Cannabis Indica vs Sativa Strains and their Effects

Even while medical marijuana comes in a slew of different varieties with catchy names like Northern Lights, Blueberry, and Sour Diesel, most of these strains fall under one of two basic categories: Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa.

Cannabis sativa and indica are strains of the cannabis plant often considered to have distinct psychoactive properties. Some scientists contend that this generalization is inaccurate since the amount of effect-inducing chemicals in any specific plant might vary.

Here, we'll examine the alleged effects of both Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica and the chemical and physical distinctions between the two.

Physical Differences

Simply glancing at the plants, you can distinguish between indica and sativa varieties.

Indica plants often grow two to four feet tall, with larger leaves and densely branching stems, giving them a bushy look.

Sativa plants are often taller than indica plants, reaching five to eighteen feet or more. They have tiny leaves and usually only a few branches.

Chemical Compositions

Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two chemicals that cause the effects of cannabis oil. Cannabinoids are chemicals that have diverse effects on the brain.

CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body (ECS). The ECS is primarily important for maintaining homeostasis, or the body's capacity to keep internal functions like temperature, immunological responses, and mood in check.

Both sativa and indica plants contain THC and CBD. Though each plant's amount of THC and CBD varies, sativa plants generate more THC than CBD, while indica plants produce more CBD.

Their Effects on the Body

THC is well-known for producing a "high" that includes drowsiness, pleasure, and decreased perception and movement. According to research, THC has also been linked to pain reduction.

It can cause these effects by attaching to the cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body:

• CB1 receptors are found in large numbers in the brain. These receptors influence many brain-related activities, including learning and memory, emotion, social behaviours, and equilibrium. THC binds to these receptors to produce the "high" effect.

• CB2 receptors are widespread in bodily tissues that help the immune system function, such as the tonsils, spleen, and thymus. By regulating inflammatory and immunological responses, these receptors aid in maintaining bodily homeostasis. THC binds to these receptors, although not as strong as it binds to CB1 receptors.

It's unclear how CBD exerts its benefits. CBD is well-known for reducing pain and inflammation, preventing seizures, and alleviating the symptoms of mental illnesses like anxiety.

CBD, however, does not produce the same "high" as THC since it does not bind to any of the cannabinoid receptors listed. Instead, CBD is thought to influence how THC binds to these receptors.

According to research, CBD appears to reduce THC's intoxicating effects, allowing for more favourable outcomes like reduced nausea.

How You Feel After Taking Them

You may have heard that Cannabis sativa plants produce an energizing and energetic "high," while Cannabis indica plants have a more calming effect. However, there is a scarcity of studies in this area.

Possible Side Effects

Cannabis usage can have various adverse effects that vary from person to person. CBD-rich cannabis products can have harmful side effects like nausea, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, and appetite fluctuations.

THC-dominant cannabis products can have the same adverse effects as CBD-dominant cannabis products. However, because THC has a brain-specific impact, it might have side effects, including hallucinations, changes in attitude, body movement issues, and altered perceptions.

Furthermore, evidence shows that early THC usage (during the adolescent years or younger) may affect the development of the brain in terms of memory, reasoning, and learning.

Conclusion

We have run through the effects of both Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica and the chemical and physical distinctions between the two. While there is limited research on this, we can see that they have distinctive benefits.

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