Cannabis is a complex plant with many variations and cultivars, each offering different effects. If you’re new to cannabis or just looking for the best strain for your needs, it can be hard to know where to start. However, understanding the differences between indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid varieties of cannabis is an essential first step in making informed decisions about which cannabis will meet your needs.
While “strain” has become a popular term to describe these cultivars, it’s inaccurate and doesn’t tell the full story behind a particular cannabis plant. So, let’s take a look at the difference between the varieties of cannabis and why it’s essential to understand what they can offer.
Cannabis Strains vs. Cannabis Cultivars
Before we dive in deeper to explore how different cannabis strains or cultivars impact a user’s experience, let’s get one thing straight — cannabis cultivars and strains are not the same things. Unfortunately, everyday conversations about cannabis often fail to recognize the vital difference between these two terms. And that’s okay! We know this concept in the mainstream cannabis community hasn’t entirely caught on yet, but it’s a crucial distinction.
So to help you better understand all this, we’ll look at why it’s scientifically more accurate to use “cultivars” when talking about the various types of cannabis. However, since “strain” is a mainstream term you’re already familiar with, we’ll use this throughout the rest of the article.
So, what does strain mean?
When it comes to microbiology and biology, a strain is a term used to differentiate one genetic variant from another; for example, there are different strains of the common cold.
What does cultivar mean?
The term “cultivar” is an abbreviated form of “cultivated variety,” referring to plants that are carefully chosen based on advantageous characteristics and then further developed by humans through selective breeding. So yes, Acapulco Gold and Gorilla Glue can be considered two distinct cultivars instead of simply strains.
When it comes to cannabis, however, there is no such thing as a unique “strain” — instead, cannabis cultivars are variations of two species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. While scientists in the industry recognize these scientifically-named categories, they don’t provide enough information to accurately describe a particular cultivar and its effects. That’s why people began using the term “strain” as a catch-all to describe particular cannabis cultivars.
These days, with an increased understanding of the diversity of genetics in cannabis, we know that each strain is unique — but just knowing it’s an indica, sativa, or hybrid isn’t enough.
While it’s essential to understand the differences between indica, sativa and hybrids, many more specific variables can help you find the perfect strain for your needs. So let’s look at these types of cannabis and what they offer cannabis users!
Three Types of Cannabis — Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid
The history of Indica vs. Sativa differentiation goes back to the 18th century. However, over the last four decades, extensive cross-breeding has made it impossible to find a pure indica strain or pure sativa strain. So instead, we now refer to cultivars as Sativa dominant strains or Indica dominant strains. This is because there is really no pure sativa or pure indica — just various combinations of both, aka a hybrid strain.
The cannabis community credits 18th-century French botanist and zoologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck with the taxonomic classification of the Indica and Sativa strains. Scientists discovered a third strain only in the 1920s, calling it the Cannabis Ruderalis. Both Sativa and Indica are known for dense concentrations of the cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is responsible for its psychoactive effects in the cannabis user, or “high” as we like to call it.
Cannabis Indica
The Indica cannabis flower is common in arid regions like India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey. It’s more abundant than Sativa because it can tolerate harsher growing conditions. In addition, its properties make it ideal for nighttime use. As a result, users may experience a tranquil high and regulate appetite, pain, and anxiety. You may already be familiar with popular Indica strains such as Bubba Kush and Purple Punch.
Cannabis Sativa
Sativa cannabis flower thrives in regions of Africa, Western Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central America that see long periods of sunlight along with dry and arid climates.
Searching for something to lift your mood and reinvigorate you during the day? Sativa-infused cookies, gummies, and chewables are sure to do the trick. But, if that’s not enough of a pick-me-up, a few popular sativa strains like Super Lemon Haze and Sour Diesel can provide that much-needed boost.
Hybrid Cannabis
Since each hybrid has been engineered through different combinations of Indica and Sativa, there are endless varieties of hybrid cannabis plants in the market. Generally, a hybrid strain combines two or more strains to create an entirely new one — often with a unique flavor and set of effects.
For instance, the famous Girl Scout Cookies combines OG Kush and Durban Poison. This gives it the sweet and fruity flavor of Durban Poison, paired with OG Kush’s earthy notes. While it’s a hybrid, its effects lean more towards Indica than Sativa, providing users with a light body high with some nice cerebral stimulation. Likewise, Thin Mints and Holy Moly are popular hybrid strains in the market.
Cannabis Ruderalis
Grown in the colder terrains of Russia, Hungary, and Ukraine, Cannabis Ruderalis is the least talked about of all the cannabis flowers, and there’s a good reason for that. Its recreational effects are more subtle and subdued due to its low concentration of THC. The name “Ruderalis” has etymological origins in “ruderal,” a botanical reference to plants that grow on waste or fallow land.
In a way, Cannabis Ruderalis is literally a “weed.” Some studies argue that as a plant species, the Ruderalis has descended from the Indica strain, which itself is a progeny of Sativa. A distinct physical feature of the Ruderalis strain is its short height, so much so that many are familiar with it by the monikers “bonsai cannabis” or “dwarf cannabis.”
Auto-flowering is a specialty of the Ruderalis strain, which means that, unlike most plants that depend on environmental cues such as seasonal changes in climate and daylight hours, the strain can flower independently without external changes. Its flowering patterns emerge after the plant grows to a particular age. Ruderalis also has a short life cycle of an average of 10 weeks, during which it can grow and produce seeds to start the subsequent progeny of plants.
Decide the Right Cannabis Strain for You
With such a wide range of cannabis cultivars, it can be intimidating to pick the right one. Fortunately, there are certain metrics you can use to narrow your search.
- Your consumption goal: Are you looking for a high, something to make you feel relaxed, or just an improved sleep quality? Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to cannabis, so understanding what kind of effect you’re looking for is essential in finding the right strain.
- Your budget: The cost of different weed strains can vary significantly depending on the availability and demand. Doing your research upfront will help you get the most bang for your buck.
- Your local supply: It pays off to keep an eye out for locally grown cannabis strains as they tend to have more pronounced flavors compared to their mass-produced counterparts. Talk to your local dispensary (ahem) — they’re sure to give you great recommendations explicitly tailored to your taste.
- THC and CBD Content: The amount of THC and CBD content in each strain will give you an idea of what sort of effects it might have on your body. A good rule of thumb is that strains with more THC will have more intense effects, while CBD-dominant strains will be more calming and mild-mannered.
- Cannabis Terpene Profile: The cannabis terpenes give each flower its unique flavor, smell, and set of effects. So if you’re looking for an uplifting Sativa-dominant strain to wake you up in the morning, try one with a high concentration of limonene or pinene terpenes — both are known for providing energizing effects.
- Hybrid Effects: Hybrid strains offer a combination of both Indica and Sativa effects. If you’re unsure which type would suit you best, try out a few hybrid strains and see what you like.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works for you. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the right cannabis strain that fits your needs — so get out there and explore! Happy Pheno-hunting!
FAQ
How many cannabis cultivars are there?
As the cannabis industry evolves at an unprecedented rate, more and more cultivars are popping up all around us. Currently, there are over 700 identified as of today but with traditional market operations still running rampant in most parts of the world, who knows how many we haven’t discovered yet? With this ever-changing landscape, opportunities to explore new variants are virtually limitless!
How are new cannabis cultivars created?
New cannabis strains are created through a process called cross-breeding. This technique involves taking two different parent plants and crossing them to create a new strain with its own unique characteristics, such as flavor, aroma, and effects. Cannabis breeders are constantly experimenting with new combinations to create the perfect strain for their community!
What are landrace Indica strains?
Landrace Indica strains refer to the original varieties of cannabis cultivated in various parts of the world before its globalization. These unique cultivars are renowned for their powerful medicinal properties and are typically very sought after due to their rarity and high potency. Thanks to advancements in breeding technology, some landrace Indicas have even been crossed with other varieties to create some of the most popular strains available today.
Does it matter if I still use the word strain?
Technically, there is no wrong or right answer to this question. Strain and cultivar are often used interchangeably in the cannabis industry because both refer to a specific genetic variant of marijuana. However, as the industry continues to evolve and become more regulated, many companies have shifted towards using the term “cultivar” over “strain” to avoid confusion. It all comes down to personal preference — so use whatever word best fits your needs!
Shop the Phenotopia Experience
We hope this has given you a better understanding of cannabis cultivars! Whether you’re looking to explore some new hybrids or find an old classic, our selection at Phenotopia is sure to have something for everyone.
In Sonoma County, Phenotopia is a one-stop shop for all your cannabis needs. We provide customers with a wide selection of quality cannabis products from top-tier vendors, including flower, extracts, edibles and more! Drop by to talk shop or order online for express pickup!
