Indica, sativa and hybrid are probably the three most frequently used terms when talking about cannabis. They are used to describe almost any strain, but their actual meaning is more limited than it seems.
Where do the names come from?
Labels first appeared in 18th-century botany as a means of classifying plants according to their appearance and geographical origin. Cannabis sativa It was associated with tall, narrow-leaved plants with long life cycles, typical of warm regions. Cannabis indica It was used for shorter, more compact, broad-leaved plants native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia.
How to tell them apart at a glance
- Sativa: tall plant, with spreading branches, slender leaves and longer flowers.
- Indica: a low-growing, dense plant with broad leaves and compact flowers.
- Hybrid: It combines features of both in varying proportions.
The problem with the label
After decades of cross-breeding between strains, it is now very difficult to find a plant that is purely Indica or purely Sativa. Almost all strains are hybrids. That is why many growers and experts prefer to look at other characteristics when describing a strain.
What to look at instead
The cannabinoid profile. The ratio of THC, CBD and other minor cannabinoids says far more about a strain than the label ‘Indica’ or ‘Sativa’.
Terpenes. These are the aromatic compounds: myrcene, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene and linalool, amongst others. Two strains with the same label may smell completely different depending on their terpene profile.
Specific genetics. The name of the variety and its parents give a more reliable indication of its characteristics than the general category.
So, are they any use at all?
They remain useful as a starting point and as a shared vocabulary. If someone mentions an ‘Indica’, you know they’re probably referring to a plant with broad leaves and dense buds. But to really get to know a strain, it’s worth asking about its genetics, its aroma and its full profile.
At Cloud420, we like to take our time discussing each variety. If you’d like to find out more about the club, do pop in at The Club or check the frequently asked questions.
