Cannabis Plant Science

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid

23.1.2025

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid 

Within medicinal cannabis, there are different strains or cultivars, each with a different structural makeup and ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes. These different strains are believed to have different qualities, due to the differing genetic makeups. 

What is cannabis? 

Cannabis is a drug that comes from the cannabis plant. While there are a number of different cannabinoids, the two main types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabis strains are classified into three main types: indica, sativa, and hybrid. These classifications are based on the plant's genetic makeup and are generally associated with the effects it is believed they produce. 

The original main strains of cannabis: 

Within cannabis, there are three naturally occurring species, cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis ruderalis. These species have different structural properties based on their local environment. 

These three strains are commonly referred to as “landraces” which are strains which have been found in nature and have never been crossbred with other strains. 

Modern cannabis cultivation employs a significant amount of crossbreeding between different strains with a goal of driving a particular outcome, cannabinoid or terpene potency and as such, we have sativa, indica and hybrid cultivars.  

Hybrid strains are a combination of both sativa and indica. Initially we will focus on sativa and indica, and the differences between them. 

Sativa 

Cannabis sativa prefers hot, dry climates to flourish in. These include, but are not limited to, Central America, Asia and Africa. Sativa dominant plants can take longer to mature than other strains of cannabis. When they are fully mature, they can be up to 6 feet tall, with spindly finger-like leaves. 

Indica 

Traditionally the indica flower is shorter and stockier than the sativa plant. They mature much more quickly than Cannabis sativa does, and produce more dense flower buds. They tend to grow best in a different environment to cannabis sativa plants, flourishing in harsher environments too, growing abundantly in places like Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey.

What are the differences between sativa and indica? 

When it comes to sativa vs indica, there are lots of differences between these two classifications of the same plant. They look different, originate in different places to each other and have been reported to result in different outcomes. 

Origin

Cannabis sativa is believed to have originated in Central Asia, in the region of modern-day China and Central Asia. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal properties. By contrast, cannabis indica is believed to have originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range of Central Asia, in locations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India. 

While both strains prosper in hot regions, cannabis indica is able to handle a harsher climate than cannabis sativa. 

Appearance

Cannabis sativa is usually a taller, more slender plant than the indica flower. Cannabis indica is often found to be bushier, with a denser concentration of foliage and wider, more rounded leaves. 

CBD to THC ratio

In general, cultivars with a high concentration of CBD tend to be indicas, because they are denser flowers, which means they can hold more trichome rich oils. This allows them to be more potent than sativas. While sativas often have lower doses of CBD and more THC, this is not true of every sativa or indica flower. 

How each strain interacts with the endocannabinoid system

Both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) through its various cannabinoids, primarily THC and CBD. 

The ECS has two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. The THC, present in both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica,  binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain. Due to this interaction with CB1 receptors, THC has the potential to cause psychoactive effects when consumed, which is why THC is thoroughly regulated.

By contrast, the CBD present in both strains interacts with the CB1 and CBD2 receptors without binding to them, so it doesn’t create psychoactive effects in the way THC has the potential to do. How each strain of sativa and indica reacts with the endocannabinoid system depends on the CBD to THC ratio it contains. 

What are the similarities between sativa and indica? 

Both sativa and indica originate from the same plant, cannabis, and as such have many things in common. They usually both contain both CBD and THC, in different ratios, which means they both have a potential impact on the body. 

It’s important to remember that while the traditional classifications of indica and sativa can be helpful, they are not definitive. The actual effects of a cannabis strain can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile. Both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are also widely found in hybrids. 

The development and use of hybrids 

Hybrid stain options combine different  amounts of sativa and indica strains to harness the impact of both strains. Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of sativa and indica plants. As such, their specific properties can be tailored and new hybrids are developing all the time. 

Want to learn more?

Healthcare professionals can learn more about the nuance of CBD products by accessing the healthcare professionals portal. If you have any questions about medicinal cannabis, contact us today.

Enjoyed this article? Share it! Copy article URL to clipboard
Successfully copied!