Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: What is the difference?

Has this happened to you? 

You’re looking at different cannabis strains in the local coffeeshops in Amsterdam, and you see 3 labels: indica, sativa, and hybrid.

So, you probably wonder what the difference between indica and sativa is.

Let’s start with the basics: Indica vs Sativa

In general, Indica has stronger physical effects that are usually sedating – great for kicking back and watching a movie or making it easier to fall asleep. You can find the best cannabis indica in Amsterdam easily.

Sativas on the other hand, are the opposite – uplifting and energizing that have a more substantial effect on the mind. They are a good idea if you want to do some physical activity, work on something creative, or have a smoking session with some friends.

But, this is not always the case.

Quite the contrary, research showcases that it’s not so much whether it is an indica or sativa that defines the effects we will feel. It is much more about the chemical compounds of the cannabis plant – the terpenes and cannabinoids.

1. 1. Indica

Although terpenes and cannabinoids are vital factors for the effects of the herb, still deeply rooted in hipster culture, indicas “cause” a full-body effect like a tingly face or heavy extremities.

That said, indicas are also suitable for relaxing and dealing with insomnia.

Some of its effects are a feeling of relaxation, sleepiness, and happiness. They are known as the nighttime strains, used for unwinding and slowing down.

Some of the most popular Indica strains are: 

• White Rhino
• Bubba Kush
• Northern Lights
• Granddaddy Purple
• Blueberry
• Blue Cheese
• Grape Ape
• Purple Punch

1. 2. Sativa

Although not all sativas will make you want to laugh from the top of your lungs and feel euphoric, sativas are primarily famous for causing a high that affects the head more than the body. You can contact us to find the best cannabis sativas in Amsterdam. Sativa is also known for being uplifting, stimulating, and good for lowering stress and anxiety and as a focus and motivation enhancer.

Some of the most common effects that sativa causes are a feeling of happiness, euphoria, and uplifting energy. Unlike indica, they are better for the daytime since they activate you.

Some of the most popular sativa strains are: 

• Green Crack
• Sour Diesel
• Strawberry Cough
• Jack Herer
• Durban Poison
• Super Silver Haze
• Amnesia Haze
• Super Lemon Haze

1. 3. Hybrids

Hybrid is the combination of indica and sativa. Thanks to the years and years (more like centuries) of cross-breeding cannabis strains, the number of pure indica and sativa strains is really low. Crossbreeding was a strategy to avoid dealing with authorities before decriminalizing the plant.

So, what kind of effects do cannabis hybrids have?

Since they are a combination of both main strains, their effects are also a combination of them. So they are happy, euphoric, and energizing, but they are also very relaxing and mellow. It depends on what is the dominant parent strain and what effects it has.

Looking at where the hybrid comes from can better understand what effects that strain will create. For example, if the parents are more sativa-based, the effects will also be more associated with sativas.

Here are some of the most popular hybrids:

• Blue Dream
• Gelato
• Wedding Cake
• White Widow
• GG4
• Girl Scout Cookies
• Pineapple Express
• OG Kush