Cannabis has been around for more than thousands of years. And thanks to more studies proving its efficacy in treating some disorders, many states have passed laws legalizing or decriminalizing medical and recreational cannabis.
Since its legalization in many states, the cannabis industry has thrived because people’s comfort levels with purchasing and using cannabis goods have increased. From food to beauty products, companies are using the cannabis plant in an increasing number of different product categories.
There are several benefits of using CBD. Some of the few known benefits include reducing anxiety levels, having a more restful sleep, and reducing pain from exercise or strenuous activity. However, not all CBDs are made the same; there are several popular cannabis strains. The two most popular and used strains are Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica.
In this article, we’ll describe how these two differ regarding their chemical compounds, physiological consequences, and application in medical items.
First off, What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical substance obtained from the hemp or cannabis plant. It’s often mistaken for being the same as THC from the marijuana plant.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is how cannabinoids communicate with the human body. The ECS controls physiological processes like sleep, our immune systems, and our mood.
So although THC results in a recognizable “high,” CBD is completely non-euphoric. According to one study, CBD may reduce pain or muscle spasms by influencing the endocannabinoid receptors, which regulate many other physiological and cognitive processes such as mood, memory, and pain. Due to its medicinal benefits, many people have considered incorporating it into their lifestyle.
Furthermore, strong evidence supports using CBD to treat people with seizure disorders. The first CBD-containing prescription drug for treating epilepsy received FDA approval in 2018.
Although CBD is an effective treatment for some types of seizures, it’s critical to know that it is not a solution or cure for all diseases or disorders. According to the WHO, more research is needed before concluding any potential benefits of CBD for other medical disorders.
CBD Sativa VS CBD Indica
What is Sativa Strain?
CBD Sativa plant strains are tall and lean with light green foliage; these strains are grown in Central and South America and Southeast Asia. Botanists distinguish it from Indica based on its outward look.
CBD Sativa strains have five significant benefits:
Elevates Mood
The #1 benefit of CBD Sativa is that it can elevate mood. However, this may be different for some. Some people who use pure Sativa may feel more anxious, which is the exact reverse of an improved mood. But from a medicinal standpoint, people who consume Sativa strains frequently report having a better mood.
Increases Energy
CBD Sativa strains are primarily used to increase energy and boost productivity. Sativa strains tend to stimulate activity, lower fatigue levels, and encourage the urge to interact with others in a social situation as midday social strains.
Boosts Appetite
While Sativa, Indica, and other popular hybrid strains are used to boost appetite, most people who want to boost their appetite prefer to use Sativa.
Helps with Depression
It only makes sense that one of the most prevalent medical benefits of Sativa strains is to treat symptoms of depression, given its well-established capacity to help improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and elevate mood.
Patients with depression frequently struggle to find meaning in normal daily activities and circumstances. They discover that nothing is worthwhile and are overtaken by apathy. An intense Sativa strain may be able to significantly lessen these emotions.
Promotes Creativity and Focus
Although unnecessary, a lack of focus could be seen as a “medical problem,” especially given the prevalence of conditions like adult-onset ADHD in the US.
However, in this case, the therapeutic effects of Sativa strains in terms of fostering focus and creativity would primarily depend on the chemical makeup of the person in question. A Sativa strain is more likely to have this effect than an Indica strain.
Some pure dominant Sativa strains, such as the Durban Poison, are very high in THC. This type of cannabis should be avoided since it can give you an intoxicating feeling. Remember that, unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not give users a euphoric high. Many users select strains with high CBD concentrations because CBD mitigates the harmful effects of THC, which can also cause anxiety.
What is Indica Strain?
Indica plants are typically identified as being shorter and bushier, with fatter leaves. It originated from and is grown heavily in the Middle East.
Indica has three significant benefits:
Reduces Stress
Many struggle to get a good night’s rest, primarily because of stress. If you’re like the millions of Americans who struggle to get to sleep, CBD Indica might help you. Indica-dominant strains are typically linked to sedation.
One study Indica strains impact sleeping habits. In this investigation, different cannabis strains were administered to insomnia patients, and their sleep quality was assessed. The results showed that those who used cannabis Indica strains experienced better outcomes than those who used Sativa strains.
Pain and Inflammation Relief
Pure Indica cannabis strains have recently gained popularity among people with chronic pain. Moreover, more patients favor Indica strains because of their alleged analgesic benefits.
The average reactions patients had to Indica and Sativa strains were examined in a recent study. Respondents preferred Sativa strains for boosting low energy while choosing Indica strains for sedation and pain treatment.
Reduces Anxiety
Considering Indicas are strongly associated with sedation, it’s no surprise these strains have become popular with anxiety patients. Indeed, the sedative potential in Indicas makes them ideal for patients who have a rough time mellowing out.
Conversely, Indicas aren’t the best choice for fatigue conditions. For instance, if you’re struggling with major depression, you might be better off looking into uplifting Sativa dominant strains.
Indica strains usually have a higher CBD percentage than Sativa strains, which probably causes their relaxing and analgesic properties.
Which is Better for Medicinal Purposes: Indica vs. Sativa
Because both Indica and Sativa strains have significant benefits, many people ask which is better for medicinal purposes. It is an incredibly challenging question because there’s no right or wrong answer. Before choosing, weighing each alternative’s advantages and disadvantages is essential.
Just a recap; Sativa strains are best at increasing mood and energy and boosting appetite, while Indica is best for reducing stress, easing inflammation and pain, and reducing anxiety.
The answer ultimately depends on your preferences and your CBD use goals. Sativa is undoubtedly better if you seek a more invigorating and uplifting impact. Indica is a better option if you’re aiming for a more calming and sedative effect.
Of course, the rule can occasionally be broken. Sativa tends to make some individuals feel calmer, while Indica makes some people feel more energized. It’s ultimately up to you to explore each cannabis strain and determine which is more effective.
Hemp CBD VS Cannabis CBD
Hemp and cannabis plants have over 540 compounds; CBD and THC are the most known. The quantity of each chemical in the two plants distinguishes them most; while cannabis plants have more CBD, hemp plants produce more THC.
Even if they’re not intoxicating as THC, high CBD strains can still have side effects.
The usual adverse symptoms of taking CBD include nausea, fatigue, or restlessness.
CBD’s chemical composition is independent of the type of plant it comes from. The quantity of CBD that can be extracted does, however, depend on the source. The most profitable alternative for manufacturers and with the fewest potential legal repercussions is hemp plants because they contain far more CBD.
In addition to levels of THC and CBD, the critical distinction between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD is its legal standing. The majority of the USA, except for three states, is covered by the 2018 Farm Bill, which makes items made from plants that adhere to the legal requirements for hemp legal.
The law prohibits the sale of goods derived from plants with high THC content. Yet, it is crucial to remember that CBD products from cannabis should have less than 0.3% THC, as this requirement applies to all high CBD strain products.
States that prohibit the recreational use of cannabis consider CBD products with more than 0.3% THC as a Schedule I substance.
What Forms Can I Get CBD Products In?
If you want to administer Indica or Sativa CBDs, you can now easily do so without having to smoke them. Most strains, including hybrid strains, are available as oils, topicals, and edibles.
Oils
Popular CBD products include CBD oil. Most CBD oil is created by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and is made from industrial hemp. CBD oil can be applied topically or consumed internally (put under the tongue with a stopper). It can also be mixed with moisturizers.
CBD oil made from hemp is not the same as hemp oil. Cannabis seeds are the source of hemp oil, which is devoid of cannabinoids.
Topicals
Another well-liked format for CBD products is topicals. They contain cannabis-infused creams, lotions, and balms. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system once applied to the skin.
For people who choose not to smoke or ingest cannabis, topicals are a fantastic alternative. They’re also ideal for people who want to use cannabis to treat a particular part of their body.
Edibles
CBD edibles, which range from tinctures and oils to gummies, brownies, and chocolate bars, provide a more durable option to inhaled CBD products. With just a few more ingredients, you can create CBD edibles at home using extracts or flowers.
High CBD Cannabis Strains
Popular Sativa Strains with High CBD
ACDC
ACDC is one of the most popular strains of Sativa. ACDC offers relief from several diseases and is renowned for having CBD ratios that are higher than typical (20:1). ACDC is known for having much more comforting and elevated effects and zero intoxication effects.
Pine dominates the earthy flavor, primarily sweet with a tinge of sweetness. This Sativa strain is best for daytime use.
CBD Mango Haze
Another high CBD strain is the CBD Mango Haze, which has THC:CBD ratios of between 1:1 and 1:1.2 or a CBD level of about 9% and a THC content of about 7%. This high CBD strain has a smooth, slightly fruity taste and a sweet smell. CBD Mango Haze has calming and stress-relieving Sativa effects.
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is the wonderful creation of the Stanley Brothers of Colorado. This strand is made from hemp plants and only has 0.1% THC, meaning it is not intoxicating. The scent of Charlotte’s Web is soft and earthy, with touches of pine and lemon, and has a subdued and earthy, with a faintly sweet aftertaste.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a cross between Thai and Swiss strains and a Nepali Indica strain renowned for its Sativa effects promoting mental clarity. It has a CBD:THC ratio of 5:2. The flavors might be anything from fruity and sweet to earthy musk.
Hawaiian Dream
Hawaiian Dream is a hybrid of Blue Dream and a Hawaiian Sativa strain. The best-known feature of Hawaiian Dream is its high CBD content, which is frequently twice as abundant as its THC. This strain relieves users from pain, inflammation, and anxiety without experiencing physical heaviness or mental fog.
Medihaze
Sativa-dominant strain Medihaze combines the genetics of the same strain of three CBD-rich parents. It has an energetic effect on users and is well known for reducing pain and inflammation in addition to its uplifting qualities. Pine, mint, and spice are subtly combined in the flavor profile.
Popular Indica Strains with High CBD
CBD Shark
CBD Shark is an Indica-dominant strain best for people suffering from pain, anxiety, and inflammation. This particular strain is strong enough to relieve these symptoms without being intoxicated. Its aroma is composed of sweet fruit accented by subtle garlic and herb.
Pennywise
Pennywise, or what others call the “true killer,” is a combination of Harlequin and Jack the Ripper. But regardless of its reputation, Pennywise is rich in CBD and has mild to no psychoactive effects. This is best for people who want to feel a mild euphoria but not be overly intoxicated.
Remedy
Remedy is a cross between Cannatonic and Afghan Skunk — varieties derived from 50/50 Indica and Sativa plants — which causes little to no psychoactive effects. This Indica-dominant strain is best for people who dislike overly strong tastes from terpenes.
Stephen Hawking Kush
Stephen Hawking Kush was created by pollinating a Harle-Tsu female with a Sin City Kush male. SHK is known to have berry flavors that mix with a minty note. The soothing, relaxing effects help keep the pain away and can suppress nausea.
Sweet & Sour Widow
Sweet and Sour Widow is a 70/30 Indica-dominant strain with a subtly sweet aroma. S&SW is derived from White Widow genetics and has a balanced cannabinoid profile, resulting in mild psychoactive effects and making this strain suitable for novice consumers. This is the strain for people who like sour space candy but have a sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we tell Indica from Sativa Plants?
The plant itself is the primary indicator of the difference between the two types of cannabis plants. Sativa leaves are long and thin, and the plant itself grows tall and lean, whereas Indica leaves are broad and short, and the plant remains short and bushy. Moreover, Sativa plants take a while to mature, whereas Indica plants grow quickly. Lastly, Sativa plants generate fewer buds.
What are the differences between Marijuana and CBD?
The term “marijuana” is frequently used to refer to cannabis products that contain THC beyond the legal limit set by the federal government. Medicinal dispensaries will provide a range of goods with higher THC concentrations that are of a medical grade. Tinctures, topicals, gummies, chocolates, and even the actual flower, or “weed,” are among the available items.
To be sold nationwide, a CBD product must have a lower, nationally permitted THC limit of less than 0.3%. Keep in mind that while each plant contains both the chemicals CBD and THC, their proportions vary depending on how the plant was cultivated.
What is the difference between Hemp and CBD Oil?
Many people think that CBD and hemp oil are the same when they’re not. Most hemp oils produced have no CBD. The extraction process is also different; hemp oil is extracted from hemp seed, while CBD oil is removed from the flower, leaves, or stalks of the cannabis and hemp plants. Hemp oil has minimal to no therapeutic effects.
Where should a beginner start with CBD?
Beginners are advised to consume the smallest amount/percentage possible of CBD products. Before buying any product, determine what effects you would like to experience. Would you like a good night’s sleep? Or do you want to feel more energized? Knowing why you’re taking CBD can make it easier to choose the best strains and the most effective times of day to take your doses.
If you want a relaxing effect, consume Indica-dominant strains. If you want to elevate your mood and feel more energized, use Sativa-dominant strains.
What do you need to consider when buying CBD?
Always buy from a reputable, GMP-certified local dispensary that uses organic hemp as the primary raw material. If you want to purchase from online vendors, research their reputation and certification, and confirm if their products have a Certificate of Analysis.
What to Look for in Indica-Sativa Hybrids?
Most dispensaries sell Indica-Sativa hybrids with Indica-dominant strains. Regardless of the strain, you must check the amount of THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and terpenes.
Can CBD be combined with medications?
There are currently insufficient data available on the relationship between CBD and medicines. It is best to speak with your doctor for more information.
