What is the difference between indica and sativa varieties?
Cannabis has been with humanity for thousands of years, finding application in medicine, religion and for recreational purposes. This plant has special therapeutic and psychoactive properties. There are three main subspecies - indica, sativa and ruderalis. Each of them has its own characteristics. Modern cannabis varieties, especially those bred for commercial cultivation, are usually hybrids that combine the genes of several subspecies in different proportions.
A variety is usually called sativa if the predominant share of genetics belongs to this subspecies - usually 70-80% and higher. Indica is considered to be plants with dominant indica genetics. As for ruderalis, it is most often used exclusively to give the variety the property of autoflowering, and otherwise it is not of great interest.
What are cannabis landraces
Although most modern cannabis varieties are hybrids bred artificially, there are still so-called landraces in nature - varieties with "pure" genetics, exclusively indica or sativa. These varieties have been formed over centuries under the influence of climatic and geographical conditions of specific regions, without human intervention.
Many of these pure forms were subsequently brought to other parts of the world. Initially, the range of wild hemp was limited - mainly in Central Asia and the Middle East. Today, cannabis is found on all continents, with the possible exception of Antarctica. Although here too one can only guess - who knows, perhaps polar explorers for scientific purposes still tried to cultivate the plant even in such an extreme environment.
Why do we need landraces of indica and sativa?
Pure varieties play a key role in modern selection. They serve as the genetic base for creating new unique hybrids with desired properties. Active breeding of hybrids began relatively recently - only in the last few decades has this practice become widespread. By the standards of the thousand-year history of cannabis use, this is just a moment.
The modern diversity of strains is the result of painstaking work by breeders who studied local varieties around the world and then created hybrids based on them. Gradually, breeding methods became more precise and sophisticated. For example, one study from the University of Mississippi showed that the THC content in modern cannabis strains is ten times higher than the level characteristic of marijuana from the 1960s.
Sativa characteristics
The main differences between sativa strains lie in several aspects:
- Origin: Most Sativa strains come from South America, Mexico and Southeast Asia. These plants are perfectly adapted to the hot equatorial climate.
- Appearance and morphology. Sativa bushes are usually very tall, some varieties can reach up to 3 meters in height. They have long internodes and "light" buds. Sativa leaves are oblong and narrow.
- Effect: Sativa has an invigorating and euphoric effect, stimulates activity and promotes creative thinking.
Medicinal properties: Despite its medicinal potential, sativa is more often used for recreational purposes than for medical purposes, since its therapeutic use is limited.
Origin and appearance of indica
Indica strains differ from sativas in almost all key characteristics. Indica is native primarily to India and Pakistan, particularly the Hindu Kush mountain region. The name "Kush" in some indica-dominant strains refers to its historical homeland. Indica is well adapted to harsh mountain conditions and is significantly more resilient than sativa.
Indica looks different. They are short, sturdy plants with short internodes that often do not exceed one meter in height. The leaves are wider than those of sativa, and the buds are dense and resinous.
Effects and medicinal properties of indica
Indica has a sedative effect, promoting deep relaxation both physically and mentally. Some users may experience drowsiness and apathy, sometimes referred to as a “couch” effect. However, many prefer indica for its ability to induce a powerful relaxation and euphoria that is different from the energizing effects of sativa.
Indica also has significant medical potential. Any mention of cannabis being used to treat various ailments most often concerns indica-dominant strains, especially those containing high levels of CBD.
Sativa-Indica Hybrids
Despite the noticeable differences between sativa and indica, there are hybrid strains with a 50:50 or 60:40 gene ratio. These strains combine characteristics of both species, creating unique effects and appearances. In such hybrids, master breeders can combine various qualities, which gives ample opportunity to create new, unusual strains.
