Cannabis Strain Explained - Indica, Sativa, Ruderalis

Once you are introduced to your first cannabis puff, you may be surprised how much is involved. If you want the recreational or medical benefits — or a bit of it- there’s much to learn.

The information has become more critical for several reasons. First, the massive marketing effort launched by hemp-based products will distract you from the cannabis-based products you want to explore. Second, progressive legalization offers a variety of strains with quality standards you’ll never find on the street. And third, cannabis strains have increased in strength, so you should be sure you know what you are looking for.

The Hemp issue:

Cannabaceae is a botany class that includes Cannabis India, Cannabis Sativa, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Hemp is a form of Cannabis Sativa grown since antiquity for fiber and food. As an agricultural resource, it is grown by an increasing number of farms throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Hemp fiber strengthens rope and adds character to carpets and fabrics for everyday wear and high fashion. It remains an easily grown and sustainable agrarian resource. But it also has medical benefits because of its minimal trace of the psychoactive THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) and a large dose of calming CBD (cannabidiol).

Because it is not listed as a risk by the FDA, hemp is easily available in all states and online. While there are fewer restrictions on research, claims about hemp’s medical benefits are mainly anecdotal, so the FDA has taken an interest in increasing claims about hemp’s efficacy.

The problem facing beginners is that hemp producers and distributors have hit the media with enough coverage to confuse beginners.

Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant providing industrial fiber, seeds, oil, food, recreation, spiritual moods, and medicine. Male plants die after pollination, and female plants produce flowers and benefits.

Sativa grows tall with long branches and narrow-blade leaves, making it difficult to raise. Sativa takes as much as six months to flower, and that slow growth produces a larger yield with lower THC than Indica. 

Sativa strains work quickly and provide an energetic, stimulating, and uplifting buzz. Proven to improve creativity, cannabis sativa has attracted artists, musicians, and writers. At the very least, it will improve your experience with art, movies, and music.

Sativa strains will increase focus and increase appetite. Other effects also serve medical issues by reducing or eliminating anxiety, depression, migraines, muscular cramps, nausea, pain, and spasticity. It is also known to counter the influence of THC, so stains with a balanced ratio can provide the best effects.

Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Indica originated in the Hindu Kush mountains of the Asian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and surrounding regions. Inaccurately labeled as Indian, it spread throughout the Middle East, Europe, and regions along the Spice and Silk Roads.

The short, stocky Indica plant has wide-bladed leaves. Its shorter height means an eight—to twelve-week growth before flowering, smaller yields, and higher THC potency. However, its denser CBD count can leave users with body stone.

It treats many of the same medical conditions as the Sativa. Still, it is well known for its anti-spasmatic properties, which treat pediatric epilepsy, involuntary muscle contractions, and chronic pain from autoimmune disorders. 

Cannabis Ruderalis

Cannabis Ruderalis is the poor cousin of Sativa and Indica. But it does survive in the harshest natural and artificial environments. Its durability intrigues breeders and growers who have sought to introduce its strengths into other lines.

The ruderal DNA produces a thick, fiber-dense plant. It flowers automatically in 21 to 30 days. It is bred as a hybrid with Sativa and Indica to grow plants with strength and early dependable harvest.

So, what are you looking for?

Beginners can expect some adverse side effects on their first use, just as you might expect from your first cigarette. There might be something rough in your throat and nose, you may cough, and you might experience lightheadedness or nausea. But you’ll stick with it to enjoy the benefits.

Ask your friends and the dispensary’s budtenders for advice, and they’ll recommend some of the following:

• Mango is a long-time popular Indica that produces relaxed, happy, and sleepy results. There’s enough THC to notice the effects but not enough to concern you. You’ll feel a euphoric hit, laugh a lot, and enjoy your friends immensely. Try this after dinner for pick-up, and you’ll be ready for a deep sleep at bedtime.
• Chernobyl has enough THC to bother a newcomer, so you want to use this lightly and slowly until you are comfortable. But you should enjoy dreamy head highs, leaving you focused and creative.
• Harlequin makes everyone’s lists for early use. This one’s high in CBD and low in THC, so the cerebral effects are minimal while the medical benefits are optimized. You should enjoy the calming effects and pain relief.
• AC/DC is another classic with a name that belies its properties. This is not a heavy metal experience. Instead, it produces a calming sedation close to the couch lock.
• Jack Herer is named for a renowned early cannabis activist. It’s a bit higher in THC content and impacts with a moderate psychic buzz that won’t push you to the edge of anxiety or paranoia. Jack Here has been a go-to option for regular users for a long time.
• Plushberry is another moderate THC strain to ease you into a higher THC experience without hitting beginners too hard too early.
• Hindu Kush is as close as you can get to the ancient strains. More potent than the other strains listed so far, it’s also relaxing enough that it won’t freak a beginner out.
• Blue Dream is a beautiful plant that crosses Blueberry Indica and Sativa Haze for balanced cerebral excitement and full-body relaxation. Its sweet berry taste and aroma and medical benefits have made it the most popular strain across the U.S.
• For decades, White Widow has been recommended for its smooth experience. After a totally relaxing reaction, it’ll make you hungry.

Don’t limit yourself.

This short list covers the classics; without diminishing them, there are other options. Each of the strains listed has new relatives. Breeders are developing new strains and variations on these classics to give first-time users and veterans choices they will appreciate.