Indica vs. Sativa - A Beginner's Guide to Navigating a Trip to the Dispensary
"While many might guess that a particular strain of cannabis is categorized as indica, sativa, or hybrid based on the presence or absence of a particular cannabinoid, or a cannabinoid in a particular volume, it is actually a terpene that determines this important status of a strain" ("Indica vs. Sativa - Cresco Labs").
We hope you gain an understanding of what you're buying and more importantly, an understanding of the expected effects. We also want to help you understand the limitations of the Indica vs Sativa classification system and the importance of cannabinoid and terpene profiles when selecting your product. Hopefully this article provides you with a bit more knowledge to intelligently ask questions of your budtender during your next dispensary trip so you can navigate the complexities of shopping for cannabis products.
Historical Origins
Indica and Sativa were originally used by botanists to describe the physical characteristics of cannabis plants. “Indica,” meaning “from India,” referred to plants with shorter, bushier structures, while “sativa” referred to taller plants with longer, thinner leaves .
Genetic Fusion
After decades of cannabis cultivation, without a whole lot of scientific rigor, pure indica or sativa strains have become extremely rare. Most marijuana strains that you'll find in your local dispensary are hybrids with complex genetic backgrounds, rendering the simple classification of Indica or Sativa misleading.
Everyone's High Hits Different
Even within a specific strain, whether it's the Wedding Cake strain, Banana Cream Strain, or the Lemon Cherry Gelato strain, the effects can be extremely different from one user to the next. This is based on individual body chemistry, tolerance, how one consumes it, and other factors. The variation in effects extends to all types of cannabis consumption methods, including cannabis vape pens, microdosing cannabis, and ingesting it
Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and the Entourage Effect
While individual body chemistry is almost impossible to completely understand since it varies so much from one individual to the next, we can get a better understanding of cannabis effects by looking at the specific chemical compounds present in each strain, primarily cannabinoids and terpenes. The perceived effects of cannabis on the brain and the body are a result of the delicate interplay between cannabis compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids
We touched on Cannabinoids in our post titled, "The Power of Cannabinoids: What You Need to Know." The main thing to understand about cannabinoids is that they interact with the body's endocannabinoid system and produce a range of effects. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, but over 100 others have been identified. The simplest way to explain it is that THC is responsible for the psychoactive "high," while full-spectrum CBD is non-intoxicating and linked to potential cannabis pain management benefits. CBD has exploded onto the scene and now you can find it almost everywhere. Stop by a store in your town and you'll find it in cannabis wellness products to ice cream, and herbal tea. It's becoming increasingly popular for consumers seeking therapeutic effects, and retailers are capitalizing on it.
Terpenes
We covered terpenes before in our post, "Terpene Talk: Unlocking the Secret Flavors and Effects of Your Favorite Cannabis Strains." These give cannabis strains their signature smells and tastes, but they're more than just flavor enhancers. Terpenes also team up with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to affect how a strain makes you feel
Entourage Effect
1+1=3. The entourage effect is all about the sum being worth more than the parts. The right combination can make the overall experience more potent or therapeutic
Look Beyond Labels
Want to really understand what you're buying? Then you need to look beyond the THC content, and the Indica/Sativa/Hybrid label. Take a close look at the cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and ask your budtender for some help. For example, some cannabis topicals may provide pain relief without psychoactive effects, while THC products or cannabis vape pens may offer stronger, faster-acting relief.
Conclusion
Start low, go slow. Take your time with cannabis, especially if you're trying new strains. Gradually increase your dose if needed and really pay attention to how each strain hits you. Keep a simple journal. Just make notes about the effects, flavors, and aromas you notice. It’ll help you figure out what works best for you over time.
Sure, street weed might be cheaper in New Jersey, but do you really know what you’re getting? Odds are, your dealer doesn’t either. That’s why buying from licensed dispensaries is the way to go. Products are tested, labeled, and regulated, so you know exactly what you’re consuming. Plus, it’s important to stay on the right side of the law and understand the local regulations around cannabis use.
While the old indica/sativa/hybrid labels are familiar, they don’t tell the full story about how a strain will affect you. Pay attention to the cannabinoid and terpene profiles and get advice from your local budtenders, you’ll have a much better understanding of what works for you and your goals.