As you are probably aware, strains that are sold in most dispensaries are typically labeled and marketed under three categories, Indica, Sativa and Hybrid. There is ongoing debate within the cannabis industry as to how blurred the lines are between them.
While it may be helpful from a brand messaging standpoint to be able to cleanly identify products as being either Indica or Sativa, many argue that classification system is not in the best interests of the consumer from the standpoint of them understanding what they are actually purchasing.
An alternative approach would be to brand and market strains by their likely effects / attributes. Since that’s not likely to occur on an industry-wide level, it’s important for you to become acquainted with the basic differences between indica and sativa.
Here are some insights:
Indica:
Visual: Indica plants are typically shorter, broader, and have fuller leaves compared to sativa plants.
Location: Legend has it that Indica strains originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, where the climate is colder.
Effects: Indica strains tend to produce more of a “body high,” that helps with relaxation and sleep; more sedative in nature.
Sativa:
Visual: Sativa plants are typically taller, leaner, and have thinner leaves compared to indica plants.
Location: Sativa plants are believed to originally be from areas near the equator, where the climate is warmer.
Effects: Sativa strains typically deliver a more cerebral high, fostering energy, creativity and productivity.
From a “textbook perspective” sativa strains rev you up and indica strain settle you down. My experience is that it’s helpful to dig further through both experimentation and research to figure out the strains that work best for you, regardless of how they are labeled..