Do Marijuana Strains Really Matter?

There's a lot of talk about indica, sativa and hybrids – but does it really matter?

The entire Canadian population and over 50% of the US population have access to legal cannabis, and use is increasing and people are more open. Sales are skyrocketing, but like spirits and wine, are people really focused on the specific variety? Do Marijuana Strains Really Matter and What Should You Know? A YouGov poll asked how people buy wine that is outselling the cannabis industry. The three most important factors when choosing a wine are (by far) the price, the brand and the reviews. When it comes to marijuana, the market is based on variety and price.

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Marijuana, which is derived from the cannabis plant, is usually divided into three main types: indica, sativa and hybrid. Although these classifications are widely used, recent research suggests that the distinctions may not be as clear-cut as previously thought.

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Indicas

Cannabis indica plants are typically short and bushy with broad leaves. These plants come from the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Turkey and have adapted to harsh, dry climates. Indica strains are often associated with relaxing and calming effects, which is why they are popular for nighttime consumption. They are generally believed to have higher levels of CBD compared to THC, although this is not always the case.

Sativa

Cannabis sativa plants are generally tall and thin with narrow leaves. They are native to hot, dry climates with long sunny days, such as Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia. In North America they are grown in the American South (illegally) or in nurseries. Sativa strains are typically associated with an energizing and uplifting effect, often described as a “mind high.”. They are often consumed during the day and are said to have a higher THC content compared to CBD.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are the result of crossing indica and sativa plants. Due to extensive breeding over the years, most varieties available today are hybrids. Hybrids can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced, offering a broad spectrum of effects depending on their specific genetic makeup. Breeders create hybrids to combine desirable characteristics of different strains such as taste, aroma, potency and specific effects

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Although the indica-sativa hybrid classification system remains popular, it is important to note that these categories are not scientifically accurate indicators of a strain's effects. The cannabis plant has evolved significantly through selective breeding and pure indica or sativa landraces are now extremely rare. Modern cannabis research focuses on the chemical composition of the plant rather than its physical properties or its alleged lineage. The effects of a particular strain are determined by its unique profile of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes, rather than its classification as an indica, sativa, or hybrid.