What really classifies a strain as being Indica or Sativa?
Indica and Sativa are generalized terms of the past. In truth, these terms are misleading. They describe the physical properties of cannabis plants, and don’t actually classify the terpenes of a strain.
The effects of a strain relate to the composed cannabinoid and terpene profile of the cannabis plant.
I am a frequent cannabis user, and a young grower. I like to know what I’m consuming, and where I’m consuming it from. As I got into cannabis, I knew nothing about terpenes, or chemical compounds. I thought weed was either indica or sativa.
However, the terms Indica and Sativa are way too broad for the quickly expanding cannabis industry. It’s important to discuss the deeper science between the two species; Indica and Sativa, to get a better understanding on the terpenes they inhabit, and the effects they produce.
We will explore the differences between the two plant types, Indica and Sativa, as well as the correct terminology to use when discussing strains (not cannabis plant types). We will also cover which cannabinoid and terpene profile create what effects. Most importantly, we want to help find the perfect strain for you.
Some Quick Guidelines on Formatting
Should I be Using Terms like Indica and Sativa?
Most cannabis users are often misinformed by the terms they use. Since cannabis has been popularized, users refer to strains as either being Indica or Sativa dominant. These terms help users determine what type of high they are looking for, whether it be an energetic head high, or a relaxed body high.
Problem with using Indica and Sativa
The effects a certain strain has on you, is correlated with how much you took, how you took it, and your own unique biology and tolerance.
Some strains contain more THC than others, which can lead to intense paranoia and anxiety. A first time user may be completely unaware of a strains chemical properties, and have a terrible first experience leading to them never wanting to try cannabis again. How sad?!
Some users may be searching for a certain high, but are completely misdirected because they base their decision on whether or not a strain is an Indica or Sativa
Indica and Sativa, relate to the physical properties of the plant itself. Indica plants tend to be short, stalky, and bushy. Sativa plants tend to be taller, and more skinny in structure.
What Needs to be Done?
In order to progress the cannabis world, we as advocates and users, must give a more complex understanding to the strains we smoke and praise.
Future commerce must provide complete and accurate cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles, so that customers have a deeper knowledge on the strain they are smoking, and the effects it may have on them
As advocates and supporters we must be informed about the chemical and physical properties of our strains to become more mindful of our highs.
When people start referring to the effects of a cannabis strain through cannabinoid and terpene profiles, there will be a new found appreciation for cannabis and all of the many strains in this world.
What Strain Type is Right For You?
Every strain is composed of a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids relate to the chemical substance of the strain, and engage the cannabinoid receptors of the brain and body. Terpenes are the natural substances that are responsible for the smell or taste of a strain.
The combination of certain cannabinoids and terpenes create the very effect you feel when you smoke a certain strain. Every strain has a certain ratio of THC:CBD. In general “Indica” dominant strains have higher CBD levels, and “Sativa” dominant strains have higher levels of THC.
Let’s dive into the most common cannabinoid and terpene profiles and their effects, to help you find the perfect strain.
What is THC and CBD?
There are more than 100 cannabinoids within a cannabis plant. However the two main ones are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD and THC both have different chemical properties and structure, which ultimately affect your body differently. The two cannabinoids work with receptors in your body that release neurotransmitters in your brain.
Both THC and CBD are psychoactive compounds, resulting in the very high you feel when intaking cannabis. THC connects with the CB1 (Cannabinoid 1) receptors in your brain producing a sense of euphoria. CBD has a weak connection to the CB1, and needs THC to bind to the receptor.
THC is responsible for the high, euphoric, and sedating effects you feel when using cannabis. CBD is less psychoactive, and acts as a moderator for THC to create a balancing high for users.
When searching for a strain, it’s important to recognize the THC:CBD ratios, to get a better understanding of the strain itself, and the effects you will be indulging in.
What are Cannabinoids?
A single cannabis plant has over 100 different cannabinoid types. The most common type that gives the most euphoric effect is THC. However, there are 8 major cannabinoid acids that have significant importance to the plant itself, and our bodies.
-CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)
-THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
-CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
-CBCA (Cannabigerovarinic Acid)
-THCVA (Tetrahydrocannabivarinic Acid)
-CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic Acid)
-CBDVA (Cannabichromeveranic Acid)
These eight cannabinoid acids are activated through a process called decarboxylated, which ultimately yields compounds such as THC and CBD, to create that euphoric high most cannabis users are searching for.
Cannabinoids are responsible for effects of euphoria, well-being, laughter and excitement, increased appetite, and dry mouth.
Cannabinoids produce effects through interactions between the body’s receptors, located in our central nervous system. Cannabinoids regulate how cells send, receive, or process messages. Oftentimes, cannabinoids tell our brains that we want to get high!
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are hydrocarbons that cannabis plants produce to protect themselves from harmful diseases and predators. More commonly, terpenes relate to the aromas, tastes, and physical properties of a strain. Ever wonder why some strain smells like truckloads of diesel driving through farmland? Or why your Watermelon Mimosa straight up smells like watermelon?
Well, those properties are the very specific terpenes of the plant itself.
There are nine different terpenes that relate to the unique smells, tastes, and effects of certain strains. These compounds are listed below.
Myrcene
Linalool
Terpinolene
Limonene
Pinene
Caryophyllene
Valencene
Borneol
Eucalyptol
Every terpene has a different effect on the body and mind. Which terpenes cause which sedating and energizing effects varies depending on which other terpenes and cannabinoids they are grouped with.
What Strain is Best for You?
Let’s take a look at a chart to help you find a strain that may suit you
So What?
As we all progress into the future of cannabis, it is important that we start classifying the strains we use through cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and not through broad terms like Indica and Sativa. As more companies start describing terpenes on their packaging, we as cannabis connoisseurs will have distinct pallets for the very strains we love.
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