Question:
What are some of the effects of cannabis sativa vs indica?
Answer:
Sativa effects are generally energizing and uplifting, often enhancing mood and creativity. By contrast, the effects of indica are generally relaxing and sedating, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.
Key Takeaways
Marijuana is a psychoactive cannabis product – it contains THC, which produces mind-altering effects, and comes from the cannabis plant, including sativa and indica strains.
Sativa vs. Indica differences – sativa is generally energizing and uplifting, while indica tends to be relaxing and sedating; effects also depend on THC/CBD levels and individual reactions.
Consumption methods impact effects – smoking, vaping, edibles, and topicals can all produce different experiences, onset times, and durations of effects.
Potential for addiction and dependence – regular use of THC-rich cannabis can lead to tolerance, withdrawal, and cannabis use disorder, affecting mood, memory, and motivation.
CBD as a less intoxicating alternative – CBD-heavy products offer medicinal benefits like pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammation without the strong psychoactive effects of THC.
Strains of Cannabis
Cannabis plants are bred and genetically engineered into different strains. Selective breeding has led to the development of different cannabis strains with specific desired traits. Two of the most talked about strains are cannabis sativa and cannabis indica.
While there are many claims of these two plants being completely different strains of cannabis, with a different look and different effects, there are key differences between sativa and indica, such as their physical appearance, chemical composition, and effects. Most scientists and experts agree that they likely just contain a different chemical makeup.
It is nearly impossible to know exactly what you are buying or taking and how it might impact you, but there are some things to be aware of. Looking at the chemical composition of cannabis can help you determine its potential effects. Various compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, contribute to the effects of different cannabis strains.
There are some differences between those labeled sativa and those marked indica. Sativa strains typically contain more THC than indica strains, which influences their energizing effects.
Cannabis Explained
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cannabis ranks as the most used, abused, trafficked, and cultivated illicit drug around the globe. About 2.5 percent of the global population consume cannabis every year.
In the United States, 24 million Americans were current users of marijuana at the time of the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
Cannabis is widely used and distributed. It is sold all over the world in a variety of settings and in a range of products. In addition, medical cannabis is used in many countries to treat specific health conditions under clinical supervision.
Marijuana (derived from the cannabis plant’s stems, seeds, and leaves) is a dried form of cannabis that is generally smoked or ingested for a pleasurable high. This is due to the THC, or psychoactive, component of the drug.
Typically, the higher the level of THC, the more potent the strain and the more mind-altering the effects will be.
The Debate Over Sativa & Indica
There are thousands of different strains and types of cannabis on the market. Consumers are often looking for either sativa or indica, depending on what the desired impact is.
Sativa cannabis plants are tall with narrow, light green leaves, while indica plants are short with broad, dark green leaves. Aside from just looks, these plants are said to have different effects.
Cannabis sativa:
Gives you energy.
Known for its energizing effects and energy enhancement, benefiting both the mind and body.
Enhances mood and makes you feel happy.
Some users report that sativa can help reduce anxiety.
Makes you more social.
Lowers inhibitions.
Cannabis indica:
Has a sedating effect.
Makes you feel more mellow and calm.
Helps to relieve stress.
Works for pain relief.
Often used for reducing pain and easing physical tension.
Researchers tend to agree that the breakdown of these cannabis strains is not entirely accurate. The main difference between different makeups of cannabis product lies in their chemical makeup.
At a dispensary, the indica versus sativa distinction may tell you what the desired and likely effects of the product will be, but this is not necessarily based on the plant itself. It is more likely due to the level of THC in the plant and other biochemical components.
If a cannabis product tells you it is indica, or indica-like, it is likely intended to be more mellowing and sedating. Something labeled as sativa, or sativa-like, is likely to be more energizing and intoxicating.
Cannabis Consumption Methods
Cannabis consumption methods are as diverse as the strains themselves, and choosing the right method can significantly influence your experience and the therapeutic potential of the plant. Smoking and vaping are among the most popular ways to consume cannabis, especially sativa strains, as these methods deliver the energizing and uplifting effects quickly—making them ideal for those seeking a natural energy boost or enhanced mood. Many users prefer sativa plants for daytime use, as the rapid onset of effects can help with focus and sociability.
Edibles, such as gummies or baked goods, offer a different experience. They take longer to kick in but provide a longer-lasting effect, making them suitable for both indica and sativa strains. Edibles are often chosen for their convenience and the ability to deliver sustained pain relief or relaxation, depending on the strain used.
Topical applications, including creams and balms, are another option. These products are applied directly to the skin and are commonly used for localized pain relief or to ease muscle tension. Both indica and sativa strains can be used in topicals, allowing users to target specific areas without experiencing the psychoactive effects associated with other consumption methods.
Understanding the various consumption methods—whether smoking, vaping, edibles, or topicals—can help you maximize the benefits of cannabis, whether you’re seeking uplifting effects, pain relief, or other therapeutic outcomes. Always consider your desired effects and individual tolerance when choosing a method and strain.
Possible Impact of Cannabis Use
The higher the level of THC, the more intoxicating a cannabis product is likely to be and the greater its psychoactive properties. This is true whether or not the product you are ingesting is sativa or indica.
Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating mood, cognition, and other aspects of mental health.
Cannabis use can impair your mental and cognitive functions as well as your motor skills. Possible side effects of use include the following:
Lowered inhibitions and likely to engage in more risk-taking behaviors
Delayed reaction time
Memory issues
Balance and coordination problems
Distorted perception and sense of time
Nausea
Dizziness
Irregular heart rate
Sedation and sluggishness
Fatigue
Tremors
Dry mouth
Increased appetite
Decreased motivation
Increased sociability
It can also be difficult to know exactly what kind of cannabis you are really taking — what’s in it and how it is going to impact you and your body. Just because the “experts” tell you that this particular strain is going to pump you up instead of making you tired, this doesn’t mean it will happen to you. Cannabis and different cannabis products will interact in each person’s body differently, and it can be hard to predict exactly what will happen.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) warns that marijuana use can be addictive. Nearly a third of those who use the drug struggle with a marijuana use disorder at some point.
CBD as an Alternative to Cannabis
Cannabis products are often heralded for their potential medicinal properties. They are frequently used to relieve anxiety, reduce pain, boost appetite, and combat nausea.
One of the other components of cannabis is CBD (cannabidiol), which is considered more medicinal than intoxicating. When CBD amounts are higher than THC amounts, the effects of the drug are likely to be less mind-altering and more pharmacological.
Products that contain CBD as opposed to THC are not as likely to be intoxicating or have as many possible psychoactive side effects. CBD lotions and oils can be used for pain relief, and CBD on its own is not going to get you high.
CBD is often used for medicinal purposes to treat the following issues:
Seizures
Depression
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammation
Migraines
Nausea
Pain
Anxiety
Psychosis
There are far fewer side effects associated with CBD than with cannabis products that contain higher amounts of THC.
Before starting any CBD or cannabis-based treatment, especially for medical conditions, it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
Cannabis & Addiction
In 2017, a quarter of a million people in the United States were admitted to public substance abuse treatment facilities citing marijuana as their primary drug of abuse. Marijuana is a form of cannabis.
Cannabis, especially products high in THC, is a mind-altering substance that is considered to be addictive. With regular use, your brain and body can get used to cannabis and become dependent on it. You will need to use more of it to feel the same high (drug tolerance). It can become harder for you to stop using it, even if you want to and try to quit. This is addiction.
Regular and repeated cannabis use can lead to drug dependence, which is a physical reaction. When the drug is no longer active in your bloodstream, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
Irritability
Cravings
Appetite changes
Mood swings
Sleep issues
Restlessness
Depression
Anxiety
Thinking, concentration, and memory problems
With chronic use, both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica can lead to drug dependence and addiction. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and risks of cannabis use and dependence.
Rehab for Cannabis
Addiction is a behavioral brain disease that changes the way you think, feel, and act. Rehab can help to address the negative changes and teach you how to cope with life without turning to cannabis. Our marijuana treatment program can help.
Your brain pathways can be rebuilt through behavioral therapies. In counseling, you can learn how to create and use coping strategies to manage cravings. You’ll learn how to build a positive support network that can help you to stay sober for the long term.
Find Help for Cannabis Abuse and Cannabis Use Disorder
Many people turn to sativa cannabis or the indica plant hoping for benefits such as elevating mood, pain management, or relaxing effects. Strains like Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Jack Herer are often praised for their energizing effect, uplift mood, or even enhanced creativity. These are among the most popular sativa strains known for their energizing and uplifting effects. Others may seek the benefits of sativa for acute pain, chronic pain, or stress relief. But even though indica vs sativa strains have different psychoactive effects, frequent use can lead to cannabis use disorder, dependence, and troubling potential side effects.
When people have consumed sativa or cannabis edibles like a sativa edible, the THC-to-CBD ratio, terpene profile, and tetrahydrocannabinol THC levels can cause very different physical effects, ranging from mental clarity to mental fog. Sativa cannabis strains are often chosen for their specific effects, but the experience can vary depending on the different cannabis strains and their unique profiles. Some hybrid strains may offer fast acting relief but can still carry risks. Even legal cannabis products with delta-8 THC or delta-9 THC can contribute to dependency when used frequently.
It’s common for patients to ask in a frequently asked question about sativa vs indica: What’s the difference? While the effects of sativa may provide an uplifting effect or energizing effect, the effects of indica are usually linked with more relaxing effects and may make you feel sedated. But regardless of the differences between sativa and indica, heavy use can harm both the body and mind over time.
If you’re struggling with cannabis dependency, our team can help. We provide education on cannabidiol CBD, cannabis terpenes, and the specific effects of consuming sativa strains or indica, while offering research-based therapies to heal the root causes of addiction. Our healthcare professionals support you in overcoming cannabis abuse and restoring your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Though cannabis is often viewed through a benign lens, it can lead to serious problems if you are struggling with ongoing abuse and addiction. Reach out for help today.
- Drugs of Abuse (2017 Edition)
- Cannabis
- Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD – PMC
- Is marijuana addictive? – NIDA
- Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2017 – SAMHSA
