When you visit or order online from your local dispensary, you’ve likely been choosing your cannabis based on the classic sativa vs. indica distinction. Trust us, we understand where you’re coming from… But that pattern should end today.
We all lean on indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid to understand cannabis. But did you know that this distinction comes from debunked research from the 1700s – and is not at all scientifically accurate?
Good news: There are other ways to understand the ranging (and highly nuanced) effects of cannabis and to discover what you’re looking for.
As your go-to cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts, Garden Remedies is passionate about connecting you with the high-quality green of your dreams – and the educational resources you need to enjoy it to the fullest. Stop by our medical and recreational dispensaries in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough, MA to learn more.
Science Says No to Outdated Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Classifications
These days, most folks (and definitely all cannabis lovers) are familiar with the indica vs. sativa hype. Who first told you about it – a friend at school, your older siblings, your local dispensary?
Regardless, many of us learn the same simplistic story: Indica strains are relaxing; sativa strains are uplifting. It’s best to choose indica when you’re looking to chill out and get some good sleep, but go for sativa if you’re looking to run errands, work on creative projects, or brighten up your day.
Recent research on indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid strains of cannabis – as well as more and more experiences reported by consumers like you – tell us that this story is not all it seems.
This Classification Breaks Down at the Molecular Level
Even though it might blow your mind, there is no scientific basis for the widespread belief that sativa and indica cannabis strains cause reliably different effects – since, at their core, sativa and indica plants don’t have molecular differences.
In fact, “scientists realized through molecular testing that there is just one species of cannabis, cannabis sativa L.”[1] It is now understood that this singular species of strain can morph, resulting in phenotypic and genotypic variations, depending on how the cannabis plant is grown and cultivated.
These many variations do not meaningfully fall into the indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid boxes based on their effects, which are wide-ranging and not yet fully understood.
Just Like Indica and Sativa, "Hybrid" Doesn’t Really Help
We often come to believe that “hybrid” means something in the middle of sativa and indica. Maybe these strains will make you relaxed but focused or social but without anxiety…
Or maybe, as recent research indicates, the “hybrid” label is not a reliable way to figure out how your cannabis product of choice will affect you.
Naturally, strains labeled “hybrid” are also just variations of the same essential sativa L species, carrying the same variety of growing conditions, genetic factors, and cultivation methods. Hybrid strains don’t have the same sort of effects just because of their label.
So, it’s clearly time that we stop associating indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid with clear-cut, predictable effects.
Where Did the Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Distinction Come From?
The origins of this classification system can help us understand why so many people still subscribe to it, despite conflicting scientific evidence.
An Early & Limited Scientific Conjecture
During the 18th century, Jean Baptiste Lamark, prominent French biologist, received a number of cannabis plant samples from India. While studying them, he noticed that the indica plants were shorter with firm stems and thick leaves, and the sativa plants were taller and featured thinner leaves.
Lamark then proposed a simple cannabis classification system, arguing that the plants’ varying phenotypes would lead to separate effects and uses.[2]
This classification system is pretty much the same one we use today, rooted in the idea that appearance equals effects of cannabis. We now know that this is a misunderstanding.
It is true that indica and sativa plants can carry distinct perceivable traits. Native to Central and South America, and grown best in similarly warm and humid climates, sativa strains are often tall with thin leaves, skinny buds, and lighter colors. Indica plants, on the other hand, are cultivated in Asia and typically have large leaves and short, thick stems; they are largely more durable, especially thanks to their thick resinous shell.[3]
However, the belief that these physical differences yield different effects is nothing more than an 18th-century myth – made popular in the centuries since Lamark made his initial proposition.
Promoted By Promoters of Cannabis
Vendors and proponents of cannabis picked up the indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid classification over time.
Some thought it would be a simple way to explain the variety of cannabis available. Others hoped it would make cannabis more palpable for consumers, especially before cannabis was as legalized and acceptable as it is today. Many others probably believed Lamark’s original distinction without contradicting evidence widely available.
In any case, the indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid classification system stuck around. But, at least at Garden Remedies (and now in your mind, too), perhaps not for much longer.
Is This Distinction Disappearing?
As cannabis research continues, and this powerful plant grows more widely accepted, more members of the cannabis community notice this classification system fall short.
Cannabis expert Ethan Russo, MD echoes this message:
-Ethan Russo, MD[4]
A member of our Garden Remedies team agrees:
- Alex Churchill, Cannabis Advisor in Newton
Changing the way we consider cannabis – and getting rid of the old indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid cliche – will surely not be an easy process, but it is a worthwhile one. This distinction may be erased in time and replaced with a more accurate and useful one, rooted in new scientific truths.
Select Your Next Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Products from Garden Remedies
In the meantime, we understand that it can be difficult to completely relinquish common ideas about strain types. And, certainly before a new system develops and becomes popular, you’ll still need to choose your cannabis!
Indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid is still one way we classify our cannabis at Garden Remedies (though it’s not the only way). But, now that you know about the limits of this system, we invite you to notice how your consideration of these cannabis products has changed. When you compare these strains, what are you looking for besides their effects?
Kahlua Kookies | Earth | Special Stash - Indica
Made of Cease & Desist crossed with Koffee Kubed #23, this strain is as earthy as its name suggests. Expect a woody and spicy taste along with a grounded experience resonant with nature and good times outside. Despite its notes of coffee, Kahlua Kookies may provide sedative relief for many.
Juiceman | Fruit I Top Cut - Sativa
This one is practically exploding with energy and juiciness. Think the taste of citrus and berries combined with a light lift. Juiceman is the genetic result of crossing Royal Fruit Snacks with Governmint Oasis #9 for maximum deliciousness.
REALM G-Code 2.0 | Floral | Special Stash - Hybrid
Lush is the best word to describe this strain. It tastes and smells like herbs combined with fresh flowers, and some would go so far as to call it simply romantic. You may enjoy a balanced and level journey with the G-Code 2.0 from REALM, one cannabis brand by Garden Remedies.
Grapefruit Romulan | Infused Pre-Roll - Hybrid
From our friends at Jeeter comes this legendary pre-roll. Grapefruit Romulan tastes and smells just like its namesake. Infused with kief and cannabis oil, it’s sure to pack a punch: some report feeling a boosted mood, more social, fully relaxed (and suddenly hungry). Others say that this pre-roll can help with conditions such as lack of appetite, nausea, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and everyday stress.
Massachusetts Sunrise I Wana Quick Gummies I 20 Pack - Sativa
Ever experienced the full-colored glory of a Massachusetts sunrise over snowy mountains? These edibles are designed to evoke something like it. The Wana Quick Gummies have notes of orange, citrus, and cherry, enhanced with terpenes. They’re inspired by the flavor and feel of a Tequila Sunrise.
High Flavor New! Jungle Sunset Sherbet I Disposable Vape - Indica
This disposable vape is pre-filled and all ready for your next adventure. Made with the classic terpene profile of the Jungle Sunset strain, it effortlessly blends rainbow sherbet with hints of cotton candy, leading to memorably satisfying effects.
Other Approaches To Classifying Cannabis
Many factors distinguish those cannabis products from each other. Did you notice their variety of flavors, parent strains, forms, and more?
There are many ways to sort cannabis – and some outsmart our current indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid divide.
Terpenes + Cannabinoids = A Better Formula for Identifying Marijuana Effects
Since sativa and indica denote the appearance of cannabis plants, not their effects, other factors must influence their influence on consumers. Research points to terpenes as a possible answer.
According to Timeless Vapes:
Terpenes play a significant role in the effects of cannabis by influencing how cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system. For example, myrcene, which is present in many indica strains, has sedative and relaxing properties. Limonene, found in sativa strains, is known for its mood-enhancing and anti-anxiety effects.”[5]
Cannabinoids also have a major role in how you feel when you try different types of marijuana. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids dictate the properties of cannabis strains, influencing which are therapeutic, which are mostly psychoactive, and which are somewhere in between.[6]
The cannabinoids and terpenes in every cannabis product interact to influence your experience to a high degree. Instead of indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid labels, the particular combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in each cannabis product gives us better insight into its potential effects.
The Future of the Cannabis Industry: Beyond Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
As recent research reveals more key information about cannabis, it’s clearly time for a new way of classifying our favorite plant.
What would that look like? And what can we do to continue selecting high-quality marijuana, tailored to our needs and preferences, in the meantime?
Building a New System Around Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Terpenes and cannabinoids can be more reliable factors in influencing the effects of cannabis. Perhaps a new classification system could center on these aspects of cannabis products:
- THC and CBD content
- Cannabinoid ratios
- Terpene content
- Terpene ratios
- Dominant terpenes
- Entourage effect between cannabinoids and terpenes
Much of this information is already featured on lots of marijuana products. But the key to a new system would be to synthesize these significant components into a coherent – and easily digestible – framework, so that consumers can understand how each product may affect them.
Some attribute the durability of the indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid labels to their simplicity: they’re easy to remember, to tell people about, to sell. This new framework would have to retain these features while being scientifically accurate to help consumers make better choices for their wellbeing.
Flavor: A Fresh Grouping from Garden Remedies
Other crucial aspects of cannabis may be used to sort products into helpful groupings, like flavor.
- Gene Ray, VP of Laboratory Operations
Embrace Experimentation on Your Cannabis Journey
We look forward to when alternative labels, groupings, and systems are widely used to understand and market marijuana – and the old indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid story is officially retired.
Even then, there is only one sure-fire way to figure out how various cannabis products will affect you: trying them yourself.
So much of the cannabis experience is personal. It can fluctuate based on your mental state, intentions, activities, and surroundings. And, certainly, the cannabis product you choose.
We recommend you embrace a trial-and-error approach – appreciating that your experiences may vary from your friends’ highs, even when using the same cannabis product – and keeping an open mind along the way.
Visit Garden Remedies in Massachusetts for Personalized Guidance
At Garden Remedies, we’re here for you and happy to support you as you experiment with different types of cannabis.
To meet your next cannabis selection (considering other factors besides indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid, of course):
To chat with our expert team of Cannabis Advisors at our locations in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough, MA:
Looking for more groundbreaking information about cannabis so you can enjoy every experience to the fullest? Stay tuned to the Garden Remedies blog, where we share new educational (and fun!) resources every week.
We hope to see you at our dispensaries soon.
[3] https://www.lume.com/indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid-cannabis-strains
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5576603/
[5] https://www.timelessvapes.com/what-is-the-difference-between-sativa-hybrid-and-indica-strains/
[6] https://gratefulgreendispensary.com/2024/12/18/indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid-understanding-the-key-differences/
As a freelance writer, Emma McTague runs a marketing agency for spiritual & eco-friendly businesses. She is also the Managing Director of As We Wake, a non-profit & psychedelic church based in San Diego, where she lives in community by the beach. She is wildly passionate about plants.
