Chart, Different Use, Side Effects, More

Chart: Different Types of Cannabis

Cannabis: Different Use, Side Effects, and More

Understanding the Two Main Types of Cannabis

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The two main types of cannabis, sativa and indica, are used for several medicinal and recreational purposes. Sativa has primarily an energizing effect, while indica has a relaxing effect and can help you sleep.

Beyond Sativa and Indica: Chemovars and Cannabinoids

Some people in the cannabis industry have moved away from the terms “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid,” instead classifying the different “strains” or, more correctly, “chemovars,” as:

• Type I: High THC
• Type II: THC/CBD combined
• Type III: High CBD

More and more, the cannabis industry is moving away from the term “strains” and using chemovars (chemical varieties), since the word “strain” is often used to refer to bacteria and viruses.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Cannabis plants contain dozens of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. These naturally occurring components are responsible for producing many of the effects — both negative and positive — of cannabis use. Researchers still don’t understand what all of the cannabinoids do, but they have identified two main ones: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Less common compounds include terpenes.

Terpenes are other naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant that may influence the effects that specific types produce. Learn more about the common terpenes in cannabis.

Sativa

• Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia.
• Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow to about 6 feet or 2 meters. They take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
• Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Sativa often has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC, whereas indica tends to have less THC than CBD.
• Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect.
• Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its stimulating effects, sativa is often used in the daytime.
• Popular strains: Various sativa strains may be used for different purposes.

Indica

• Origin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
• Plant description: Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds.
• Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, but the THC content isn’t necessarily less.
• Commonly associated effects of use: Indica is sought after for its intensely relaxing effects. It may also help reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
• Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is typically consumed at night.
• Popular strains: Like sativa, there are also various indica strains.

Hybrids

• Origin: Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of sativa and indica plants.
• Plant description: The appearance of hybrid strains depends on the combination of the parent plants.
• Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Many hybrid cannabis plants are grown to increase the THC percentage, but each type has a unique ratio of the two cannabinoids.
• Commonly associated effects of use: Farmers and producers select hybrids for their unique effects. They can range from reducing anxiety and stress to easing symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.
• Daytime or nighttime use: This depends on the predominant effects of the hybrid.
• Popular strains: Hybrids are typically classified as indica-dominant (indica-dom), sativa-dominant (sativa-dom), or balanced.

Ruderalis

• Origin: Ruderalis plants adapt to extreme environments, such as Eastern Europe, the Himalayan regions of India, Siberia, and Russia. These plants grow quickly, which is ideal for the cold, low sunlight environments of these places.
• Plant description: These small, bushy plants rarely grow taller than 12 inches (in), but they grow rapidly. One can go from seed to harvest in little more than a month.
• Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: This strain typically has little THC and higher amounts of CBD, but it may not be enough to produce any effects.
• Commonly associated effects of use: Because of its low potency, ruderalis isn’t routinely used for medicinal or recreational purposes.
• Daytime or nighttime use: This cannabis plant produces few effects, so that it can be used anytime.
• Popular strains: On its own, ruderalis isn’t a popular cannabis option. However, cannabis farmers may breed ruderalis with other cannabis types, including sativa and indica. The plant’s rapid growth cycle is a positive attribute for producers, so they may want to combine more potent strains with ruderalis strains to create a more desirable product.

Side Effects

Although cannabis use is often associated with potential benefits, it can also produce unwanted side effects. Most of these effects are associated with THC, not CBD or other cannabinoids. However, any cannabis product can produce side effects. The method of use may increase the risk of side effects, too.

Conclusion

Remember, the potency of cannabinoids and terpenes vary among growers, and while certain strains may be helpful for certain conditions, your own experience may vary. When you’re looking for the right cannabis product for you, talk with the dispensary employee about your goals for cannabis use, whether that’s treating insomnia, reducing anxiety, or increasing energy. Keep in mind that cannabis is still illegal under federal law, and laws regarding its use vary by state.

FAQs

Q: Is sativa an upper or downer?
A: Sativa produces an energizing effect.

Q: Do you feel more high with sativa or indica?
A: This depends on what you consider as “high.” Indica tends to have a more calming effect than sativa’s energizing effect.

Q: How can I find the right cannabis product for me?
A: Talk with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional, or speak with a knowledgeable cannabis clinician. They can discuss its potential positive and negative effects on your individual health and help you find something that suits your needs.