Sativa vs. Indica – what’s the difference?
Sativa vs. Indica – what’s the difference? In our efforts to make the distinction between the hemp based CBD that is legal for use, and CBD derived from marijuana, the sativa vs. indica question has become a common one for us to answer.
Did you know that there are two main cannabis subspecies?
Both derive from Cannabis Sativa L but they don’t look alike and they have widely different chemical profiles. They also differ fundamentally in their therapeutic application.
It’s important to understand the key differences between the two strains in order to make an informed choice about which CBD products are legal for you to purchase.
Cannabis Sativa
The first subspecies is called Sativa. All industrial hemp is classified as sativa and, since all lawful CBD is extracted from EU certified hemp strains, it is the only strain you can legally buy in the UK.
Aesthetically, varieties of Cannabis Sativa plants grow tall and thin and have narrow leaves. They are a light shade of green and require lots of light to grow.
They originate from countries that are close to the equator within Central/South America and Southeast Asia. However, the hemp variety of the cannabis sativa plant species have been cultivated to grow taller, in more dense crops, and in more adverse climate conditions than the rest of the cannabis family.
Their flavour/terpene profile ranges from earthy to sweet and fruity. Effects commonly reported by users of sativa-leaning strains include:
- Uplifted mood (as reported by users)
- A calmer feeling (as reported by users)
- Body relaxation
- Uplifting effect
- Anti-fatigue
- Increases creativity
- Improves focus
- A lighter, ‘heady’ feeling
- Stimulates appetite
- Settled stomach (as reported by users)
As the Sativa strain is more of a stimulant, it is normally recommended for daytime use. Furthermore, as the certified hemp varieties of cannabis sativa contain no more than 0.2% THC (the licensed hemp cultivation limit), they are commonly used at any time of day as they won’t get you ‘high’.
Cannabis Indica
The other subspecies is called Indica. The hemp that is used in legal CBD products cannot be indica as all hemp is sativa based. However, the terpene profiles of famous indica strains are replicated within many legally available hemp CBD oil products.
Aesthetically, the Indica plants are short, sturdy and bushy with wide leaves. They are a far darker shade of forest green and grow far more quickly than Sativa.
They originate from the Hindu Kush mountains in the Middle East and are commonly grown in countries such as Afghanistan, Morocco and the Indian subcontinent. Their flavour/terpene profile ranges from pungent to sweet and fruity.
Effects commonly reported by users of indica-leaning strains include:
- Sleepiness (see THCA flowers)
- Muscle relaxation
- Mental relaxation
- Heavy body relaxation
- Contented, mellow feeling
- Stimulates appetite
- Settled stomach (as reported by users)
- As the indica strain is more of a sedative, it is recommended for nighttime use.
Many of the flavours within our popular Harmony CBD Terpenes range and Vape UK Terpenes range are designed to replicate common indica strains, such as OG Kush. These terpene profiles are then added to winterised CBD isolate oil that has been mixed with VG and PG.
Indica vs. Sativa takeaways
As responsible CBD advocates, we are duty bound to inform you of the legal risks associated with CBD products. As we’ve outlined in this article (as well as throughout our site) all of our CBD products are derived from legally certified hemp strains that feature on the EU’s list.
If you come across any CBD products elsewhere that are marketed in the UK as derived from indica cannabis strains, please be cautious and check before you buy. It may be a genuine mistake (they may mean ‘based upon’ an indica strain) but, if in doubt, don’t risk it!
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Ready to buy? This article relates to our flowers, vape pens and gummies ranges. Cannabinoid content is stated on each listing; see our guide to UK THC law before you order.
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Adults 18+ only. This article is general information, not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before using any cannabinoid product.
