What’s the difference between indica and sativa cannabis strains?

The first thing you’ll probably notice at your local dispensary is that cannabis flower is typically separated into three categories: sativa, indica, and hybrid. What do each of these mean, and which one is right for you?

What is a sativa cannabis strain?

Cannabis sativa is a type of marijuana typically associated with a stimulating “head high.” Medical marijuana patients report that sativas can help with focus, depression, energy, and more. Many boast higher THC levels with less CBD. These uplifting effects make sativas most appropriate for daytime use.

Some of our favorite sativas at Rocking Star Farm include classics like Purple Haze and Knuckle Sandwich as well as new strains like Stardawg Guava.

What is an indica cannabis strain?

Cannabis indica is a type of marijuana known for both mental and physical relaxing effects, more appropriate for nighttime use. Medicinal cannabis patients report that indicas are good for chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. Many indicas also have a higher level of CBD.

Some of our favorite indica cannabis strains at Rocking Star Farm include Star Killer, Chronic Thunder, Bubba’s Glue, and Bubba’s Gift.

Several of our indicas are also featured in processed cannabis products, including gummies, concentrates, and sap from Red Bud Elixirs, as well as live rosin from Midwest Extracts.

What is a hybrid cannabis strain?

Technically, most modern medicinal cannabis strains are some degree of a hybrid between sativa and indica genetics. Some are dubbed either “indica dominant” or “sativa dominant” while true hybrids blend both types and provide a variety of different effects.

For example, our popular hybrid Sundae Driver is a great relaxing strain for nighttime use, while our new Lilac Diesel packs quite a punch as an uplifting daytime strain. Other new favorite hybrids at Rocking Star Farm include GMO Cookies and Blackberry Cookies.

The ability to mix and match genetics often lets cultivators harness the best qualities different plants, creating some truly incredible new strains.

How different are sativa and indica cannabis strains?

While growers have been differentiating cannabis types for generations, some new research suggests that there is little scientific evidence to back the different perceived effects of sativa vs indica cannabis strains.

It’s true that each different cannabis strain can yield widely varied effects, even within the sativa and indica families. Each one is truly unique, but there’s clearly wisdom in the time-honored tradition of recognizing sativa and indica strains. What do you think? You can always weigh in on the subject and let us know your favorite strains on our social media platforms!

Nature vs nurture

It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the unique medical qualities of cannabis are affected by much more than just genetics.

Growing conditions like light, temperature, and water quality play a huge role in activating conditional genes within the plants. The process of cloning, planting, trimming, and harvesting also makes a big difference in how unique terpenes and compounds manifest. Changing the harvest timing by as little as a day can distinctly affect outcomes and test results.

That’s why our unique process and tightly controlled conditions are such a big deal at Rocking Star Farm. Just about anyone can throw a cannabis plant in a pot, but cultivating consistent, top shelf medicinal cannabis is both an art and a science. Experience has shown us that even one or two degrees temperature difference is enough to dramatically affect the results of a crop. After years of methodical experimentation, we believe our conditions are truly dialed in, and the numbers show that we’re harvesting some of our best cannabis ever.

We put patients first

Everything we do is carefully controlled and performed with intentionality and care. Why? Because we put medical marijuana patients first.

When you visit a dispensary, you want to know what kinds of products will be best for your unique needs and medical applications. You deserve access to effective, consistent results.

Some patients have told us that only one specific strain was able to help relieve their medical conditions. If they can’t find that strain, they are out of luck. Stories like this remind us that cannabis cultivation is about more than just running a business — it’s a responsibility, a duty, and a privilege to serve.

Whether we’re growing a sativa, indica, or hybrid, cannabis is our passion, and we’re honored to share that passion with you.

You can learn more about our unique strains on our products page and find nearby dispensaries here.