In the world of cannabis, there are tons of Cannabis strains that originate from the Cannabaceae family, commonly referred to as the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis has righteously been in use for centuries all over the world in several parts of the Middle East, South Africa, and Asia. It’s tempting to associate cannabis with the younger generation of teenagers and young adults, but the truth is that cannabis use has become increasingly popular for aged adults and seniors. Cannabis strains are noted to contain medicinal properties that may help users with a range of issues i.e. anxiety, depression, joint pain, skin inflammation, acne, and more. It’s needless to say, more adults than ever seek out certain cannabis strains to help fight particular diseases and ailments and provide therapeutic effects on the mind and body.
The cannabis industry is a billion-dollar market and is booming in the United States. The legalization of cannabis has swept at least a third of these United States; recreational use of cannabis strains is legal in 10 states, while medical cannabis is legalized in 33 states. According to Business Insider, no one anticipates the cannabis industry slowing down any time soon. The cannabis industry is responsible for employing thousands of people ranging from the cultivation of various cannabis strains to providing dispensary and distribution jobs.
Cannabis strains can be sorted into three categories: Sativa, Indica, and hybrid. Sativa, also known biologically as cannabis sativa is a flowering plant that traces back to Asia. It has traditionally been used for oil, food, and fiber. Sativa and Indica plants are known to have different physiological effects and also differ in their appearance.
Appearance: Sativa leaf vs Indica leaf
The Sativa leaf is typically taller and shorter in length and can even be viewed as having a lighter green color than Indica. The Sativa leaf is longer and pointy; they can grow as tall as 10 feet, containing fragile leaves. The Sativa leaf is best grown in environments with mild winters and long summers, growing in sunnier climates. They tend to have a longer flowering period of about 12 to 16 weeks.
On the other hand, the Indica leaf usually has a darker green color with shorter and wider leaves. The Indica leaf is very popular amongst cultivars; it is widely distributed more than Sativa and is grown more often because of its shorter flowering period. Indica leaves generally mature within 8 to 10 weeks. And they are more convenient to grow because of their ability to grow in colder temperatures and even in the closet of your own home. The Indica leaf was traced back to parts of the Middle East, specifically Pakistan and Afghanistan; Indica was well grown in mountainous environments. They can also be traced back to Asia in its insanely dry and cold habitat, making the Indica leaf a ‘man of steel’ against varying weather conditions.
Properties of Indica vs Sativa leaf
The properties of Indica v Sativa leaf vary. And people spend their hard-earned cash on Indica vs Sativa leaves for different reasons. For starters, indica strains typically decrease one’s energy levels and tend to evoke feelings of tiredness or sleepiness. It is advised to smoke Indica strains during the evening or at night before bed. Strong Indica strains even have the ability to leave one “stuck” for a while, leaving you locked to your couch for a while because of your body being ultra-relaxed. This lasts for a relatively short amount of time.
However, sativas usually provide more energy and raise one’s level of focus and alertness, creativity, and productivity. It is known to also uplift one’s mood and is a viable option for someone who struggles with anxiety and depression. The Sativa leaf gives users a mind high as opposed to the Indica leaf, which yields more of a body high.
There are more cultivars that work to breed a variety of Indica and Sativa cannabis strains to offer a wide product line of availability to cannabis users. There are users who are looking for a cannabis strain to help them stay upbeat and productive as they go to work, care for the kids, etc. Meanwhile, there are some users who may want a sedative type of cannabis strain to help ease joint pain, diseases, and to help them sleep at night. When searching for a good distributor, be sure to choose one that has a diverse collection of cannabis strains and has the one YOU need.
Sativa Dominant Hybrid strains
Hybrids are a perfect balance between Indica and Sativa; Sativa dominant hybrid strains, however, contain more sativa content than Indica and will likely yield the effect of happiness and higher energy levels while also causing you to feel calm and mellow. That’s the beauty and usefulness of Sativa dominant hybrid strains. They can produce both effects of the Indica and Sativa leaf.
Here are 3 popular Sativa dominant hybrid strains:
- Amnesia Haze
The Amnesia Haze strain contains 70% of Sativa, while possessing 30% of indica, making it one of the most popular Sativa dominant hybrid strains. This cannabis strain contains very low CBD levels while containing 20 -24% of THC. This strain was introduced by Royal Queen Seeds and has gained immense popularity since then. They have a large portfolio of feminized cannabis seeds to choose from. The Amnesia Haze is known for its citrusy taste and smell and is a great option for people suffering from ADHD and depression. This cannabis strain is also laced with lots of trichomes, which also makes it a good choice for hash. Best grown outdoors in a warm and sunny climate; the closer to the equator the Sativa strain is, then the better chances it has to grow and mature.
2. AK- 47
The name of this Sativa dominant hybrid strain might catch you by surprise, but rest assured, there was no involvement of guns nor violence during the cultivation and distribution of this cannabis strain. The Ak-47 was cultivated by Serious Seeds, an award-winning cannabis seed breeder who is known for its unique innovations like the White Russian, Bubble Gum, Chronic, Kali Mist, and more. The AK-47 cannabis strain is by far one of the most popular Sativa dominant hybrid strains and has a high concentration of THC and is relatively easy to grow. It is known for its outgoing smells and is potent enough to turn the heads of anyone walking by. When smoked, expect to experience feelings of relaxation and alertness.
3. Votex
The Votex cannabis strain contains 80% Sativa and 20% of Indica. This cannabis strain won the 2010 Medical Cup by High Times for the best Sativa. The taste is often described as very fruity, almost taking on a mango and/or lemon scent. This Sativa dominant hybrid strain produces lots of buds on its branches. For a Sativa plant, the Votex has a shorter flowering period of 7 to 8 weeks. This Sativa dominant hybrid strain is relatively easier to grow than most Sativas and will yield racy effects on the mind and body.
Indica Dominant Hybrid strains
With Indica dominant hybrid strains, these Indica leaves are known for their shorter height and fast flowering periods. Indicas are versatile, allowing it to be grown indoors or outdoors.
Here are 3 most popular Indica dominant hybrid strains:
- Girl Scout cookies
Come get your girl scout cookies! This Indica dominant hybrid strain contains 60% of Indica and 40% of sativa. This strain was created by cross breeding two well known cannabis strains: OG Kush and Durban Poison from South Africa. It remains one of the most popular indica dominant hybrid strains in the cannabis industry. You get a great balance of experiencing effects of calmness while not feeling fatigued. This Indica dominant hybrid is also known for its sweet and fruity aroma. Bred in West California, Girl Scout Cookies is cherished by local Californians and throughout the United States.
2. Gorilla Glue
This Gorilla Glue strain has just what you need. It contains 24–26% of THC and is covered in trichomes that yield unforgettable flavors like lemon, pine, and earthy aromas. One can expect to experience intense relaxation while smoking, making it a great choice for medicinal users and by far one of the most sought after indica dominant hybrid strains.
3. Somango
The Somango cannabis strain was produced from a cross breed of Super Skunk, Jack Herer, and Big Skunk Korean. The intriguing mixture of terpenes and cannabinoids within each cannabis strain makes for a flavorful and impactful Indica dominant hybrid to smoke. This Indica dominant hybrid strain has been observed to grow taller than 2 meters outdoors; it is best to harvest in October for outdoor cultivation. The flowering time for this Indica dominant hybrid strain is usually 9 to 10 weeks indoors and outdoors.