As canna-products have grown in popularity and become more accessible than ever before, consumers are beginning to recognize and learn about the different effects that these products can have. Through media, school and the movies (i.e. Dazed and Confused and Fast Times at Ridgemont High), many of us grew up seeing the same effects of cannabis shown over and over again, namely that it makes you laugh and possibly feel a bit, well, dazed and confused. As we know, and as more cann-amateurs are finding out, different types of cannabis have different effects.
While there are several ways and thought processes behind how we can and should classify different strains, the most well-known labels are sativa, indica and hybrids. While most cannabis today is some sort of a hybrid, it’s still helpful to understand the basics about what people mean when they say a certain strain is either an indica or a sativa plant.
Indica has been noted as producing strains that provide full-body calming effects that make you want to melt into your couch and relax. To remember this, think: in-da-couch. Indica plants are usually short and stocky with leaves that are broad and chunky. If you’re looking to relax with a friend, partner or pet and spend a night in with some movies or good music, you may be more inclined to try an indica strain.
Sativa strains are usually said to be more energizing and uplifting. The plants are tall and skinny and have thin, pointed leaves. A sativa strain may be the perfect match for an at-home painting or art session or even a walk outside in nature.
As always, this classification system isn’t perfect, nor is it a guarantee of certain effects. Each person’s body reacts in its own individual way to cannabis, which is a result of genetics and the cannabinoid receptors in your body. So, what is an enjoyable experience or effect for one person may not always be the same for you. This is why we always suggest that you ask questions, start low and go slow in terms of consumption.