Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
Cannabis strains are generally categorized into three primary types: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. While Indica and Sativa are technically terms used to refer to different parts of the cannabis plant’s anatomy, they’ve become colloquial classification terms to help to describe the plant's effects, growth patterns, and the scientific profiles of each strain, including terpenes. What are terpenes? Terpenes are organic compounds found in many kinds of botanicals, and they are what give a specific strain their therapeutic qualities. Here’s a breakdown of each category and common terpenes found within them, with Green Theory staff strain recommendations that highlight these terpenes.
1. Indica
Effects: Indica strains are generally associated with relaxation and a sedative effect. They tend to be calming and are often chosen for evening use, and the best cannabis strains for insomnia tend to fall into this category. Common effects include promoting sleep, reducing anxiety, and relieving pain or muscle spasms.
Growth: Indicas tend to be shorter, bushier plants with broad leaves. They typically have a shorter flowering time and thrive in cooler climates.
Common Terpenes:
Myrcene: Known for its earthy, musky smell, myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in Indica strains. It is believed to have relaxing, sedative effects. One of our myrcene-dominant indica-hybrid strains is Daywrecker by Alt Sol. This intensely relaxing and sedating strain is perfect for patients looking to treat insomnia.
Linalool: With a floral lavender scent, linalool is thought to offer calming and anti-anxiety effects. An indica-hybrid strain of ours that features linalool is Violet Sky by Khalifa Kush and District Cannabis. While relatively low in THC, this strain has incredible therapeutic effects, offering pain relief, uplifted mood, and bursts of creativity.
Caryophyllene: This terpene has a spicy, peppery scent and may provide anti-inflammatory effects. An indica strain we have that features caryophyllene is Gelato Cake by District Cannabis, a deeply sedating indica-hybrid that offers giggles and full-body relaxation that’s sure to give the patient a full night of rest.
2. Sativa
Effects: Sativa strains tend to have more uplifting, energizing effects. They are often chosen for daytime use to improve focus, creativity, and social engagement. Some may experience an increase in alertness and euphoria.
Growth: Sativa plants are typically taller and thinner with narrow leaves. They generally have a longer flowering time and thrive in warmer climates.
Common Terpenes:
Terpinolene: This terpene has a fresh, floral, and citrusy aroma. It is believed to have antioxidant properties and may contribute to uplifting effect. One of our sativas that feature terpinolene is Trainwreck by Molecular Farms. This strain is an uplifting, giggly, and euphoric ride that hits hard and fast, treating the patient to waves of creativity and happiness.
Pinene: With its piney scent, pinene is thought to help with focus and memory retention. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects.A pinene-forward sativa we feature is Panama Red by Alt Sol. This classic strain has been around for decades, giving both current and past generations of patients high levels of energy, sociability, and a markedly uplifted mood.
Limonene: Offering a citrus aroma, limonene is thought to be uplifting and may help with mood elevation and stress relief. A sativa strain we feature that is limonene-forward is Lemon Skunk by Alt Sol. This citrusy strain is energizing and inspiring, providing patients with an uplifted mood and bursts of creativity.
3. Hybrid
Effects: Hybrids are a mix of both Indica and Sativa strains and can provide a combination of both relaxing and energizing effects. Depending on the specific hybrid, they can lean more towards Indica (e.g., Indica-dominant hybrids) or Sativa (e.g., Sativa-dominant hybrids).
Growth: Hybrids tend to have characteristics from both Indica and Sativa plants, making them variable in size, shape, and flowering time.
Common Terpenes:
Caryophyllene: Present in both Sativa and Indica hybrids, this terpene provides a spicy, peppery aroma and potential anti-inflammatory effects. A hybrid strain we carry that features Caryophyllene as the main terpene is Space Gas by Molecular Farms. This deeply sedating hybrid strain will give you a deep sense of euphoria and couchlock, perfect for combatting chronic pain, nightmares or insomnia.
Limonene: In hybrids, limonene may provide a more balanced uplifting experience, helping to ease anxiety without over-stimulation. A hybrid strain we have that features limonene as the main terpene is Jokerz by Alt Sol. This hybrid strain will have you giggling and euphoric, with a deep sense of both relaxation and focus.
The terpenes in each strain can have a significant impact on the overall experience, influencing effects like relaxation, focus, or mood enhancement. When choosing cannabis, the specific terpene profile is just as important as the strain type to tailor your experience.