You might be familiar with the terms ‘cannabis’ and ‘marijuana,’ but did you know that there are different types of weed as well? More importantly, learning the differences between these types can help you pick a variety that’s best suited for your particular needs.
Marijuana is a plant species of cannabis that is typically psychoactive. However, the particular type of weed is determined by how the plant is prepared and the type of cannabis it is made from. Read on to find out more about the three major weed varieties and what sets them apart from one another.
Main Types of Weed
Two main types of weed are derived from two different species of cannabis: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa.
The strongest weed types usually have a higher ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD), i.e. they have higher concentrations of THC than CBD, which ultimately determines the effects the type will have on an individual. THC is psychoactive and causes alterations in mood, cognitive abilities, and alertness, while CBD is well-known to have relaxation and analgesic effects.
More recently, a third strain called Cannabis Ruderalis has also been used to make weed, and with its low levels of THC, it is mainly used for medicinal marijuana. Moreover, certain hybrid strains are also manufactured by mixing the two main species of cannabis.
Effects of Each Type of Weed
People generally choose the type of weed based on its effect. While each individual’s experience will vary significantly from another’s, the mode of ingestion – smoking or eating – will also influence the impact of the type of weed. Let’s discuss a few things about each kind of weed.
INDICA
Origin: Cannabis Indica is believed to have originated in the Hindu ‘Kush’ region near Afghanistan.
Physical Attributes: It stems from a cold and volatile mountainous climate, so it is shorter and bush-like, with darker, fuller, and rounder leaves. The buds grow in clumps.
Effects: C. Indica yields low amounts of CBD and large quantities of THC. Hence, it tends to have relaxing and sedating effects, sometimes even making people simply feel so relaxed, they may be cradled into a deep slumber. That is why cannabis products made using this variety are commonly used before going to bed to create feelings of ‘body high’ and facilitate sleep.
A study also demonstrated that many people found relief from insomnia and pain when using the Indica strain, possibly due to higher levels of THC.
Medicinal Uses: Indica is particularly useful for people who have arthritis, headaches, sleep disturbances, fibromyalgia, nausea, appetite problems, and chronic pain.
SATIVA
Origin: Cannabis Sativa is believed to have originated from equatorial regions with warmer climates, such as Mexico and South Africa.
Physical Attributes: They are adapted to grow in tropical conditions; they are pretty tall (almost 12 feet or higher) with long, thin serrated leaves. Sativa varieties flower under specific light conditions and require complete darkness for over 11 hours per day.
Effects: C. Sativa yields lower concentrations of THC and higher amounts of CBD as compared to Indica. Sativa strains have a more energizing effect, and people usually take weed from these strains in the morning or evening. Made up of compounds called terpenes, this strain is used to promote better focus, enhance creativity, and give individuals a cognitive or ‘head high,’ as opposed to the body high and relaxation that is felt after taking Indica.
Medicinal Uses: Since terpenes are known to interact with the cerebral system, they can be used to potentially manage anxiety, pain, exhaustion, attention-deficit hyperactivity disease (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can also be used to enhance appetite, elevate mood, reduce depression, and treat nausea.
RUDERALIS
Origin: C. ruderalis is another species that was initially discovered in southern Russia.
Physical Attributes: It is shorter than the other two weed species with thin, fibrous stems and large leaves. C. ruderalis is an auto-flowering plant, which means that it flowers based on the age of the plant instead of the light conditions. With its short maturing time, it is mainly preferred by indoor cultivators.
Effects: C. ruderalis contains low concentrations of THC as compared to Indica and Sativa strains. Hence it is hardly used for recreational purposes and has mainly medicinal purposes.
Medicinal Uses: C. ruderalis produces CBD for medical patients and creates hybrid cannabis strains.
HYBRIDS
Apart from these naturally occurring varieties, certain hybrid strains are manufactured by cross germinating seeds of Indica and Sativa to produce types that contain and boost the effects of both. Most strains generally grown today are hybrids instead of pure Indica or Sativa.
These hybrids are generally characterized based on their dominating effects. For instance, a Sativa-dominant hybrid will probably produce energizing effects, and an Indica-dominant hybrid will have relaxing and sedating effects.
These strains are known as ‘designer strains’ of weed and are bred for achieving maximum quality and effects. Their physical aesthetics vary according to their parents. Hybrid strains usually have unique and exciting names based on their origin, effects, appearance, and smell. Some examples of hybrid varieties include:
Sour Diesel: It has a gasoline-like smell with the high energizing effects of Sativa, along with some relaxation properties of Indica. It is rich in THC and manages mild stress, anxiety, and depression and relieves body aches.
Purple Kush: This is a pure Indica strain with purple leaves that offer a relaxing body high. It is high in THC and is used to manage chronic pain, depression, or anxiety.
Blue Dream: It is a slightly Sativa-dominant strain used to attain an energetic cerebral high for increased motivation and heightened focus, as well as pain-relieving effects.
Bottom Line
So here is a rundown of the different types of weed and how they can be helpful to you. Remember: knowing the differences between these strains can help you identify a cannabis-based product or hybrid that is well-suited for your particular needs. If you’re still not sure, always consult a healthcare professional before trying cannabis-based treatment.
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Interesting Reads
Cannabis Ruderalis: What Is It and How Is It Different from Sativa or Indica?
What Are the Differences Among Magic Mushroom Strains and Their Trips?
References
- Stith, S., Vigil, J. (2019, February 25). The Association between Cannabis Product Characteristics and Symptom Relief. Scientific Reports. Nature.com. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39462-1
- Maule, W. J. (2016, January 4). Medical uses of marijuana (Cannabis sativa): fact or fallacy? British Journal of Biomedical Science. Taylor Francis Online. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09674845.2015.11666802
