What strain should I use?
The Indica vs. Sativa debate
“Indica or Sativa?” This is typically the first question your dispensary Bud Tender (or your bud from college who slings) might ask a newbie toker.
Before you choose, know that each species has a longstanding reputation for delivering a different kind of high experience.
Indica strains
Indica is known for delivering a calming, peaceful body high. Indica strains aid with insomnia, anxiety, pain management and relief from chronic conditions. Even in the absence of any medical conditions, Indica is widely popular for inducing a blissful state. Because it’s so relaxing, Indica is affectionately referred to as “Indi-couch”, where your happy ass will stay delightfully planted.
Sativa strains
Sativa is known for delivering a more euphoric, creative, energized experience. Sativa strains are associated with the silly giggles stereotypically associated with toking. This experience can be more cerebrally stimulating, so it’s commonly referred to as a “head-high” ; where one may become reflective and introspective, inspired and creative as well.
Hybrid Strains
You don’t have to chose with a hybrid! A hybrid is cross-breed of both Indica and Sativa strains, in attempt to deliver the best of each species.
But is any of this scientifically true?
And so, generation after generation, land-to-land, those are the widespread beliefs about Indica and Sativa properties. But, is it scientifically true? Depends on who you ask.
As cannabis legalization has enabled more legitimate research, this widely accepted expectation of what Indica or Sativa delivers has come up for debate. It seems any solid, scientific basis to support such widely accepted generalized claims of the affects Indica vs. Sativa are unfounded.
In fact, debate exists as to whether Indica and Sativa are truly even genetically separate species at all. Botantists are exploring the possibility that Indica and Sativa are in fact the same species, theorizing that they both descend from Sativa.
If that is in fact the case, researchers suggest placing less emphasis on the differences between Indica and Sativa; that more focus and energy should be directed at gaining a better understanding of how different levels and blends of the cannabinoids THC (tetrahydrocannabinol ) and CBD (cannabidiol) perform.
“Dude, I just wanna have a good time and I have about 75 bucks.”
Got it.
For that happy, euphoric experience, consider a strain dominant in THC.
For pain management, relief from insomnia, depression and anxiety, CBD dominant strains with low THC levels afford users the benefit of relief while still maintaining a clear head. This is a good choice for therapeutic use for cancer patients, etc.
Strains containing equal blends of THC and CBD offer both symptom relief along with that pleasant euphoric feeling.
All that said, every individual will respond differently to the same strain composition. We are all physiologically, biologically and psychologically unique. Even the same strain you use today may affect you entirely differently tomorrow. Factors like what and how much you ate, hydration levels and quality and quantity of sleep seem to impact the experience.
So bottom line, it may take some trial and error to determine what formula and ratio of THC/CBD blends provide the best experience you seek. “Indica or Sativa?” may be an oversimplified approach.
Either way, enjoy your journey.
Long time marijuana/cannabis aficionado.