S, Lata H, ElSohly M, eds. Cannabis Sativa L. - Botany and Biotechnology. Springer, Cham; 2017:101-121. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54564-6_4
↩︎ - Piomelli D, Russo EB. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2016;1(1):44-46. doi.org/10.1089/can.2015.29003.ebr
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
