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Understanding Different Cannabis Strains and Their Effects, Part 1

By February 4, 2018April 27th, 2022No Comments

When buying cannabis at marijuana stores in California, you may notice a vast range of strains that are usually labeled as indica, sativa, and hybrid. Each has its own range of effects and you may want to be able to easily distinguish them.

With the help of our mini guide, you will better understand the plant’s therapeutic benefits, and learn more about the physical appearance and chemical composition of cannabis strains. Read on!

What is a cannabis strain?

The first time they come at marijuana stores in California, people usually have at least a few misconceptions regarding marijuana strains. Cannabis is a flowering plant that is much more complex than they may think.

Marijuana has been around for thousands of years and can grow all over the world. As a result, there are multiple natural varieties of cannabis referred to as strains. A strain is a specific breed of each individual plant.

Types of cannabis

Over the years, familial strains have divided into specific subsections. The two species of cannabis most commonly grown for medicinal and recreational purposes are Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.

There is another relatively unknown species called Cannabis ruderalis. It has a low level of THC, which is why it isn’t utilized in its pure form. Instead, it has been bred with indica and sativa to gift them with auto-flowering genetics.

Hybrid strains are a combination of both indica and sativa strains. They have been bred with the existing strains through crossbreeding. The reproductive process and specific mix of indica, sativa, and/or ruderalis ensure that hybrid strains exude desirable characteristics from each parent.

Sativa vs. indica: appearance

Personnel at marijuana stores in California will tell you that sativa and indica strains differ not only in the set of benefits they provide but also in their growing traits. They can be easily distinguished by their physical appearance.

Cannabis sativa. Sativas originated in equatorial countries, such as Mexico, Colombia, southern India, Thailand, and so forth. They thrive in warmer weather and have evolved to be much taller, often growing to a height of three meters or more. Sativas have long, slender, and narrow leaves and long, widely-spaced branches. They need more time and light to grow and mature.

A major difference between sativa and indica strains is that sativas take longer to finish the flowering time. Most sativas need approximately 10 to 12 weeks to flower but some strains require even 14 to 16 weeks to finish blooming.

Cannabis indica. Indica varieties are native to colder climates. They come from the Indian subcontinent and central Asia. Compared to its tall and graceful sister, indica is the short and thick one in the family.

Indica strains tend to be more compact and bushy in stature and generally grow between 1 and 2 meters tall. Leaf segments almost touch one another or overlap a little. They are generally a darker shade of green than their counterparts. Indica strains usually have a flowering time of 6.5 weeks to 8.5 weeks, which makes them suitable for indoor cultivation.

Looking for marijuana stores in California?

If you are looking for the best among marijuana stores in California, reach out to People’s OC. Once you visit us and try the industry’s highest quality medicines and equipment, we will become your favorite go-to dispensary in Orange County!

Our knowledgeable and friendly team is ready to help you choose the right product for medical or recreational cannabis use. In the meantime, check out our next two articles about cannabis strains and their effects!