What's the difference between sativa, hybrid, and indica?

You've probably had your budtenders ask you if you're looking for sativa, indica, or hybrid. But do you know the difference between them? The easiest summation? Indica, "in da couch." Sativa's are considered more of a "daytime" high, and hybrids fall somewhere in the middle. These effects do need more clinical research, as they are considered subjective among stoners. This is why you'll hear your budtender talk about the effects of terpenes and THC content instead of strictly strain type.

Originating in the Middle East in places such as Tibet, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Indica's are classified by their short, broad leaves and bushiness. Because of harsh extreme climates, their grow cycle tends to be shorter, allowing for harvest before the wet and cold season arrives. Indica's are known to thrive in northern climates.

The effects of indica strains tend to be (but not exclusively) that sleepy, relaxing, munchie, "body high". Indica strains are often used for pain and sleep management, and are also commonly used to increase appetite. Generally if you're looking for a heavy, body high, indica's are the go to.

Finding the right strain isn't just about weather it's an indica or a sativa. Terpenes play a vital role in how cannabis affects the body. Common terpenes found in indica's include: Caryophyllene, Pinene, Ocimene, Humulene, Linalool, & Myrcene.

Some of our most popular indica strains include:

-Legacy Kush by BC Legacy

-Black Triangle by Shucanna

-Cowichan Kush by 18twelve

-Pink Kush by PureSun Farms

-D.Bubba by PureSun Farms

Learn More about each strain HERE

Sativa's are found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia. They tend to grow out long long and lanky so they can dry out and not absorb so much humidity. Their warm climate also means they can take a long time to grow and flower, or produce buds, because the weather won’t get cold and rainy at the end of the growing season.

The effects of sativa strains tend to be (but not exclusively) more energizing, uplifting, and a cerebral or "head" high. Sativa's are usually recommended for a daytime smoke and are often used to give a euphoric, creative high.

Terpenes commonly found in sativa's include: Limonene, Pinene, Linalool, Bisabolol, & Terpineol. These terpenes aren't exclusive to sativa's but sativa strains tend to have a higher percentage of these terpenes.

Some of our most popular sativa strains include:

-Tangerine Dream by San Rafael

-Blue Dream by PureSun Farms

-Blue Dream by Simply Organic

-Amnesia Haze by Broken Coast

-Sour OG by Broken Coast

Learn More about each strain HERE

Hybrids are the best of both worlds, a blend of sativa and indica that come together to create one great strain. With hybrids there is a lot of variety, some are more sativa-dominate, offering that uplifting and energizing quality. Other's may be more indica-dominate, bringing that relaxed body high, and some are a perfect balance between the two; offering an uplifting but relaxing high. Hybrids are great if you're looking for an in-between strain. Day or night, hybrids hit right.

Some of our most popular indica strains include:

-Blue Iguana by WeedMe

-Cookies 'N' Cream by MTL

-Black Pearl by Cake n Caviar

-Waffle Bites by Cake n Caviar

Learn More about each strain HERE

There is definitely more to the effects of cannabis than just strain type, but knowing the simple differences between them can make figuring out what the best strain for you is, much easier. If you really want to dial into the "perfect high" for you, start looking at cannabinoid content and terpene percentages. Just like people, each strain is unique and varies between strain, grower, batch, and personal preferences. If you find one type of weed just didn't do it for you, try a different strain and you may be surprised!