Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: How to Choose the Right Strain

By Harry B. Nuggs

Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid: How to Choose the Right Strain

Do you sometimes wonder why the selection of types of marijuana matters? You must be thinking that all kinds of weed have the same objective. You're wrong! With that, we've gathered information on different types of weed and their purposes. This is for the consumers to be enlightened as well.

Other than providing bliss, weed has different impacts. The reason behind this is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) which vary in marijuana plants. While CBD, a non-psychoactive molecule, has been found to have a variety of medicinal effects, THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is what gives users a "high" experience. Ready? Let's dive in!

Indica Strains

The Indica strain clasification is named after the Cannabis indica plant. It has shorter and bushier strains than the sativa plants but with broader leaves. In general, Indica plants have a darker color than sativa. When it comes to CBD levels, it normally has a higher CBD content, but the THC content is not necessarily higher. 


Smoking Indica has a relaxing and sedating impact on its consumer. This strain is the best choice for consumers who want to ease their minds at the end of the day and relieve stress or anxiety. Due to its profound relaxation effects, it is recommended to consume it at night. 

If you wonder what are the other positive effects of Indica, these effects include:

  • Relaxing effect

  • Sedation

  • Pain reliever

  • Anxiety relief

  • Higher appetite

Smokeland offers Indica strain products such as:

  • Black - Papaya Bomb (Indica) 

  • Black-Sac Cookies (Indica)

Sativa Strains

Sunny and dry climates are the perfect places to find Cannabis sativa. Geographically, sativa is best grown in Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and other parts of Western Asia. You'll know that it's sativa if you see a tall and thin weed with leaves like fingers. It can grow to about 6 feet or 2 meters long. Sativa consists of lower doses of CBD but higher doses of THC, unlike Indica. Sativa is often known to produce a mind-high or energizing and uplifting effect.  Due to its effects, it is recommended to consume in the daytime. 

If you wonder what are the other positive effects of Sativa, they include:

  • Uplifting

  • Invigorating

  • Increasing creativity

  • sharper focus

Smokeland offers Sativa strain products such as:

  • Black - Laughing Buddha (Sativa)

  • Black-Blue Dream (Sativa)

Hybrid Strains

As the name tells, a Hybrid is a combination of Sativa and Indica plants. It is either grown on farms or in greenhouses. This combination resulted in providing relaxation and energy but still depends on the ratio of Indica and Sativa. If you are not sure or confused about whether to buy Indica or Sativa, then maybe Hybrid is the perfect strain for you. 


Most of the Hybrid cannabis plants are being grown to increase their THC percentage. The farmers and producers are the ones responsible for selecting the perfect ratio for hybrids to produce unique effects. The effects can range from reducing anxiety and stress, to easing the symptoms of chemotherapy. 


Because it's a combination of Sativa and Indica, the effects literally vary on its ratio. Sativa-dominant hybrid strains can provide uplifting and energizing effects. On the other hand, Indica-dominant Hybrid strains provide more relaxation and sedation. In simple terms, the effects will always be somewhere in the middle.


Smokeland offers Sativa strain products such as:

  • Black-Blue Rhino (Hybrid)

  • Black - Krypto Chronic (Hybrid)

  • Black - Cali Gas (Hybrid) 

  • Black - Wedding Cake (Hybrid) 

  • Black - Lemon Cherry Cookies (Hybrid)

  • Black - GMO (Hybrid) 

  • Black - Gelato 33 (Hybrid) 

  • Black - Larry Bird (Hybrid) 

  • Black - Oreoz (Hybrid) 

  • Black - Mac 1 (Hybrid) 

  • Exclusive - Black Mamba (Hybrid)

  • Black - Cereal Milk (Hybrid)

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Strain

Now that you have an option for strains, there are still some factors to consider in order to find the best one:

Effects. Of course, not all of us react to Cannabis similarly, and we can't assure that the strain will definitely give a specific effect. To identify what strain will give your desired effects, look at its cannabinoid and terpene profile. 

Flavor and Aroma. Strains have its own terpene profile which can customize the flavor and aroma of a weed. Some products have strong aromas and flavors while others only have mild ones. The deciding factor will still be your preference. 

Potency. Some strains have greater potency than others, this will also help you decide which strain is the best one for you. For a more intense effect, look for products that have greater potency. 

Affordability. Look for a product that is affordable yet will still give you what you desired. Make sure that you will purchase based on your needs and your bank savings. 

Methods for Evaluating Strains

Researching strain profiles and reviews - If you don't know what you are really looking for, Google is a free site to ask questions. There are plenty of brands and companies selling cannabis-infused products, gather information and make sure to differentiate it and find the product that has greater edge. Moreover, you can visit the product review website of certain brands. This is important to build trust between your consumer and potential buyers. This can also give information to potential buyers as to what products are the best. 

Consulting budtenders or experts - If you are not tech-savvy or do not trust product reviews present on a certain website, then visit a dispensary near you and talk to the budtenders. They are experts when it comes to product analysis and will give you good recommendations. 

Experimenting and keeping a strain journal - If you're a new consumer and still did not find the right product for you, better to list it in your journal. You can start by listing the name, potency level, flavor, aroma, and its effects on you. Take note of these factors and evaluate them thoroughly. Through this, you can eliminate cannabis products that do not satisfy you. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best strains and satisfying one's needs is not applicable to all consumers. Others may like Sativa more than Hybrid or Indica or vice versa. However, after collecting the most useful data for your guidelines, you can now start evaluating the strains based on your preferences.  


The types of cannabis plants that we've discussed do not determine the quality of the plants.  The effects are based on the THC and CBD present in certain strains including the terpenes. However, if you want to experience the best of both Sativa and Indica, Hybrid strains will definitely satisfy you. Smokeland offers a variety of cannabis products. Visit their online menu to try different strains and products and evaluate what works best for you. Smoke wisely!