What To Grow: Sativa or Indica
Which Strain of Marijuana is Best for You To Grow?
Sativa or Indica? The short answer my friend- it entirely depends on you, your patience, area to grow in- and your needs.
Ever since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, Washington, California and so many other states in the US, there has been a lot of debate over which strain is better for growing marijuana.
Thankfully, we’ve so many more options than when I was in high school and Mexican brick-weed was about our only choice.
So, what to grow: Sativa or Indica?
Growing Indica Strains:
For some people, Indica strains are better because they produce more THC (the psychoactive element). It’s also the strain more associated with pain relief, the stimulation of appetite and relaxation (And all of this is important!).
Generally, Indica is best used at night- when not much (if any- couch lock) physical activity is needed.
*Remember this- it can be important if you’re out one night and smoke someone else’s Indica- it can be a very narcotic, and sedative effect- causing you to not want to be social. This has happened to me before.
*Now before you give me some grief for that- Like what’s your problem man? I’m an introspective person in the first place. Now that there are so many crazy strains out there- you just never know what you’re smoking.
So, if it’s a social situation, and I really don’t know what it is, I’ll just take a taste to be polite. Fair enough? …I’ll bring my own weed- at least then I know what to expect…
They (Indicas) also tend to be shorter, stockier plants, with broader leaves and a deeper, richer color. They also tend to produce more, and denser flowers (buds), when grown correctly.
Indica buds will also typically be less prone to mold and other harmful pests (gnats?) than Sativa buds.
Though they tend to be a sturdier strain in general, be extra careful when drying those buds. You can think everything is fine, and jar them up only to see mold take hold when you dig that jar up in the future. This can be a surprisingly easy mistake to make.
Growing Sativa Strains:
In a beautiful contrast given to us by nature- Some believe sativa strains are better because they take less time to grow. Sativas are also, generally, taller plants that produce less flowers, often with looser buds, but provide a more potent cerebral, energetic and an even creative high.
My personal favorite… I like to be creative.
Sativa plants have long thin leaves, generally. with a lighter green color.
If you’re growing marijuana yourself, it’s important to know which strain will produce the type of high you would want to achieve if given a choice. The most common type of high from Sativas is a cerebral, social high- and like I said, creative.
Generally, Sativas produce more THC than Indicas (though with the advancements in genetics- that’s a widely swinging variable), but their plant grows taller and skinnier (and are more prone to stretching) because that’s their genetic disposition.
Sativa or Indica: Which is Better for You?
So, what to grow, Sativa or Indica? Cannabis is an herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. Truly, it’s a blessing to humanity- as so many cultures know.
It is considered to be both a stimulant and depressant, but when you’re shopping for seeds of cannabis (either Sativa or Indica), now you have a better idea of what you’d like.
The marijuana market is constantly evolving with strains that are more potent than ever. With the availability of more cannabis products, it can be difficult to remember which type of marijuana is best for you (that’s the Indica talking).
I think one of the takeaways here is that both strains, however, can help with anxiety and depression. …and something is better than nothing, right?
And if your friend just gave you some seeds, grow ‘em! Sometimes we’re blessed with wonderful surprises…
I mean even if they turn out to be males, much can be done to use the leaves- and they’re highly nutritious, or can be used as a topical poultice. Besides, they’ll still contain some Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
How Do I Know What Kind of Weed I’ve Bought?
A Word of Caution!
It is best to start with a small amount and work your way up as needed. The effects can be very intense, and what is enough, or correct for you, will not be the same for someone else.
Marijuana Hybrid Strains
Though it’s true, you can find strains that are ‘pure’ Sativa and ‘pure’ Indicas, the vast majority of what you’ll have the option of purchasing, or what’s been given to you will be a hybrid- and I think that’s cool.
These genetic mixes go for the best of a multitude of traits, flavors and ‘highs’- be they body or cerebral.
They’re not limited to the amount, or percentage of THC that the buds have been tested for- please understand that the other compounds can affect the THC and how it affects your body.
When shopping for seeds, you’ll find very elaborate descriptions. Pay attention to these, they’re there for a reason.
To make things simple, and all things being equal, you might want to think of them as ‘day-time’ weed and ‘night-time’ weed- and smoke, or imbibe accordingly.
Marijuana and Science
Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the use of this plant, realize that there have been so many advancements. Both in learning and understanding the benefits (of marijuana and the derivatives) AND the genetics.
The marijuana of 20, or even 10 years ago is quite different from what is readily available today.
Take your time to get to know the strains you’re interested in and what you might like to grow for yourself. Really, the choices are endless.
However, above all- respect for the plant. It’s truly amazing and really, still in the earliest stages of understanding and a full understanding of it’s full potential, both in health and industry.
Remember, not only is this still emerging science a mystery in some cases- your body chemistry will- I mean WILL, be different. Either slightly or severely- Life is a subjective adventure. Tread lightly.
As is said above- your results will vary.
Here’s a white-paper of sorts. An interview with a Dr. Ethan Russo (MD).
*A.
