Cannabis Strains: Understanding the Classifications
Whether it’s your first time at our cannabis dispensary or you’re an experienced consumer, you’ve most likely heard of the cannabis terms sativa, indica, or hybrid.These cannabis terms are frequently used to describe the general differences between the types of weed.
Cannabis is a complex plant species. Recent scientific research continues to discover various compounds that make up the chemical profile and effects of cannabis cultivars. Because of this, sativa, indica, and hybrid terminology for cannabis can be considered a functional and foundational classification among the many factors that define a specific strain of cannabis.
Understanding the classifications of cannabis will not only help you become a more conscious consumer but optimize your cannabis experience!
Cannabis Sativa
In the 18th century, “sativa” was a term used to describe hemp plants commonly found in Western Europe. The plant would be cultivated for its fiber and seeds and used for various materials. Cannabis sativa was also used in Southeastern Asia for its medical properties.
When it comes to this plant’s morphology, cannabis sativa is known to be native in more warm and tropical regions. Sativa plants are tall and stalky, sprouting high enough that an adequate amount of room is needed to grow.
Sativa plants often need ample lighting and a temperate climate for optimal growth. Compared to indica, cannabis sativa plants are thinner and longer in shape. The buds produced on cannabis sativa are less dense than indica plants and seem to be more fluffy and bushy in appearance.
Depending on the cultivation method and plant genetics, some sativas are known for their naturally higher (THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. This is why sativa is categorized as an ideal strain for daytime use. Effects for cannabis sativa strains generally include:
Productivity
Boost in mood
Energy
Focus & Creativity
Most daytime activities
Sativa weed is best known as a daytime strain. Its mood-lifting effects may put users in higher spirits without the sedating, sleepy effects some indica strains have. Many users and medical patients have noted cannabis sativa to help alleviate a variety of symptoms, including:
Nausea
Fatigue
Depression
Headaches
Chronic Pain
Popular Sativa Cannabis Strains
At your nearest California dispensary, you’re sure to find a wide selection of cannabis sativa strains available! Here are some of the most classic and popular sativa cultivars to try from our recreational menu:
Jack Herer
A genetic mix of Northern Lights #5, Shiva Skunk and Haze, this strain is named after famous cannabis activist Jack Herer himself.
With a mix of piney and spicy notes, this sativa weed will leave a lingering taste of black pepper and pine with each inhale. Because of its high THC content, Jack Herer is known to provide many with a rush of cerebral energy that makes it ideal for daytime use.
Sour Diesel
Another sativa classic, Sour Diesel is a cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk. Its genetic crossing is responsible for the pungent flavor profile that Sour Diesel is famously known for.
With the smell and taste of diesel and pine, Sour Diesel may leave some users feeling dreamy and energized. Depression, pain, and stress are symptoms that many consumers have found to be eased with Sour Diesel.
Durban Poison
With a South African origin, Durban Poison is a pure sativa that is notorious as one of the best sativa strains around. This strain produces sticky, fluffy buds that will provide a sweet and pungent smell that will stimulate your senses.
Although this sativa strain may have many users up and ready for an energetic day of creativity, you may also find yourself lethargic if you’ve smoked too much. This makes this sativa strain on the full spectrum of effects and an all around great strain.
Cannabis Indica
Cannabis indica historically goes back to originating from the cold and mountainous regions of Central Asia. It was first identified by European botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785 when he received samples of the plant from India and named the classification after it.
Typically,most cannabis indica is known for consisting of rich cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN. Compared to cannabis sativa composed of higher THC levels, indica strains may contain a significant balance of all three.
Considering its geographical origination compared to sativa, these plants differ in morphology. Cannabis indica plants grow to be more broad, bushy, and stout in size. With a thick woody stalk and plump, short-fingered leaves, some indica plants are often darker shades of green.
Cannabis indica also may have differing effects that polarize that of sativa. Ultimately, indica is famous for its “couch lock effect,” sedating users into a deep state of relaxation or sleep. For most indica plants, you’ll find effects that include:
Relaxation to the body and mind
Sedation
Treats insomnia or sleep disorders
Alleviating chronic pain or muscle spasms
Relief from anxiety
Because of these notable effects of cannabis indica, many of these strains are often used for nighttime use and deep relaxation.
Popular Indica Cannabis Strains
At your nearest Santa Cruz cannabis dispensary, you’ll find a huge selection of the most favored and classic cannabis indica strains on our menu:
Northern Lights
This indica strain is known mostly for its skunky aroma and resinous buds. This experience has been noted as a hard-hitting high with couchlock effects, so expect Northern Lights to leave you sedated and possibly hungry for your favorite munchy snack.
Granddaddy Purple
Named after its color, this indica strain has deep notes of purple in its buds. With its famous sedating effects and rich flavor, Granddaddy Purple quickly became a common household name in the weed world. Its sweet, grapey and earthy terpenes give users a taste of fruitiness with a gradual, nice cerebral relaxation.
Forbidden Fruit
A rich and dominant indica cannabis strain, Forbidden Fruit is a heavy hitting cannabis strain with euphoric and sedating effects that are sure to melt all pain or stress away. With a genetic crossing of Tangie and Cherry Pie, this indica is a classic for its flavorful and fruity profile!
Cannabis Hybrid
Basically, cannabis hybrid is a composite or hybridized combination of both a sativa and an indica strain.
By genetically breeding two different strains together, a cannabis hybrid is created. These types of cannabis strains can either be more sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or a true hybrid 50/50.
It’s all about finding what strain gives your body the unique relief it needs to improve your mental and physical health. With hybrid cannabis, you’re able to get a conglomeration of the different therapeutic effects specific cannabis strains offer.
It’s helpful to note that because this type of cannabis is hybridized from other cannabis strains, the typical effects of hybrid cannabis widely range. It’s helpful to further assess what to expect from a hybrid cannabis strain by either looking into its genetic parental lineage, or learning more about other compounds it contains, such as terpene content.
Popular Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Your local Santa Cruz, CA recreational dispensary is guaranteed to have a wide selection of different cannabis hybrid strains! Whatever experience or effects you’re in search for, consider these top hybrid cannabis strains:
Chemdog
A legendary strain in cannabis culture, Chemdog (otherwise known as Chemdawg) is a hybrid strain originating from a group of Grateful Dead fans and cannabis genetic breeders in the ‘70s. The original lineage of Chemdog comes from a cross of Sour Diesel and OG Kush. Because of this, it’s become a famous strain for its distinct diesel aroma and pungent, sharp taste. This hybrid cannabis strain is a potent one!
OG Kush
Another classic hybrid strain, OG Kush was first bred in Northern California with a genetic crossing of Chemdog, Lemon Thai and Hindu Kush from Amsterdam. Because of this makeup, OG Kush tends to have a complex aromatic and flavor profile that makes it the ultimate strain for cannabis connoisseurs.
Wedding Cake
Leaning as a 60/40 indica dominant hybrid, this cannabis strain is a classic that you’ll often find hybridized with other cultivars. There are many different varietals of this specific hybrid, but most will have a genetic lineage of GSC and Cherry Pie. Wedding Cake is a common hybrid for its balancing euphoric and relaxing effects that are often used to alleviate depression.