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Sativa vs indica - what to choose?
When searching for the best feminized seeds, we choose from thousands of different genetics. One of the criteria that are taken into account in this case is the content of genes sativa and indica. To know what to choose, you must understand what are the differences between marijuana sativa, and indicaand also specify exactly what these seeds are for!
In this post, we will introduce you to the topic of seeds sativa and seeds indica. We will answer, among others, the following questions:
- What are the differences between the varieties sativa from varieties indica?
- Should I choose seeds for indoor growing? sativa vs indica?
- Which marijuana seeds are best for outdoor growing –sativa vs indica?
- Which marijuana is better sativa vs indica?
Where does the marijuana divide come from? Sativa vs. indica
To begin with, it should be recalled that we currently distinguish 3 species of cannabis - so theoretically we have something more than just that sativa vs indica. Although for some, they are just different types of one species. Nevertheless, they include the so-called hemp Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis. As the aforementioned types of cannabis were discovered, they were classified. The first to be described was Cannabis Sativa L., or the so-called fibrous hemp. In the 50s, this type of cannabis was successfully cultivated in Europe, among other places. A dozen or so years later, a Frenchman, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, encountered cannabis in India that differed from those described as Cannabis Sativa. He described and named it: Cannabis Indica. In his opinion, this cannabis did not produce as strong fibers as the fibrous hemp known from Europe. However, he noted its much greater intoxicating effect. The last type - Cannabis Ruderalis - is a type of cannabis found in Russia, growing wild, whose genetics are currently used to create autoflowering varieties.
Cannabis Sativa vs Indica – What’s the Difference?
Every cannabis enthusiast already knows that no two varieties of this plant are the same. Every newly created genetic is unique, and differences can be found in practically all features. We are talking about the appearance of the plant, its leaf shape, structure, the way it grows, but also the color, smell, taste of cannabis, or the effect it produces. So how can we clearly determine the features of Sativa vs. Indica varieties? Well, at the very beginning, when we were dealing with pure Sativa genetics from Europe or pure Indica from the regions of India, the features that distinguished both of these species were clear! Over time, with the creation of new varieties and the mixing of genes, these features began to blur. Producers of new genetics select the best features for crosses and combine them in such a way as to obtain in one variety all the best of both worlds, i.e. from the world of indica and sativa!
In this way, we have, for example, a marijuana strain with a significant predominance of the Sativa genotype, which grows like a typical indica, as a low bush with many lateral branches, and contains a very large amount of THC, causing an intoxicating effect. One such variant is, for example, Tangerine Dream od Barneys Farm . In addition to the above-mentioned features, it is worth mentioning its very large yield, which in indoor conditions can even exceed 600 g/m2; as well as its medical properties, e.g. analgesic, anti-inflammatory or uplifting.
As you may have guessed, Cannabis Sativa is currently divided into industrial hemp, which contains small amounts of THC, and marijuana, which has psychoactive effects. Marijuana is also called Cannabis Indica, or Indian hemp.
TANGERINE DREAM / BARNEY'S FARM
Like genetics sativa vs indica manifest in the appearance of cannabis?
Sativas are slimmer and taller, which means they also have larger internodal spacing. Sativa leaves are narrower and the buds are more aerated, light and delicate. It has been known for a long time that both plants and animals, with their structure and construction, adapt to the prevailing conditions in their environment. Sativas were naturally found in warm and tropical regions. Thanks to the described structure, these plants could survive and cope with pests, mold and high temperature.
Indicas had to adapt to completely different conditions. We are talking about cool mountainous areas. In this case, the summers are definitely cooler and, above all, shorter. In order to carry out photosynthesis more efficiently, cannabis indicas have developed wider, fan-shaped leaves. To cope with the wind, they remained shorter and more stocky. Indica genetics are also characterized by a shorter flowering time. The buds of typical indicas will be more compact and dense.
Differences in marijuana cultivation: sativa vs indica
We already know what climates will be best for indicaand which for sativa. What else distinguishes these two species when growing them?
Sativas need longer and warmer summers. Their flowering phase lasts longer than the varieties indica. This species elongates upwards towards the light as it increases in size. If it has the right conditions, i.e. a lot of space for roots, a stable substrate, it can reach very high heights, even well over 3 meters! Among other things, for this reason Sativas are often chosen for outdoor growing.
Needless to say, that's the case marijuana seeds sativa it is worth paying attention to the information from the producer - what height the varieties reach.
Cannabis Indica grows in dense bushes. This genetics usually does not reach such significant sizes as the previous one. As we mentioned, indicas are also characterized by a shorter flowering time, which is desirable in climates with shorter summers. Indica characteristics, i.e. smaller size and shorter flowering time will be beneficial in the case of cultivation Indoor. The shorter life cycle of the plant gives growers the opportunity to harvest crops even several times a year. This will definitely increase the efficiency of indoor crops with limited space, on an annual basis! By the way, it is worth mentioning the origin of hemp once again indica. The natural habitat of these genes is cool, mountainous regions. This means nothing more than greater resistance to low temperatures. Therefore, indicas will also be great for outdoor cultivation in colder climates, e.g. in temperate climates.
The different effects of cannabis sativa vs indica
What do you prefer? sativa vs indica? When asking such a question, it is always about the type of effect caused by marijuana. Every connoisseur knows perfectly well what and when they prefer. 😊 It is assumed that the relaxing, calming effect, and the so-called "sticking in the seat" characterize indica. Sativa, on the other hand, is a typical companion to parties and all integrations! Connoisseurs associate it with a stimulating, cheerful, euphoric and mood-improving effect. In the case of hybrid varieties, the effects are usually unpredictable and complex.
SATIVAL MOOD
INDICA MOOD
It turns out, however, that not everyone has the same opinion about the difference in the effect of sativas and indicas on humans. Some experts in the field deny that it's genetics sativa/indica effect could be determined. It would seem logical, considering the fact that the effect of cannabis consists of many substances contained in it. We are talking here not only about psychoactive THC, but also other cannabinoids and their proportions, as well as terpenes or flavonoids that are not indifferent to our body. Everything that is contained in the plant, together, makes up the entire effect caused by it. However, such a distinction certainly did not come out of nowhere. The opinion of many experienced recreational users who have had the opportunity to consciously try both indica and sativa is enough. Nevertheless, there is no specific answer as to what exactly the substances contained in the plant are indica or sativa would have the opposite effects described above. However, it is assumed that this difference in effect may be due to the presence of different terpenes in both types of cannabis. As we know, terpenes can have both a calming and relaxing effect, as well as an uplifting and energizing effect.
Which genetics will be better sativa vs indica?
The best place to answer this question will be at the end of our post. You already know the basic differences between indica and sativa in terms of appearance, cultivation, and effect. You will also know what the seed producer means when describing the characteristics of his new genetics! Now all you have to do is answer the question of what you are looking for and what you expect. 😉
Summation sativa vs indica
Currently, the percentage of the genotype indica i sativa may or may not tell us much about the plant. In addition to these parameters, it is worth paying attention to the descriptions of marijuana seed producers. The world's feminized seed producers are doing their best to create varieties with the most desirable traits, and to correctly describe their new genetics. In addition, their goal is to create genotypically and phenotypically stable varieties. This means nothing more than that the description of the genetics they give to growers and collectors will reflect the main characteristics of the plant produced from the seed. By knowing the differences between the species sativa vs indica it will certainly be easier to understand the descriptions of marijuana strains. It will also be easier to communicate in the environment of cannabis enthusiasts.
We hope this post was helpful to you, and cannabis descriptions like this: "the appearance of the bush and the structure of the leaves are more like sativa, while the effect is typical indicawill no longer be a mystery to you.
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