The two species of marijuana are the infamous (you guessed it) Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa — both strains having high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — that’s what causes the high sensations. But, did you know they have a third cousin? Yes, Cannabis ruderalis, cute name, too, huh?
Unfortunately, C. ruderalis has a very low concentration of THC, so it’s only used in the creation of “auto-flowering” hybrid strains with both indica and sativa. Dear stoners, you need to know the physical appearance, high effects, medical uses, and genetic origins of marijuana, if you’re planning your next hit.
Related media: 9 Cannabis Strains You NEED To Try This Year
Cannabis Growth And Appearance
The growth of cannabis depends upon the strain. Both indica and sativa have different types of growth patterns. Indica strains tend to flower much faster compared to sativa strains. It takes 45 to 60 days for indica to flower whereas sativa takes 60 to 90 days. However, sativa strains spend less time in their vegetative stage of growth before flowering, hence their growth period is roughly equal to that of indica strains.
Regular stoners are aware that most buds are hybrid. Almost every strain isn’t 100 percent indica nor sativa. Strains are specifically bred to create new varieties that have particularly desirable properties.
Indica plants are shorter, bushier, and denser as compared with sativa plants, and can grow up to 0.91 to 1.81 meters (three and six feet) high. Because of this, indica strains are generally grown indoors because the chances of the plant growing taller than your ceiling are less likely to happen. Indica leaves are shorter, fatter, and are a darker shade of green than sativa leaves. Indica strains include northern lights, grape ape, purple kush, blueberry, and LA confidential.
Sativa plants, on the flip side, are taller and thinner as compared with indica plants and can grow up to 4.57 meters (15 feet) high. This makes them great for growing outdoors because they’re much more likely to grow out of control. Sativa leaves are longer, thinner, and generally a lighter shade of green than indica leaves. Sativa strains include Durban poison, lemon haze, sour diesel, and thai.
Have you tried any of these strains yet?
Cannabis Effects
The goal of doing cannabis is all about getting high. And both strains sedate you differently. Indica gives you a full-body high or body buzz and has a relaxing and sedated effect on your body. For instance, this can give you a “couch lock,” sleeping all day on the couch after just a hit. Indica is best for making you feel relaxed, sedated, mellow, and calm and putting you to sleep. Indica buds are best stoned at night when bedtime is coming soon.
Sativa, on the other hand, gives you an uplifting, energetic head-high than the rest of your body than indica does to your body. For instance, this can give you a more spacey hallucinogenic effect than indica. Sativa is best for making you feel more creative, energetic, social, and talkative. Sativa buds are best stoned during the most active times of the day when you need to stay alert and productive.
Cannabis Medicinal
Indica strains have high levels of THC versus CBD. What this means is that people can suffer anxiety or paranoia when smoking strong indica strains. For this reason, apparently, indica buds are best used for relaxing the full body by reducing anxiety. Indica buds are prescribed for reducing insomnia, pain relief, appetite stimulants, anxiety relief — if the high THC levels don’t make you anxious — and muscle spasms.
Sativa strains, on the flip side, have high levels of CBD versus THC. Research shows that CBD has anti-depressant qualities as it tends to be a whole new field of research. Sativa buds are prescribed for people suffering from attention deficit disorder (ADD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, fatigue, mood disorders, and as an appetite stimulant.
Now, Where’s Cannabis From?
Indica strains originated from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent — northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan — maybe hence the name. Whereas sativa strains originate from the tropics around the equator — West and Central Africa, Thailand, Mexico, and the southern Indian subcontinent.
According to sources, the sativa strain is often considered the oldest and probably the “original strain,” however, marijuana has been growing in the wild long before humans began using the herbs. Cannabis is a wild herb we sought out to domesticate, but have overwhelmingly seen more than its effects on us, after all.
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Written by: Nana Kwadwo, Thu, Nov 18, 2021.
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