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Dani Walton
Dani Walton
cover sativa indica

A bit of cannabis history

Much is said about indica strains or sativa genetics, however this classification can be a bit confusing. Consumers and expert cannabis gardeners tend to be clear about both concepts, however, those who are just beginning to know cannabis tend to have problems differentiating and knowing which is indica or which is sativa and thus, recognizing its properties and qualities.

Many people wonder where the classification of indica or sativa cannabis plants comes from. To answer this question, one must look at the history of botany where two scientists are the main references. First, during the 18th century, the Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, identified psychoactive cannabis plants like Cannabis sativa. Several decades later, the French biologist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, identified Cannabis indica as a different species by observing cannabis plants from India that showed traits in their phenotypes such as dark green leaves and wider leaves than the sativa variety that is characterized by having narrow leaves.

Now, we must also mention Russian botanist, Dmitrij Janischewsky, the discoverer of a third sub species called rudelaris in the 1930s. This scientist who noticed that Rudelaris marijuana plants begin to bloom from autonomously after 30 or 40 days of springing from the ground, unlike the indica or sativas that start flowering when they are exposed to a change in the lighting cycle.

In the 70’s, two American scientists named Loran Anderson and Richard E. Schultes pointed out that there are three species of cannabis; cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. These biologists based their arguments in relation to the amount of cannabinoids THC and CBD is present in weed plants. They determined that the plants rich in THC and low in CBD were from the sativa family, the specimens rich in THC and CBD were from the indica family, and those rich in CBD but low in THC were from the rudelaris family.

After this classification, there have been other postulates that classify cannabis in a different way, however, today, scientists are still elucidating what would be a definitive classification of the different varieties of weed. The importance of terpenes has also been added as well as the value of this compound in hemp plants. So, we will give you the current classification that distinguishes between indica, sativa, and rudelaris.

What are Indica cannabis plants?

These types of plants are distinguished by their compact size, short internodes, and wide, fan-like leaves. In addition, the growth of hemp Indica plants is characterized by being sideways rather than upwards. For this reason, they are said to be “cabbage-shaped”.

The buds, on the other hand, tend to be compact, thick, and generally produce large volumes of resin. Indica varieties have their origins in India and in mountainous areas such as Afghanistan or Pakistan which is why some of the most famous Indica varieties are named after remote places in these eastern mountain countries.

For example, our Original Clon is a mostly Indica variety that comes from a cross between Skunk #1 x Afghani, part of the genetic tree of the typical varieties of Afghanistan.

Original Clon Marijuana Plant

Original Clon growing in a 7L pot.

It should be noted that the Skunk #1 parent of Original Clon is also a descendant of Afghan genetics because the geneology of Skunk varieties is generally Afghani x Colombia x Mexico. So, Original Clon, when cultivated, looks like this photo: compact in size, short internodes, and robust and wide buds that are super sticky and covered with trichomes.

What are Sativa cannabis plants?

Sativa weed plants are characterized by having longer flowering cycles than indicas. Their structure is also elongated and they tend to grow very tall, so it is good to control their apical dominance. In addition, sativa genetics tend to have narrower and more elongated leaves than indicas with slightly more widely spaced internodes and longer lateral branches.

Sativa plants often come from tropical or equatorial climates. For example, in countries like Colombia or Panama, you can find genetics from that area with a marked sativa tendency. The same happens in countries such as Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia that have cannabis sativa genetics of great international renown and have served as the basis for the creation of new varieties of hemp.

Today, the varieties that are offered in the market are mostly hybrids with a greater sativa tendency with which breeders can grow mostly sativa genetics but in a shorter time than a pure sativa with maximum yields because they produce more buds than a typical sativa. At Blimburn Seeds, we have a large number of sativa strains in feminized cannabis seed format. That is why we want to recommend our Cindy`s 99 to you.

Cindys 99 Marijuana Plant

Cindy`s 99 growing outdoor in summer in a 50L pot.

At this point, we show you Cindy`s 99 and we recommend that you to add it to your shopping cart because this is a mostly sativa variety with tropical ancestors like the ones we talked about earlier. Cindy`s 99 descends from the classic Jack Herer crossed with unknown genetics. For its part, its Jack Herer parent descends from a Haze variety that comes from the cross of typical cannabis varieties from Colombia, Thailand, India, and Mexico, that is, countries with tropical climates, intense temperatures, and high humidity.

What is the difference in the effects of indica and sativa?

As we clarified at the beginning of this article, the classification of sativa and indica is not yet complete in a concrete and accurate way. That is why giving certain effects to a sativa or indica variety can generate confusion because the effects are mostly produced by virtue of the lineage of the plant.

Now, it is possible to say a few things about the effects of indica strains and sativas as well. In the first place, we can point out that the indica varieties tend to have more relaxing effects that induce sleep and relieve pain. This type of strain is also used by people to perform meditation as they can help to enter new states of consciousness.

On the other hand, sativa genetics are characterized by their energetic effects and motivating nature that help raise the spirits of people with depression. Some sativa varieties produce the classic high mental effect that leaves everyone who smokes them in the clouds. Also, there are sativa genetics with an introspective effect and others that produce states of hilarious and uncontrollable laughter.

Cindys 99 Marijuana Plant Scrog

Cindy`s 99 growing indoors with a scrog system.

However, we point out that today, most of the genetics are hybrids, meaning they are mixtures of indica and sativa varieties where either the sativa side or the indica side predominates. Due to this, sometimes the effects described in certain strains do not reach you in the way they are advertised because it will depend on how your body receives the weed. Sometimes a strain may have caused one effect for you and another for your friends. Always remember that marijuana does not hit everyone in the same way.

Thus, the variety that you see in the photo, Cindy`s 99, is a mostly sativa hybrid that adapts very well to all types of cultivation including techniques such as scrog. It has an intense mental effect that is very strong and manages to activate users, making them feel the classic high. The above is thanks to its dominant sativa side, however, its indica side stands out at the end of the flight, providing a great body relaxation, drooping eyes, a slight tingling in the jaw, and your body gently feeling heavy and happily elevated.

What kind of effects can be felt between indica and sativas?

 

Girl Happy Effects Sativa

Psychoactive effects

Each user may feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis differently, however, the chemical process is the same for all weed users. To this, we must add something that we already know which is how cannabis affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

These changes in neurotransmitters can cause each type of cannabis, whether indica or sativa, to generate feelings of euphoria, increased libido, introspection, increased sensuality, or relaxation in users.

Subjective effects

The psychoactive effects already described are the most common among cannabis users. However, there are also subjective effects that are manifested mainly with perceptions such as tasting the flavors of food more intensely and even being able to perceive an uncontrollable sensation to eat.

Do not forget that some users report time slowing down, seeming to almost stop. It is possible that sativa-type cannabis also makes you feel more creative and with higher doses, you can enter into possible hallucinations.

Physical effects

Like the other effects already described, these will depend on the person experiencing the weed and also the lineage of the marijuana. For the same reason, we can say that some indica genetics produce typical physical effects such as dry mouth, body fatigue, and feeling very heavy. Often the eyes feel specifically heavy. This variety can also generate lazy laughter.

For their part, mostly sativa varieties can produce similar effects, although in general, they make the body feel activate, desiring constant movement. Therefore, this type of strain is recommended to those who suffer from demotivation, depression, or mood decay.

How to buy the best indica or sativa cannabis seeds?

To correctly select your indica or sativa cannabis seeds, you must be clear about what you want. Therefore, we invite you to use the filters on the Blimburn Seeds Bank website where you can select genetics by genotype: indica or sativa. In addition, you can add effects such as energetic, relaxing, or others. It is also possible that you select your seed according to the bud production you want, the flavor of the flowers, the THC levels, and also by the type of seed: Feminized, Autoflowering, or Fast Blooming.

Alien OG Marijuana Plant

Steve`s Alien OG produces a great level of trichomes in its flowering time.

Here, we are going to explain how to correctly select the best cannabis seeds for you. For example, if you want an indica strain with a bearable and creative effect and you want it to have a citrus flavor with good herbal touches, Steve`s Alien OG is the strain you are looking for.

Green Crack Buds Marijuana

Turn down the temperature of Green Crack in the flowering stage to bring out magic colors.

Otherwise, if you are looking for a mostly sativa variety with an energizing effect that has fruity flavors and earthy tones and a creative attitude to help lift your spirits on days when you feel depressed, Green Crack is the Blimburn Seeds variety that you can add to your cart.

If you have any questions, leave us a comment and our team of specialists will answer you shortly. Blimburn Seeds wants you to become a better breeder every day and we hope your plants will make you very happy. See you on the next blog! We hope you are now clear about everything related to indica and sativa genetics. Happy harvesting! 

Strains featured in this article:

Dani Walton

Dani Walton is a highly accomplished cannabis expert and entrepreneur hailing from the Bay Area. With an impressive track record spanning over 20 years, Dani has amassed a wealth of experience in the cannabis industry. Her journey has taken her across the globe, as she traveled with the executive team of Harborside for more than 11 years, passionately advocating for the positive impacts of the cannabis plant.

During her tenure at Harborside, Dani excelled in managing wholesale and distribution for Harborside's farm, while also playing a pivotal role in the development of their in-house brand, Key. Following her departure from Harborside, Dani embarked on a new venture, co-founding NXTLVL, a women-owned concentrate delivery service that quickly gained recognition and Agris Farms. A beautiful 5 acre light dep farm located in Woodland, near Sacramento.

Her extensive knowledge encompasses the latest consumer trends, cannabis sales, extraction techniques, cultivation methods, new brands and products, as well as the evolving science of cannabis medicine. Recognized as a respected authority in the industry, Dani has served as a judge for esteemed cannabis competitions such as Chalice, High Times, Dab- A- Doo, The Organic Cup and The Emerald Cup. Her expertise and insights have been sought after by renowned publications and media outlets, including Forbes, The Guardian, The Independent, and many others.

With her remarkable background and unwavering commitment to advancing the cannabis industry, Dani Walton stands as a true pioneer and an influential figure in the field.

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