There are plenty of different cannabis strains that can provide different effects, with Sativa and Indica being among the more popular ones. The difference between the two main varieties of the cannabis plant – Indica and Sativa – has to do with the physical appearance of each type, how they grow, and what psychoactive compounds they have in them. The two main strains, Indica and Sativa, are well-known for offering different effects. There are also hybrids that combine the effects of both to create unique experiences. However, often people tend to lean towards one type or another, and there are 4 ways to find out whether you’re more a Sativa or Indica person.
1. Breaking It Down
It’s still pretty common to break down cannabis into these two categories, however, it’s important to note that pharmacologically speaking, there aren’t that many differences between these strains. As it was pointed out at HighThere.com, the really important differences are in the number of cannabinoids and terpenes each plant contains.
Cannabinoids and terpenes work together to make each plant unique and can help determine what effect a strain will have.
They are sometimes called phytocannabinoids, and they are chemicals made by the cannabis plant. Terpenes are natural compounds responsible for the aromas, flavors, and colors of the plant. In other words, they’re what make certain strains of cannabis taste and smell the way they do. It’s still uncertain if they produce a high or not, as more research needs to be done. The main theory, however, is that the dominant terpenes of a strain work with the cannabinoids (THC, and CBD mostly) to create different effects. It’s thought that Sativa strains have a high number of terpenes that bring you up, such as pinene, limonene, and terpinolene. On the other hand, the terpenes in the Indica strains like linalool, myrcene, and caryophyllene, are better known for their calming effects.
Of course, the THC content is also important. The more THC a strain has, the more of an effect it will have on your body. It’s actually thought that Cannabis Sativa is the original plant, while Indica is the descendant. That said, it’s important to note that scientists tried to differentiate between the two strains based on their THC to CBD levels, but found that they cannot be classified like that. However, as it relates to whether you’re an Indica or a Sativa person, it’s also important to know that it will have a lot to do with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system that is specific for every person. It’s a biological system that’s really important for regulating things like memory, mood, and appetite, among other things.
2. What’s Your Vibe?
Another way to determine whether you’re more of an Indica or Sativa person is to ask yourself what kind of experience you are looking for. The strain can play a huge role in this. If you want something that is relaxing and calming, then find an Indica strain. If you’re looking for something that’s more uplifting and energetic, then an Indica will not be the best choice. When trying to classify whether you’re more of a Sativa or Indica person, you might want to consider whether you’re more extroverted or introverted first, and then decide whether you want to amplify your natural characteristics, or bring something new to the equation. If you enjoy being extroverted and want to bring more uplifting vibes to your day, then you’d definitely be more of a Sativa type. If you like to just sit back, relax, and think about different things, you’re probably an Indica person.
On the other hand, if you feel like your mind tends to be racing, or you are always on the go and want to calm your thoughts, then you might want to look into Indica strains to balance that out. In a similar vein, if you tend to be introverted, and would like to introduce a little more energy into your day, then Sativa strains are for you! It all depends on your personality and your preferences. Of course, if you’re unsure, you can always try both and see how each strain feels for you.
3. How You React To Strains
On that note, the best way to find out whether you’re more an Indica or a Sativa person is to try both kinds and see how your body reacts. It’s important to note that we all have different genetics and we process things differently, so the best way to find out what you like and don’t like is by trying them out yourself! When doing this, it might be a good idea to start with small quantities until you know how it will affect you. If your experience is bad, then chances are that that particular strain did not work well for your body. Try a different one and see if that works better! It’s important to note, however, that while Sativa tends to have a more uplifting effect, it can still help people relax and soothe their thoughts. The same goes for Indica strains, which tend to have a relaxing effect. So, you’ll want to take note of your body’s reaction and keep trying different kinds until you find what works best for you! Keep in mind that where you get your strains matters a lot as well.
4. The Occasion
While knowing your preferences is good in general, it’s also worth mentioning that you shouldn’t label yourself too strictly. For instance, if you know that you’re more of a Sativa person when it comes to day-to-day activities and requirements, then go ahead and try an Indica strain when it’s time for a vacation or something special. You might be surprised by how well it works! The same applies vice versa: don’t assume that you will only like Sativa when it’s time to go out, since Indica strains can be very effective for certain activities as well. What you enjoy more can also depend on who you’re using with, and what the occasion is. If a certain strain makes you retreat into your own thoughts, and you’re hanging out with someone you really like to talk to, going for a different one may be better suited for you.
In the end, it’s all a matter of what you prefer and how your body reacts. When trying to find out whether you’re more a Sativa or an Indica person, ask yourself what kind of experience you are looking for, try different kinds until you know your preferences, and don’t forget that the occasion is also important! So, experiment, have fun, and find out what works best for you!
