Cannabis has a long history in Thailand where it has been used for at least hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes. There are three primary species of cannabis: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are the most commonly used species, and hybrids of the two are becoming increasingly popular.
Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Sativa plants are tall and thin and can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has long, narrow leaves and grows best in warm, tropical climates. Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, making them ideal for daytime use. They are high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects.
Sativa cannabis strains tend to do very well in Thailand’s climate and many of the strains more common to the region are sativas.
Sativa strains are popular among creative types, as they can help to stimulate the imagination and enhance focus. They are also often used to treat depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Some of the most popular sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Green Crack.
Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Indica plants are short and stocky and typically grow to a height of around 3-6 feet. It has broad, wide leaves and prefers cooler climates. Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects, making them ideal for nighttime use. They are also high in THC, but also contain higher levels of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound that has numerous therapeutic benefits.
Indica strains can be difficult to grow in tropical climates like Thailand but skilled growers, especially those growing indoors where they can fine tune the environment, can still produce some wonderful results.
Indica strains are popular among those looking for relief from anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and for their sedating effect. They are also used to stimulate appetite and promote relaxation. Indica strains are often used for their intensely relaxing effects. Some of the most popular indica strains include Purple Kush, Northern Lights, and Afghan Kush.
Hybrids
Hybrids are a cross between Sativa and Indica strains. They are created by cannabis farmers breeding different combination of parent plants to produce new and unique strains with desirable characteristics from both parent plants. Hybrids can be sativa-dominant, indica-dominant or a 50-50 blend.
Hybrids can range from 50-50 up to 99-1 in terms of dominant strain types. Though, once you get up to a 90-10 blend, most people will just refer to them as a Sativa or Indica rather than a hybrid due to the fact that one is so dominant that it is almost a pure strain.
Sativa-dominant hybrids tend to have a more uplifting and energizing effect, while indica-dominant hybrids tend to have a more relaxing and sedative effect. Hybrid strains can be used for a wide range of purposes, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and appetite stimulation.
Some popular hybrid strains include Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies, and OG Kush. Hybrid strains can also be used to create new and unique flavors and aromas, making them popular among cannabis connoisseurs.
The Difference between Indica and Sativa
While sativa and indica strains differ in their physical characteristics, such as plant height and leaf shape, the most significant differences between the two are their effects on the body and mind.
Sativa strains tend to be more energizing and uplifting, while indica strains tend to be more relaxing and sedative. Sativa strains are often used during the day, as they can help to enhance focus and creativity, while indica strains are typically used at night, as they can help to promote relaxation and sleep.
Sativa strains are also known for their cerebral effects, such as enhancing mood and stimulating the imagination. Indica strains, on the other hand, are known for their physical effects, such as relieving pain and promoting relaxation.
The Differences between Hybrids and Indica or Sativa Pure Strains
Hybrid cannabis strains can offer the best of both worlds, combining the desirable characteristics of both sativa and indica strains. Sativa-dominant hybrids can offer an energizing and uplifting effect, while indica-dominant hybrids can offer a relaxing and sedative effect.
Hybrids can also be tailored to meet specific needs, such as pain relief or anxiety reduction. Hybrid strains can also offer unique flavors and aromas, as breeders can create new combinations by crossing different strains.
It may sound like it would easy to just mix your two favorite Indica and Sativa strains together and get the perfect strain but due to the different combination of cannabinoid and terpene profiles of each strain, breeding new hybrid strains can often be a tedious process to choose the right plants to crossbreed. It involves a lot of experimentation, testing, and patience for growers to breed a type of cannabis that will be a successful consumer product.
Which Type Is Right For You?
We always recommend that new users start with what they’re trying to get out of cannabis and work backwards from there.
Sativas offer a uplifting, cerebral sort of high that is better for daytime or socializing.
Indicas are fantastic for people that are looking to relax, sleep, and-or relieve pain.
Hybrids can give you a little of both without being too much of one effect or the other.
Most experienced cannabis consumers have a favorite cannabis strain based on what effect they’re trying to achieve. For instance, they may prefer one specific strain if they plan on going out with friends and want an energetic, laughing high. They might prefer another marijuana strain that produces a focused high if they want to putter around the garage or do housework. And, most people will have at least a few indica strains for sitting in front of the TV and bing watching their favorite series on Netflix.
For many it’s not a question of indica vs sativa vs hybrid, it’s more about which indica and sativa or hybrid strains to use based on the situation.
