Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long, stressful day or you want a creative jolt to help you push through the last bit of work on your to-do list, there’s a cannabis strain for you.
This versatile plant has the potential to elevate your life in a variety of ways - but how is it possible that it can be both uplifting and relaxing? There are countless strains, each with its own unique taste, aroma, appearance, and most importantly, effects.
Traditionally, weed strains have been grouped into one of three categories: indica vs sativa vs hybrid. Today, we know that there’s more to the story and that terpenes play just as important a role in influencing what you feel.
Still, this basic classification system still serves as a good guide for helping you pick the perfect pot for any specific goal. So, what’s the difference between indica, sativa, and hybrid high?
- Indica: Your go-to for melting stress and tension, easing your body and mind into a deep, restful state of bliss.
- Sativa: Contributes a more uplifting feeling that sparks creativity and energy, perfect for daytime use or social settings.
- Hybrid: Somewhere in between hybrid and sativa for the best of both worlds.
We’ll offer a more thorough sativa vs indica vs hybrid effects comparison below. But just know this - whether you want hybrid gummies, indica gummies, or sativa gummies, Evn has high-performance formulas to elevate your health and happiness.
Shop our live resin gummies today and feel the difference between these varieties firsthand!
What’s the Difference Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid High?
So, what’s the difference between indica, sativa, and hybrid high? Let’s take a closer look at not just the effects but also some of the nuances between the plants themselves.
What is an Indica?
Indica strains are known for their calming and sedative effects, often referred to as a “body high.” The easiest way to remember this distinction is that it will put you In Da Couch!
Trust us, this little pneumonic device holds true. These strains will turn up the notch on gravity and have you feeling heavy and weighted, in the best way possible of course. You start to tune out the worries that are plaguing your mind as you melt into your seat or drift away to sleep.
With elevated CBD levels and moderate-to-high THC levels, these strains tend to be more medicinal, offering relief from not just anxiety but also chronic pain and insomnia in some cases. As you can imagine, we typically suggest indica in the evening when you don’t have any other responsibilities to manage.
The plants themselves are shorter, bushier, and have broad, dark green leaves. Classic indica strains include OG Kush, Grandaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and more recently, Cookies varieties.
What is a Sativa?
On the other end of the spectrum, you have sativa - which is the polar opposite of indica.
This is even seen in the plants themselves, as these tend to grow taller and thinner with light green leaves. The yields tend to be lower as well, and these are considered harder to grow, especially in cooler climates.
These strains promote a “head high” with uplifting, energizing effects that make them great for daytime use or early in the evenings when you’re going out socializing. We do not recommend them before bed, as you might have a hard time turning your mind off.
Sativa stains have a higher level of THC with a bit lower CBD content. This is part of what lends to the more cerebral, stimulating experience these strains are notorious for. As such, they’re used for enhancing focus, creativity, and social engagement. They can even combat fatigue!
Be careful, though - sativa strains tend to be a bit overwhelming for newbies. There’s a fine line between lifting your spirits and sending your brain into overdrive, leading to paranoia and anxiety. It’s just like when you have too much coffee - less is often more with sativas.
Some of the most popular sativa strains are Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, and Haze varieties.
What is a Hybrid?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could enjoy the best of both worlds for those moments where you don’t want to zonk out and fall asleep, but you also don’t want your mind racing either. That’s where hybrids shine. As you can probably infer, these strains have both indica and sativa effects.
They’re a versatile option that can offer varying levels of physical relaxation and mental stimulation. They’re a great middle ground when you’re not looking for such an extreme experience - you want something more balanced.
While 50/50 hybrids are plenty common - like the world-renowned Runtz strain - there are also many strains that fall somewhere else on the spectrum. For example, Gelato is a really popular strain that falls at roughly 60% indica, 40% sativa.
There are tons of other great hybrid strains, ranging from Gorilla Glue to Wedding Cake, Do si Dos, White Widow, and more. Personally, we find ourselves using hybrids more often than any other strain just because of the balanced experience they provide.
But, whether this is the right choice for you or not remains to be seen.
Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: Which is Right For You?
Hopefully you have a clear understanding of the nuances between indica vs sativa vs hybrid - but if not, let’s walk you through a few key things to consider in choosing the right strain.
What is Your Goal?
Ultimately, your goal when enjoying cannabis will be the biggest determinant in what types of strains you use.
Do you need to relax after a long day, or are you looking for a boost to get through a creative project? Are you just looking to take the edge off but don’t want to lull yourself to sleep?
Indica is the go-to choice for deep relaxation or relief from pain. Its sedative effects will help you sink into a state of complete bliss, often to the point where you’ll fall asleep. For this reason, it’s perfect for those dealing with insomnia.
In contrast, stick with sativa if you are chasing energy or focus. These strains give you a cerebral high - think of it as the mental pick-me-up you need to feel inspired or motivated. You won’t get that same energy spike as you would with caffeine, it’s more subtle, yet effective.
For the best of both worlds when you’re looking to kick back and catch a buzz without passing out, hybrids offer the most balanced experience.
Choosing Based on Time of Day
You can also think about when you are using weed as a means of choosing between indica, sativa, or hybrid strains.
Remember, sativas are best earlier in the day when you need an energy boost or want to get into a creative flow. They’re great for getting things done without feeling weighed down. We typically don’t use sativas after 5-6 PM.
Indica, however, is more like a warm blanket at the end of the day. It’s perfect for evenings when you’re ready to chill, decompress, or drift off to sleep. If you smoke an Indica during the day, don’t be surprised if you find yourself napping instead of being productive.
Maybe you’re in that weird in-between time where it might be a bit too late for a sativa, but you aren’t ready to fall asleep with an indica. Hybrids are perfect for these situations!
Factoring in Tolerance Levels
Consider whether you're a seasoned smoker or new to the game as well. Like we said from the start, sativas can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. One puff too many, or a few extra milligrams, and you’re putting yourself at risk of feeling a bit anxious.
On the other hand a heavy indica won’t be a great starting point, either. You’ll find yourself fighting to keep your eyes open, and even just getting yourself up off the couch will seem impossible.
Instead, consider starting with a hybrid. This goes back to the more balanced experience they deliver, which is more of a gentle handshake than one of the other two extremes.
Of course, choosing between a sativa vs indica vs hybrid isn’t the only consideration. The THC levels and other cannabinoid content will directly impact the way you feel when using cannabis, too. So will the terpenes - so let’s quickly touch on the role those play in your experience.
The Role of Terpenes and Other Compounds in Influencing Effects
We mentioned from the start that these days, terpenes are becoming more and more popular as a way to characterize the effects different cannabis strains provide.
THC and CBD get all the spotlight, but terpenes play perhaps a bigger role in how cannabis makes you feel. These are aromatic oils found in all plants, not just cannabis.
They’re known primarily for their distinct scents - think citrus, pine, or lavender vibes. But, they aren’t just what makes weed smell good. They have an impact on the type of high you feel.
For example, limonene gives off a zesty, citrusy aroma, and can make you feel more uplifted and energized. It’s perfect for when you want to shake off stress and dive into a productive day.
On the flip side, myrcene (often found in Indica strains) has an earthy, musky scent. It’s known for its sedative, couch-locking effects, which is a huge reason indica makes you feel mellow and ready for bed.
Then there’s linalool, the terpene that’s also found in lavender. It’s known for its calming properties that can ease anxiety and relax the mind. Caryophyllene, found in black pepper and cloves, not only brings a spicy kick but may also help with pain relief and reducing inflammation.
The point is, if you’re trying to set yourself up for the most enjoyable, on-point cannabis experience, don’t just think about indica vs sativa vs hybrid. Think about what terpenes deliver the effects you’re craving as well!
Further to that point, you should also be aware of the cannabinoid content of a given strain. It’s not just CBD and THC, after all. CBG, CBC, and THCV are all noteworthy cannabinoids to consider. There are actually hundreds of known cannabinoids.
These too can have varying effects. For instance, THCV may give you a burst of energy and suppress your appetite, while CBN is thought to enhance relaxation and sedation.
A Word on the Entourage Effect
It’s clear there are quite a few moving pieces when it comes to cannabis - from terpenes to cannabinoids. We haven’t even mentioned flavonoids yet, either.
For the most true-to-plant experience possible, you should make sure you’re consuming full-spectrum cannabis rather than some sort of isolate. This can be done by smoking or vaping the flower directly, or choosing high-quality live rosin gummies like ours here at Evn.
After all, the magic of cannabis comes from this entourage effect, where all the unique components of cannabis work in synergy to build upon each other and create the ultimate experience.
Whether You Want Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid Gummies, Evn Has You Covered!
Here at Evn we’re passionate about helping you harness the full power of cannabis, whether you want to relax and unwind after a long day, perform your best during creative projects - or find the bliss that lies somewhere in the middle.
What separates our formulations from the rest is that they’re all crafted from premium, traceable ingredients and lab tested to ensure potency and purity. That means you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve. All our gummies are vegan and non-GMO, too.
We focus on small batches, sometimes as few as 100 bottles or jars at a time. It isn’t as cost-effective, but we think the details matter - and this philosophy pays off in the final product. But don’t just take our word for it. Order today to taste and feel the difference firsthand!
Bringing Our Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid Effects Comparison Guide to a Close
Diving into the world of cannabis can feel overwhelming as a newcomer. It doesn’t have to be scary, though. Understanding the nuances between indica vs sativa vs hybrid high is an excellent starting point. You can learn the rest as you go like everyone else has!
The differences between sativa vs indica vs hybrid effects are fairly straightforward. Indica offers deep relaxation, sativa enhances energy and creativity, while hybrids meet somewhere in the middle for the best of both worlds. Don’t forget the role of terpenes and cannabinoids, though.
No matter your preferences, remember that Evn has what you need to unlock the experience you’re craving. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to take your cannabis journey to the next level, shop today and try all three to see which you prefer!
