One question cannabis users get asked frequently is: “do you prefer indicas or sativas?”
If you’re new to cannabis, you may not know how to answer this. That’s why we want to take a moment to explain some of the differences between the two.
Sativa vs Indica
The terms Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa are scientific terms originally used to describe two subspecies of cannabis.
Although there’s some debate about the true number of species within the Cannabis plant genus, there are three that are generally recognized: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis.
Cannabis Ruderalis plants grow quickly but don’t grow past one foot in height. Besides that, they contain very little THC. Although they do contain CBD, it’s just a minimal amount.
Because of this, the cannabis available at dispensaries today will be sativa, indica, or a hybrid of both.
What’s The Difference Between Indica and Sativa?
What started as terms used to describe two different species of cannabis, became something people would use to try to determine the effects they might experience from a strain. And for years, this is what people would focus on – strain type and THC percentage.
Today we know a lot more goes into determining each person’s experience with a strain of cannabis. We know that a strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles have a lot to do with it.
With that said, understanding the differences between Sativas and Indicas can help make your visit to the dispensary easier. It can also help you identify the strains that may be best for you.
Indica
Cannabis Indica plants are short and bushy. Their leaves are broader than the leaves of the sativa plant. Indica plants tend to grow faster and tend to produce more buds than cannabis sativa plants. They also tend to have a darker color.
Cannabis Indica originated in the cool climates of South Central Asia near to the Hindu Kush mountain range that runs along Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Indica plants, and their buds, can tend to be stickier and have a stronger scent than Sativas. Because Indica plants typically have a compact and sturdy structure, they can also be suitable for indoor cultivation where space might be limited.
Indica Effects
Indica strains of cannabis are described as having sedative, full-body effects that can help alleviate pain and insomnia, while promoting relaxation. Because of this, indicas can have a tendency to put you “in da couch.”
Indicas can be helpful in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, headaches, and sleep disorders. Indicas can also be helpful in treating anxiety and boosting appetite.
Due to their tendency to provide a sedative body high, many consider Indicas to be best suited for nighttime use. Their relaxing effects help make indicas popular with athletes as post-workout recovery aids.
Indicas were the strain of choice by Rick Simpson for use in his now-famous RSO oil. Rick understood that people battling serious medical conditions need rest – and indicas can help promote rest and sleep.
Learn more:
What is RSO Used For?
Keep in mind that the effects of cannabis will be different for all. Just because indicas can help to treat certain conditions or reduce anxiety in some, that does not mean they will be helpful for all. That’s why it’s important to always test new strains before committing to using them as medicine.
Sativa
Cannabis sativa plants are tall and slim and can have a lanky appearance. Their leaves tend to be longer and thinner – with pointy ends. Sativas can grow up to 6 feet in height and tend to take longer to mature compared to Indicas.
Sativa cannabis plants thrive in warmer environments like Africa, Mexico, Central America, and Southeast Asia.
Sativa Effects
Sativa strains of cannabis tend to provide energizing and uplifting effects that can help boost creativity and mental focus. Due to their uplifting effects, sativas are believed to be helpful in alleviating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.
Certain sativas, like Super Lemon Haze, have also been known to suppress appetite.
Sativa strains have earned the reputation of being good for those who want to enjoy their cannabis while still being able to get things done. With that said, some people who are naturally energetic and constantly on the move, could find the uplifting nature of sativas to be overwhelming.
So, if you’re new to sativas – start slowly until you’re sure they’re a good match for you and your Endocannabinoid System.
Learn More:
Endocannabinoid System and You
Indica Strains
Due to their soothing and calming effects on the body and mind, Indica strains of cannabis are often used to alleviate stress, anxiety, and tension. Thanks to their relaxing properties, indica strains – like Cement Shoes, Ozark Hash, and Missouri Thunder – could be helpful for those who have trouble sleeping and want to improve the quality of their sleep.
Indica strains could also help reduce muscle spasms and ease muscle pain. Mix this with their ability to improve sleep and it’s easy to see why Indicas might be popular as post-workout recovery aids.
Learn more:
Working Out High
Indica strains are also known to induce the “munchies,” making them beneficial for those with a decreased appetite.
Best Indica Strains in Ohio, Maryland, or Missouri?
If you live in Ohio, Missouri, or Maryland and are headed to a Bloom dispensary, you may wonder which Indica strain might be best to help you relax. Of course, the “best” will be different for all. But to help you out, here are a few popular choices among our patients and customers.
If you live near our Cameron, Cape Girardeau, O’Fallon, or Springfield Dispensaries – you’re in luck. Many of the strains mentioned below are grown by our parent company, Wondergrove Cannabis and are available at Bloom’s Missouri locations under the Field Trip Flower brand name.
Field Trip Flower is grown at the Wondergrove Cultivation Center in Cameron, MO.
Cement Shoes Strain
An Indica strain of cannabis with some potent effects, Cement Shoes is also known as Concrete Shoes or Concrete Slippers. As you can imagine, this strain can make you feel like you have shoes made of cement.
Cement shoes is a cross between Animal Cookies, OG Kush Breath, and Wet Dreams.
Medicinal patients enjoy its anti-inflammatory effects. It could also help manage pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Recreational customers enjoy its high THC percentage.
Cement Shoes offers a sweet nutty flavor with hints of citrus, berries, and mint. It is a strain best enjoyed at night when you can just relax and unwind.
Ozark Hash Strain
California funk meets Ozark skunk for a jazzy delight of the senses. With genetics from Midwest breeder “Cousin Roy” and grown by Field Trip Flower, this flavorful strain emits strong lemon undertones. This strain is sure to put you into a state of bliss on par with the relaxation to be found within Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.
Ozark hash contains 1% THCV and includes the terpenes limonene, beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and myrcene.
Missouri Thunder Strain
Missouri Thunder is dripping in gassy, sweet terpenes with hints of pungent berry fruitiness and a sprinkle of rich cola flavor. The uplifting and euphoric effects will help melt any worries away.
Missouri Thunder is a cross of Bewilderbeast and Huckleberry Soda. The predominant terpenes found in Missouri Thunder include beta-Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Humulene, Nerolidol, and Linalool.
Sativa Strains
Due to their ability to boost energy, creativity, and focus – sativa strains of cannabis are often associated with uplifting mental effects. Because of that, they’re often enjoyed during the daytime or in social settings.
Unlike indicas, sativa strains are less likely to induce heavy physical relaxation or couchlock. Instead, they tend to enhance mental clarity and improve motivation. Because of this Sativa strains can be useful for those who enjoy Working Out High.
Sativa strains have also been known to promote feelings of euphoria, making them popular with recreational use customers..
Best Sativa Strains in Ohio, Maryland, or Missouri?
If you live in Ohio, Missouri, or Maryland and want to stop by a Bloom dispensary, you might wonder which Sativa strain might be best for you. Of course, the “best” will be different for all, but to help you out – here are a few popular choices among our patients and customers.
If you live near our Cameron, Cape Girardeau, O’Fallon, or Springfield Dispensaries – you might be in luck. That’s because Bloom’s Missouri locations often carry many of these strains in the form of Field Trip Flower and Pre-Rolls.
Field Trip Flower is grown at the Wondergrove Cultivation Center in Cameron, MO.
Super Lemon Haze Strain
Super Lemon Haze is a sativa dominant hybrid of Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. It has won multiple awards – including being a two-time winner of the High Times Cannabis Cup.
As far as its effects go, it’s known to provide uplifting effects that can promote mental sharpness, creativity, and motivation.
Along with these uplifting effects, Super Lemon Haze can also provide a relaxing body high. Super Lemon Haze has been known to help elevate mood, relax muscles, and alleviate pain. It’s also believed it could help treat symptoms related to anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.1
Super Lemon Haze has earned the reputation of being a good strain for those who want to enjoy their cannabis while still being able to get things done. With that said, it is also known to pack a punch with THC levels often exceeding 20%.
Learn more:
Strain Highlight: Super Lemon Haze
Baby Banner Strain
Baby Banner is a cross of OG Kush with Strawberry Diesel. Initially hard-hitting body high mellows into a creative mellow.
Other effects include: clear-headed and energetic but also relaxing and allows you to get stuff done. May help those dealing with pain, migraines, fatigue, bipolar disorder, ADHD, arthritis, and depression.
The predominant terpenes found in Baby Banner are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Limonene.
Where to Get Indica and Sativa Strains
Fresh Cannabis Flower In Missouri, Maryland, and Ohio
If all this talk about Indica and Sativa strains of cannabis leaves you craving some cannabis flower – Bloom has you covered … that is if you live in Missouri, Maryland, or Ohio.
Missouri Bloom Dispensaries
Field Trip Flower frequently offers strains like Super Lemon Haze, Baby Banner, Cement Shoes, Ozark Hash, and Missouri Thunder.
Sourced from whole buds that are hand-trimmed to perfection – with Field Trip Flower, all roads lead to elevated states of bliss. If you live in Missouri, make sure to ask your budtender about Field Trip Flower & Pre-Rolls.
Dispensary in Cameron, MO
Dispensary in Cape Girardeau, MO
Dispensary in O’Fallon, MO
Dispensary in Springfield, MO
As of February 2023, Bloom is happy to be able to serve both Medical Marijuana Patients and Recreational Customers.
Although our dispensaries in Ohio and Maryland don’t carry Field Trip Flower yet, they are fully stocked with a complete selection of premium cannabis products.
Maryland Bloom Dispensary:
As of July 1st, 2023, Bloom welcomes both Medical Marijuana Patients and Recreational Customers at our Germantown Dispensary.
Ohio Bloom Dispensaries:
- Bloom – Akron Medical Cannabis Menu
- Bloom – Columbus Medical Cannabis Menu
- Bloom – Maumee Medical Cannabis Menu
- Bloom – Painesville Medical Cannabis Menu
- Bloom – Seven Mile Medical Cannabis Menu
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