Is There Really a Difference Between Sativa and Indica?

• What’s the backstory behind the difference between sativa and indica cannabis strains? 
• What does science tells us about the sativa/indica divide? 
• Tips for navigating sativas, indicas, and hybrids in real life. 

8-minute read

Why are the terms sativa and indica important?

The difference between sativa and indica varieties of cannabis is a topic that many cannabis connoisseurs have strong feelings about. For new consumers, understanding sativa and indica is essential, too. That’s because the terms are everywhere—especially when you’re shopping at your local dispensary. Read on for the basics, including history, science, terpenes, strain experiences, and how hybrid strains fit in.

Difference Between Sativa and Indica—The Backstory

There’s no debate as hotly contested in the entire cannabis community as the one currently raging over whether there’s really a difference between sativa and indica. Even as a new consumer, no doubt you’ve already seen or heard these terms. For our purposes, the debate really exists among the cannabis obsessed, the “cannanerds” if you will. All due respect, of course, because we’re definitely huge cannabis nerds ourselves. And, if we’ve done our jobs right here, you’ll want to branch out on your own cannabis adventure to investigate if you think there’s a difference, too!

Human Consumption of Cannabis is Age Old

First, let’s set aside the myth that cannabis is a new thing. Just like alcohol, humans have been consuming cannabis for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence points to the first human consumption of cannabis from the Steppes of Central and Western Asia over to the famed Hindu Kush in South Asia. From there, cannabis consumption spread into SouthEast Asia. Later, it spilled westward into Europe and Africa. Unsurprisingly, cannabis made its home wherever humans have. In the book Cannabis and the Soma Solution, Chris Bennett argues that cannabis has been part of spiritual and religious practices as far back as the historical record goes. But the earliest concrete evidence so far of humans consuming cannabis with THC comes from a burial site along the Silk Road in China from 500 BCE.

A Brief History of the Cannabis Plant

Cannabis evolved about 28 million years ago on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. It’s a close relative of hops—the ones used to make beer. Depending on where cannabis grew, variations of the plant began to thrive. Those varieties sprang from the different climates and soil conditions in which it was growing. The sativa variation, recognizable by its longer leaves, tended to prefer more tropical climates. Indica varieties, a shorter plant with wider leaves, are found especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range that sits to the west of the Himalaya. Regardless of their differences, the plants share their genetics. Much the same as coffee, corn, or rice, we aren’t talking about different plants—just a wide diversity of the same plant.

Difference Between Sativa and Indica—Common Wisdom

Those of us who have been using cannabis for years, though, have been told that there’s a basic difference between sativa and indica. The common wisdom has been that sativa is a sort of cannabis AM—uplifting and energetic. In comparison, indica has been said to be cannabis PM—relaxing, calming, and potentially sleep-inducing. Spend just a few minutes looking at a cannabis dispensary menu and you’ll see almost everything referenced as sativas, indicas, or hybrids of both.

Difference Between Sativa and Indica—The Science

That distinction, though, doesn’t seem to be holding up to scientific inquiry. In fact, a 2021 scientific study found that the difference between sativa and indica varieties have such “low genetic and chemical differences” that they’re “indistinct”. Nonetheless, while some botanists classify now cannabis as a single species, others continue to classify it as 4 subspecies: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, cannabis ruderalis, and cannabis afghanica.

Why the Sativa/Indica Divide?

So, what could account for the sativa/indica divide? Of course, we’re always learning more from science. And a lot of the data about cannabis is very new. That’s partly because prohibition stymied serious research into the plant until very recently. But perhaps that divide also developed because of the simplicity that consumers crave? The cannabis shopping experience is admittedly complex. It comes with lots of tricky intersections. By dividing the options into just 3—sativa, indica or hybrid—the industry provided us with a way to get a handle on what we’re buying. In fact, the experience of cannabis shows us that there is, at least, some difference between the effects of sativa and indica when we consume them. How can we bridge the gap between what many of us have perceived as a difference versus what science confirms?

Difference Between Sativa and Indica—Is it the Terpenes?

The question of terpenes might offer hope for resolving the conflict between those who believe there’s a difference between sativa and indica and those who don’t. Cannabis researcher, Dr. Ethan Russo, argues instead that the differences we experience between strains are due to their terpene profiles—not a difference between sativa and indica plants. Terpenes are definitely more complicated to learn about. (Check our terpene guide to start.) If you think about it, though, terpenes are like knowing which grapes you prefer in wine. Sure, there’s the simple choice of red or white. But most of us like some wines of each type and not others. So, over time, we learn that we prefer pinot noirs instead of cabernet sauvignons. It’s the same with terpenes. As you get more experience with cannabis, you learn that sativa or indica matter less to you than whether the strain is heavy in the terpene myrcene or hits you with the terpene limonene first.

What’s a cannabis novice to do?

The reality is that the indica/sativa divide can be useful for new consumers. When you’re just starting to try cannabis, determining your preference between sativas and indicas is the simplest way to get started. Then, once you get your weed legs, you can dive deeper into terpenes. After all, there’s no right or wrong. It’s just a matter of finding what you like.

Difference Between Sativa and Indica—The Experience 

Here’s what you can expect from many strains that are either sativa- or indica-dominant in their lineage. By the way, if you’re wondering, hybrids are actually the most popular classification right now. That’s because most of the flower, concentrates, or edibles now on the market are a mix of sativa and indica. Some retailers break down the difference between sativa and indica in their products. But, given the controversy, it’s probably best to take exact measurements with a grain of salt.

Stereotypical Sativa Effects

Sativa has been touted as daytime cannabis. For some, a strong sativa creates uplifting, euphoric feelings that can stimulate your mind as well as your desire to socialize and connect verbally with others. As you know now, there are a lot of factors in how each of us reacts to cannabis. So, you might try Sour Diesel and find that it makes you go inward instead. For that reason, it’s always important to start low and go slow. That said, the effect of a sativa can be helpful for socializing with friends, creative pursuits, or exercise. For those of us who really enjoy that effect, there’s nothing like a puff of Blue Dream with a cup of coffee to start a rainy afternoon of creative play. Also, for many new consumers, sativa can feel less intense than indica. So, you might feel more comfortable experimenting with one.

Popular Sativas

If you want to try a sativa, here’s several strains that are popular now or perennial favorites. Sour Diesel is widely available and a standby. Blue Dream is equally available and one of the greats. You can also find Super Lemon Haze at many dispensaries. For a giggly version, try Frosted Lemons. And, if you want an especially potent dose, try Ghost Train Haze. For other possibilities, check out our guide to cannabis strains.

Stereotypical Indica Effects

For the most part, indica strains are thought to be best consumed later in the day. But you shouldn’t always follow the popular wisdom that an Indica will just leave you in couchlock. Their effects can be lots of fun, too. There are plenty of good times to be had with an indica-dominant strain like Purple Kush or Northern Lights.

Popular Indica Strains 

If indica sounds more up your alley, Bubba Kush is famous for its calming effects. Both Northern Lights and Skywalker OG are also widely available. GSC is likely to leave you relaxed, happy, and hungry. Or, if you’re dying to sink deeply into the couch for a long nap, go for a Granddaddy Purple.

Hybrid Strains

As you might guess at this point, hybrids are a bit of a red herring. That’s because most strains you’ll come across these days will be some kind of hybrid. So, they can go either way. They can be used to enhance whatever part of your day you want to add a little elevation to. Depending on your intention and how you respond, expect your experience with hybrid strains to range from sedative all the way to energetic—and everything in between.

Popular Hybrid Strains

If you’re looking for a relaxing euphoria that can combat pain, try Wedding Cake. It’s easy to find. Or, if you prefer a more talkative high, check out NYC Diesel. Mac 1 is popular right now, and it offers a balanced experience. For stronger stuff, give Gary Payton a shot. But you might want to wait until you’re experienced to try Mimosa. Its THC percentages tend to be very high. Whatever your preferences are, we hope we’ve shed some light on the difference between sativa and indica strains. The science behind why each strain affects you like it does might still be hazy. But one thing’s sure. When we mindfully consume cannabis, its ability to enhance our lives is clear.