One of the best ways to get the most out of your cannabis experience is knowing about its different types and forms, how they affect the consumer, and when they are useful. After all, here at Fire Island – Gratiot County’s finest provisioning center, we believe that canna-knowledge is power!
In our previous blog, we talked about the basics of cannabis. In this blog, we will cover the difference between indica and sativa. We’ll also talk hybrids and the modern marijuana industry. Read on!
What is Cannabis ‘Indica’?
Cannabis indica has been shown to make consumers feel soothing, relaxing relief. It provides a body-focused experience. Indica strains usually have a higher concentration of CBD, which is one of the cannabinoids that has been associated with pain relief. It is recommended to use indica at night, as its sedating effects have also been shown to help with sleep.
Indica plants are short and bushy and were originally found in cold, mountainous areas. The plant grew this way in order to survive the harsher conditions. The growth cycle is also shorter; outdoor indica is harvested earlier in the fall, before the chill of late fall and winter.
What is Cannabis ‘Sativa’?
Cannabis sativa has been shown to make consumers feel creativity, energy, and increased focus. Sativa provides a head-focused experience that has more of a psychoactive effect as opposed to indica. It is recommended to use sativa during the day, as its energizing effects work well in social gatherings and during creative production.
Sativa plants are tall and thin, originally found in warmer climates. The plant grew long and lean so it could stay dry in the humidity. Their growth cycle is much longer than that of indica strains; sativa is harvested later in the fall as there is typically no impending cold weather.
Hybrids & the Modern Marijuana Industry
Thanks to advancements in cultivation, most cannabis strains/cultivars you see today are referred to as hybrids:
- That’s because modern cultivators are able to target specific characteristics of cannabis to create desired outcomes: effects, colors, etc.
- This means that hybrids can have a mixture of both sativa and indica.
- However, sativa-dominant strains will provide effects you would expect from sativa strains, and conversely, indica-dominant strains will provide effects you would expect from indica strains.
- Pure indica or sativa strains are referred to as ‘landrace strains’ in reference to their indigenous nature. (These strains are more particular about their environment, which makes it hard to grow them in large quantities.)
- By creating hybrid strains, cannabis cultivators are able to grow less temperamental plants in greenhouses all over the country. Though greenhouse strains may yield less flower per plant — they can however be grown year round — which increases overall production.
Hybrids are cultivated with multi-faceted relief in mind. For example, a person may implement a sativa-dominant strain that has pain relief properties during the daytime for energy, and then utilize an indica-dominant strain at night to continue the pain relief as well as to enhance sleep.
Fire Island Cannabis Provisioning Center: Michigan’s Go-To Source for Accessible Natural Wellness
Now that you know more about different types of cannabis, check out our menu to see which strains we have to offer. As always, if you have any questions, you can chat with one of our friendly budtenders in person, give us a call, or send us a message.
At Fire Island, we are committed to making your natural wellness experience accessible and impactful. Stay informed & stay tuned for more upcoming blogs covering the latest cannabis news, education, and much more!
*Always consult a physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen.*
