12 Simple Ways to Tell the Difference Between Indica and Sativa Cannabis

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This article was co-written by Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH. Jamie Corroon is the founder and physician of the Medical Cannabis Education Center. Corroon is a naturopath and clinical researcher. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Corroon advises supplement and medical cannabis companies on science, regulation, and product development. He often appears in expert analysis, and more recently, research publications on the clinical and public health impact of cannabis use in society. He holds an MPH degree in epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also holds a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University, then completed a two-year residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and is a former visiting professor at Bastyr University California.

There are 12 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

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If you’re in a place that allows marijuana use and have ever walked into a medical marijuana dispensary, you’re probably overwhelmed with the number of different varieties of cannabis. All cannabis varieties are divided into two main categories: the milder indica , and the more stimulating sativa . ^{[1] X Research Source} The fact is that these two types have many differences. Here we have gathered various attributes that you can use to distinguish indica from sativa, whether you are smoking marijuana, looking at a pot of cannabis buds or walking in a cannabis garden .

Table of Contents

Names of varieties

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Sativa is often given stronger names than indica. With sativa varieties, you’ll find words like “diesel” and “power” based on the sativa’s energetic effects, while indica usually has softer names. Sativa names also often include fruit names in them, such as Pineapple (pineapple) or Strawberry (strawberry), because they have a fruity scent when smoked. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Many popular varieties of indica have the word “kush” in their name, as indica cannabis comes from the Kush Mountains along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Hybrids are often named based on their dominant variety. For example, “Pineapple Express” is a sativa dominant hybrid, while “Cookies Kush” is an indica dominant hybrid.

Bud size and thickness

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Indica buds are thicker and have more flowers. If you look at a jar of cannabis buds, you can usually tell if it’s indica or sativa just by the shape of the buds. Sativa buds are tubular and longer than indica buds, which are rounder. Indica buds are also much denser than sativa buds. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Buds of hybrids (which are a combination of sativa and indica) are usually dominant in shape, so if the buds are shaped like a sausage you’ll know it’s a sativa dominant variety.

Fragrant

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The indica variety has a more earthy, acrid smell, while the sativa has a sweeter smell. You can tell the two apart by smelling fresh buds or catching the smoke of someone smoking weed just by the smell. Indica has a strong and musty smell compared to sativa, which has a fruity or spicy smell. Why do these two have different scents? It’s due to terpenes! ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Limonene is a terpene compound found in high concentrations in cannabis sativa. This terpene compound makes up the energy you get from sativa. It’s also common in citrus fruits, which is why many sativa varieties have fruity scents.
Linalop and pinene are the relaxing terpene compounds found in indica cannabis. If you can’t guess the type of cannabis by its name, remember that pinene is also present in pine needles and contributes to the earthy smell in indica cannabis.

Mental effect

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Sativa has the effect of enhancing concentration and creativity. Sativa is often referred to as daytime cannabis, because it provides energy and improves focus. Indica, on the other hand, has a calming effect, helping to relax the mind and aid in sleep. For this reason, most people take indica cannabis at night. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

The above characteristics are very general differences between the two. Each person can have different experiences depending on their mental state. For example, for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), sativa works to help them stay calm and focused.

Physical effect

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Indica has a stronger physical effect than sativa and has a muscle-relaxing effect. Although used to treat chronic pain, sativa has more mental effects than indica. Indica gives you a feeling of “full body high”, relaxes muscles and relieves stress. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If you want to combine the two, try an indica-dominant hybrid. The CBD compound in indica will calm the THC and make it more relaxing than if you were just taking sativa, and you’d still feel more euphoric than if you were taking pure indica alone.

Medical benefits

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Indica helps with insomnia, while sativa helps with ADHD and depression. You can rely on the mental and physical effects of each to better understand their medical benefits. Consider which diseases can be improved by that effect. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Besides providing the necessary energy and focus for people with ADHD, depression and related diseases, sativa is also used to stimulate appetite.
With its muscle relaxant effect, indica also helps treat pain, inflammation, and cramps.

Active ingredients

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Indica contains CBD, while pure sativa contains only THC. The amount of specific compounds will depend on the variety. Some indica varieties contain only CBD, but others have both THC and CBD. ^{[9] X Research Source}

CBD (cannabidip) does not produce a euphoric euphoria like THC (tetrahydrocannabinp). ^{[10] X Research Source}
Hybrids may contain different THC and CBD compounds, depending on the dominant variety. Different combinations will produce different effects, so experiment until you find the one you want!

The size and shape of the tree

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The indica strain is only about half as tall as a sativa. Sativa has branches that grow taller and thinner. When grown outdoors, sativa plants can grow to almost 4 meters tall! The indica tree rarely grows taller than 1.8 m, but the base is larger and has a similar shape to a pine tree. ^{[11] X Research Source}

The usable part of the sativa plant is usually only in the upper half of the plant, while the buds of the indica plant grow all the way down the stem to the base.

The shape of the leaves

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Sativa leaves are longer and more slender than indica leaves. The sativa leaf is a model for the cannabis leaf symbol you see printed on t-shirts, hats, and stickers. The indica leaves are fatter, wider and flatter. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Although the leaves of the two varieties both have the same pattern, this feature is the most recognizable when you want to distinguish these two strains of cannabis. Indica leaves are often twice or even three times the width of sativa leaves.

Source

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The sativa plant is native to regions near the equator, while the indica plant thrives in the northern regions. The indica tree is native to central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Sativa is native to countries like Thailand, Mexico, Cambodia and Cpombia. Different sativa varieties commonly grow in Central America and South America. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Originally from the mountainous regions of Tibet and Nepal, the indica tree is usually easy to live in high altitude areas.

Growing conditions

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Sativa plants live in warmer climates than indica plants. Sativa plants grow tall in temperate, almost tropical climates. In colder regions, sativa is often grown indoors. In contrast, indica plants thrive in cooler climates and at higher altitudes. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Cannabis growers prefer to grow indica plants because they are tougher than sativa varieties and give a higher yield despite their smaller size.

Flowering time

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Sativa plants take longer to bloom than indica plants. Indica plants will bloom after about 45-60 days, while sativa plants take about 60-90 days to flower. Sativa plants have less chlorophyll than indica, so they take longer to flower. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Advice

Keep a journal if you are just starting to explore the cannabis plant. Write down all information for each variety purchased, including the content of CBD, THC, and various terpene compounds. Then describe the effects on you and how you feel. You can use this information to find the best cannabis strain for you.
You should be wary of claims on the label of medicinal uses such as “sleep aid”, “pain relief”. Based on federal marijuana ban laws, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any health claims for cannabis products.

Warning

The sale, transportation, possession and use of marijuana is illegal in many places. You should check your local laws before buying or taking it from one place to another to avoid criminal penalties. ^{[16] X Research Source}
In the US, marijuana sold at dispensaries is much more potent than marijuana sold before it was legalized. You need to take it slow and don’t overdo it, especially when you’re just starting out. ^{[17] X Research Source}
This article discusses the difference between pure indica and pure sativa strains. Most of the cannabis sold at the dispensary are hybrids, so the difference may not be that obvious. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
Customer service representatives are usually knowledgeable and well-trained, but it’s important to remember that they cannot give you medical advice. Beware of sales representatives who are acting as medical professionals and making claims about the therapeutic use of products. If you have any questions, consult a trusted healthcare professional.
In some US states, you need to be eligible to purchase medical marijuana. An examination by a physician to evaluate and authorize a patient to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program is the same as any other regular visit.

Steps