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All marijuana enthusiasts, whether expert growers or beginners, know that there are two types of marijuana: sativa and indica. These two varieties have characteristics that distinguish them from one another. In this post, we will explain the main differences to help you recognize and choose the variety that best suits your needs.
What are the differences between sativa and indica?
Sativa and indica marijuana plants have very different geographical origins, which also determine their morphological characteristics, as well as a big difference in temperature resistance and cultivation methods. Choosing one type or another can impact your cultivation results and plant size, as well as other factors such as flowering time, aroma, or effects.
In this post, we will look at the characteristics of each variety based on its origin, physical features, aromas, and effects.
Origins of indica and sativa marijuana
One of the main differences between indica and sativa marijuana is their origins. These are:
Indica marijuana
Starting with the origins of indica marijuana, this variety was developed over centuries in Central Asia. It then naturally spread to surrounding valleys, as well as through the extension of cultivation. Over time, indica marijuana came to occupy a vast area: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia, among others.
Cannabis sativa
On the other hand, sativa marijuana generally comes from equatorial regions, such as southern India and Thailand, as well as American countries like Mexico and Jamaica.
Depending on the region where marijuana appeared and its properties, its uses and cultivation varied. Many communities planted and harvested cannabis for its fiber to create clothing or tools. However, others preferred to grow cannabis to take advantage of its medicinal properties, and even for recreational use.
Due to its utility, people began exporting marijuana seeds from their regions of origin, which led it to travel beyond the Tropic of Cancer to areas closer to the equator, where the climate is very different. For this reason, marijuana had to adapt its morphology to survive, forming a more open and airy structure. Thanks to this, “sativa” plants began to develop around the world, including Mexican, Colombian, and Congolese varieties, among others.
Physical characteristics: sativa and indica
As mentioned, sativa and indica varieties have many physical differences. Additionally, marijuana plants have the ability to adapt to different climates and growing methods. This has led to the plant adopting different shapes and structures that make it easy to distinguish indica from sativa.
Indica plants
Indica plants are characterized by dark green, large, thick leaves with up to 9 leaflets. Their structure is very compact and bushy, with a thick, sturdy trunk. They have several branches, which are not overly developed, and their maximum height is around 1.5 meters.
Indica plants have a stronger, more resilient root system. Their flowers form large, dense, resinous buds. Thanks to the short internodal spacing, these buds can grow together and compact into a dense central cola.
Sativa plants
Sativa plants are characterized by forming light green, long, thin, and serrated leaves. Their structure is slender, open, and airy. They develop a thin, flexible trunk with many side branches and can easily exceed 2 meters in height.
Their root system spreads more easily, although it is not as strong. Sativa plants produce more open, less compact flower clusters, distributed along the branches due to their large internodal spacing. This makes it easy to tell if your plant is indica or sativa.
Flowering time differences between indica and sativa marijuana
Indica varieties have a shorter flowering time of 6-8 weeks. This is because, in their natural habitat, bad weather and cold temperatures arrive much earlier than in the regions where sativa varieties developed. Therefore, the plants must flower faster to maintain the species. For this reason, indica plants are faster and generally more resilient.
Sativa varieties have a longer flowering time as they develop in regions where the climate barely changes during the growing season. The slight variation in daylight hours during development also contributes to a slow and gradual flowering process. For these reasons, flowering periods for this type of marijuana exceed 12 weeks, and they are less resistant to stress.
Effects of indica and sativa marijuana
The effects of both types of cannabis vary greatly, and they can be distinguished as follows:
- The effects of indica varieties are generally relaxing, narcotic, and sedative. These plants produce high levels of THC along with small amounts of CBD, combined with a wide range of terpenes that are developed by this type of plant.
- Sativa effects are much more energizing, active, and cerebral. This is due to very high levels of THC and THCV and negligible CBD levels, resulting in full psychoactivity. As with indica varieties, terpenes play a big role in the effects they produce.
In conclusion, choosing between indica and sativa can be challenging due to the significant differences in their effects and flowering times. For this reason, hybrid strains have been developed over the years to allow us to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Top indica seeds
In recent years, major seed banks have been developing indica strains with the best characteristics of the variety. Here is a small selection of some of the most acclaimed and award-winning strains in the cannabis world.
Hindu Kush Regular
Hindu Kush Regular is one of the most well-known plants from Sensi Seeds, originating directly from the Hindu Kush mountain range. It develops a bushy and compact structure, with dark green leaves and dense buds located primarily on the central cola and several side branches. Its effect is very physical, and the flowering period is very short. The final product has a characteristic earthy, sweet, and woody aroma.
Afghani #1 Regular
Afghani #1 Regular is another legendary 100% indica strain available from Sensi Seeds’ extensive catalog. This strain comes from a selection of the best strains from Afghanistan, which possess highly valued indica traits. It develops wide, thick leaves, and its structure is dense and bushy. It produces very compact flowers with sweet and earthy aromas, which are characteristic of this type of strain.
Pakistan Chitral Kush
This is one of the 100% indica strains that has likely been used the most in breeding processes due to its spectacular characteristics. In this case, we’re talking about a variety from Chitral, a small region in Pakistan’s Hindu Kush, which is known for producing flower clusters with purple, violet, and even reddish tones. Additionally, the Pakistan Chitral Kush stands out for its high resistance, which is common in strains developed in the Hindu Kush as they must endure arid climates and long periods of drought.
The best sativas
As we’ve already mentioned, sativas tend to have a slower flowering period compared to indicas. However, despite this, it is still the most sought-after variety thanks to the quality and quantity of its flowers.
Panama Haze Fem
Panama Haze Fem is the result of work done by ACE Seeds with several Panama Elite F10 x Green x Purple Haze strains. The result is a 100% sativa product, but with some stability. It develops like a classic sativa, forming a large number of thin branches.
It has serrated leaves with very thin leaflets and can reach 3 meters in height outdoors. For the harvest, patience is required as it can exceed 12 weeks of flowering and stretch to as long as 16 weeks.
Malawi X PCK Regular
Malawi X PCK Regular is the result of a long selection and breeding process of pure African genetics carried out by ACE Seeds. This is a 100% sativa strain with a potent psychoactive effect that can last up to 4 hours. Its long and slender structure forms a large number of small buds and has a flowering period of more than 12 weeks.
Mexican Sativa
Mexican Sativa from Sensi Seeds is one of the most beloved sativa strains among cannabis lovers. In this case, we’re not talking about a 100% sativa strain, as it has been bred to offer a more commercial and easier-to-grow product worldwide. However, it still retains 85% sativa genetics.
The flowering period can last up to 11 weeks, and the final product is a bit more compact, but it still offers clearly psychoactive and energizing effects.
The best hybrid varieties
The characteristics of sativas and indicas are distinct but highly appreciated, especially when it’s possible to have the advantages of both varieties in one strain. For this reason, the best breeders have worked to create marijuana strains that can showcase the best traits of both in a single plant.
After years of work, many breeders have developed plants that flower as quickly as indicas while also producing abundantly like sativas. Here are some hybrids that have made history in the cannabis world.
Black Domina 100% Feminized
Black Domina Feminized is a fantastic example of an indica strain due to its morphology, development, flower formation, and relaxing effects. It has a flowering period of just 8 weeks and is genetically prepared to withstand water stress and extreme climates. Its cultivation is quite simple, and you can achieve good harvests with minimal care.
Amnesia 100% Feminized
Amnesia 100% Feminized is a cross between a Haze and an Afghan indica. It’s a slightly easier and faster sativa option to grow. You can achieve excellent harvests thanks to a thorough selection and breeding process. In this case, we’re talking about a strain with 80% sativa, allowing you to harvest in around 10 weeks. The final effect is quite cerebral, and it doesn’t produce any physical tiredness.
The differences between sativa and indica marijuana plants are truly significant. However, nowadays, it’s no longer necessary to choose between one or the other. Thanks to breeders’ research, it’s possible to find strains that combine the best characteristics of both sativas and indicas.
