The two major types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa. Each strain has its own range of effects and benefits on the body and mind. It can go from energy and creativity booster with Sativa, to relaxation and sleep aid with Indica. That’s why understanding the difference between the two is important to find the right weed strain, whether you want to buy weed for a recreational or medical purpose.
Indica vs Sativa: Know the differences
There are more than 1,000 strains of cannabis existing (and many more created each day). It is important for cannabis users to take that into account because some varieties of cannabis will be more appropriate for particular diseases or needs, but not others. Choosing the right strain is critical to ensuring that you get the best cannabis experience and benefits. That is why, in this article and infographic below, we wanted to highlight the key indica vs sativa differences there are to know.
What are Indica strains?
The Indica strain of cannabis is known for producing a body high and being a good sleep aid. It grows to a height of around 2 to 6 feet on average and produces around 1.5oz to 2.5oz per plant. Cannabis farmers that cultivate their crops indoors tend to favour these plants due to their shorter height and ability to grow quickly. They flower within 8 to 12 weeks, producing rapid results for cultivators. Indicas are generally more potent than Sativas, another popular strain of marijuana. Indica strains commonly contain a terpene (a hydrocarbon derived from a plant’s essential oil) called alpha-Pinene which is an organic compound that exists in sage and rosemary oils and in several pine tree species. Pinene is known to increase energy and mental focus, but it is also useful as an antiseptic, bronchodilator and expectorant.
What are the medical benefits of Indica strains?
One of the key differences between Indica vs Sativa comes to their respective medical benefits. The diseases listed below are just some of the conditions you can treat with Indica strains:
- Muscle spasms
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Sleep deprivation
- Appetite stimulator
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
What are the best Indica strains?
All Indica strains are not alike. Although pure indica strains exist, most strains you will find are Indica-dominant. This doesn’t undermine the benefits and effects you can experience, on the contrary. It gives users, whether connoisseurs or new users, more options to choose from.
In the table below, you will find the best Indica strains that you can find, either at your local or online cannabis dispensary in Canada, along with their THC content.
| Name | Sativa or Indica | Average THC content (%) | Minimum THC content (%) | Maximum THC content (%) |
| Afghan Kush | Indica | 17.6 | 14.7 | 22 |
| Blackberry Kush | Indica | 15.9 | 12.5 | 18 |
| Bubba Kush | Indica | 15.5 | 10.2 | 19.4 |
| True OG | Indica | 18.5 | 13.4 | 22.2 |
What are Sativa Strains?
The term is used to describe a particular species of the marijuana plant. Naturally suitable to grow outdoors, Sativa strains come in a vast number of varieties and produce many effects. Sativa plants are opposite of the Indica strains and grow tall and thin with narrow leaves. This strain is known for its head and body high effect and it can help in treatment of many different medical illnesses. Cannabis products from Sativa plants usually have lower CBD and higher THC counts than Indica products.What are the medical benefits of Sativa strains?
When it comes to Indica vs Sativa, the benefits on your health, body and mind are very different. We put a list below of the main benefits you can experience from Sativa strains:- Energy booster
- Creativity and booster
- Anti-anxiety
- Antidepressant
What are the best Sativa strains?
In the table below, you will find popular pure Sativa strains which offer a hard-hitting high, long lasting pain relief and energizing cerebral effects.| Name | Sativa or indica | Average THC content (%) | Minimum THC content (%) | Maximum THC content (%) |
| Harlequin | Sativa | 5 | 2.5 | 12.6 |
| Strawberry Cough | Sativa | 15.3 | 8.7 | 18.1 |
| Sour Diesel | Sativa | 16.6 | 7.7 | 22 |
Choosing a strain
Indica vs Sativa, which one should you pick? The best way to determine which strains are best for you, we suggest you answer the following questions:
- Why are you interested in using marijuana?
- Do you want to buy weed online for medical purposes, and if so, for what conditions?
- Are you more looking for an online cannabis dispensary for recreational purposes? If so, what kind of experience are you after?
- How much experience with cannabis do you have? Are you a regular user or is it your first time?
- How long do you want or need the effects to last?