What’s the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?

The terms "indica" and "sativa" are often heard during medicinal cannabis discussions, but their exact impact on a patient's therapeutic experience requires a more nuanced understanding of these two cannabis plant varieties. 

Traditionally, indica strains were believed to promote relaxation and pain relief, while sativas were associated with uplifting effects, potentially improving mood and creativity. However, Indica and Sativa actually refer to the morphology of the Cannabis Plant. ‘Cannabis sativa’ was found to be a taller, slimmer, and more fibrous plant, while ‘Cannabis indica,’ was found to be more dense, shorter and wider.

We now understand that the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant are not necessarily determined by the sativa vs indica label, but instead the combination of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, minor cannabinoids and various cannabis terpenes which is known as the "entourage effect". This influences the overall experience for the patient and means that doctors should consider not only the sativa vs. indica label, but unique terpene content too.

Today, research suggests that years of crossbreeding has likely hybridised sativa and indica strains to the point that most of the cannabis consumed today is a combination of the two species’ lineages. 

By recognising the category of plant and having a deeper understanding of the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile doctors can help their patients achieve better healthcare outcomes and experience more wakeful or restful treatment experience.