Indica vs Sativa Edibles

While they’re both subspecies of Cannabis sativa, they’ve evolved in different geographical regions and have been bred for specific traits over the course of thousands of years.

Indica and sativa edibles can have different effects due to their unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabis. They’re usually made after decarboxylating cannabinoids, mainly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that gets you high.

They come in many forms: gummies, brownies, cookies, chocolates, drinks and more.

The effects of edibles are often described as more intense and longer lasting than smoking or vaping. This is because when you ingest THC, your liver converts it into 11-hydroxy-THC.

Here’s a list of cannabis edibles:

• THC Gummies: Discreet and convenient, gummies come in many flavors and dosages.
• Baked Goods: Brownies, cookies and other baked goods are a classic way to consume edibles.
• Chocolates: Infused chocolate bars or individual pieces are a delicious way to consume edibles.
• Beverages: Cannabis-infused sodas, teas and coffees are a new trend.
• Other: Edibles can also be savory snacks, candies, lozenges and even capsules.

Indica

Indica strain is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan and in other areas of India and Pakistan. They’re adapted to harsher, cooler climates, and they have a shorter, bushier growth pattern than sativa plants.

Indica strains also tend to have higher concentrations of CBD (cannabidiol) to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.

However, that’s not always the case because breeding practices have produced modern hybrid strains with a wide varying range of cannabinoid and terpene profiles within both Indica and Sativa subspecies.

What Are The Effects Of Indica?

Indica is more likely to give you a stronger bodily high, it can have some sedative effects and can have a “couch lock” effect. After taking indica edibles, people report:

• Deep relaxation and chill
• Sedation and sleepiness
• Body high, muscle relaxation and pain relief
• Increased appetite (The munchies)

You’ll feel more relaxed, less stressed, and physically soothed. Indica edibles are many peoples’ go-to for deep relaxation, sleep, anxiousness and pain management.

Some popular indica strains are:

• Northern Lights
• Granddaddy Purple
• Bubba Kush

Sativa

Sativa strain is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, Central America, and the African subcontinent. They’ve adapted to longer growing seasons and are typically taller with thinner leaves and more elongated structure than Indica plants.

Sativa strains traditionally have a higher ratio of THC to CBD, but modern breeding practices have created a diverse range of ratios because of hybrid strains.

What Are The Effects Of Sativa Edibles?

Sativa strains are known for producing “head highs” and can make you feel more “trippy” than sleepy or making you one with the furniture. The bodily high isn’t as strong as it can be with indica edibles. Here are the most common effects reported after taking sativa edibles:

• Uplifting and energizing
• Head high and stimulating
• Focus and creativity
• Mood and sociability

You’ll feel more alert, focused, creative, and energized. Many people prefer sativa edibles for a boost in mood, creativity, and fun.

Some of the most popular sativa strains are:

• Sour Diesel
• Durban Poison
• Jack Herer

Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains are made by crossbreeding Sativa and Indica varieties to enhance a specific trait.

For instance, Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant hybrid which is known for energetic and uplifting effects. Wedding cake is an indica-dominant hybrid which offers a more physically relaxing and euphoric high.

• Effects:
  • A mix of indica and sativa effects, so you get a balanced high
  • Can lean more indica or sativa depending on the strain

Important Notes:

• Individual differences: Effects can vary greatly due to body chemistry, tolerance and dosage.
• Strain specific: Edibles effects vary depending on the strain and its cannabinoid and terpene profile.
• Onset and Duration: Edibles have a delayed onset (30 minutes to 2 hours) and longer duration (6-8 hours) compared to other consumption methods.

Cannabinoids and Their Effects

Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies. This system regulates many physiological processes including mood, sleep, appetite, pain and immune response.

There are over 113 cannabinoids in cannabis, each with their own properties and effects. Here are some of the most well known:

1. Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive compound that gets you high. Effects include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, increased appetite and potential pain relief. But can also cause temporary anxiety, paranoia and impaired coordination.
2. CBD (cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating compound with potential benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, seizures and sleep disorders. May also counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
3. CBG (cannabigerol): The precursor to THC and CBD, it’s getting attention for its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people report that CBG makes them feel energized and focused.
4. CBN (cannabinol): A breakdown product of THC, it has mild psychoactive effects and is known for its sedative properties. Being researched for sleep regulation and pain relief.
5. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): Similar to THC but with a shorter, less intense high. May have potential for appetite suppression, blood sugar regulation and bone growth stimulation.
6. CBC (cannabichromene): Non-psychoactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Being researched for brain cell growth.

Results may vary depending on individual, dose and product. More research is needed.

Terpenes and Their Role

Terpenes are a big part of the overall cannabis experience, including the “high” although they don’t directly get you high like THC. These aromatic compounds are responsible for the different flavors and aromas of different strains. But their influence goes beyond just scent:

1. Entourage Effect: Terpenes work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to modulate their effects. This is called the entourage effect where the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids creates a unique experience that’s different from the effects of isolated compounds.
2. Modulating Effects: Specific terpenes can affect the type and intensity of the high produced by THC. For example, limonene is uplifting and mood enhancing, myrcene will enhance the sedative effects of THC.
3. Therapeutic Potential: Terpenes have their own therapeutic effects. For example linalool is relaxing and anxiolytic, pinene improves focus and memory.
4. Strain Differentiation: Terpenes are a big part of what differentiates one strain from another. The unique terpene profile of each strain is what gives it its aroma, flavor and overall effects.

By choosing strains with terpenes that promote relaxation, focus or creativity you can get a more personalized effect.

How Do Indica and Sativa Affect Your Body?

Sativa and Indica Edibles: What They Do to Your Mind and Body

Choosing the right edible can make all the difference in your cannabis experience. Knowing the difference between sativa and indica edibles will help you get the effects you want.

Indica Edibles:

• The Body High: Known for the deep relaxation and tranquility, often referred to as a "body high". This can be super soothing and calming, perfect for unwinding after a long day or a good night’s sleep.
• Physical Effects: Indica edibles can also be good for pain relief, reducing muscle tension and nausea. Some users report increased appetite, aka the "munchies".
• Mental Effects: While not as strong as the physical effects, indica edibles can also give you a sense of mental calmness, reducing anxiety and introspection.
• For:
  • Relaxation
  • Pain relief
  • Sleep
  • Stress and anxiety reduction

Sativa Edibles:

• The Head High: Known for their energizing and uplifting effects, sativa edibles give you a "head high" that can boost creativity, focus and sociability.
• Mental Effects: These edibles will enhance your mood, give you a sense of euphoria and increase motivation and energy. They’ll also spark new ideas and creativity.
• Physical Effects: While not as strong as the mental effects, some sativa edibles can also have mild pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
• For:
  • Daytime use
  • Boosting creativity and focus
  • Increasing energy and motivation
  • Social events

Hybrid Edibles:

• The Balanced Experience: Hybrid edibles give you the best of both worlds, a balanced experience with effects that can vary depending on the strain. Some hybrids are more relaxing, others more energizing.
• For:
  • Daytime use
  • Relaxation and energy
  • Personalized experience

Important Notes:

• Onset and Duration: Edibles take longer to kick in than other methods of consumption, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours. The effects can last much longer, up to 8 hours or more.
• Dosage: Start low, especially if you’re new to edibles and gradually increase until you find your sweet spot.
• Individual Differences: Edibles effects can vary greatly between individuals based on metabolism, tolerance and body chemistry.

Indica vs Sativa For Sleep

Many people report that indica strains generally work better for sleep for them due to their relaxing effects. As we discussed, indica strains can lead to enhanced bodily high and sedating effects which are more ideal for winding down and sleeping.

Sativa strains might not be as sedating and some can even be uplifting and energizing which can hinder your sleep.

Indica vs Sativa For Anxiety

Indicas are better for anxiety because they are relaxing and calming and will slow down thoughts and body. Sativas can make anxiety worse for some because they are energizing and uplifting and will increase heart rate and paranoia.

Indica vs Sativa For Pain

Indica strains are preferred for pain relief because they are relaxing and sedating and can reduce muscle tension, inflammation and overall body discomfort. They have higher levels of CBD, a cannabinoid that is analgesic.

Sativa strains are uplifting and energizing and not as good for pain relief. But some sativa strains have terpenes like beta-caryophyllene which is good for pain relief especially for neuropathic pain.

Which Strain Has More CBD?

In general hemp strains have more CBD than marijuana strains. This is because of the breeding and growing practices that focus on maximizing CBD and minimizing THC in hemp.

But there are exceptions and variations within each:

• Hemp Strains: Some hemp strains have been bred to have super high CBD, up to 15% or more. These are perfect for those who want the benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Marijuana Strains: Marijuana is known for its THC but some strains have been bred to have balanced CBD and THC, a milder psychoactive experience with potential benefits. A few select marijuana strains are high in CBD and low in THC.

How Do Sativa and Indica Impact Libido?

There’s no consensus on how sativa or indica affect your libido as the effects are highly individualized. While some people swear sativa’s uplifting and energizing effects get them in the mood, scientific studies are limited and inconclusive. However, high THC levels, regardless of strain, may potentially decrease libido in some individuals.

In the end, the effect of sativa or indica on arousal is subjective and individual. If you want to use cannabis to enhance your sexual experience:

• Experiment: Try different strains and doses to see what works for you.
• Consider Your Needs: Choose strains for what you want: relaxation, energy or mood enhancement.
• Start Low and Go Slow: Start with a low dose and increase as needed.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different strains and adjust accordingly.