Cannabis contains somewhere around 540 chemical substances.
Two of them stand apart from the rest as the most significant in terms of human use. These chemicals are called cannabinoids, and the two best-known ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
The presence of these specific cannabinoids in different strands of cannabis is what differentiates the two key types of cannabis; Indica and Sativa.
We’re going to look at these two types of cannabis today, giving you some insight into which one could be best for you. We hope the ideas help you when choosing Indica or Sativa at the dispensary.
Let’s get started.
Choosing Indica or Sativa: Beginner’s Guide
There’s an easy way to remember the difference between Indica and Sativa. It’s a cheesy saying, but it’s generally helpful. The saying goes, “Indica will put you in-da-couch.”
This just means that Indica tends to relax the user. Sativa produces more of a psychological high, whereas Indica leads to rest and relaxation. These distinctions come from our friends THC and CBD, respectively.
THC is the cannabinoid that produces a psychological high. It interacts with the CB1 receptors of the cannabinoid system, which interact mostly with areas of the brain rather than the body. THC is more prominent in strains of Sativa.
CBD produces the anti-anxiety and pain-relieving effects of cannabis. It interacts with the CB2 receptors of the cannabinoid system, which interact mostly with the body and nervous system. CBD is found more heavily in strains of Indica.
Why You Would Choose Sativa
Sativa is a great option for those looking to be creative. They’re also an energetic option for those who are using cannabis to deal with symptoms of depression or certain kinds of anxiety.
Someone looking to have a more enjoyable high that leads to some productive output would try Sativa in most cases. You can explore these deals for strains that might work for you.
Note that THC can be powerful, and it is absolutely a psychoactive drug. That means you should ease in! If you’ve never tried it, we suggest starting slow and finding your optimal dosage. Starting at the highest dosage could produce unnecessary anxiety.
Reasons to Choose Indica
Indica is a good option for those looking to relieve physical pain. Many individuals utilize pure CBD (with no psychoactive effect) for the treatment of pain as well.
It serves as an alternative to opioids and other pain medications for those people. You might also use an Indica to try and get to sleep.
Some people say that Indicas help them with their anxious thoughts or general social anxiety as well. Note that there is THC and CBD in both Sativa and Indica, so both strains will produce a psychoactive effect.
That said, modern dispensaries allow you to fine-tune the dosages of these cannabinoids to a high degree.
Want to Learn More About Indica vs Sativa?
We hope our guide to choosing Indica or Sativa was useful to you. That said, there’s a lot more to learn about using Sativa or Indica for anxiety, pain, creativity, and more.
We’re here to help with more ideas. Explore our site for more insight into Sativa vs Indica edibles, different methods of taking these substances, what to expect, and much more.