Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains: Explained

Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids - OH MY! There are so many cannabis strains out there, but how can you keep it all straight? 

Each strain is known for the general effects that can affect each person, however, some strains can affect people differently. Read on more to understand the strains, their effects, and how to choose the right strain for you.

Strains Explained

Indicas are typically associated with full-body effects, such as increasing deep relaxation and reducing insomnia.

Sativas are known for their ‘head high’, an invigorating, energizing effect that can help reduce anxiety or stress and increase creativity and focus.

Hybrids are typically a combination of Indica and Sativas and their effects tend to be more balanced. They typically provide the effects of Sativa and Indica, which can include uplifting, relaxed, happy, and energetic.

Hybrid strains can also either be Sativa-dominant, or Indica-dominant. Sativa-dominant strains are known to be more energizing whereas indica-dominant strains are more relaxing. 

At GreenLabs, we categorize all of our cannabis products not only by the cannabis consumption method, but also, by strain type. On each of our menu boards, we have it color-coded by strain type and if you ever have any questions about products, ask one of our budtenders!

Now that we’ve discussed all the different strains, we can dive into, which strain may work best for you.

How to Choose the Right Strain For You

When you’re looking for the right cannabis strains for you, keep these considerations in mind:

1. Know what you’re trying to achieve. At GreenLabs, we usually ask a patient, ‘How are you looking to feel?’ and the reason for that is we are trying to assess which strain you may need for your mood, ailment, or condition. What you’re trying to feel or treat will help you narrow your options. If you’ve been struggling with sleeping, having an indica during the evening can help put those thoughts and aches at ease for a restful sleep.

2. Understand your tolerance. Sure a high THCa percentage is always tempting, but it’s not always necessary. Strains with higher levels of cannabinoids may be too potent for a first-time user. It’s always best to start low and slow with cannabis consumption methods. Consider this, if you haven’t lifted weights in a long time, are you going to lift heavy? Or are you going to start with lighter weights and work your way up? If you were to start with heavy weights, you could injure yourself and may not want to lift ever again. It’s the same with cannabis consumption. If you start with a product that has too much THC or you have too many ingestibles, it could turn you off completely! For more tips on proper dosing of ingestibles, check out our recent blog on it here: "Ingestibles 101: A Beginner's Guide to Cannabis Ingestibles".

3. Consider your medical history. Every patient is different and therefore, each person has different medical needs out of their cannabis. For example, if you’re someone that has developed COPD, using flower for your consumption, may irritate your lungs. If you’re someone that suffers from severe anxiety, then a Sativa strain may not be for you because it can sometimes exacerbate that issue. If you are ever unsure about a cannabis strain, don’t hesitate to talk with your budtender about your medical history. 

4. Decide on the desired consumption method. Each technique for consuming cannabis can have its benefits and drawbacks. While cannabis is a natural product, it can have intense effects. If you smoke or vape cannabis, you may feel effects more quickly, but it can irritate your lungs. Ingestibles or tinctures may be easier to tolerate but the effects take longer, and they may be more potent than inhalation. 

Keep in mind that the potency of cannabinoids and terpenes will vary among growers, and while certain strains may be helpful for certain conditions, your own experience may vary. All of our budtenders at GreenLabs have gone through rigorous training on all of the cannabis strains, cannabis consumption methods, and their effects. They are always here to help you medicate safely and find the proper dosage curated just for you.