Indica Versus Sativa
Cannabis Species
As medical cannabis becomes more mainstream and utilized more frequently for a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions, interest is growing regarding which cannabis species might be best for which aspect of effects.
Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are the two species of the cannabis plant. These strains share many features, however, have distinct and specific differences, with medicinal cannabis being either ‘Sativa dominant’, ‘Indica Dominant’ or ‘Hybrid’.
More and more, however, the medicinal cannabis industry is moving away from categorising cannabis products as ‘strains’ of Sativa, Indica and Hybrid, and instead of using the terms:
Type I: High THC
Type II: Balanced THC/CBD
Type III: High CBD
Terpenes
Historically, the main focus has been on the species of the cannabis plant and the dose of THC and CBD in each strain. However, emerging is the role that ‘Terpenes’ play in the molecular make-up and potential effect of each medicinal cannabis product. It should be noted that Terpene attributes and potential effects currently have no scientific evidence, and instead are identified through anecdotal evidence. Which is word of mouth.
Terpenes are a naturally occurring compound, found in plants and some animals. Terpenes are involved in the aromas, flavours and colours of vegetation, and are thought to influence the effect a particular strain of medicinal cannabis might produce. Terpenes are likely involved in the reason why some cannabis products of similar strains can produce different effects.
Common Terpenes include:
Bisabolol - Thought to reduce inflammation, with potential pain-reducing effects. Found in chamomile and tea tree oil.
Eucalyptol - Thought to reduce inflammation, with refreshing and invigorating eucalyptus and tea tree oil.
Limonene - Thought to reduce stress and improve mood, with bright and zippy citrus notes.
Caryophyllene - Thought to reduce anxiety and improve mood, with peppery, spicy flavours.
Linalool - Thought to induce relaxation and improve mood, with floral notes.
Myrcene - Myrcene is the most common terpene and is an earthy and herbal molecule. Thought to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
Ocimene - Thought to improve gut function and ease congestion. Has notes of basil, mango and parsley.
Pinene - Produces an intense pine aroma and flavour. Thought to reduce pain and inhibit some of the unpleasant symptoms of THC perceptual disturbance.
Terpinolene - Produces an apple-like aroma. Thought to promote sedation and improve sleep.
Humulene - Thought to reduce inflammation, lending a deeply earthy and woody aroma.
Sativa
Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia.
Sativa strains primarily have higher doses of THC and lower doses of CBD.
Sativa strains are generally identified as providing an energizing yet relaxing effect, without the drowsiness and lethargy that Indica strains are associated with.
Because Sativa strains are generally less sedating, they are often utilised during the day for chronic pain, stress and anxiety and other symptoms.
Indica
Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, with moderate to high levels of THC.
Indica strains produce deeply relaxing effects with often associated drowsiness.
Indica strains are utilized for anxiety, sleep disturbance and pain management. Indica strains are also used for gut disturbance, nausea and loss of appetite.
Hybrids
Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of Sativa and Indica strains. The majority of medicinal cannabis products are hybrids, with the majority of products identified as either ‘Sativa Dominant’, ‘Indica Dominant’ or ‘Balanced’.
Each type of strain is grown to produce differing concentrations of the main cannabinoids, THC and CBD. The effects of each Hybrid strain depend on the dominant species, along with other factors such as terpenes.
Everybody is different, and the effects of Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains can be definitively individual. There is no right or wrong answer for selecting a medicinal cannabis type, with a trial and error approach often the best way to identify the best product for each person.
How To Choose The Right Product
1) IDENTIFY WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE
Having a goal-oriented approach to symptomatic benefit makes selecting an appropriate product more directed. Knowing what you are trying to treat or feel, or what you do and don’t want to achieve will narrow the selection
2) CONSIDER YOUR TOLERANCES
Having an idea about where you fit into the experience spectrum of THC and CBD use will help prevent significant unwanted perceptual disturbance for entry-level THC and CBD use. Often it can be beneficial for inexperienced medicinal cannabis users to start with low-dose THC and work the way up until the desired effect is reached.
3) CONSIDER THE LEVEL OF FUNCTION
Highly sedating and relaxing strains, such as Indica dominant strains with high dose THC can impact on the level of function and concentration throughout the day, however, are largely preferred for sleep improvement at night. Considering when you will be taking medicinal cannabis and for what reason can help direct which product might be best for you.
4) CONSIDER THE METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION
The preferred method of administration is oral. This can have a longer time of onset. Inhalation results in rapid absorption of high dose THC/CBD. Oral administration is the preferred method as this bypasses lung damage associated with inhalation.