MEDICAL MARIJUANA STRAINS

When it comes to marijuana, the number of strains can seem monumental. Add to that the number of crazy names that various growers and marijuana fans have come up with to label them and it seems that there are a million types of strains all with entirely different functions. The easiest way to approach the chemistry behind the effects and uses of each strain is to put them into 3 primary categories: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains.

INDICA MARIJUANA STRAINS

Indica strains are widely believed to be the most sedative of the 3 categories, providing a relaxing experience. People who use Indica strains use them as a way to unwind after a long day at work, alleviate chronic pains, and as an alternative to pharamcy sleep-aids.

SATIVA MARIJUANA STRAINS

Sativa strains have been shown to provide energy, providing uplifting cerebral effects to help increase energy levels and help with physical activities and in social situations. Sativa is the strain that most people associate with the creative side of marijuana.

HYBRID MARIJUANA STRAINS

Hybrid strains are exactly what they sound like: hybrids between Indica and Sativa strains. The effects largely depend on which two strains and their potency are combined, but the general rule of thumb is that the hybrid strains will always fall in between the Indica and Sativa ones in terms of their effects.

THE ORIGINS OF INDICA AND SATIVA

Indica and Sativa were both introduced as terminology in the 18th century when growers, users, and scientists noticed that there were key differences in the types of species of cannabis. The plants from Europe and Western Eurasia came to be known as the Sativa breeds while the Indica strains described the varities that were discovered in India. Since then, the terms have shifted from their original definitions and come to encompass new qualities with some overlap and less of a focus on the global areas that they were originally found to be cultivated.