Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid?
Why You Should Focus on Cannabinoids Instead of Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid When Choosing Strains & Products
When you walk into a cannabis dispensary, you’re likely to find products categorized as either indica, sativa, or hybrid. This classification system is designed to help customers quickly decide what type of product they might want based on general effects—energizing, relaxing, or somewhere in between. However, focusing solely on these categories overlooks the real drivers behind cannabis and hemp’s effects: cannabinoids and terpenes. By understanding the specific cannabinoids in a product, you can better tailor your experience to your needs, whether you’re seeking energy, focus, relaxation, or improved mood.
The Origins of Indica and Sativa: A Misleading Legacy
When we look at sativa vs indica, the terms “indica” and “sativa” were initially used to describe the physical characteristics of cannabis plants rather than their effects. The classification of cannabis dates back to 1753 when Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus published Species Plantarum. In his work, he grouped all cannabis plants under a single name, “Cannabis sativa L.” Here, “Cannabis” refers to the genus, “sativa” is the species, and “L.” stands for Linnaeus’ naming system. The term “sativa” is derived from the Latin word “sativum,” which means “cultivated.”
Later, in 1785, French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck introduced a new classification by distinguishing between two species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. He described Cannabis sativa as a tall, slender plant with fibrous properties, while Cannabis indica was characterized as a shorter, bushier plant with stronger psychoactive effects. The name “indica” was chosen because the plant was believed to originate from India.
Over time, these terms evolved to denote expected effects rather than plant structure. “Indica” became synonymous with relaxation and sedation, while “sativa” was associated with uplifting, energizing effects. Hybrid strains, created by crossbreeding indica and sativa plants, were categorized as providing a balanced experience. However, as the cannabis industry has developed, it has become clear that this simple classification does not accurately predict the effects of a product. Instead, it’s the specific cannabinoids and terpenes that matter most.
The Power of Cannabinoids: Going Beyond Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. While THC and CBD are the most well-known, rare cannabinoids like THCV, CBN, CBG, CBDV, and CBC offer unique benefits that are often overshadowed by the traditional indica, sativa, and hybrid labels. Read on to learn about the effects and benefits of each cannabinoid here:
THCV: Energy, Focus, and Appetite Control
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a cannabinoid that stands out for its energizing and focusing effects, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance productivity and mental clarity. Unlike THC, which is known for stimulating appetite (commonly referred to as “the munchies”), THCV has the opposite effect, helping to suppress appetite. This makes it a great option for anyone interested in maintaining focus and controlling appetite throughout the day. If you’re reaching for a sativa to boost your energy levels, you might actually be better served by a product rich in THCV.
CBDV: Memory, Sociability, and Focus
Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is another cannabinoid that deserves more attention. Similar to CBD, CBDV is non-psychoactive and offers a range of effects that are particularly helpful for improving memory, increasing sociability, and reducing irritability. It’s also known to enhance focus and alertness, making it a perfect complement to THCV when you need to stay sharp and engaged. While CBD products are often chosen for relaxation, CBDV can provide a balanced experience that keeps you both calm and clear-headed.
CBN: Relaxation and Sleep
Cannabinol (CBN) is gaining popularity as a go-to cannabinoid for relaxation and sleep. When considering sativa vs. indica strains, people traditionally think of indica as promoting sleep and a “couch-lock” feel. While traditional indica strains are often recommended for winding down, CBN offers a more targeted approach. Known for its sedative properties, CBN is ideal for those looking to enhance their nighttime routine. It’s worth considering CBN-infused products over simply relying on indica strains for better sleep quality.
CBG: Relief from Discomfort and Tension
Cannabigerol (CBG) is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it serves as a precursor to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. CBG is particularly effective for easing discomfort and tension in muscles and joints. Whether you’re dealing with post-workout soreness or everyday muscle tension, CBG can provide targeted relief. Instead of choosing an indica or hybrid strain for these effects, consider a product high in CBG for more effective relief.
CBC: Mood Enhancement and Skin Health
Cannabichromene (CBC) is another cannabinoid that offers unique benefits. CBC is known to elevate mood by increasing levels of anandamide, often called the “bliss molecule.” This makes CBC particularly effective for improving overall well-being and happiness. Additionally, CBC has been shown to promote healthy skin. For anyone seeking to enhance their mood or improve skin health, a product rich in CBC could be more beneficial than a strain classified as sativa or hybrid.
Formulas go beyond indica vs sativa and CBD vs THC
In formulating our products, we’ve gone beyond the traditional classifications of indica, sativa, or simply balancing CBD to THC ratios. Instead, we focus on the specific cannabinoids within each product to create targeted effects. Our goal is to offer products that deliver a precise and personalized experience, addressing your unique needs with greater accuracy than the outdated indica vs. sativa model allows.
Take our new THC mints and Mood Gummies, for example. These products are carefully crafted with a blend of Delta-9-THC, CBC, and CBD to elevate your mood. Delta-9-THC is well-known for its blissful effects, but when paired with CBC, a cannabinoid known to enhance mood by increasing levels of anandamide, the result is a balanced, feel-good experience that goes beyond what sativa or indica can offer. The addition of CBD further refines this effect, providing a sense of calm and well-being without any overwhelming intensity. This unique combination ensures that our Mood Gummies and THC mints not only improve your mood but do so in a way that feels smooth and natural.
Beyond these mood-enhancing products, we’ve also developed a range of other THC edibles that are formulated with high levels of specific cannabinoids to achieve different effects. Whether you’re looking for energy, relaxation, or relief from discomfort, we have a product designed for you. For those who prefer to avoid THC altogether, we offer combinations that feature other cannabinoids like THCV and CBD, ensuring that you can still benefit from the entourage effect without THC.
Instead of considering sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid, our approach is rooted in the understanding that the true power of cannabis and hemp lies in their cannabinoid profiles. By focusing on the unique properties of each cannabinoid, we can create products that are tailored to specific needs, offering what we believe to be more reliable and effective experience than traditional classifications could.
The Role of Terpenes: Beyond Cannabinoids
While cannabinoids are crucial, terpenes also play a significant role in determining the effects of cannabis and hemp products. Much of what we think of as differences between a sativa vs. indica plant are actually caused by terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and they contribute to the plant’s scent and flavor. More importantly, terpenes have their own effects that can complement or enhance those of cannabinoids.
For example, eucalyptol, found in eucalyptus and cannabis, is known for its refreshing and invigorating scent, and it also has stress-relieving properties. Humulene, another terpene, is found in hops and cannabis and is known for its earthy, woody aroma. It’s particularly effective for reducing stress and relieving discomfort. Gamma-terpinene, found in cumin, oregano, and cannabis, offers a citrusy aroma and is also excellent for easing stress and discomfort. These terpenes are included in our Hawaiian Choice Relief CBD Tincture for their complementary effects, enhancing the product’s overall impact.
Conclusion: A New Way to Choose Cannabis and Hemp Products
As the cannabis and hemp industries continue to evolve, it’s clear that focusing on indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid is an outdated approach to choosing the right product. By paying attention to the specific cannabinoids and terpenes present in a flower, tincture, edible, or THC CBD cream, you can make a more informed decision that better aligns with your desired effects. So, the next time you’re shopping for cannabis or hemp products, look beyond the traditional labels and focus on what truly matters: the unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes.