Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrids – How to tell the difference?
The variety of strains in the world of cannabis can seem overwhelming at first. Each strain has its own unique characteristics that affect both the user experience and growing techniques. Users choose a strain based on the desired effect, while growers consider factors such as the plant’s growth habit, flowering time, and yield. Users and growers of the plant often talk about the two main types – sativa and indica – and their crosses, or hybrids. But what exactly is the difference between these strains, and how do they affect the body and mind?
Sativa – Energizing and creative
Sativa strains generally require a longer growing period than indicas. They thrive in warm, humid climates, and their long, thin leaves help them to evaporate moisture more efficiently. Sativas can grow very tall, even over three meters when grown outdoors, which is worth considering when planning your space.
Characteristics of Sativa varieties:
- Gives an energetic and refreshing feeling
- Promotes creativity and sociability
- Can be used to relieve depression and stress
- Suitable for daytime use
Educational characteristics:
- Long flowering time (10–16 weeks)
- Tall and sparse growth habit, requires plenty of space
- Best suited for warm and humid conditions
- High light requirement, benefits from strong LED or HPS lighting
Popular sativa varieties include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison .
Indica – Relaxing and calming to the body
Indica strains are the opposite of sativas – they offer relaxing and calming effects on the body. Indicas are often shorter and denser, and are especially recommended for evening use or when you want to relieve physical pain and insomnia.
Characteristics of Indica varieties:
- Deeply relaxing and calming effect
- Suitable for treating insomnia and stress
- Can help with muscle pain and chronic aches
- Better for evening use or before bed
Educational characteristics:
- Short flowering time (6–10 weeks)
- Compact and low growth habit, suitable for small spaces
- Withstands cooler temperatures
- Often produces a rich and resinous harvest
Well-known indica varieties include Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, and Blueberry .
Hybrids – The best of both worlds
Hybrid strains, as the name suggests, are a cross between a sativa and an indica. They are developed to provide a balanced effect that can vary depending on the strain. Some hybrids are sativa dominant (more energizing), others are indica dominant (more relaxing), and some are completely balanced.
Hybrid characteristics:
- Varying effects depending on the variety
- A combination of both physical and mental benefits
- Suitable for many different situations and uses
Educational characteristics:
- Flowering time varies (7–12 weeks)
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the variety
- The quantity and quality of the harvest depends on the chosen phenotype
- Can be optimized with growing methods such as LST, SCROG and topping
Popular hybrids include Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato, and OG Kush .
How to choose the right variety?
Choosing the right strain depends on your needs and desired effects, but also on the growing conditions. For example, in a small indoor grow room, indica strains may be a better option due to their compact growth habit and short flowering time. On the other hand, when growing outdoors in warm climates, sativa strains perform better because they can withstand humidity and can produce large yields. Hybrids offer flexibility, as their characteristics depend on how much indica or sativa influence they have. Sativas require a longer flowering time and more space, while indica strains are better suited to indoor growing due to their compact structure. Hybrids offer flexibility in growing, but the genetics of the strain will affect the growth habit and yield.
Cultivation considerations when choosing a variety :
- Space usage: Sativas need height, indicas are shorter, hybrids vary.
- Growing time: Sativas bloom longer, indicas are faster, hybrids are average.
- Light requirement: All varieties benefit from strong LED or HPS lighting, but sativas often need more light hours.
- Climate and ventilation: Sativas thrive in a more humid climate, indicas are more tolerant of cool weather, hybrids adapt to different conditions.
- Growing methods: SCROG, LST and topping can optimize sativa growth indoors, while indica benefits more from its natural growth habit.
Legislation
- In Finland, the cultivation of cannabis is prohibited, even for medicinal use. Medicinal cannabis can be obtained with a doctor's prescription, but its cultivation is not permitted.
- In Europe, cannabis use and cultivation vary by country:
- Netherlands – Small-scale use and sale permitted, cultivation restricted.
- Spain – Private use and cultivation allowed in cannabis clubs.
- Germany – Medicinal use permitted, recreational use becoming legal.
- Malta – Personal use and small-scale cultivation allowed.
- Switzerland – Experimental use and cultivation permitted in certain areas.
Legislation is constantly changing, so it is worth checking with authorities such as Fimea and THL for up-to-date information.