Growing Indica vs Sativa Marijuana Plants: What's The Difference?
Today there are thousands of unique marijuana strains available to choose from in seed, clone, and bud form, and that can seem overwhelming. However, anyone with even a little bit of marijuana knowledge has probably heard the terms “Indica” and “Sativa” and the resulting debate about which marijuana sub-species is the better plant.
Likewise, most long-time growers and users have an opinion about whether Indica’s thick, sticky buds are the superior product or if you are better off with the uplifting, cheerful effects of a Sativa. So does it actually matter? And why?
Let’s take a look at the differences in the plants and the flowers they produce and why it does actually matter, whether you are growing or just enjoying the fruits of someone else’s plants.
Growing Indica Marijuana Plants
Indica plants originated in the harsh climates of the Kush Mountains, which has made them hardy and relatively easy to grow plants. Because their native habitat is inhospitable and the growing season short, Indica plants remain short, extending only a few feet high.
Their flowering cycle is also faster than the Sativa plant, making them ideal for indoor growing. Indica plants are what many people picture when they think of marijuana plants, a short, bushy plant with broad, dark green leaves and dense, sticky buds.
The sticky feeling of Indica buds comes from the high number of THC crystals they produce, which also gives the flowers their body-altering effects. These sticky buds usually come with a sweet, fruity flavor.
The typically more elevated levels of THC make Indica buds ideal for relaxation and use as a mild sedative when compared to Sativa’s stimulation. In addition, people often look to this strain for help with alleviating nausea, aches, and pains or if they are having trouble sleeping. You will often hear this referred to as a “body high.”
Growing Sativa Marijuana Plants
Sativa plants thrive in hot, arid climates such as those found in Central and Western Asia, where the strain originated. These desert-like conditions created a plant that is taller than its Indica counterpart, with longer, more narrow leaves.
In addition, their leggy build and light, fluffy, earthy flavored buds make Sativa plants less susceptible to pests and issues like mildew than Indica.
However, due to their size and longer growing season, they are not always the best fit for new cultivators or indoor grows. With the proper space and care, Sativa plants can grow as tall as 12 feet.
The effect people receive from Sativa plants is more stimulating and energetic than that from the Indica plants, and many people call it a “head high.” Sativa plants tend to produce higher levels of CBD and help people feel focused and motivated.
Because of these effects, it is often used to help treat depression or get into a creative headspace.
Growing Hybrid Marijuana Plants
In recent years, growers have become quite adept at mixing and matching Indica and Sativa strains to create new strains, known as Hybrids, which encompass what they feel are the best of both plants.
There is no blueprint for what a Hybrid plant will look like or the effects of its buds, as it is totally dependant upon the mixture of parent strains. This can lead to different effects even within the same Hybrid strain and confuse new consumers.
However, with the help of a knowledgeable grower, you should be able to find a strain that fits your needs. Luckily, we have a vast selection of Indica, Sativa and Hybrid plants available. Get your Chicago marijuana clones with us today and start your growing journey.
So What Does It All Mean?
The bottom line is this: the best plant is the one that meets your needs. That is it, the crux of the entire argument, which strain or combination of strains works best for someone else, may not be what you need.
Therefore, the best thing you can do is do your own research. Talk to experienced growers and users about their experiences and explain to them what it is you are looking for.
There will probably be some trial and error, whether it is with growing your own or sampling a strain that just really isn’t for you. However, once you find your niche, you will know, and you will be able to share your experiences with others who are just starting out on their marijuana journey.