Indica and Sativa are undoubtedly two of the most recognized terms in the cannabis world. These once-relevant, quasi-scientific classifications stemmed from the days when most cannabis came from two distinctly different geographic regions, each with its own unique characteristics.
However, after a century of rapid globalization and hybridization, the plant we know and love has evolved into a complex blend of pedigrees from all over the world. Today, the terms Indica and Sativa are arguably more marketing tools than scientifically grounded categories. Used liberally by retailers and budtenders to describe a variety’s effects on consumers - the term's links to the past are long gone. Read on for a brief history lesson, and why the terms Indica and Sativa should be asshed out.
Cannabis Taxonomy
Cannabis is a genus of plants in the Cannabaceae family, which includes hops and approximately 170 other flowering plants. Scholars originally classified cannabis into three species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
These original divisions were based on geographic origin and the unique physical traits of the plants. Advances in molecular biology and genetic mapping, however, have shown that the distinctions between these supposed species/subspecies are not as clear-cut as once thought. Studies have found that these three species are genetically more similar than different, and that they likely diverged due to selective breeding for specific traits, such as THC content or plant morphology.
Today, many in academia consider all cannabis to be Cannabis sativa without species or subspecies distinctions. For a deeper dive, check out this study co-authored by our Co-Owner Seth Crawford which explores genomic markers found in cannabis from across the globe. The lines between cannabis across the globe are faint if present at all.
But for the sake of context, let’s break down the original classifications:
Old Word Weed|
Before Runtz, Cookies, SFV OG, Nevilles Haze, Northern Lights, Cheese, and Skunk - the gene pool was relatively narrow. Cannabis came from a few different regions and for the most part fit relatively well into stereotypes.
Cannabis Indica: "In da couch"
Cannabis indica, originating from the harsh, high-altitude mountains of the Hindu Kush, is known for its short, squat stature, broad leaves, and dense, round flowers. With relatively short growing seasons, this variety also has a brief flowering cycle. Consumers often claim that indica provides a more relaxing, sedative "couch-lock" effect.
Cannabis Sativa: "Focus weed"
Cannabis sativa is typically used to describe tall, lanky plants with long, slender leaves and a long flowering cycle, mostly found in the tropics of East Asia, South America, and Central America. Sativa's are often associated with equatorial regions that have warm climates and little seasonal variation. These varieties are said to produce uplifting, energizing, creative, and focused effects.
Cannabis Ruderalis: "Ditch Weed"
Cannabis ruderalis is rarely the focus of attention, as this subspecies is known for its day-neutral, or autoflowering, characteristics and lower cannabinoid content. Found mostly in Eastern Europe and Russia, these plants were thought to be higher in CBD than THC and were rarely cultivated for medicinal or fiber purposes.
Cannabis Today
Virtually every cannabis variety available today is a hybrid of a vast multitude of varieties. The days of pure landrace strains are virtually gone, and using the oversimplified classifications of Indica and Sativa to describe modern cannabis is ineffective—especially when it comes to understanding how cannabis affects individuals. The classification system doesn’t capture the hodgepodge mixture that exists in current cannaculture, nor does it align with our more detailed and scientifically backed understanding of cannabis effects. A few major points:
1. Modern Breeding and Hybridization
Over the past few decades, cannabis has been extensively crossbred to produce plants that are as much mutt's as a street dog in a 3rd world country. Everything is a hybird. Our modern day hybrids display a wide range of growth patterns and effects, which makes the traditional classification system useless.
For example, the plants pictured below are S3's, a self pollinated inbred line. One has fat leaves and the other skinny leaves, yet genetically, they are extremely similar. They are both CBG dominant, which the internet describes as a "sativa", but based on leaf structure they would be described as Indica and Sativa. Neither accurate.
2. Cannabinoid and Aroma Profiles Matter More
Cannabis effects are primarily driven by the specific cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, and CBG) and aroma compounds such as terpenes present in a strain, rather than its broad classification as Indica or Sativa.
Some Indica labeled strains may have high THC and low CBD, while others might feature a balanced or higher CBD content, affecting the overall experience. Likewise, some Sativa strains may have sedative qualities depending on the cannabinoids and aroma compounds present. A high-THC Indica variety can be more stimulating than a low-THC Sativa, completely contradicting the common expectations. The classifications seem to be just tossed out loosely by growers and retailers. If a variety is sour and terpinolene rich, its called a sativa. If it reeks like gas, its an indica. Neither based on genetic roots.
3. Individual Variability
People’s bodies react differently to cannabis. Some may feel more relaxed on what’s labeled a Sativa, while others may experience anxiety or jitteriness. On the other hand, some may find Indica labeled weed sedating, while others don't mind smoking them before a hike. I personally can smoke a heavy "Indica" before bead and lay awake with heart palpitations. Everyone can have vastly different experiences with the same variety, depending on their tolerance, metabolism, and endocannabinoid systems.
Everybody is different.
4. The Need for a More Nuanced Approach
The cannabis industry needs to move toward a more nuanced understanding of the plant. New methods of categorizing varieties should focus on:
- Cannabinoid ratios (e.g., THC:CBD ratios)
- Aroma/Terpene profiles (this variety smells like BLANK, which for many provides effects like relaxation, euphoria, alertness, etc.)
- Variety-specific effects - (for many this variety is energizing, relaxing, euphoric, creative, etc.)
5. Scientific Research Challenges Traditional Labels
Much of the early research on cannabis used the Indica vs. Sativa model because it was the best classification system available at the time. However, as scientific knowledge increases, it's obvious effects are driven by an interplay of cannabinoids, aroma compounds/terpenes, and other factors that don’t align neatly with the Indica/Sativa divide.
6. Cultural and Market Influence
Indica and Sativa labels are stuck with us because of tradition, market demand, and consumer familiarity. Its easier for a budtender to slap a label on a strain than provide a detailed description of a strains aromas and effects.
It's Time to Move On
While the terms may have had a time and place, its time to move on. Taxonomically they do not make sense, and with everybody being different - Indica and Sativa are no longer relevant. For most, the nose knows what it likes. Not the label.
