Depending on where you live, you might be asking the local bud-tender what indica or sativa they recommend for the day. As you do this, black-market consumers are likely to be simply asking dealers what’s available.
Most Cannabis consumers categorize strain types into three groups: indicas, sativas, and hybrids. While Indicas are known to induce sedation and/or couch lock, Sativa varieties uplift with cerebral effects. Hybrids live somewhere in-between.
Thick indica family leaf.
Salt Baked City Staff Photo
Indicas, sativas, and hybrids have many differences, which mainly deal with appearance, grow, and origins. Interestingly, it still remains difficult to gauge possible effects until after consumption.
Indica plants are short with wide leaves and a shorter flowering cycle than its Sativa counterpart. Things like internodal length, leaf size and structure, bud size and density, aroma and smoke are also different. The structure of Indica plants is better suited for cold-climate growing seasons.
Sativa plants tend to be larger being from warmer climates with longer growing seasons. They are taller than their cousins, and their leaves are narrower. Sativas also flower longer.
Narrow sativa family leaf.
Salt Baked City Staff Photo
Hybrids can have features from either strain, and can be sativa-dominant or indica-dominant.
The question remains, do physical characteristics have anything to do with effect. Are Indicas truly sedating, and are Sativas really uplifting? So far, the science says no.
Widespread interbreeding has largely destroyed any differences in effect between the two, which essentially makes everything a Hybrid, and scientific research says the same. What we do find are researchers suggesting that we pay more attention to Cannabinoids. Things like a strain’s THC, CBD, CBN or CBG, and its terpenoid profile.
Dr. Russo Says
Dr. Ethan Russo, Director of Research and Development at the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI) says, “I would strongly encourage the scientific community, the press, and the public to abandon the Sativa-Indica nomenclature, and I rather insist that accurate biochemical assays on cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles be made available for medical and recreational markets. Scientific accuracy and the public health demand no less than this.”
The ICCI is a global organization that supports the advancement of Cannabis and Cannabinoid treatments through a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach using innovative methodology.
So, if we’re supposed to abandon this age-old Indica vs. Sativa debate, what’s the best way to select a cannabis strain? Dr. Russo suggests we start shopping for terpenes instead of Indica or Sativa to achieve the desired effects.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds found in fruit, herbs, and other plants. They are responsible for that unique cannabis aroma. Skunk, citrus, pine, and even gasoline can permeate cannabis flowers in the same way wine grapes take on flavor from where they are grown. Factoid: These smells act as a defense mechanism against predators and pests.
Fragrant oils are secreted in the resin glands of cannabis flowers, where THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are produced. This suggests that terpenes might work in harmony with other cannabis compounds in a phenomenon called the Entourage Effect.
Entourage Effect happens when different Cannabinoid compounds, like terpenes, THC, and CBD dance together to create a more powerful effect than they would on their own.
Terpenes and Cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain. Potential terpene effects terpene may change depending on what other compounds are present. So far, over 100 individual terpenes have been identified from cannabis plants—all developed as protection from predators and to attract pollinators. Researchers believe each individual terpene may produce its own unique set of physiological effects, such as enhanced relaxation or sharpened focus.
Common Terpenes
Myrcene: a musky, couch lock-inducing, citrus-scented terpene that may produce relaxation, and body highs. Found in most Indicas, it’s also present in mango, thyme, lemongrass, and hops. Myrcene is an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen. Other medical benefits include pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and restful sleep.
Alpha-Pinene: a pine-scented terpene that could raise alertness, euphoria, or charge creativity, It’s also possible that it offset the effect on memory-loss caused by THC. Found in pine, dill, parsley, basil, and rosemary. Other medical benefits include antiseptic, and mild asthma relief.
Limonene: citrus-scented terpene that may elevate mood, and relieve stress. Found in juniper, rosemary, fruit rinds, and peppermint. Medical benefits include gallstone and heartburn relief. Anti-fungal; gastroprotection, and antidepressant.
Linalool: a mixed bag of candy and floral-fragranced terpene that act as a sedative and anxiety relief. Found in lavender. Medical benefits include protection against anxiety, convulsions, depression, and acne.
Humulene: an earthy or hops-scented terpene that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Beta-Caryophyllene: a spicy, peppery smelling terpene that may relieve stress.
Ocimene: a sweet-scented terpene with antiseptic properties.
Terpinolene: a floral, or pine-scented terpene that provides relaxation.
Perfect Terpene Cocktail
There seems to be a family resemblance when it comes to terpene profiles, as a cannabis parent can pass down its scent to its descendant strains called phytonutrients.
Lab-tested products are the only way to identify which terpenes are present.
Like fingerprints, we now know every cannabis strain has its own terpene profile. We can use these profiles by considering individual affects, and by combining different compounds for a variety of benefits. When we are purposeful, we can create the perfect terpene cocktail.
Take Dr. Russo’s advice with you on your next dispensary visit. Ask your bud-tender for terpene information to lay that tired old Sativa vs. Indica argument to rest.
