Why do we say Indica or Sativa? – Latest cannabis news today

When we talk about the effects of a strain, why are we saying indica or sativa? Technically, these are botany terms; they classify the subspecies of the cannabis plant. They have a lot more to do with plant genetics and traits than the way a bud makes you feel. The question arises, why do we use these terms? It turns out that there is reasonable logic behind using this classification, even when it comes to describing an effect. In case you’ve ever wondered, here’s why we call a bud Indica or Sativa.

Why do we say Indica or Sativa? The fast answer

When we speak of Indica and Sativa, we are referring to two things: the geographical origin of a strain and its physical characteristics. These details have an impact on the plant’s terpene profile, which can ultimately affect the effects we feel.

Image courtesy of The Universal Plant

Terpenes

Terpenes are the natural essential oils a plant produces when it is under stress. Every plant that grows on earth creates its own unique mix. The full extent of the terpene interaction is not fully understood, however we do know that terpenes have therapeutic properties. Similar to the use of aromatherapy, the effects of these compounds are not universal. However, we do know that terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system and promote an entourage effect. They target our CB1 and CB2 receptors to encourage an increase in cannabinoid uptake. If you consume the right terpenes, they can basically act like a bud booster. They stimulate the body to absorb as much THC as possible.

How does location affect a plant’s terpene profile?

Climate, sun and precipitation influence a plant’s ability to grow. To survive against these natural enemies, the plant must physically adjust its size and shape, which affects the terpenes the strain can produce. If you look at the differences between an indica and a sativa strain, you can clearly see how the location affects the plant shape and, ultimately, the effect.

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Varieties native to Asia and the Middle East tend to be short and bushy, with broad fan leaves. In most places, these bushes are prone to mold, but due to the humidity, climate, and exposure to sunlight, certain plant genetics can thrive. In these conditions, the plants produce more relaxing terpenes like myrcene and linalool. These strains are classified as indica.

Sativa

Varieties that originate from tropical areas tend to grow tall and have long, thin leaves. The climate is hot and very humid so air can circulate as it grows this way. Also, this shape allows these plants to grow past competing vegetation and stretch to get as much sun as possible. To fight all the bugs and pests, the leaves and buds produce terpenes that act like natural repellants, like pinene and limonene. Many people find these energizing and these strains are classified as sativa.

Shopping for terpenes

For many cannabis users, Sativa gives creative energy and Indica puts you ‘on the couch’. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work in every situation and there can be a number of reasons for this.

• Each endocannabinoid system is unique and can respond differently to each strain.
• Genetic mutations and variations can result from plant reproduction. Crossing it with other varieties also changes the compounds it produces.

If each strain of cannabis had its original genetics and terpene profile, you could use the terms indica or sativa to create an effect. However, since everyone is different, there would still be situations where this wouldn’t work.

Turpent tests

So what’s the next best thing? Test the terpene profile! Since cannabis has been legalized in Canada, many private labs offer turpent testing and the prices are pretty reasonable. If your cannabis producer doesn’t provide test results, it is easy to get them yourself. If you don’t know how you react to certain terpenes, watch out for the effects of a tested bud and write down the results. That way, you can begin to spot the terpenes that you respond to best and customize your cannabis experience.