There’s a reason that any discussion of marijuana strains begins with a distinction between indica and sativa cannabis seeds. The two categories actually refer to different subspecies of cannabis, although modern plant breeding has introduced a level of hybridization that can make it difficult to tell the difference. This article will discuss the differences between these two subspecies’ growth patterns, effects, and more.

What Are Indica Cannabis Seeds?

Indica cannabis seeds are the type of marijuana seeds produced by the Cannabis indica plant. This subspecies of cannabis is believed to have developed in the Middle East, often in areas with harsh, dry climates. Popular strains include Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and Girl Scout Cookies, but there are hundreds of named varieties available.

Indica Growth Patterns

Because Cannabis indica evolved to meet the demands of relatively harsh climates and short growing seasons, it tends to be short and squat with many branches. The leaves are also notably broader with wider lobes than sativa strains to maximize sun exposure. Indica strains tend to have slightly shorter growing seasons than sativas, as well.

Indica Effects

Most cannabis enthusiasts describe indicas as having euphoric, sedative effects, and many medical marijuana patients use these strains for pain relief and relaxation. The reason behind these anecdotal descriptions is that most indica strains contain greater concentrations of the terpenes myrcene and linalool, which can have sedating effects.

What Are Sativa Cannabis Seeds?

Sativa cannabis seeds are produced by a different subspecies of marijuana, Cannabis sativa. These strains originated in Central Asia but now tend to come from warmer parts of the world with milder climates. Popular strains include Green Crack, Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, and Super Silver Haze.

Sativa Growth Patterns

Because Cannabis sativa evolved in warm areas with long growing seasons, it tends to be tall and lanky with fewer, larger buds than indica plants. Sativas also take longer to grow from seed to harvest, which can be a problem for people who want to cultivate marijuana outdoors in temperate climates.

Sativa Effects

Most people associate sativa strains with more cerebral effects. Some describe it as being energizing or invigorating, while others say that Cannabis sativa makes them feel more creative and productive. Sativa strains generally have higher concentrations of THC, the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in all marijuana plants.

Hybrid Plants

These days, the most popular varieties of cannabis contain a combination of indica and sativa genetics. Even strains that are supposedly pure sativas or indicas tend to be hybrids of some sort.

Hybrid strains can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or well-balanced. Their growth patterns and usual effects vary based on genetics, with everything from potential yields to cannabinoid concentrations determined by which plants were crossbred to create each strain.

Additional Distinctions

It’s worth noting a few additional distinctions between different types of seeds here. Indica, sativa, and hybrid strains are all available as both regular and feminized seeds, with feminized seeds producing only female plants and regular ones roughly a 50/50 split. Most strains are also available as either photoperiod or autoflowering seeds, which determines things like the length of the growing season, the amount of the yield, and even the resiliency of the plants.

Buy Indica and Sativa Cannabis Seeds Online

The one thing that all indica and sativa cannabis seeds have in common is that they must be of high quality to produce healthy plants. Growers of all skill levels can start their seasons off right by purchasing seeds from reputable online seed banks that source their products from serious plant breeders.