Hybrids, Sativa & Indica…what does it all mean??
The short answer “Nothing.”
Why?
Well here's the LONG answer..
Because cannabis is too complex to be broken down into 3 categories.
The effect, smell and taste of a strain comes from the unique combination of terpenes, plant nutrients and cannabinoid content.
Landrace strains (Original, not hybridized) developed these unique properties on their own and then some strains are hybridized by growers and geneticists to enhance or adjust those combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids.
The terms “Indica” and “Sativa” are really more useful for farmers/cultivators because they help to describe how the plant grows.
But as soon as the plant is harvested the cannabinoid structure and terpene quantity can change.
For Example, If i go to a dispensary and get 7 grams of “Sativa” flower that is discounted because it has been sitting around for 6 months past it’s harvest date, that “Sativa” has aged, losing some of it’s fresh scent (terpenes) and most likely has started developing CBN. CBN is a cannabinoid that helps with sleep and relaxation. So now you have 7 grams of a “Sativa” that has started to turn into an “Indica”.
And a lot of people (me prior to 5 years ago included) think that the term “Hybrid” means that your strain lands somewhere on the scale of Sativa to Indica, which just isn’t true. It means that the strain has been hybridized from it’s Landrace parent. That is one of MANY reasons cannabis cultivators are so incredible. They are geneticizing strains to add more benefits for more specific health issues.
So what is going to give you more of an upbeat “daytime” vibe and what is going to give you more of a sleepy “Night time “ vibe?
Well let me preface this by saying, everyone is different and everyone’s Endocannabinoid system is different, just like some people can have coffee before bed some cannabinoids may effect you differently.
But if I were to generalize….
Cannabinoids like THC-V which is commonly found in strains like Durban Poison, a landrace Sativa helps with focus, curbs appetite and in some instances can even help with bladder control.
All of these attributes would be great for someone who is working out, or running errands. you know, daytime activities.
Terpenes that would be a great accompany to this affect would be Alpha Pinene, which is great for bronchial dilation, giving you deeper breaths, as well as alertness and focus.
If you are looking for more of a euphoric daytime high, seek out strains that smell like citrus, tat is the terpene Limonene.
Personally I have found the best results with a combination of Limonene and Terpinolene that smells like a fresh citrus bouquet in freshly cleaned room. These scents are prevalent in strains like Mount Hood Magic, which was hybridized to help with the seasonal depression that can happen here in the Pacific Northwest.
And if you are looking for a strain to help with insomnia I recommend strains that smell like hops (myrcene) or lavender (Linalool) that have been on the shelf a little while. Also, (pro tip) look for strains that sound heavy.
Strains like White rhino, Nine pound Hammer and Purple Elephant all are super relaxing and sleepy.
If you want to learn more about terpenes check out the beautiful and educational posters from Gold Leaf!
They also have amazing notebooks where you can track strains that you've liked or that have worked for you.
Check them out at
https://shopgoldleaf.com/livviesmalls
And use code Livvie10 at checkout for a discount!
