How to Tell the Difference Between Sativa and Indica Buds

We prepared this Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strains guide just for you. And, we made sure that it was simple to follow and easy to understand. Why? Well, we badly wanted to once and for all similar answer questions that we’ve been getting from many cannabis lovers all around the country for the past few months now. So keep on reading, and we’ll share quick tips on how to tell the difference between Indica and Sativa buds. Plus, you’ll get to know fascinating stuff about Canada’s most popular Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains this year.

What Does Indica Do to You?

Let’s get to know more about cannabis indica, the scientific name of a group of marijuana plants under the cannabis flora genus, to answer this question. But first, a couple of clarifications regarding this:

In this context, a genus refers to a family. So cannabis is a family of plants. And different breeds are under the same cannabis family. The two most notable breeds are hemp and marijuana.
Meanwhile, under each of these breeds are strains. This is where cannabis indica comes in. It’s a strain under the marijuana breed of cannabis plants.

So, what sort of high can you expect to get after smoking or ingesting Indica buds? Based on years of thorough laboratory tests and clinical trials, the results of many research groups indicate that Indica strains promote stronger body high than mind high.

Many testers, enthusiasts and consumers across Canada say they feel more relaxed when they smoke Indica buds or ingest Indica-infused edibles. Many of them also say strains bred with higher Indica concentrations help them relieve stress, fatigue, various body aches and physical pains.

Almost all of them claim they get the munchies from time to time when smoking Indica buds or eating Indica edibles. Some also say this helps them manage appetite loss due to their other more physiological severe conditions. This is also the primary reason why Indica strains are recommended to people suffering from moderate to severe appetite loss due to cancer and other significant ailments in many cases.

What Does Sativa Do to You?

Of course, an Indica vs Sativa vs hybrid guide won’t be complete without tackling each of these strains. So now, let’s talk more about Sativa buds. Like Indica, Sativa is another strain under the marijuana breed of cannabis plants.

But the effects of Sativa strains are pretty different from Indica strains. This has been tested to almost always be true even across various ingestion methods like smoking, vaping and eating.

Recent findings of many laboratories all around Canada show that Sativa strains promote a stronger mind high than a body high. Many Canadians say they get bouts of intense concentration, motivated focus and creative inspiration after they smoke or ingest buds and edibles with higher Sativa concentrations.

A few of those who took part in the voluminous research and interviews we’ve conducted throughout the years across the country also confessed they sometimes feel pangs of anxiety and mild to moderate paranoia after taking Sativa buds and edibles. But they also clarified that the strains which tend to give them this high are almost exclusively Sativa buds without any balanced concentration of Indica. Plus, many of them confessed that they usually feel anxious and paranoid when they drink strong coffee right after smoking Sativa buds or a few minutes after eating Sativa-infused edibles.

What Do Hybrid Strains Do to You?

The next type of marijuana buds discussed in this Indica vs Sativa vs hybrid guide is, of course, hybrid strains. What are these hybrids? Are they synthetically altered versions of Indica and Sativa strains?

The quick and definite answer is no. They are not synthetically modified versions of natural Sativa and Indica strains. Instead, these hybrids go through an organic process called cross-breeding. This is usually done with plants, trees and a variety of crops.

Hybrids are bred to provide a well-balanced concentration of Indica and Sativa. Various combinations of Indica and Sativa concentrations are tested and released as commercially available strains in the market once they pass a rigorous set of food-grade quality control systems.

Various concentration combinations are bred and released to provide a more comprehensive, more diverse set of options to cannabis consumers all around the country. Keep in mind that some groups of cannabis lovers prefer a little bit higher Sativa concentrations than Indica percentages in the buds they smoke or the edibles they eat. Meanwhile, other communities prefer the exact opposite. And anywhere within that spectrum of combinations, there’s bound to be a network of cannabis enthusiasts with matching preferences.

Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid Strains — Benefits & Advantages

This section of our guide will tackle the benefits and advantages of each marijuana strain. Later, we’ll give you quick and easy tips on how to tell the difference between Sativa and Indica buds and hybrid buds through visual ways. SO let’s start!

Benefits of Indica Strains

As mentioned earlier, strains with higher concentrations of Indica are intended for those who want to relax their body and mind. This relieves stress and fatigue, especially after a hard day at home, work or school.
Indica strains are also meant to help with appetite loss. This means it can also be helpful for those who want to gain weight as it promotes a heartier appetite.
Many insomnia Canadians say they smoke buds and ingest edibles with higher Indica concentrations. This corroborates recent test results of laboratories all around the country, indicating that these marijuana strains help promote more restful sleep.
Aside from relaxing the body and mind, Indica strains are also known to relieve various body aches and physical pains. This is helpful for Canadians who suffer from leg, back, and neck pains, often caused by scoliosis and previous injuries, among other similar ailments.

Many Indica lovers in Canada say they prefer this other flower when they want to relax and relieve body aches and pains. They also say this helps them get a more restful sleep.

What to Look for When Buying Indica Strains

To help you choose the right Indica strains that best suit your preferences, here’s a quick checklist of the stuff that you’re advised to keep in mind when looking for the right cannabis products in the market today:

Check the Indica concentration of the strains from your shortlisted local dispensaries and stores in Canada. Remember, the higher the concentration and the THC content, the more potent its couchlock, munchies and overall body high.
Check where their Indica strains are bred. This includes the originating country and farm. Many Canadians who prefer Indica buds say their favourite ones usually originate from Asia.
Look at the ratings and reviews of the local Canadian dispensaries and shops on your shortlist. You’re bound to find reviews left by other consumers. And, there’s likely to be some who talk about their experience with their Indica buds.

An Indica strain that gained a lot of recommendations from many Canadian cannabis lovers we interviewed is known as Black Triangle AAAA+/CRAFT (Indica). Check it out.

Benefits of Sativa Strains

Buds of Sativa strains and edibles infused with THC from cannabis plants with higher Sativa concentrations are known to manage depression and lethargy. Modern research studies indicate that these strains promote mind high more than body high. And after all, many of the Canadians we interviewed for this Indica vs Sativa vs hybrid guide say they get giggly fits when smoking or eating these types of buds and edibles, especially if they do this with their friends and colleagues. So if laughter is still the best medicine out there, that’s among the best reasons why Sativa strains are used for similar medical objectives.
Some of the groups in the country that we talked to say these Sativa strains assist them with their creative responsibilities for their projects and jobs. Many of them are in creative arts, product development and communication. Almost all of them claim Sativa buds and edibles give them more focused creative inspiration, motivation and imagination.
Many Canadians also claim that ingesting Sativa strains through vaping, smoking and eating continues to help them manage their challenges to overcome addictions, such as alcoholism and gambling. There isn’t sufficient research data to corroborate this claim, but that’s what the consumers themselves say.

What to Look for When Buying Sativa Strains

Of course, we aim to help you make a more informed decision when buying Sativa strains through this Indica vs Sativa vs hybrid guide. So here goes:

As a general rule, always check the Sativa percentages and THC levels of the strain you intend to buy. Don’t forget that higher Sativa concentrations, especially when in tandem with high THC levels, are likely to cause more potent mind high. This means more intense creative inspiration, focused motivation and dedicated concentration, along with the other good things that come with these buds. But keep in mind, a stronger mind high isn’t always for everybody.
Many cannabis lovers in Canada claim the best Sativa strains they’ve tasted were varieties that usually originate from countries with colder climates and weather. Most of our interviews with them are North American territories, European regions and North Asian countries.
Consumer ratings and reviews of the products and the service offered by your shortlisted local stores and dispensaries in the country will guide you to the right shop.

Benefits of Hybrid Strains

You get the best of both worlds from these hybrid strains. That’s what lots of Canadian cannabis lovers say. After all, when you get the balanced concentration of Indica and Sativa that’s just right for you, then they say you’ll feel relaxed and inspired at the same time while high.
The same individuals also claim adverse effects during the crashing phase, where you gradually lose your high when you take hybrid strains. This is unlike the crashing phase of Sativa strains, where you tend to feel weary and tired, and with Indica buds and edibles, you feel excited and anxious during the crashing phase. However, take note that this crashing phase, be it with Sativa or Indica, doesn’t last that long (let’s say just about half an hour or so, and that’s it).

What to Look for When Buying Hybrid Strains

Let’s not forget to cover a fundamental buying checklist for hybrid strains in this Indica vs Sativa vs hybrid guide. So check these things out:

As mentioned earlier, get to know more about the Indica and Sativa concentration combinations of each package of the strains you want to purchase. This is especially crucial when shopping for the most suitable hybrid buds for your preferences. That’s because you need to consider your preferences first to match them with the Sativa and Indica combinations of your shortlisted products. For example, if you want a stronger body high, that’s balanced out by a milder mind high, then go for hybrid strains with around 40% Indica and 20% Sativa.
Consider THC levels as a metric of the potency of these hybrid strains, or any strain for that matter. So what this boils down to is the higher the THC level, the stronger the effect of the strain’s body and mind.
Once again, hybrid strain buyer reviews and ratings, especially those left by other Canadians for the products and services of dispensaries and stores where you intend to buy from, are really helpful. So check them out before you buy.
And of course, check the countries where the Indica and Sativa varieties used for crossbreeding your target hybrid strains originate from, all while keeping in mind the stuff mentioned earlier regarding country of origin and quality of buds.

Safety Checklist When Using Indica, Sativa and Hybrid Buds

Of course, an Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strains guide won’t be complete if we don’t remind you to look after your safety and well-being before, during and after using your favourite buds and edibles. With this, you’re advised to keep in mind the following things:

Always start with the lowest THC percentage possible with each package, especially if you’re a first-time consumer. You’re also advised to do this when you first test a new cannabis strain or edible. This will help prevent so-called bad trips and more severe problems. That’s because by doing this, you can observe any effect while high, allowing you to take note of all the good and bad stuff that you’re experiencing. In turn, this gives you the chance to decide whether to continue using the same products or immediately stop using them. And aside from this, you’ll also be able to help your body and mind gradually develop some tolerance to the effects of each product. This enables you to enjoy your high better using the same products.
If you’re a first-time consumer, then you’re recommended to call in a friend to assist you as you test out a strain or an edible product. Don’t forget to choose from your peers with relevant experience using similar products. This person is known as a trip-sitter. They’ll reduce certain risks in a first-timer trying out these cannabis products for the first time.
Keep the emergency contact details of the nearest local medical facility within your area. Focus on emergency staff with the right medical expertise to respond to issues and problems caused by cannabis and other related products. Nobody can predict unforeseen events and accidents. So it’s best to be prepared. And, you’ll be surprised to know that many serious accidents also happen to veteran cannabis consumers.
Contact your physician right away if you feel any effect that makes you worried or uncomfortable directly after you smoke, vape or ingest a cannabis-infused product. Better safe than sorry, as the saying goes. More so, keep this in mind if you’re a first-timer or if you’re testing a product for the first time.
Suppose you have unusual allergies that tend to pop up and disappear only to reoccur time and again. In that case, you’re advised to consult your physician before you test these strains or any cannabis-infused product. Medical professionals are experienced in giving proper advice based on your medical history and other relevant records. Again, better safe than sorry. Remember, allergic reactions don’t just manifest as skin breakouts. Instead, you’d be surprised to know that most allergies also cause internal organs to swell during breakouts.

Don’t forget these important reminders and preparation tips. You’ll be able to enhance your high and overall cannabis experience with your favourite Indica, Sativa and hybrid buds if you aren’t worried about your safety and well-being. And, always remember, the first step towards achieving that is to prepare yourself for the worst, every time and wherever you may be.

Quick Ways on How to Tell the Difference Between Indica and Sativa Buds

So to conclude this Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strains guide, we’ll let you in on some quick yet effective methods on visually distinguishing Indica, Sativa and hybrid buds. Jump right in!

Sativa buds are from marijuana plants with short yet broad main trunks. These strains also have short, broad leaves and stems. These plants look like this because they mainly originate from world regions with colder climates and weather. So when you visually inspect your buds, they should be broader and shorter than most Indica and hybrid varieties.
Meanwhile, Indica strains are from marijuana plants with tall, narrow main trunks. They also have long, thin leaves and stems. When you compare Sativa and Indica buds side by side, you’ll be able to notice the difference most of the time.
On the other hand, hybrids often take the Sativa look of their parents. That’s unless they have significantly higher concentrations of Indica. So when you visually inspect your hybrid buds, it’s likely for them to have higher Sativa concentrations if they’re short and stout and Indica if they’re long and narrow.
However, consider that many Indica varieties are often leafier than their Sativa counterparts. With this, these buds might look stouter than Sativa buds. But if you carefully inspect them visually, you’ll likely notice that Sativa buds are beefier or denser than Indica buds.
Many Canadian cannabis lovers also notice that most of the time, the buds of their Sativa strains, whether store-bought or home-grown, tend to be stickier and remain moisturized much longer than their Indica buds. So keep this in mind when finding ways to tell the difference between Indica and Sativa buds, along with hybrids.
If you’re still having problems distinguishing between your Indica, Sativa and hybrid buds just by looking at them, then using a small number of buds to test the type of strain you have quickly can work well. Remember the stuff that we outlined in the other sections of this guide. You’ll be able to follow those as leads to determine the type of strain you have with you.

At this point, we hope that our Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid strains guide has effectively given you sufficient information to make more informed comparisons between your strains and buds. And if you’re a first-timer, don’t forget to start with the smallest amounts of buds possible. You can work your way up to bigger volumes later.