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Last update on December 29 , 2019

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plant in the menage Cannabaceae . But not all cannabis is the same ! Within that family , there are many species and edition . As we already search inmy introductory berth on cannabis , hemp and marijuana are dissimilar species . Furthermore , marijuana can be constrict down into sativa , indica , or autoflower sieve . Distinct strains will create varying resultant role , from the elbow room a works spring up and smell , clip to reap , stage of THC or CBD , and the end - user experience . In general , sativa - prevailing strains are more lively and indica strains will be more grave .

A graphic representation of Sativa versus Indica. On the left shows the word Sativa, a drawing of a tall lanky cannabis plant, and describes in a few bulleted words how it it different than Indica, as already described in this post. On the right in Indica, showing a shorter wider plant and the key differences.

Whether you are concerned in growing at house or buy marihuana product from a kitty shop , it is important to interpret the unique varieties and strains – so you could get something thatbest suits your demand and desires .   rent ’s peach about those differences !

Sativa Vs. Indica: What is the difference?

Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are twosubspeciesof the the Genus Cannabis . Sativa - dominant marijuana plants are distinguishable from their indica - leaning vis-a-vis . This is true in regard to the plants appearance , growth habits and requirements , and its effects .

I say “ sativa - prevalent ” or “ indica - leaning ” in describing the strain because it is not very common to see a industrial plant that is 100 % sativa or 100 % indica these day . If so , these would be considered “ landrace ” line – think of them as the original heirloom cannabis of a region . However , nearly all modern marijuana strains are a hybrid of indica and sativa . “Sativica ” anyone?This hap over centuries of human dispersal , interference , selection , and cover . We more often than not prefer sativa - dominant cross , or something around 50 - 50 .

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Appearance

Sativa plants can get verytall , wily , and have both a narrower physical structure form and leave of absence . This signify there is unremarkably greater aloofness between the branches and nodes . The leafage can seem light green in colour than those of Indica strain . Indica plant are more wide , tight and thickset , and usuallyshorter than sativa . Their deep dingy green lover leaves are also more all-embracing . People who grow mainly indica often think our crazy “ Christmas tree diagram ” sativa - dominant Maui Wowie plants face funny , compared to the plants they ’re accustomed to .

Growing Requirements

Cannabis sativa plants have very farseeing flowering period . Sativaplants take longer to farm , matured , and finish than indica . This makes them a challenge to farm indoors due to their size . Their timeline can elaborate thing a slight for outdoor growing too . The longer they ’re around , the easy it is to buckle under to disease or pestis . count on where you live , the conditions may take a routine for the worse before they ’re ready to harvest !

move over these factors , it is no surprise that sativa is autochthonic to lovesome regions near the equator – where there is a firm supply of retentive gay days , such as East Asia . That does n’t signify they ’re not worthwhile to grow in other climates though , if you could swing it . On the Central Coast of California here , we live nowhere near the equator and grow sativa - leaning strainsjust fine .

Indicacannabis plants will go through their intact Hz and finish up quicker than sativa does . Because of this , indica may be preferential for folks who live in a location withshorter spring up season . After all , it is aboriginal to cooler northern climates . Indica plants also pack on the hammering with more dim bud social organisation than most sativa . The outcome ishigher flower yieldsper plant . They ’re a popular choice with growers , with a reputation for beingeasier to grow .

A patio garden area. On the left are two very tall, lanky sativa-dominant plants. On the right are two indica plants, clearly very much shorter, wider, and dark leafy green. In the middle of patio is a table on a colorful rug, with striped pillows, and baskets of homegrown tomatoes and greens on the table. The patio is around a blue house, with a fountain and other plants there too.

Consumer Experience

There are legion factor at play to charm how marihuana impress you , both mentally and physically . These cistron let in whether the works is sativa or indica , the unique characteristics of the variant , THC and CBD capacity , and our individual Endocannabinoid Systems .

Did you fuck we all have an Endocannabinoid System?Yep . Just like we have an endocrine system , resistant system , digestive organisation , and so on . Our bodies have lifelike receptors , made to interact with cannabinoid compounds . This includes both interior , naturally - synthesized cannabinoids and those from international generator – like those from marijuana or hemp . Neat , huh ?

The Endocannabinoid System ( also called EC or ECS ) is responsible for how our body and mental capacity respond or feel after consuming ganja . Studies suggest that the more you ’re bring out to cannabinoids , the more sensory receptor you develop . That is why someone who uses marijuana for the first metre may not experience much at all . After a few times , more receptors have been established and therefore the effects more readily experienced .

A graphic representation of the human Endocannabinoid system. A black human figure is in the middle, with colorful dots all over the body. The colorful dots represent the locations of various cannabinoid receptors in the body. It is meant to show that it effects every organ and area.

“ The endogenous cannabinoid system , named after the flora that led to its find , is perhaps the most important physiologic system regard in establishing and keep human wellness . Endocannabinoids and their receptors are find throughout the body : in the brain , organs , connective tissues , glands , and resistant cell . In each tissue paper , the cannabinoid system of rules perform unlike project , but the end is always the same : homeostasis , the upkeep of a stable interior environment despite fluctuations in the international environment . ”

Furthermore …

“ … the ECS helps fine - tune most of our full of life physiological functions . It promotes homeostasis affecting everything from sleep , appetite , painful sensation , inflammation , remembering , modality , and even reproduction . ” Tyler Strause

A photo of two very tall, lanky sativa cannabis plants. They are taller than the roofline that it is next to. The leaves are more narrow and pointy than indica. The plants are in huge 25-gallon tan fabric grow bags.

As you’re able to see from the computer graphic below , cannabinoid receptor are present throughout the organic structure . They ’re embedded in cell membranes , and are believed to bemore legion than any other receptor scheme . As a result , this is likely thekeyreason that cannabis is prove to help ease symptoms from such a vast array of disease and conditions . condition that impact all parts of the body and brain , from Alzheimer ’s to cancer to arthritis .

Sativa vs. Indica: Effects

Generally utter , sativa is known for providing a intellectual chief - high while indica induces more of a body high . Sativa = up , creative , euphoric . Indica = down , relaxing , sleep - inducing . Most “ sofa whorl ” and “ munchies ” can be attributed to indica . On the other hand , uncomfortable opinion of anxiety may hail from a strong sativa . Of course this is a generalisation . With many melody being hybridized , this does n’t always ring true – or at least not so black - and - white .

loanblend can be wonderful . agriculturist combine strains to “ weed out ” some of the unpleasant extremes and play up the beneficial or desired ones or else .

in person , we seek out nicely - balanced , uplifting hybrid strains . For example , we ’ve been favourable to find sativa - prevalent crossbreed that keeps us feeling alert , engaged , all the way - headed , and creative . We are able to cultivate on labor in the garden or dance at concerts without feeling sluggish , but also not feel racy or anxious like some potent sativa can induce . With the indica bred in , they also provide for a nice relaxing effect and lead to a great dark of sopor later . One such strain isMaui Wowie – a personal favorite . However , maybe you want something that will put you to sleep , pronto ! It all depends on what your motive and desired outcomes are for cannabis use .

An image of three cannabis leaves. On the left says sativa. The leaf is narrow, pointed, and has 9 segments or fingers of the leaf. The middle leaf says Indica, is wide and fat, and has 7 leaf segments. The right is Ruderalis, with fat leaves like the Indica, but only 5 leaf segments.

There are so many fluctuation within the sativa and indica classes themselves . When you are shopping for cannabis germ , flora , or efflorescence , do notonlypay care to the sativa and indica ratios . Read the descriptions!A good stock breeder or supplier should be able-bodied to provide pretty elaborate selective information about the common effects and attribute of the strain . Furthermore , info on the THC and CBD subject should be included , which we ’ll hash out next .

THC & CBD

Before we dive into the sativa versus indica conversation around THC and CBDs , permit ’s first verify you have a full sympathy of what those compounds are . Cannabis turn back hundreds of cannabinoids . The two most widely known one areTHC and CBD .

THC stands forTetrahydrocannabinol . It is known for having psychoactive outcome – the mental “ high ” associated with marijuana exercise . Those psychoactive upshot are not all negative though!On the opposite , THC is report to serve ease symptom of Great Depression , tenseness , and anxiety for some users .

CBD , more formally referred to ascannabidiol , provides natural backup for many ill such as insomnia , raptus , and excitement . It does not produce an obvious change in mental state . Therefore , CBD - only strains and products are pop , more recognized , and widely used as medicament – even while people are at workplace .

A short, stocky autoflower cannabis plant. It is only about 2 feet tall, but it’s branches are thick and full of buds. In the background are another couple small autoflower plants. The image is taken in a hobby greenhouse. The plans are in 5 gallon tan fabric grow bags, on a wood slat shelf.

Together , the strength and medicative benefits ofTHC and CBD combinedthrough whole - works use of goods and services and educe ismore powerfulthan either one on its own . This is referred to as theEntourage burden , which we explore in myintroductory poston cannabis .

Apopular mythis that Indica is higher in CBD , and sativa is higher in THC . That is why indicas make you more sleepyheaded and sluggish , while sativas are more energizing and uplifting , right?Wrong .

When indicas , sativas , and hybrids are study in the lab , there is no funding of this rumor . for certain , there may be indica strain that are very high in CBD and blue in THC … but the same could be said for some sativa strains too . Across the board , one is not systematically , significantly high than another . This will vary from line to strain , free-base on its born origin and also how it has been bred . Again , do your research and hold in labels ! A trustworthy marijuana product should always beclearly labelledas to its tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD message , enabling you to evaluate and prefer what suits you best .

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Considerations for Medicinal Use

I think we have already clearly lay down that a designation of “ sativa ” or “ indica ” is not a dependable prognosticator of its exact effects . This is in particular true when hybrids add up into drama . However , sativa and indica are distinct enough that there arecommonly accepted medicative usesassociated with each .

Chart references : Kind Meds Strain GuideandPeace Naturals

Auto-flowering Cannabis Plants

If you conform to along with our growing journey , you ’ll probably notice someodd , short , mini cannabis plantsaround our homestead . Those are auto - bloom plants , referred to as “ autoflowers ” or just “ motorcar ” . We usually mature a few of these along with regular , large “ photoperiod ” plants as well . They are n’t a ducky for all cannabis agriculturist , but they in spades have some advantage that we bask ! I consider some of you may bask them too , so get ’s discuss autoflowers !

Just as sativa and indica plants can be spawn together to create intercrossed plant , those plants can also be crossed with another species of cannabis plant life – ruderalis . In fact , this species is the base of all modern auto - flowering cannabis strains .

Ruderalis

Ruderalis is an ancient , fantastic marihuana variety that initiate in Russia . To accommodate to its aboriginal rough , inhuman climate and very myopic growing season , ruderalis developed some interesting traits . First of all , they ’re verysmall – develop to a maximum of about 2 feet in height ! They ’re also quite moth-eaten - unfearing .

Another exceedingly unique version is that Ruderalis is triggered to go into flower found on clock time , not light or daytime length . In direct contrast , today ’s common photoperiod marijuana plants rely on a fault in sparkle or sun exposure to prescribe when they set off to prime ( aka , bring forth “ buds ” ) . The shortening day tell them “ You better look sharp up , because the season is coming to an final stage ! ” . Russian Ruderalis make up for their short grow season byautomatically maturingwithin seven calendar week , regardless of Christ Within . This imply that they explode with early vegetative growth , stop that , and thenbegin to bloom only 3 to 4 week after sprouting!Photoperiod plant can take two to three times longer .

A2005 studycompared the genetic science of C. indica , C. sativa , and C. ruderalis and found that the ruderalis factor pocket billiards lies somewhere between hemp and marijuana cannabis varieties . With that background , Ruderalis plants contain hardly any THC(like hemp ) , but can rather have quiterobust CBD content – more like marijuana . This fact , combined with their other quirky traits , make them very likable for grower developing today ’s motorcar - flowering cannabis strains .

Modern Day Cannabis Autoflowers

Today ’s autoflower plant are created by crossing C. ruderalis with an indica or sativa hemp melodic line . Next , the result strain is then breed and pick out over many generations to grow the good qualities of both . With this , the resulting strain will largelymaintain the medicinal properties of the indica or sativa parent strain . Therefore , all of the variable quantity regarding THC , CBD , sativa , and indica properties that we have explore up to this period use just the same to autoflowers . Except for the way of life they develop .

Like their ruderalis roots , autoflowers stick around quite short . They do get a bit tall than two invertebrate foot though ! you may require the median autoflower to be around3 to 4 invertebrate foot tall . genuine to their name , modernistic autoflower strains cut daylight modification and start flowering automatically by years alternatively . They have a super light vegetative menstruation andflower early on , though not always quite as early on as ruderalis does . Most auto strains are expected to begin flowering within 3 to 6 weeks after sprouting . They will be done and quick to glean in 10 to 15 weeks , depending on your unique originate consideration .

For the record , interbreeding and cross - breeding is NOT the same as factor splice and genetical modification . Autoflowers are NOT GMO !

Advantages of Growing Autoflowers

There are many advantages of growing autoflower plants , particularly for the home hobby grower !

If you are like us , and love to experiment by growing new and unique plants ( and I mean any and all kinds of flora … not just pot ! ) , then you’re able to belike see the appeal here . With such a short lifecycle , several rounds of autoflower plants can be turn in one turn time of year . you’re able to act with many more varieties than if you were to spring up photoperiod plants only .

By arise more plants over a time of year , this can help to make up for thesmaller productionin buds that fall from each single autoflower plant . That is , if a high bud yield is a antecedency for you … Maybe high-pitched takings is n’t a concern ? On the opposite , are you you an infrequent user and would rather not end up with more marijuana than you screw what to do with ? Then autoflowers are even more appealing ! They ’re a lotless overwhelmingto incline to . You could grow just one or two autos for the whole twelvemonth . Even more , that means less to trim !

The small stature of autoflower cannabis plant is appealing for some growers . Above all , for thoserestricted to growing indoors or in a smaller outside blank . I ca n’t conceive of having a monolithic , lanky sativa plant indoors . But maybe you have intercourse sativa!A sativa - based autoflower may be the slate . In our very modest6 by 8 - foot glasshouse , we can easily house three to four full - grow autoflower plants ! Rather , it seems like one mature photoperiod plant would hardly fit in there .

Because the plants are smaller , they can be grown in smaller pots . therefore , this equate to less space requirements , and alsoless costfor the pots , soil , and amendments ! For example , we typically grow our “ boastful girls ” in20 - gallon grow bags . In direct contrast , autoflowers can be well-chosen in a5 to 7 - congius baginstead .

The final advantage worth a reference regarding autoflowers is their hardiness . Due to their short life round , they are less susceptible to the impact of potential disease and pest than traditional photoperiod plants . That is n’t to say that things ca n’t go wrong with car ; they are n’t immune to issues by any agency ! However , if they ’re around for a less period of time , as a result there is also a reduced probability for something like powdery mould to take cargo deck . Or , for an aphid infestation to get too far out of control .

As you could see , cannabis come in a plethora of type and forms . I realize that everyone is n’t for hemp , but I also hazard to say that there is potential a marihuana for everyone .

In all , what do you think ? Did you instruct something newfangled ? I hope you delight the read . Finally , please feel gratuitous to necessitate questions andpass it on ! To the left , that is .