Plant based treatment products often contain compounds from hundreds of plant species, the most generally known are the Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis strains.
Ruderalis is a low-THC variety and is rarely cultivated throughout the world. The two most commonly cultivated subspecies of the plant are Indica and Sativa.
It is widely believed that Sativa and Indica produce different generalised effects. While there seems to be some truth to the speculation, it is not a reliable way of determining a strain’s potential impact. Experts have argued that this position is deceptive as the compounds in each strain will differ per plant.
This means that each strain is unique, and it is difficult to apply a sweeping statement regarding the subspecies with any degree of accuracy.
So, what are the differences between Indica and Sativa?
The difference between Indica and Sativa
While statements regarding the effects per subspecies are misleading, there are notable differences in the physical structure. The generalisations regarding the distinctions in chemical composition, however, have been largely disregarded by experts. We have listed some of the important differences below:
Physical Appearance:
- Indica plants tend to grow between two to four feet tall, are compactly branched, and have broader leaves that create a bush-like appearance.
- Sativa plants are larger in size, growing anywhere between five and 18 feet tall. They have few branches and are thin-leaved.
Chemical Composition:
- THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are found in both Sativa and Indica plants.
- The claim that Sativa plants produce higher THC than Indica plants is not a universally true statement, and pharmacologists have emphasised that it is an extreme oversimplification.
- Each plant is unique and there are over 1000 strains with varying degrees of THC and CBD present in each.
- In an interview with specialist Dr Ethan Russo (MD), he claimed that there is no way to currently guess the biochemical content of any given strain based on its height, branching, or leaf morphology.
Hybrid Strains:
Hybrid strains are a combination of Sativa and Indica strains. A hybrid strain is usually either Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant.
In today’s day and age, most strains are a hybrid of some kind. Cross-breeding is a large part of the emerging market and strains that have maintained their native characteristics are hard to come by.
The History of Indica and Sativa
The terms Sativa and Indica were derived in the 18th century to define various kinds of hemp crops. In this era, hemp grew in abundance and was highly sought after for its fibre and seeds.
Today, Sativa refers to the annual herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to Eastern Asia. Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, first recognised the psychoactive plants categorised as Sativa in 1753.
The Indica subspecies originated in the Middle East in places such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tibet. French biologist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck identified Indica as a different subspecies to Sativa while studying in India.
Sativa and Indica have thus been known for over 300 years, and the culture of today continues to categorise the plant according to subspecies.
How do plant-based products produce their effects?
One of the main active ingredients that you will find in the plant is the psychoactive chemical THC. Its structure is similar to the brain-chemical anandamide, allowing the body to recognise and interact with it.
Endogenous compounds such as anandamide work as neurotransmitters; sending chemical messages between neurons across the nervous system. THC attaches to the brain receptors and activates them; disrupting numerous mental and physical functions.
THC also uses receptors to activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine at higher levels than normally observed through natural stimuli.
CBD, the other main active ingredient in the plant, is non-psychoactive. Research on how this chemical interacts with the brain is still in its early phases, but the signs indicate that CBD stimulates the receptors so that the body produces its own chemical compounds, known as endocannabinoids.
What are “chemovars”?
Chemovars, also known as chemotypes, refers to the breakdown of a plant species according to its chemical composition.
As the global plant-based market continues to expand, more and more people have begun identifying plants according to their chemical composition rather than subspecies.
Chemovar classification is vital for growers and breeders. The chemical characteristics of a plant will determine whether there is a greater THC-to-CBD ratio or vice versa. It may also determine the bioavailability and manifestation of certain terpenes.
The chemovar method was introduced to meet the varying needs of recreational and medicinal users of plant-based products.
This is a relatively recent method of identification and the three common phenotypes are:
- Type 1: A high concentration of THC.
- Type 2: A balanced combination of THC and CBD.
- Type 3: A high concentration of CBD.
The higher the dosage of THC, the stronger and longer the effect of the high. The chemovar classification is applicable regardless of the part of the plant used for extraction.
Summary
The three known subspecies of the plant are Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis.
Generalisations regarding how each strain will affect you are largely misguided, despite being a staple of mainstream plant-based culture.
As the industry continues to expand, it is important to do the necessary research to avoid misinformation and misconceptions.
Each plant and person is unique, and there is no way to universally describe the effects a specific strain will have on one person.
If you would like more information on the differences between Sativa and Indica strains, feel free to enquire with a member with our team.