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Indica vs . Sativa Beginners ’ Guide
What is the difference between Indica and Sativa ?
Biology , dosing , and consumption method of cannabis can be different for everyone . Your tolerance to cannabis , the amount you consume ( dosage ), and the consumption method will also determine how a strain affects you . Consider the following questions when looking for the strain or product that ’ s best for you .
What Impacts the Effects of Indica and Sativa Strains ? Ask Yourself These Questions :
How much experience do you have with cannabis ?
● If your tolerance is low , consider a low-THC strain in low doses .
Are you susceptible to anxiety or other side effects of THC ?
● If so , try a strain high in CBD .
● If you don ’ t know , start with low THC levels and go slow .
Do you want the effects to last a long time ?
● If you do , consider edibles ( start with low micro-doses ).
● Conversely , if you seek a short-term experience , use inhalation methods or a tincture .
There are many other factors to consider when choosing a strain , but if you find that indica strains consistently deliver a positive experience , then , by all means , stick to what you know . Keep a journal of dosages , time of onset , and time-length of benefits .
Sativa Effects While not all Sativa strains will energize you , most consumers notice a tendency for Sativas to produce a “ head-high ,” uplifting , stimulating effect . They also often report Sativas helping mitigate stress or anxiety . It ’ s thought of as a “ daytime ” strain . Many patients experience an uplifting feeling , euphoria , energy , sharpened focus , boosted creativity , and motivation . Ask your local dispensary for the Sativa strains best suited for your needs . find strains that have pure Indica or pure Sativa lineages . Most strains referred to as “ Indica ” or “ Sativa ” are , in fact , some form of Hybrids , with genetics inherited from both plant subspecies .
Hybrid Effects Since Hybrid strains derive genetics from Indicas and Sativas , its ensuing effects can also derive from both strains . Common effects include happy , euphoric , uplifting , energetic to relaxing — it all depends on which Hybrid you consume and what effects its “ parent ” strains are known to produce .
Exploring Hybrid ’ s — ask your budtender what kind of effects the strain will produce . Remember , if it has more Indica in its lineage , it might have more effects associated with those strains and likewise if derived from a Sativa plant .
How to shop for cannabis without saying “ Indica ” or “ Sativa .”
What ’ s important to you as a new cannabis patient shopping is everything to do with potency , dose , cannabinoids , and terpenes chemical profiles . As a beginner , starting with cannabis and selecting to use it as an alternative medicine is a personal experience . Let the budtender know your needs and ask for their help . If they cannot help or answer your questions — go to another dispensary . There are also doctors and nurses versed in cannabis as alternative medicine who can help you . Patient Care providers can also help educate and guide you to the correct strain for your needs .
Ask questions , start low , and go slow .
* Anyone using cannabis for medicinal purposes should only do so with the advice of a medical doctor . More research is needed to understand the exact benefits , effects , and side effects of cannabis used as alternative medicine . The information provided here is a sharing of known consumer information only .
Indica Effects Not all Indica strains will put you “ on the couch ;” nevertheless , many patients associate Indicas with full-body effects , for example , heavy limbs or a tingly face . They also report Indicas as helping aid in relaxation and curbing insomnia . Common effects include feeling relaxed , euphoric , happy , and sleepy . Indicas are commonly used as “ nighttime ” strains for relaxing , unwinding , and getting more sleep . Ask your local dispensary for the Indica strains best suited for your needs .
What is Hybrid ? Today , there are more and more crossbreeding cannabis strains called “ Hybrid ” strains , which are bred from both Indica- and Sativadescended plants . The reality is that it ’ s rare to