Indica and Sativa are two types of cannabis that are used for medicinal purposes. Scientifically, there are no differences between Sativa and Indica and all the cannabis irrespective of their variety are considered as Cannabis Sativa L.

However, there definitely are several differences in their qualities, growth patterns and effects. Keep reading to learn more about them:

Origin of Terms

Sativa – Sativa variety got its name from Carl Linneaus in the 18^th century, which he used to describe a variety of hemp that was found in Eurasia. It was cultivated for its seeds and fiber.

Indica – Indica variety got its name from Jean-Baptiste Lamarck also given in the 18^th century. It was discovered in India and was harvested mainly for its fiber, seeds and in production of hashish.

Place of Origin

Sativa – Sativa variety comes from the equatorial regions such as Southern India, Mexico, Thailand and Jamaica.

Indica – Indica variety comes from central Asia and the Indian subcontinent regions like Northern India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Tibet.

Physical Appearance

Sativa – Sativa buds are large and grow along the branch of the plant. They are not clustered in one place instead of spread through the branch. The plants are taller than Indica, are lesser fragrant and low in density, which is why they are lighter in weight when dry.

Indica – Cannabis Indica plants have nodes at certain intervals on their stems. It is through these nodes that branches, leaves and flower buds grow. The buds grow around the nodes compactly. The indicia plants are short, thick and have densely grown and fragrant buds. The buds are smaller than Sativa buds.

Flowering Period

Sativa – Sativa flowers take between 60 and 90 days to complete blooming.

Indica – Indica flowers finish flowering between 45 and 60 days.

Nevertheless, the time taken by Sativa for their vegetative growth is lesser than Indica’s, which means the overall time taken is relatively the same for both the plants.

Physical Size

Sativa – Sativas grow in height rapidly as they begin to flower and continue to gain height all through their blooming stage. Sativas can easily grow upto300% sometimes even more, of their vegetative height when they are flowering. Sativas are found in the tropical region mostly and because of the relatively short days, they are adapted to grow and flower at the same time.

Indica – Indica will usually grow its vegetated height by up to 100% during its flowering phase. They grow in height quickly after they begin flowering.

Effect

Sativa – Sativa gives a high effect – high here can be described to give a feeling of being energetic, hallucinogenic, cerebral, hysterical and creative. It has the ability to put its user to sleep.

Indica – Effect of Indica is much more powerful than Sativa. Someone using Indica will get senses in the body and not in mind like Sativa. The physical senses are enhanced, such as sound, taste, or touch. Its effect is known for being physically and mentally relaxing and it may be narcotic in when consumed in larger doses.