Do You Think Its More Important To Smoke An Indica a Sativa Or a Hybrid

Cannabis is more and more used across the globe for relaxation, stress relief, and pain management, as well as during social events. However, when it comes to choosing the right type of cannabis, people are almost always stuck in the question, Should I go with an indica, a sativa, or a hybrid? These are actually terms that classify different subspecies of the cannabis plant, each having its own unique body and mind that its users borrow. Understanding this makes one be able to pick out the type that will suit them the most.

Each and every year, an estimated 200 million people around the world consume cannabis products. It is one of the most widely used substances, both recreationally and for medical purposes.

In this blog, we will discuss the definition of Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains, their classification, and the restrictions layer in the world. We will also address the issues of some specific risks and medical issues for certain populations.

What Are Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?

Cannabis is a plant that has different kinds, all affecting human bodies and minds differently. 
In order to better answer the question of whether it is more beneficial to smoke indica, sativa, or hybrid, let's first define these categories better. The three main types of cannabis are:

Indica

Indica cannabis strains have high effects on the body as well as having some calming effects. Others may say that this kind of high feels like a ‘body high,’ which is similar to the feeling of lying on a couch, exhausted and ready to chill. Indica plants are shorter and bushier compared to the Sativa strains. They also tend to yield faster than the sativa variety, hence making them common among planters.

Indica strains have been suggested for use during the night. Here are commonly experienced effects after taking Indica types of cannabis, including:

• Deep relaxation
• Reduced anxiety
• Facilitated sleeping pattern
• Pain and inflammation relief

Why People Choose It?

For most strains, it is a matter of choice based on what you are trying to achieve or the high that you may want. Indica, on the other hand, has a wide non-therapeutic market for an apparent reason. It helps people who are unable to sleep or are in constant pain. 

Based on a survey conducted and published by the Journal of Cannabis Research, approximately 55% of medical cannabis patients suffering from pain, insomnia, and anxiety prefer the soothing and sedating properties of Indica strains.

There are some of the best risk-free times to smoke Indica:

Indica is well known for its sedative properties and, therefore, a go-to for insomnia or restlessness.
It is most effective when an individual has no intention of being productive or going out. Some say that once they smoke it, they are "on the couch" and refer to this term as a euphoric experience.

Sativa

In comparison, Sativa strains provide its users with a vice-versa effect. Sativas are known for their energetic or uplifting effects, often described as a ‘high in the head.’ This is what these types of drugs are useful for since drugs of this variety are most effective when consumed during the day as users remain focused and productive. Sativa plants, on the other hand, are taller, have narrower leaves, and take longer to mature.

Here are some usual Sativa effects:

• Improve in energy level
• Better concentration
• Happiness
• Better creativity

If you are looking forward to going out, engaging in a creative endeavor, or simply needing a boost of energy, Sativa may be your best bet.

Why People Pick Sativa

Contrary to Indica, Sativa is commonly referred to as 'wake-and-bake' due to its propensity to stimulate rather than hinder movement. They are often the strain of choice for those with depressive moods or trying to boost their creativity. Sativa users appreciate a brain-high activity instead of making one feel stoned or lazy.

Sativa is quite the popular choice of strain for recreational or medical consumption, especially when used for controlling depression, as it helped approximately 60% of the users gain improvements in mood post-consumption along with increased creativity.

There are some best occasions to use it:

• If you are running low on motivation or focus in the daytime or are looking for a boost, Sativa is ideal for you.
• A lot of individuals experience increased sociability with Sativa strains in social contexts; therefore, they feel great about going out with friends
• Whether writing, painting, or coming up with new ideas, Sativa may help with creative processes for you.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are a combination of both Indica and Sativa strains. They create a mixture of plants with different effects by cross-breeding the two strains. There are hybrid strains that are more largely dominant with indica and sativa. However, there are those that have an intermediate value. It has a great variation in appearances, depending on the degree of dominance of either Indica or Sativa in the hybrids.

It is reported that in the United States, 40% of users tend to go for a hybrid strain that combines Indica and Sativa effects for a more specific goal in mind, such as helping with pain but still allowing for productivity.

With hybrids, you get the best of both worlds. Some offer the Indica’s body high for relaxation without the heavy sleepiness induced, while others provide a Sativa’s essence and mental high with some physical calmness as well.

When to Select a Hybrid

If you find that the effects of both Indica and Sativa alone do not suit your needs, a hybrid strain may be the most appropriate option. It provides greater flexibility in their use and therefore they are good for such user groups as beginners who are not quite clear what they would want just yet.

Best Circumstances for Using Hybrids

• Hybrids are great in situations where desired mental and physical components need to be targeted. For instance, pain relief while staying awake can be provided by them.
• Some hybrids are raised specially to produce certain effects, which makes it easier to look for hybrids that suit.
• During the daytime or nighttime, hybrids can be consumed, depending on the blend.

The Science Behind Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid

Having learned the basic differences of these strains, let us go into the details of the reasons why they make you feel the way they do. What are the psychoactive components and which one should I consider for medicinal purposes?

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Cannabis contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, the most famous of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). This compound is primarily responsible for delivering the “high” feeling, whereas the latter offers a lot of therapeutic value for the plant without intoxication. 

But the story does not end there. An important factor in determining how different cannabis strains work on you is the presence of specific scent compounds referred to as terpenes. The cannabis plant’s aroma includes these terpenes, which also affect the experience you have while using cannabis. 

Which Strain Should You Go For?

Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid, all these terms look attractive because they all look to have a unique role in healing. But which one is best for your purposes? Ultimately, it depends on you;  what your needs and desires are. 

Here are certain areas on which you can focus and decide:

Are you looking for some relaxation, deep sleep, or relief from some sort of chronic pain? If yes, then probably you will be in  need of the Indica strain. However, if you want something that will improve your mood, energy, or creativity, Sativa might be your best friend. For people looking for something in between the two options, you might consider a hybrid.

In case it is daytime and you have various chores to accomplish, Sativa will most probably do you good. For late-night calmness or sleeping assistance, however, Sativa is out of the question. For hybrid users, depending on the strain, there are no time restrictions.

 How Does Cannabis React?

Cannabis is one unique product that doesn’t have the same effect on everyone. While some users may complain about feeling drowsy due to the use of Indica strains, some might feel anxious because of the Sativa ones. Different people will respond to different strains, and the best way to find your best one is simply to try them out. Always remember to start slow and with small doses, especially when you are new to this plant.

Late last year, a survey found that almost 1 out of every ten users affirmed experiencing anxiety with some types of strains, specifically sativa strains.

Indica strains usually have a lot of myrcene and tend to be relaxing and make the user drowsy. On the contrary, limonene is often found in saliva, which is a more active strain and provides an upbeat experience. As such, it can, therefore, be said that the presence of these terpenes affects how you feel when using different strains of cannabis.

The Legal Status

There are a few things to consider before making a decision on which cannabis strain is more pertinent to you. Most importantly, you must apply the law that pertains to that particular area of practice. There are about 23 states where adult use of cannabis is legal as of 2024, with a few others that allow it for medical purposes only. 

It is reported that in the United States, 40% of users tend to go for a hybrid strain that combines Indica and Sativa effects for a more specific goal in mind, such as helping with pain but still allowing for productivity.

However, laws vary significantly across the globe. For instance, countries like Canada and Uruguay have fully legalized cannabis, while others impose strict penalties for its use. Wait until you see the penalties for illegal use. They are usually very harsh.

Final Thoughts

When you are trying to select between Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid, the choice is dependent on your objective. Indica is for rest and sleep; Sativa is ideal for increasing energy and creativity, whereas hybrids give you the best of both worlds. Whether you are using cannabis as a medication or for recreational purposes, it is also important to know the restrictions in your region and how each of the strains works on your body as well as your mind.

In the case of medical patients, there is a need to reach out to a doctor. Recreational users should be careful about the available laws and have fun.