Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: Which Strain Is Right for You?

The world of cannabis is wonderful, but it sure can be complicated — especially with the different types of strains you have to choose from when you hit up the dispensary. Chances are, you’ve come across several different types of strains in your adventures with Mary Jane. You’ve probably found some strains that you love, and some that just aren’t your cup of tea. Each strain has its own unique effects, flavors, and aromas; and no two cannabis strains are the same, so it’s no surprise that some strains aren’t for everyone.

There are lots of different cannabis strains to choose from, so there’s a strain out there for everyone! Whether you’re a fan of the relaxing body high that comes with smoking an Indica strain like Purple Kush, the energizing head high of smoking a Sativa strain like Sour Diesel, or the perfectly balanced effects you get from smoking a hybrid strain like Blue Dream, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat.

In this article, we’ll talk about the differences between Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid cannabis strains, as well as the benefits each type of strain offers. So, grab your favorite piece, roll up a joint, or fire up your vaporizer because we’re about to do a deep dive into the wonderful world of cannabis strains!

Why Try Different Cannabis Strains?

If you’ve been partaking in cannabis use for a while, you’ve probably found a strain that speaks to you. Perhaps you’re the type of smoker that likes to buy the same cannabis strain every time, which is understandable. There’s a certain amount of comfort one finds in smoking their favorite strain, and we totally get that. However, a lot of cannabis users find that they want to switch things up a bit once their usual go-to strain starts to feel too much like the same-old, same-old.

There’s something truly special about discovering a new strain of cannabis that speaks to you in just the right way. Perhaps you’ve found a strain that’s the perfect remedy for your anxiety, or maybe this new strain has helped you find the creativity and motivation you need to start writing your novel. No matter what strain ends up being your go-to, you’ll certainly benefit from the effects.

Let's not forget about the incredible aromas and flavors that come with each strain, too. That alone makes different cannabis strains worth trying. From the sweet, fruity notes of the Sativa hybrid, Blue Dream, to the pungent earthiness that comes with smoking OG Kush, there’s a whole world of sensory experiences just waiting to be explored. That said, with so many different strains out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we’re here to help! It’s important to do your research and experiment with different strains to find what works best for you.

Whether you're a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or a curious newbie, there's never been a better time to explore different cannabis strains. Let’s get right into it, shall we?

What Are The 3 Main Types of Cannabis Strains?

It’s pretty incredible how many strains of cannabis there are in existence today. If you’ve ever gone to a dispensary or perused an online store and felt overwhelmed by the abundance of choices on the menu, you’re definitely not alone. Cannabis breeders are continuously coming up with new, more potent strains that have honestly changed the world of cannabis for the better. Not only do these newer strains have excellent health benefits, but they make for quite an enjoyable smoking experience.

For newcomers who are just getting into the world of cannabis, we’ll go over some brief definitions. As you may have already guessed, cannabis is a plant with several different strains, and each strain tends to come with its unique characteristics and effects. The three main types of cannabis strains are Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Some hybrid strains are more Indica-dominant, and some are more Sativa-dominant. There are plenty of options to choose from, and you shouldn’t be afraid to try out different hybrid combinations.

Let’s go over each type of cannabis strain in a bit more detail below. We’ll also include some examples of each strain, just so you can get an idea of what to look for the next time you hit up the dispensary.

1. Indica Strains

There’s nothing more relaxing than a good Indica strain. Cannabis indica strains tend to be used for their sedative effects, which can be especially nice when you’re chilling after work or watching a funny movie with your friends. A lot of cannabis users will smoke their favorite Indica before bed, as it can be great for insomnia and nighttime anxiety.

Indica plants are short and bushy with broad leaves, and they tend to produce much higher yields than Sativa plants. The effects of Indica strains are typically described as a “body high,” which means you’ll mostly feel the effects of this type of cannabis in your body. Indica strains can be excellent for those who suffer from chronic pain and anxiety. If you’re looking to relax and enjoy some music or a movie on your couch, an Indica strain might be the right choice for you.

Indica strains can have varying levels of THC and CBD, which may significantly impact the intensity of the high each strain creates. You must start with a small dose when trying out a new strain. You should also give it plenty of time to take effect before smoking or consuming more, as you don’t want to overdo it.

Some of the most popular Indica strains include:

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights strain is especially potent, and it’s been praised for its relaxing effects. Most smokers use this strain to help quell their anxiety and insomnia.

Granddaddy Purple

This strain is known for its deep purple color and grape-like smell. It’s typically used for pain relief and relaxation.

Bubba Kush

This strain is particularly great for those who suffer from insomnia and other sleep issues. It’s known for its heavy sedative effects and can help with pain relief as well.

Purple Kush

Purple Kush is a very popular strain among Indica lovers. This strain is often used for pain relief, and it also creates feelings of euphoria. If you want to smoke something that will make you laugh, you should give Purple Kush a try.

2. Sativa Strains

If you’re looking to get creative — or clean your entire apartment while listening to your favorite Pink Floyd album — you may benefit from trying out a Sativa strain or two. Sativa strains are basically the opposite of Indica strains. They’re known for their energizing and uplifting effects, which means people typically use them during the day to stay focused and alert. In contrast to the “body high” that comes with smoking Indica strains, smoking Sativa strains tends to create a prominent “head high.”

Sativa plants are tall and thin with narrow leaves — again, pretty much the opposite of Indica plants. A lot of smokers and tokers claim that smoking Sativa strains makes them more creative, which is why many people will smoke their favorite Sativa strain before writing or creating art. Sativa strains can also improve your focus, which is why they’ve gained popularity among those who suffer from ADHD.

Sativa strains — such as Super Lemon Haze or Sour Diesel — can also benefit people who suffer from depression and fatigue. If you feel like you’re always tired, smoking just a small amount of a Sativa strain could work wonders. As you can see, there’s a stark difference between Sativa strains and Indica strains. If you’re feeling too tired, smoke Sativa. If you’re feeling too awake, smoke Indica.

Some of the most popular Sativa strains include:

Sour Diesel

This strain has quite the aroma to it, which may take some getting used to. However, its energizing effects are definitely something to call home about. Many smokers opt for Sour Diesel when they’re feeling particularly depressed or fatigued.

Green Crack

Green Crack has a nice fruity aroma and especially is great for those who are trying to stay awake while completing a creative project. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, you might benefit from giving this strain a try.

Super Lemon Haze

This strain is sweet and citrusy in both flavor and aroma. Smokers often claim that using Super Lemon Haze helps them combat the effects of depression and anxiety.

Durban Poison

This strain is beloved for its sweet aroma and energizing qualities. Like most other Sativa strains, smokers tend to use it to quell their anxiety and depression.

3. Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains tend to be a favorite among smokers and tokers. As the name suggests, hybrid strains are a combination of Indica and Sativa strains. They can have many different effects, which depend mainly on the specific Indica and Sativa strains that were used to create them. Hybrid strains can be Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant, or perfectly balanced.

Cannabis breeders create hybrid strains through the intricate process of cross-breeding different cannabis plants. By combining the various desirable traits of Indica and Sativa strains, breeders can provide even the most seasoned cannabis users with a new experience. Hybrid strains truly are the best of both worlds! The effects of hybrid strains can vary, as it mainly depends on the specific strain and its Indica to Sativa ratio.

More Indica-dominant hybrids tend to provide a more relaxing body high, while hybrid strains that are Sativa-dominant will provide cannabis users with a more uplifting head high. Some hybrids are purposefully balanced with an equal mix of Indica and Sativa genetics, which means they’ll provide smokers with a more even balance of effects.

Some of the most popular hybrid strains include:

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a very popular, Sativa-dominant hybrid strain. It’s designed to provide a balanced high and is often praised for its sweet, fruity aroma. Many people love Blue Dream because it can be effective against depression and anxiety.

OG Kush

This is another very popular strain. OG Kush has an earthy aroma and is often been known to quell chronic pain and anxiety. It’s a balanced hybrid, so you’ll get a relaxing body high and a focused head high when you smoke OG Kush.

Pineapple Express

This Sativa-dominant hybrid strain is well-known for its delightful, tropical aroma. It provides smokers with an energetic head high, which is why a lot of people use it to treat their fatigue and depression.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is an Indica-dominant hybrid that provides smokers with a nice body high. It has a sweet aroma and has known to be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Which Strain Is Right for You?

Being in the know about the different types of cannabis strains is all good and well, but how are you supposed to determine which strain is right for you? Of course, it really depends on your personal preferences and specific health needs. If you’re planning on getting into using cannabis for medicinal reasons, it might be a good idea to speak with an expert on medical cannabis.

In general, if you’re looking for a strain that’s going to provide you with pain relief and relaxation, an Indica Strain, like Northern Lights, might be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you need to stay alert and focused — for, say, writing a novel or painting a picture — you may want to try out a Sativa strain like Sour Diesel. Sativa strains have been praised by writers and artists for creating the inspiration and motivation they need to create something great, so it’s worth a try if you’re artistically inclined.

If you want to experience a combination of the effects produced by Indica and Sativa strains, you can’t go wrong with trying out a hybrid strain, such as Blue Dream. Like Sativa strains, hybrid strains can inspire creativity, but they can also make you feel relaxed and silly like most Indica strains. It’s a truly excellent combination! When trying out new strains, It’s important to remember that each person reacts differently to cannabis strains depending on the various effects.

Keep in mind that it may take some time and experimentation to find the cannabis strain that speaks to you. You should, of course, always purchase cannabis from a reputable source, no matter what the strain is. This will ensure that the cannabis product you’re consuming is as safe as possible. The last thing you want to do is smoke random flower from your sketchy cousin or some guy on the street.

Final Thoughts

Indica, Sativa, and hybrid cannabis strains are all unique and wonderful in their own ways. Understanding the differences between these strains can help you choose the strain that’s right for you the next time you go to the dispensary. If you’re unsure about what type of cannabis strain you want to try, the budtenders at your local dispensary should be able to help you out. There are a lot of choices, so it can certainly be overwhelming at times.

The great thing about the plethora of choices when it comes to cannabis strains is that there’s a strain out there for everyone. No matter what sort of effects you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something you love. So put on your favorite song, load a bowl with some OG Kush or Sour Diesel, and enjoy the ride.

If you’ve never tried a particular strain of cannabis, it may take some getting used to, but that’s okay! No matter what strain you decide to try, we’re pretty sure you’ll have a good time. Contact Us today so we can help you find the best strain for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hybrid strains uppers or downers?

Whether or not a hybrid strain is an upper or a downer depends on the specific strain and the person smoking or consuming it. You should always start with a small dose and see how a specific hybrid strain affects you personally before smoking more. In general, Indica-dominant hybrids will be more relaxing, while Sativa-dominant hybrids will be a bit more uplifting.

Are Sativa strains uppers or downers?

Sativa strains are typically associated with providing smokers with an energetic head high and are frequently referred to as “uppers” because of this. They can be especially great for boosting creativity and focus. They’ve also been known to produce feelings of happiness and euphoria. Some people say that smoking Sativa cannabis produces feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which is definitely something to be aware of. It really depends on the person, though.

Do Indica strains make you lazy?

Whether or not Indica strains make you “lazy” is a common concern among cannabis users. It’s important to note that the effects of smoking Indica cannabis can vary from person to person. Some people complain that smoking too much of an Indica strain makes them feel “couch-locked” (as in, they’re unable to get up off the couch). Being couch-locked might make you feel lazy, but in reality, you’re just really, really relaxed.