My initial visit to the cannabis dispensary, I noticed that the products were divided into three categories.
The flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and tinctures were labeled as sativa, indica or hybrid.
I had no idea what these terms meant. Some basic research revealed that these categories help consumers find the effects they prefer. Indicas are associated with a full-body high. They are considered relaxing, sedating and great for mellowing out. People sometimes refer to the effects of indicas as “couch-lock” because these strains make it difficult to get up off the couch. Indicas are recommended for nighttime use and can help with insomnia and stress. They are typically higher in CBD but don’t necessarily have lower percentages of THC. Sativas are linked to more of a cerebral high. They are believed to be energizing and motivational. They stimulate productivity and creativity and are better for daytime use. Sativas are generally much higher in THC than CBD. Hybrids are a combination of the two. Their effects depend entirely on the parent plants. There are sativa-dominant and indica-dominant hybrids that target very specific effects and benefits. When I looked further into these cannabis categories, I learned that the labels are technically referring to the origin and type of plant. Over the years, there has been so much cross-breeding that there are no more pure sativas or pure indicas. Everything we buy off the shelf of the dispensary is some type of hybrid. The cannabinoids and terpenes are more important to the experience than the plant category. Even the consumption method will influence the effects of the cannabis strain.