Sativa vs. Indica: Five Major Differences For Cultivators To Consider

Sativa vs. Indica: Five Major Differences For Cultivators To Consider

Cannabis plants, like all plants, are categorized and classified by a system that dates back hundreds of years.

While we call this flower marijuana today, its botanical name has historically been referred to as Cannabis sativa L. Long known (and admired) for its intoxicating, diverse flavors, the Cannabis sativa L genetics are a direct descendent from the Canabaceae plant, sharing genetic roots with plants like Hackberries and Hops.

Today, the Cannabis gene pool is primarily divided into two main categories: Indica and Sativa. On layman’s terms, an Indica makes you sleepy and a Sativa gives you energy. But the bud doesn’t stop there — both varieties have an array of other difference that can help differentiate one from the other.

While today’s cultivators and aficionados have jived off of this ancient flower to create a modern concave of mixtures known as Hybrids, there’s still a ton of misconception when it comes to the forefathers: Sativa and Indica.

Before discussing how strains dovetailed into the Hybrid, it’s important to have a solid base understanding of Sativa vs. Indica. This should help both the novice smoker and grower figure it all out:

Indica’s lofty lineage was originally cultivated around the Middle East in regions that enjoyed higher altitudes, soaring mountaintops and colder climates. Predominantly associated with countries known for their hash making cultures, the Indica plant has been an economic savior for provincial farmers in Turkey, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Morocco for decades. Thanks to their somewhat inhospitable origins, most Indica plants appear shorter, stockier and yield a tighter and heavier flower than their Sativa cousin.

Sativa strains reside in much warmer regions around the globe; area’s that border the Equatorial belt like Mexico, Thailand, Cambodia, and Jamaica as well as a handful of happy African countries. Known for blossoming in regions with extended growing seasons (see: warm weather), most Sativa strains take an extra 30 to 45 days longer to hit full maturation when compared to their shorter and stockier cousin.

1) How Big They Get:

Indica: Indicas will remain on the shorter end of the spectrum – reaching approximately 3 to 5 feet in height.

Sativa: Since Sativas are usually grown in warmer climates and take longer to mature, the Sativas will generally out grow their vertically challenged Indica sister. For those growers trying to cultivate indoors, it’s not uncommon to see Sativa strains outgrow their environment.

2) The High:

Indica: When it comes to straight Indicas, the effect is sedating – regardless of the strain. Oftentimes, these “downers” reate a procrastinator’s quagmire, otherwise known couch-lock. From a medicinal standpoint, the Indicastrains maintain the most potent analgesic effects when it comes to medical marijuana’s beneficial properties, as they tend to dull pain more effectively.

Sativa For the experienced marijuana aficionado looking to spark his or her creativity, Sativa remains the popular, lifted choice. The cannabinoid and terpene interplay in today’s Sativas are like a fine Bordeaux from the Pomerol Valley region: a flavorful wine that ages gracefully with time. Provided the flower has been properly cured and stored, Sativas can pack a creative punch more than two years after their harvest.

3) Flavor Profile:

Sativa: The energy drink of weed encompass a wide swath of flavor profiles, from the ever-popular fruity flavors, like those found in Super Silver Haze or Jack Herer – to the slightly off-putting scent of, yes, cat-piss.

Indica: Additionally, today’s Ivarieties, as well as their hybrids, are loaded with flavorful terpenes, more often than not found in the chronic Kush varieties.

4) Budding Time:

Indica: Because Indicas have a much quicker maturation rate, most of today’s strains are ready for harvest at around 8 to 10 weeks after flowering has begun.

Sativa: Unfortunately, most Sativas take patience, tenacity and a long time to finish. A Sativa plant can flower for over four months before hitting full maturity. For indoor cultivators growing Sativas and looking for a quick turnaround on their grow room, changing the 12/12 light cycle to an 10 On, 14 Off cycle during the last few weeks of flowering could help to expedite the harvest.

5) Harvest:
Indica: Indicas generally produce weightier yields, meaning you’ll get more bang for your metaphorical buck.

Sativa: As with Indicas, your yield will always depend on the strain. That said, Sativas generally have a lighter yield than Indicas. The flowers are less dense, fluffier, and simply not as heavy.

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