Marijuana comes in two main subtypes. It’s like brothers in the same family. Sativa is tall and thin and Indica is short and chubby. The effects that come from each are different also, just like personalities. Sativa, the tall one, mainly affects the mind. Think UP, alert creative. Indica, the short one, mainly affects the body. Think DOWN relaxed, free of pain.
Cultivation
It’s easy to see the difference. There are other differences. Sativa takes longer to bud. It takes 12 to 16 weeks to flower and be ready to harvest. Indica takes 8 to 12 weeks to flower and be ready to harvest. Your choice of either is dependent on the effect you wish to achieve.
| Sativa Stimulating Head High Feelings of Well-being Energizing Increased Focus Creativity and Imagination |
Indica Body High Reduces Nausea Sleep Aid Fights Depression Relieves Pain |
http://hightimes.com/grow/understanding-the-effects-of-indica-vs-sativ
Scientific Studies
There are no scientific studies that prove the different effects of Sativa and Indica. There are current studies in Colorado and Washington. The Rev. Dr. Kymron DeCesare, Chief Research Officer stated “The terms sativa and indica are only really valid for describing the physical characteristics of the cannabis strain….” In other words, we can only tell which plant is which by looking!
http://www.absolutorganics.org/science/understanding-the-effects-of-indica-vs-sativa/
Sativa strains usually show a high THC content and a low CBD (cannabinoid) content. THC is what gives a “high”. Indica has a lower THC content and higher CBD content. CBD has a calming effect and can counteract the “high” of THC. CBD is used for medicinal purpose. It has changed the lives of those living with epilepsy. In fact, our bodies have our own natural CBD and the CBD in marijuana boosts that effect of pain relief.
Short History
Cannabis Sativa goes back thousands of years. Our ancestors used hemp from the marijuana plant to make rope. Hemp is from Marijuana. Marijuana is probably one of the first plants cultivated. It was used for food, medicine and textiles in early China. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. It has been illegal to grow hemp in the US since 1950. That is changing with states legalizing marijuana. Modern day brings CBD which is actually from marijuana sativa plant. Marijuana has THC and CBD. THC is the part that makes a person “high”. Sativa has more THC. CBD is the part that is used for medicine. It acts on the body. Indica is high in CBD.
Medical Uses
CBD stops seizures. This was found in a little girl named Charlotte. Until three months old, Charlotte was healthy. Then she started having seizures due to a disease. After trying everything, her parents turned to marijuana. CBD oil worked. Because of the effectiveness, the largest grower in Colorado developed a strain just for seizures. They named it “Charlotte’s Web”. It not only helped her but many other families. It is now proven to help with Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Disease and Epilepsy. The following link is to the American Academy of Neurology. It explains current and proposed uses of marijuana for neurological disorders.
https://www.aan.com/Guidelines/Home/GetGuidelineContent/650
Which is Better?
You probably realize by now that Sativa and Indica strains are equal in their effectiveness. They are just different in how they affect the mind and body. It just depends on what the specific needs are. Modern science and cultivation can and do breed a significant number of Sativa and Indica hybrids. With legalization, experts can now openly counsel for specific needs or desires. Consumers can trust the products have the proper ratios of THC or CBD or a combination for the desired effect.
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