Indica vs. Sativa: Understanding the Differences, Effects, and Uses

Introduction

The first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when they hear the word “cannabis” is the drug, which goes by the names of marijuana and weed as well. However, first and foremost, it is a naturally occurring flowering plant. Three species of cannabis are recognized – Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis ruderalis is often considered to be a subspecies of Cannabis sativa, hence the two widely recognized species are Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.

While Indica and Sativa are closely related, they are different in other ways. They are different in how they look, Indica is short and stocky. Sativa is taller and grows considerably faster. More importantly, when it comes to Indica vs Sativa, they also differ in their delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THS) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, so they affect the mind and body in distinct ways. Indica makes one feel relaxed, while Sativa makes one feel more energetic.

Indica: Strains, Effects, and Uses

Indica Strains

Indica strains or the more recent chemovars (chemical varieties) are known for their relaxing effect. Indica strains are generally cultivated in Afghanistan and have more CBD content than THC content. While Indica strains are not very popular, there are still quite many of them available:

• Black Domina
• California Hash Plant
• Confidencial OG
• Cream Caramel
• Critical Kush
• Enemy of the State
• LA Cheese
• LA Confidential
• Northern Lights
• OG LA Affie

Indica Effects

Indica strains are known for their relaxing effects. They help relieve stress and calm the body. Indica strains are also known for their appetizing and pain-relieving effects. Hence, they are most commonly used during the evening and nighttime, when people are looking to relax after a long and winding day.

Indica Uses

Indica strains are intensely relaxing and soothing. They are used for the same reason, especially when people are looking to relax. Many medical cannabis strains also have a type of Indica strain, and are used for the following:

• Pain relief
• Chronic pain relief
• Joint pains
• Arthritis
• Increasing appetite
• Reducing nausea
• Reducing sleep difficulties

Get Help Now!

Sativa: Strains, Effects, and Uses

Sativa Strains

Sativa strains or chemovars are cultivated in Africa, Central America, and some portions of Asia. Typically, they grow in a hot and sunny climate. Unlike Indica strains, they contain higher doses of THC and lower doses of CBD. While pure Sativa strains are not really very popular, there are quite a few of them available:

• Chocolope
• Dr. Grinspoon
• Durban
• Jamaican Dream
• Kali Mist
• Neville’s Haze
• Panama Haze
• Serious 6
• Tijuana
• Utopia Haze

Sativa Effects

Sativa is an upper, unlike Indica which is a downer. It is known for giving rise to a “mind high”, and for its energizing and anxiety-reducing effects. Hence, Sativa is generally consumed during the daytime.

Sativa Uses

Sativa gives rise to “mind high” effects, making it popular for recreational use. However, certain medical uses of sativa are as follows:

• Stress relief
• Anxiety relief
• Pain relief
• Reducing headaches and migraines
• Elevating mood
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Key Differences Between Indica and Sativa

While considering Indica vs Sativa or Sativa vs India, there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Indica is grown in drier climates, mainly in Afghanistan. It is grown in countries like India and South Africa as well. It is shorter, has broad leaves, and is stocky. It generally contains more CBD than THC, however, the ratio is considered to be 1:1.

Indica is a downer. It is known for its relaxing and sedating effects. It also has some medical uses, especially in the treatment of pain, insomnia, and epilepsy.

Meanwhile, Sativa is grown in humid climates, mainly in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico, and Vietnam, among others. It is taller and has slender leaves. It generally contains more THC than CBD.

Sativa is an upper. It is known for its stimulating and energizing effects. It has some medical uses as well, especially when it comes to anxiety and depression.

Get Help Now!

Hybrid Strains: A Combination of Indica and Sativa

In the comparisons of Indica vs Sativa or Sativa vs Indica, more often than not, hybrid strains or chemovars are the ones that come out as the winners, as they are the most popular ones. Hybrids contain both Indica and Sativa strains and are grown on farms or greenhouses to have either higher doses of CBD, higher doses of THC, or higher doses of both. For instance, a popular hybrid strain is Harlequin and while it is predominantly Sativa, it contains higher doses of CBD than THC.

Hybrids appear to be a combination of both Indica and Sativa, which are kind of their parent plants. Their effects can range from stress relief to anxiety relief. Moreover, they also have some medical benefits, especially in easing the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Yes, Indica, Sativa, and hybrids have their effects and uses. However, it is important to consider their side effects and risks as well. They are not without them, either. Most of these side effects and risks are the result of THC, and not from CBD.

Smoking or vaping cannabis can lead to respiratory troubles. Even ingesting cannabis in the form of cookies or gummies can have adverse impacts on the overall respiratory health.

Other unwanted effects include:

• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Troubles with body movement
• Changes in appetite
• Damage to the developing brain, especially observed among adolescents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is better, Indica or Sativa?

Depending on whether one wants to experience relaxing or energizing effects, Indica or Sativa, respectively, can be considered. However, both have their potential side effects and risks.

Do you get higher from Sativa or Indica?

Sativa is the upper, so one can get a mind high with Sativa.

Is Sativa a downer or Indica?

Indica is the downer. It is known for its relaxing effects.

Does Indica make me sleepy?

Yes, Indica can make one feel sleepy.

Does Indica make you hungry?

Indica is used to increase appetite, so yes, it can induce feelings of hunger.

Get Help Now!

Treatment Options for Alcohol Withdrawal

The goal of treatment for alcohol withdrawal is to reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications like seizures, and treat alcohol use disorder. Hence, medication is something very important.

For mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, short-term medications like carbamazepine, gabapentin, and benzodiazepines are prescribed.

In cases of severe alcohol withdrawal, hospitalization is required. Usually, the person is kept in the ICU where they will be monitored and long-acting benzodiazepines are usually administered.

While medication helps in combating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, they cannot treat the main reason for alcohol withdrawal, which is alcohol use disorder or AUD. AUD treatment requires a combination of psychotherapy and medication to prevent relapse and promote sober living. Psychotherapeutic interventions include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Here, the triggers that can contribute to drinking are identified, and coping skills are provided so as to not resort to drinking again.

• Motivational Interviewing – The goal of motivational interviewing is to instill the motivation required to change drinking-related behaviors. Some ways to do this are by identifying the pros and cons of change, making the changes, building confidence, and developing skills that are necessary to stick to recovery.

• Mindfulness Therapy – Focuses on developing strategies that lead to flexible responses to triggers that can lead to drinking rather than resorting to impulsive decision-making.

• 12-Step Recovery Programs – Informal peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous follow a 12-step recovery program where people can come together, share their experiences, and take responsibility for their recovery. They are important for ongoing care and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to withdraw from alcohol?

Alcohol withdrawal can begin as quickly as 6 hours after the last drink and the entire process can last anywhere up to 7 days.

What happens when you quit drinking alcohol?

When a person quits drinking alcohol, they experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These are unpleasant symptoms and in extreme cases can be life-threatening as well.

What is one of the first signs of withdrawal?

One of the first signs of alcohol withdrawal can be agitation, confusion, and mild to moderate tremors.

What's good for alcohol withdrawal?

For mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms, carbamazepine or gabapentin is prescribed. For moderate symptoms, benzodiazepines are prescribed. Meanwhile, for severe symptoms, hospitalization is necessary.