Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Cannabis: What’s the difference?

Published: 3/11/2025
By:
Mountains

Whether you visit a local dispensary or shop online, you’ll notice that weed strains are typically grouped into three main categories: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. 

These strains or classifications are used to indicate various effects and used correctly can help you manage the symptoms of many ailments. 

Understanding their differences and effects helps you choose the best option to meet your preferences. 

Our sativa vs. Indica vs. hybrid guide will highlight their differences, potential effects, and uses. Let’s dive in!

Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid: What’s the difference?

Types of Cannabis

Indica

Sativa

Hybrid

Where it is Grown 

Dry climate, Native to Asia and Africa

Humid climate, Native to South and Central America

Greenhouses and farms, Origins vary

Plant Characteristics:

Broad, dark green leaf

Thin, light green leaf

The Size of the leaf may vary 

Associated High Type

Body High

Cerebral High

Balanced High

CBD-to-THC ratio

1:1

 3:5

Varies based on hybridization

Effects

Relaxing and calming

Energizing, uplifting

Varies

Time of taken

Night Time

Day time

Varies

Uses

Insomnia, Anxiety, pain, headaches

Migraine, Seizures, nerve pain, loss of appetite


Table: Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Cannabis strains chart

What is Indica?

Known for its calming effects, Indica is native to Asia and Africa. Cannabis Indica plants are shorter than Sativa plants and produce more buds than Sativa plants. 

They have broad, dark green leaves and tend to can potentially have a higher CBD content than Sativa.

It is often viewed as an effective pain reliever. However, many scientists believe that people should not generalize effects with a specific strain, as not all plants produce the same effects, even within the same type of cannabis, due to differences in chemical composition and growing techniques. It’s important to consider your source!

Benefits-of-Indica.png

Effects

The effects of Indica strains are associated with relaxation and a soothing feeling in the body. However, these effects are based on anecdotal evidence and don't necessarily apply to all Indica strains. 

People who use an Indica strain often experience common effects such as reduced sensation of pain, body high, restful sleep, and relaxation.

However, it is essential to note that the Indica strain contains a higher level of terpene myrcene, which can make you sleepy. For this reason, many people prefer using Indica products such as WYLD Gummies for sleep before bedtime. 

Uses

Due to Indica's calming effects, it is typically used for joint pain, nausea, low appetite, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, nerve pain, and arthritis. 

What is Sativa?

Sativa is native to South and Central America and Southeast Asia. This species of the cannabis plant is taller and has thin, light green leaves. Sativa strains contain lower myrcene content, making them more likely to provide an energizing effect. They are often associated with enhancing focus, mental clarity, and creativity. 

Sativa is more associated with the reactional uses of cannabis, and people tend to consume it when seeking increased alertness and mental clarity. As sativa strains are known for their invigorating effects, they are usually used as a "daytime" strain compared to Indica strains. 

Benefits-of-Sativa.png

Effects:

Sativa can oftentimes have more THC content than Indica. That's why Sativa strains tend to cause mind-altering effects and are associated with uplifting and energizing effects. Cannabis products that contain Sativa-dominant strains may help boost concentration, creativity, focus, and productivity. 

Uses

Sativa strains are used for both recreational and medical purposes. However, they don't typically treat as many medical conditions; although they help manage their symptoms. They are commonly used for mental fog, anxiety, PTSD, stress, headache, acute pain, nausea, migraine, and more.

What is Hybrid?

The mix of both Indica and Sativa strains is called a hybrid strain of cannabis. They are typically grown on farms to combine the best traits of both strains and provide an equal balance of the two. 

Modern cannabis products like vape pens and weed edibles are commonly hybrids. These products can have one dominant strain based on the blend of parent plants. It is usually grown to increase the THC percentage, but each type of hybrid strain has its own unique characteristics and ratio of cannabinoids. 

hybrid.png

Effects

Hybrids are bred to produce balanced strains with relaxing and mind-altering effects, but their effects can vary. The best way to determine the effects of a hybrid strain is by looking at its "parent" strains.

Uses

People who use cannabis hybrid strain may have reduced anxiety and stress. In addition, it may help to ease symptoms of chemotherapy.

FAQs

Want to learn more about Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Cannabis? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the differences between these cannabis strains:

What Is Stronger, Indica, or Sativa?

Both Indica and Sativa can be strong depending on the strain or genetic. If you are going to use a vape pen for the first time, a 1:1 blend of CBD and THC could be a great strain to start with.

Does sativa make you hornier than Indica? 

Anecdotal evidence shows that weed makes you horny. Choosing the strain that contains low THC content may help boost libido Since Indica has lower THC-to-CBD than Sativa, it can be a great option for enhancing your overall sexual experience.

What are the popular Indica and Sativa dominant strains? 

Blue Dream, Strawberry Cough, Northern Lights, Afghan Kush, Sour Diesel, and Bubble Kush are popular Indica and Sativa dominant strains.

Which is better: Sativa or Indica or Hybrid? 

Sativa-vs.-Indica-vs.-Hybrid-Cannabis.png

Both strains offer different effects, and choosing the better one depends on your preferences and the effects you are looking for. 

Sativa strains may have higher THC content, so they may be preferred for recreational use or getting a "high." On the other hand, Indica strains are better at reducing stress and controlling pain due to their relaxing effects. 

Some say it is the best choice for making homemade weed edibles and getting comfortable. Hybrid strains are a blend of both Sativa and India and are generally associated with balanced effects. However, their effects may vary depending on the traits they inherited from their parent strains.

Which is more relaxing, Indica or Sativa?

Indica strain tends to have more calming effects than Sativa strain. It is generally used for reducing muscle tension, sleepiness, headaches, and more.  

Discover the best cannabis strain in California at Smokeland:

Now that you understand the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis strains, the question is: where can you find California's finest weed strains to suit all your preferences? 

Whether you're looking for the best of both worlds with hybrid strains or edibles crafted with Sativa, Indica, or hybrid strains, Smokeland offers premium-quality cannabis designed for a versatile experience, with same-day weed delivery in Northern California. So what are you waiting for? Order now and experience the unique effects of our cannabis strains!

Quick Links

Locations & Hours

SF Bay Area
Open Every Day 7:00AM to 10:00PM
First Deliveries between 9:00AM-11:00AM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 9:00PM to recieve same day delivery
Central Valley
Open Every Day 7:00AM to 10:00PM
First Deliveries between 10:00AM-12:00PM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 7:00PM to recieve same day delivery
Sacramento
2544 Albatross Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
Open Every Day 7:00AM to 10:00PM
First Deliveries between 10:00AM-12:00PM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 9:00PM to recieve same day delivery
SoCal
Open Every Day 10:00AM to 8:00PM
First Deliveries between 12:00PM-1:00PM
*ASAP Orders must be placed by 7:00PM to recieve same day delivery

Customer Service

contact@smokeland.com
For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at customersupport@smoakland.com. Our team is available to assist you during our standard business hours between 6:30AM - 10:00PM PST
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: These products contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
©2024 Smokeland. All rights reserved. Lic. # C9-0000075-LIC