Indicas and Sativas: Differences in the Two Basic Strains of Cannabis

Marijuana is not just marijuana. The cannabis plant from which THC-containing marijuana is derived is one of the most hardy and varied plants on earth. There are myriad strains of cannabis, each different in terms of growth patterns, physical characteristics, and effects produced. Mankind has largely been responsible for the creation of these various strains through experimentation with cutting and grafting of plants. However many strains are out in the world today, they all can fall under the basic category of two basic strains: cannabis sativa indica and cannabis sativa sativa.

Indicas are indigenous to Central and Southern Asia, primarily in the present-day regions of India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Sativas have a much wider indigenous range than indicas, but in general most tropical varieties of cannibas plants are sativas and not indicas. Indicas generally have a stronger odor than sativas. The smell is markedly skunky and pungent, and is instantly recognizable. Sativas smell much sweeter than the skunky indicas and sometimes elicit a fruit-like smell.

Sativa strain of cannabis

Credit: Missouri State Biology Dept.

Copyright: Missouri State Biology Dept.