Back in the day, Jimi Hendrix sang about Purple Haze. He was singing about the Purple Haze strain. He didn’t know if it was a Sativa, Hybrid, or Indica, but he knew it was significant enough to sing about. Back then, you didn’t know what effect it would have on you. Today, things have changed. Marijuana is not like it was before. It’s more potent, convenient, and there are many choices, including the type of strain.

According to the American Marijuana organization, United States cannabis consumption reached $6.56 billion in 2016. In 2020, that number increased to a whopping $16.02 billion. Four years of exponential growth is undoubtedly due to the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in many states. Weed is a booming business thanks to legalization and the number of dispensaries available on the market.

As much fun as it is, cannabis names, such as Trainwreck, Sour Diesel, and Member Berry don’t matter. They’re just fun to ask for by name. No, what matters is the type of strain — whether it’s Sativa, Hybrid, or Indica. Those are your three choices that matter. If you know everything you can about these strains, and you pick the right one for you at the time, you’re sure to enjoy a most pleasurable experience.

Do Marijuana Plants Look Different?

Yes, Indica and Sativa plants are different plants that look different. For an even broader knowledge of the differences between Indica and Sativa, it’s good to be able to identify the type of plant you’re going to consume. Here’s how.

In a 2012 study, Indica is reported as a short plant with broad, dark leaves. It has a higher CBD (cannabidiol) content than Sativa. Another description of the Indica plant is that it’s bushy, and the leaves grow close together.In that same study, Sativa plants are described as being taller with thin, pale-green leaves. Also, the Sativa strain has a higher THC level than the Indica plant.

What are Indica Weed Strains?

To better understand why people commonly use Sativa, it’s good to compare it to the other strains. First, take a look at what is an Indica strain.

Indica is the opposite of Sativa. It boasts a calming, relaxing, appetite-stimulating, and pain-relieving effect mainly used by people looking for help with insomnia, lack of appetite, and pain. With its sedating effect, Indica should only be consumed at night-time. Indica embodies the true definition of a stoner couch potato. When you think of the traditional pothead, you’re probably thinking about someone who has consumed an Indica. Indica strains can help put you in a state of bliss.

What are Hybrid Weed Strains?

Now that you know about Indica strains and that Sativa is the opposite of Indica, it’s time to learn about Hybrids. So, what are Hybrid weed strains? Hybrids are strains that are crosses between an Indica and a Sativa. They can have more weight on either side and are named Hybrid/Indica dominant and Hybrid/Sativa dominant. Meaning, a Hybrid/Indica dominant has more relaxing and sedating full-body effects, and a Hybrid/Sativa dominant has more uplifting and energetic cerebral effects. If the ratio is about equal between the two, you’ll feel more balanced, as you’ll get equal parts of both Indica and Sativa.

What are Sativa Weed Strains?

Here’s where the fun begins. Sativa weed strains are known for their euphoric, high-energy, creative, and mood-enhancing effects. People who use Sativa strains are not couch potatoes. They can concentrate and focus better. With a Sativa, you’re more productive and will be known as someone who gets things done. Sativa should only be used during the daytime, as it may give you insomnia if taken at night.

5 Reasons People Use Sativa Strains

People use weed for many reasons. Some are medical; some are recreational. Did you know you can pick strains by type for different effects? If you want to be awake and alert, go for a Sativa. If you can’t sleep or are in pain, you need an Indica. Need something that’s not so intense either way? Hybrid is your strain.

Buds from the Sativa plant are the favorite among cannabis connoisseurs. Here, you’ll find five reasons people use Sativa strains.

1. Sativa marijuana is a mood booster. People with depression often report an elevated mood when they consume Sativa strains.
2. Sativa cannabis gives you energy. People who consume Sativa strains commonly report having more energy and productivity.
3. Sativa strains give you the munchies. Indica strains also increase appetite, but Sativa is the choice strain for boosting your appetite. Sativa is great for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to treat their lack of appetite.
4. Sativa promotes focus and concentration. Since it keeps you awake and alert, Sativa is perfect for work because it helps you focus and concentrate.
5. Sativa marijuana sparks creativity. When you consume Sativa, you’ll find yourself wanting to do more, especially creatively.

Conclusion

When it comes to weed nowadays, the choices are endless. With each type of strain — Sativa, Hybrid, and Indica — you can regulate and manage your mood and energy level throughout the day and night. Indica is a more subdued effect, and Sativa is a more energetic effect. You could start the day with a Sativa and end it before bedtime with an Indica. But, if you have to break it down to favorites, Sativa is the choice for most people.