Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid: What’s The Perfect Choice For You?
Whether you’re new or well-versed in the world of cannabis, you’ll have come across the many different plant strains. Experts suggest that there are up to 700 different strains of cannabis. It’s awesome but can be overwhelming when browsing through them all in your local CBD dispensary. To make things easier, the strains are grouped into three categories: sativa, indica, or hybrid. But what do these terms mean, and do they matter? In this blog, we’ll explore why we think they do and how to choose the right weed for you.
The Strain Game
Understanding the difference between certain cannabis strains can help you choose a product based on how you’d like to feel. But you’ll need to familiarize yourself with common weed terms first.
The most important terms you’ll need to know are THC and CBD. THC stands for ‘tetrahydrocannabinol’ and is one of the plant’s main compounds – famous for its psychoactive effects (or, in other words, the “high”). On the other hand, CBD stands for ‘cannabidiol,’ the second most important chemical compound in cannabis and the one that gets all the buzz – without producing any of the “high.” By extracting the CBD, we can create THC-free products like those found in the JACANA Wellness range since this plant compound can offer great health and wellness benefits.*
What Makes a Strain?
Not everyone experiences CBD in exactly the same way, but the main strain groupings are aligned by their general effect. Are you seeking a lift or a rest? That will tell you where you should be looking in our CBD dispensary. The key terms here are sativa, indica, and hybrid.
One of the key differences between sativa, indica, and hybrid strains is their effects. Sativas result in a more uplifting and energetic high, while indicas have a more relaxing effect. Hybrids have a combination of both. It’s rare to find a strain that is 100% sativa or 100% indica; nowadays, strains are usually hybrids that lean more towards one or the other. This is why you’ll often see a strain described as indica- or sativa-dominant.
Once you’ve decided on the effect you want, it’s time to consider the rest of the sensory experience. This is where the terpenes come in – the chemical compounds found in plants that are responsible for their scent and flavor. The terpenes in a cannabis strain work with its THC content to produce the experience. This is why different cannabis strains with similar THC levels can feel like their effects have different intensities. Terpenes on their own won’t get you high, but they may have some psychoactive effects that enhance your cannabis experience.
A Deeper Dive into Your Favorite Cannabis Strains
Once you have a basic understanding of the differences between the strain types, you can start to delve deeper. There’s a lot of nuance that can affect your decisions next time you find yourself in a JACANA dispensary in Jamaica. The dominance of sativa or indica is only the start – each of our strains has its own character, flavor, and effect. Gaining an understanding of what’s inside each different box will have a huge impact on your decision-making and your ultimate CBD experience.
Other than the strains’ effects, you can tell the difference by looking at the plant’s breeding lineage and appearance. Sativa plants tend to be skinny and long, with thin, pointed leaves. Indica plants, on the other hand, are short and stocky, with broad and ‘chunky’ leaves.
Sativa
If you’re looking for a more energetic high, then a sativa-dominant cannabis strain would be right for you. Sativa-dominant weed has more THC than CBD, delivering a cerebral experience known as a ‘head high.’ After consuming a sativa strain, you may feel uplifted and energized. It’s a good choice for those wanting to get creative or are looking to be inspired.
One of our go-to sativa strains is Sour Diesel, famous for its euphoric, alert, and blissful effects. Its name is inspired by its gassy flavor, but it also has sweet and citrusy notes and is perfect to rev you up in more lively activities. If you’re interested in how this plant is grown and harvested, you can get behind the scenes during an interactive tour of our ganja farm in Jamaica. Here, you’ll even get a chance to chat with the growers personally.
Indica
As we’ve said, indica-dominant strains have a more relaxing effect. They often result in that ‘couch lock’ feeling, known as a ‘body high.’ After consumption, your body may feel heavy, and you could be met with a sense of calm; sometimes, you may even feel a little sleepy.
Blueberry Muffin is an example of a popular indica-dominant strain. The name ‘Blueberry Muffin’ is inspired by the flavor profile, which is said to have subtle and fresh hints of actual blueberries. View it on our site and browse our other products while you’re there. Or you can even visit one of our dispensaries in Jamaica and taste it for yourself.
Hybrid
If you can’t choose between an indica and sativa, you may want to opt for a hybrid cannabis strain. Hybrid strains offer the best of both worlds, with both mood-boosting and calming effects. Some even argue that, despite being more balanced, the high itself is stronger.
At JACANA, we offer a variety of hybrid products. Buy them as they are, in pre-rolled joints, as cartridges or vape pens. Explore our selection online or ask a member of our team at any of our dispensaries in Jamaica for advice on what to choose, they’ll be more than happy to help.
Joy, Peace & Passion: Your Options Made Simple
When it comes to specific strains, say – Mango Sherbet vs OG Kush, we recommend you choose them based on the effect you desire and then play with the flavors until you find the one you like. It’s key that the product is of good quality, that you understand your tolerance, and that you know what to expect so that you can enjoy your smoke. Buying from a regulated dispensary is the best way to get accurate information about your CBD products.
To make it easy for you, JACANA has organized our cannabis range into three collections: Joy, Peace, and Passion. Joy describes our sativa-dominant products, Peace includes our indica-dominant strains, and Passion refers to our hybrid options.
Visit one of our CBD dispensaries in Jamaica for lab-tested products that contain no harmful pesticides or chemicals, and meet international standards. Contact our team if you’d like to learn more, shop at our store, or book a farm tour to experience the art of premium cannabis.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
