This article contains the differences and effects of Indica and Sativa cannabis strains, their medical uses and their side effects. If you are wondering whether consuming marijuana is good for your health, then the following could act as a guide to help you make a conclusion.
Indica and Sativa Cannabis Strains
Strains are different Cannabis breeds that have been modified to have specific effects on users.Indica and Sativa Cannabis strains are the two types of Cannabis. There is another strain called hybrid. Indica originates from the Hindu Kush mountains, Afghanistan and Pakistan while Sativa comes from South East Asia, Central and Southern America. They both contain cannabinoids which are psychoactive called Tetrahydrocannabidiol(THC) and Cannabodiol (CBD)
Differences between Sativa and Indica
There are physical traits that can be used to distinguish between Indica and Sativa Cannabis strains. These are with respect to their flowering time, smoke,odour, density,leaf size and structure,height and stature among others. Indica has shorter and wider leaves and blades as compared to Sativa which has longer and thinner leaves and blades. Furthermore, Indica grows bushier and shorter than Sativa plants. In addition, the Sativa strain has a high CBD and low THC while Indica contains higher levels of THC and low CBD levels.
Effects of the Indica strain
Indica and sativa strains both contain THC and CBD. These two cannabinoids are responsible for the different outcomes a user experiences after use. Why would they have different effects if they both have the cannabinoids? This is due to the difference in their ratios.
Indica has high THC: CBD ratio hence it causes decrease in nausea; chemotherapy patients use this to help them fight nausea after treatment. Furthermore, indica helps to relieve insomnia and increases dopamine levels. The strain also relieves both mild and moderate pain such as toothache, menstrual cramps and pinched nerves.
Sativa on the other hand, has a high CBD:THC ratio. The cannabis strain causes anxiety and stress relief. It can also be used as an antidepressant; it inhibits the release of serotonin which causes depression and is known to cause instant happiness. Furthermore, it relieves chronic pain such as spinal cord injuries, glaucoma and Crohn’s disease, and it does not have a lot of side effects as compared to some other chronic pain relievers.
Side effects caused by use of Cannabis
Without doubt, Indica and sativa cannabis strains have positive effects and can be used medically and for recreation. However, just like most drugs, they have side effects that could be detrimental to your health.
The higher the THC level, the more intoxicating and the greater the psychoactive properties. It could be difficult to know exactly what type of cannabis you are taking hence difficult to know the kind of side effects you’d get. Some of the side effects include; impairment of mental, motor and cognitive functions,delayed reactions, memory issues, balance and coordination problems, distorted perception, increased sociability, increased appetite and dry mouth. It also lowers inhibitions hence a user pertakes in more risk taking behaviours.
In conclusion, Indica and sativa cannabis strains have a wide variety of uses and bring about positive impacts as well as side effects. They could be helpful to those that take them in small and regular amounts which reduces chances of a lot of the side effects mentioned above.
