The plant world contains a multitude of plants belonging to different species. For example, Cannabis Sativa L from the same Cannabinaceae or Cannabaceae family includes two main subcategories: Sativa and Indica varieties. Do you really know what the differences are between these two plants?
Focus on Marijuana
The Cannabis plant is part of a botanical genus that groups together plants of the Cannabinaceae or Cannabaceae family. Marijuana can be male, female, or even hermaphrodites. Most of the time, female plants are eaten. Two main subcategories of Cannabis exist: Sativa and Indica. Other varieties in hybrid form or subspecies, such as Cannabis Ruderalis, are part of the plant world.
Some of these species such as Cannabis Ruderalis are used to create autoflowering cannabis strains. More widespread, Cannabis Sativa and Indica are distinguished by their specificities. What are the differences between these two species of Cannabis and how do you recognize them? Spotlight on the peculiarities, origins, characteristics and effects of these plants on health.
The differences between Cannabis Indica and Sativa
Usually, Cannabis Sativa strains grow around the equator. They are also found in Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, as well as in several African countries. Regarding varieties of Cannabis Indica, they grow at altitude, and mainly in countries known for their hashish culture such as Morocco, Afghanistan, Nepal or Turkey.
Overall, Sativa plants are taller than Cannabis Indica strains. If a Sativa plant can reach 1m80, the Indica, it will not exceed 90 centimeters. Their size difference is the origin of their provenance. Generally, the heads of Sativas are longer and less dense than Indicas. Rather, the latter grow on the branches of the plant, rather than at the base of each node.
In bush form, the leaves of Sativa plants are thin and long. The leaves of Indicas plants are wider and shorter. Most of the time, the flowers of Sativas grow between the nodes of each branch. It is this phenomenon which explains their shape of clusters and their density. The living conditions of these two plants are notably very different. Unlike Indicas who did not have to struggle to absorb the sun’s rays, Sativas had to adapt to the particular climate around the area of the equator where the periods of sunshine are short, but regular.
What are the health effects?
For therapeutic use, Indica varieties generate analgesic effects. Sativas have a higher ratio between the level of THC and the level of cannabidiol. While Sativa plants optimize brain capacity, Indicas help regulate stress and relax the user. In short, the effects obtained by means of these two varieties of Cannabis are distinguished by the sensations obtained. While one provides more stimulating and energizing effects, the other is, conversely, particularly relaxing. These plants are not consumed in the same setting because of their effects.
What are the aromas?
These two varieties of Cannabis have particular differences in terms of aromas. Floral and tropical, Sativas can be blessed with fruity flavors, but also flavors associated with ammonia. Very often, Indicas have fruity notes and can sometimes be more woody. The aromas differ depending on the variety of plants. Kush strains are characterized by fruity flavors, while hybrid Skunk and Indica strains have a more woody flavor.
Do they have the same flowering rate?
Due to their larger feet, Sativas take longer to flower than Cannabis Indicas varieties. While the Marijuana strains on the market today were designed to flower faster, some landraces need more than 18 weeks to flower. Other strains such as Zamal Sativa take even longer to flower. As for Indicas, they usually flower after 8-10 weeks. Sometimes Sativas can take twice as long for flowering.
Typically, Indica plants produce more than Sativa plants. For your information, some Indica strains such as OG Kush produce much less than other strains. Some varieties of them have been used in particular to make the most famous hash: manala cream and charas.
