Sativa vs. Indica - Differences in Effects & Application

The Swedish botanist and naturalist Carolus Linnaeus first classified the hemp species Cannabis Sativa (variety "Common Hemp") in 1753. The French developmental biologist and zoologist, Jean Baptiste de Lamarck, discovered another variety in India in 1744. This differed significantly from the known variety, and de Lamarck named it Cannabis Indica ("Indian Hemp"). In 1926, the Russian botanist Dimitrij E. Janischwesky discovered the variety Ruderalis ("Ruderal Hemp").

Today, many experts debate whether such a concrete classification is even possible. Some consider cannabis to be a plant that can be divided into three different genera (Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Ruderalis). Others, however, argue that there is only one variety, Cannabis Sativa L, and that the other two represent only a subordinate species.

This article assumes that cannabis can be divided into three types of hemp. Each type of hemp has its own characteristics, making it special. For example, the consumption of Cannabis Sativa is said to produce an uplifting effect that combines well with sports activities, parties, and creativity. In contrast, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis are said to have a relaxing effect and tend to induce a strong physical high.

Cannabis Sativa plants require a consistent tropical climate, with their countries of origin being Thailand, Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico. During the vegetative phase, they can grow into airy cannabis specimens up to 5 meters tall. The plant's appearance is characterized by thinner leaves and wider gaps between leaf nodes. The flowering period for Sativa plants averages 16 weeks. Sativas are still veritable cannabis trees and are mostly grown outdoors. Classic Sativa plants always produce loose, airy buds.

One of the best-known Sativa strains is called Haze and is considered one of the masterpieces of cannabis breeding, making it almost a representative of Sativas. It is a harmonious blend of complementary, equatorial genotypes and is considered by many to be the purest and most potent Sativa variant ever bred. Sativas have a high Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a low cannabidiol (CBD) content. The Sativa-dominant effects increase central nervous system activity and stimulate the mind.

Indica Cannabis was first discovered in India, hence its name. However, Indica strains also grow in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Lebanon. The most famous one comes from the Hindu Kush and is a popular strain among breeders.

The Indica plant can reach a maximum height of up to 2m, but it grows faster and invests its energy in bud production. This plant has a short flowering period of 6 to 9 weeks. The yield varies between 400 and 600g/m2, depending on whether it is grown indoors or outdoors.

It also differs significantly in appearance from its Sativa relative and is easily mistaken for a bush. The plants have wider and darker leaves to capture more light. Many thick buds and short branches are another characteristic of the Indica plant.

One of the best-known Indica strains is Northern Lights. It is very popular with breeders because of its high resistance and short flowering period. The plant can reach a height of up to 1.2 meters. This strain has a rather fruity taste. Northern Lights is also used in the medical field due to its high THC content. Values above 17% are commonly found.

The name of the plant comes from the Latin rudus (rubble). The origin of Ruderalis is in Central Russia, where the so-called ruderal hemp was discovered in 1929. However, this type of hemp is also found in Central Europe and Central Asia.

For a long time, the plant was considered a wild plant and therefore received little attention. This species only grows 50-100cm high and has fewer leaves compared to Indica and Sativa strains. Above all, it is very robust and cold-resistant.

Breeders have taken advantage of these benefits and gladly use the plant for crosses. Ruderalis has an autoflowering characteristic. This means that this plant can automatically switch from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase, while most strains are dependent on a photoperiod.

The flowering time is 3-7 weeks, but the buds themselves are very small. Also, the psychoactive substance (THC) is present in smaller amounts compared to the other two known types of hemp. However, it has an adequate amount of CBD and is therefore used for medicinal purposes.

Haze was bred in the Netherlands in the 1990s. It is a Sativa strain, but its flowering period of 12 weeks was very long, and its height of 3-5m made it unsuitable for indoor cultivation. Breeders came up with the ingenious idea of crossing Haze with a Ruderalis, which resulted in Haze Automatic.

The flowering time was then only 8 weeks, and it only grew to 80-150cm tall. The yield depends on the plant's care and can range from 50-150g. The new characteristics were convincing, and Haze Automatic became one of the most popular Sativa-dominant cannabis strains for indoor growers.

This cross is also said to have a very energetic, almost euphoric effect. The citrus aroma rounds off the effect and gives a certain freshness that makes you want more.

Today, almost all cannabis strains available for purchase are hybrids. Breeders are constantly striving to combine the best characteristics of the aforementioned species to create new varieties. For example, this leads to the creation of strains that produce a high from a Sativa-dominant variety but grow like an Indica-dominant type.

There are no limits to the possibilities. Because all types of hemp have been mixed over the years, a clear distinction between the varieties is not always consistently possible.