Sativa vs Indica: the differences between these cannabis varieties
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Reading time 6 min
CONTENTS
The cannabidiol (CBD) is a molecule derived from cannabis, and can be extracted from any variety of hemp. In fact, you may have heard of the two main varieties of this plant, Sativa and Indica? But do you know what the differences are between CBD flowers Sativa and Indica flowers? We'll explain it all today.
To remember
- Sativa and Indica are two varieties of hemp with distinct origins, shapes and aromas.
- Sativas are large, long-blooming and have more stimulating effects, while Indicas are more compact, relaxing and fast-blooming.
- Even in CBD versions, Sativa and Indica have their differences: aromas, structures and effects vary according to dominance.
What is cannabis sativa?
Cannabis, and in particular the discovery of its various varieties, is nothing new. As long ago as 1753, Swedish botanist Carl Von Linné identified psychoactive hemp plants.
Origin, appearance and flavour of Sativa
It was in 1785 that French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck discovered that Cannabis Sativa had different characteristics in its own right.
The plant was originally cultivated in India, on the plateaus known as the Hindu Kush to the west of the Himalayas. Today, the name is used to refer to varieties grown in warmer climates (e.g. Mexico, Ecuador), dry climates with long, sunny days. Sativa plants are tall and relatively robust, resembling small shrubs from which grow elongated, hand-shaped leaves.
In terms of aromas and fragrances, Sativa is considered spicy thanks to its varied terpene profiles, giving rise to citrus aromas with earthy, even pungent notes.
What is Indica cannabis?
Indica origin, appearance and flavours
Native to northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of North America, Indica cannabis is a high-altitude plant that is also widely found in the highlands of Nepal, Turkey and Morocco.
Visually, it bears no resemblance to the Sativa variety. The plants are small (no more than 90 cm high, compared with 1.80 m for Sativa) and the leaves are short and broad. In terms of aroma, we're also in a totally different league. Often known as Kush, Indica cannabis is renowned for its generous flavours. Often fruity, Indicas also have a strong woody smell.
What are the differences between Sativa and Indica CBD flowers?
From appearance to taste and olfactory profiles, as well as molecular composition, the differences between CBD Sativa and Indica flowers are significant. I've just confirmed that, visually, the two plants have nothing in common. Their aromas and scents are also different. Apart from these minor differences, the real difference lies in the composition of the plants and the way they impact the human organism.
Sativa vs Indica: differences in appearance
Although they both belong to the same plant species, Sativa and Indica varieties have their own visual differences.
Sativa plants are slender, often very tall and large (up to two meters), with long, thin leaves. They look like small tropical shrubs and need plenty of light and space to grow.
Indica, on the other hand, is more compact, with thick stems, broad leaves and a stocky habit. It generally doesn't exceed 90 centimetres, making it a popular indoor variety.
Sativa vs Indica: differences in taste and aroma
Although each variety has its own terpene profile, typical aromatic tendencies can generally be distinguished between Sativa andIndica.
Sativa flowers release lively, spicy, lemony aromas, sometimes woody with hints of pine, citrus or even pepper. They are often associated with a sensation of freshness and lightness.
Indica flowers, on the other hand, offer deeper, sweeter fragrances, often fruity, earthy or resinous. Their aromatic richness makes them particularly appreciated for moments of relaxation.
Sativa vs Indica: differences in effects and THC and CBD content
Indica cannabis is, on average, slightly lower in THC than Sativa, but higher in CBD. Sativa plants, on the other hand, are renowned for their extreme THC content, which is the psychoactive molecule found in cannabis. CBD is also recognized for its calming and anti-stress effects, while THC is more stimulating and euphoric.
Indica should be taken in the evening for its sedative action, to relieve muscle pain and spasms, help with insomnia, nausea and chronic pain. Cannabis Sativa has a more stimulating action, so it's best taken during the day, to help with anxiety, ADHD, depression, anorexia, etc.
Sativa vs Indica: flowering time
Flowering time is another major difference between Sativa andIndica, and is directly linked to their geographical origin. Indica varieties, which grow in mountainous regions where seasons are shorter, have a rapid flowering cycle, generally between 7 and 9 weeks.
Their compact growth allows good yields to be obtained in small areas, making them very popular with indoor growers or those who want a faster harvest.
Sativa varieties, on the other hand, take longer to mature, flowering between 10 and 16 weeks. Why is this? Because they adapt to equatorial climates, where days are long and stable all year round.
This slower development often offers higher yields but requires more space to grow fully, due to their slender structure and foliage.
Sativa vs Indica: Summary of the main differences
| Criteria | Sativa | Indica |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | Hot regions (Mexico, Ecuador and Thailand) | Mountain regions (North India, Pakistan and Nepal) |
| Appearance | Large plant (up to 2 metres), long, thin leaves | Small plant (about 90 centimetres), broad, thick leaves |
| Flowering time | 10 to 16 weeks | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Aroma profile | Fresh, citrus, spicy notes | Woody, earthy, often fruity aromas (Kush type) |
| Desired effects | Stimulants, energizers, creativity boosters | Relaxants, sedatives, muscle relaxation |
| Ideal use | Daytime (stress, depression, loss of appetite) | Evenings (chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety) |
| CBD content | Moderate | Often higher |
| THC content (excluding CBD) | Higher (in its natural state, excluding CBD version) | Weaker in general |
| Examples of varieties | Haze, Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Lemon Skunk | Kush, Afghan, Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple |
Which varieties are right for you?
While one variety is not necessarily better than the other, choosing the right CBD flowers for your needs is essential to getting the most out of CBD.
Both varieties contain CBD than THC, but with a relatively different cannabinoid profile. Cannabis Sativa is favoured for all ailments of a more mental nature, while cannabis Indica is more likely to target physical ailments. Today, we mainly use hybrid flowers, especially those concentrated in CBD.
Find out more about CBD flowers:
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
