How to Tell the Difference Between Indica and Sativa

Co-authored by Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH and Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: August 20, 2024 Fact Checked

If marijuana is legal where you live and you've ever stepped inside a dispensary, you might've been overwhelmed by the sheer number of different strains available. All these strains can be split into 2 main types: indica, which is more of a downer, and sativa, which is more of an upper.^{[1]
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Research source} As it turns out, the 2 types are different in a lot of different ways. Here, we've gathered different attributes you can use to tell indica and sativa apart, whether you're smoking them, looking at a jar of buds, or walking through a cultivation center.

1

Names of Strains

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Sativa strains tend to have more energetic names than indica strains. With sativa strains, you'll see words like "diesel" and "power" that capitalize on the energetic nature of the sativa high. Indica strains tend to have more mellow names. Sativa strains are also more likely to have fruits, like pineapple or strawberry, in their names, due to the plant's fruity aroma when smoked.^{[2]
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- Many popular indica strains include the word "kush" in their names since indica originates in the Kush mountains, which span the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.^{[3]
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- Hybrid strains usually have names that reflect the dominant type. For example, "Pineapple Express" is a sativa-dominant hybrid, while "Cookies Kush" is an indica-dominant.

2

Bud Size and Density

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Indica buds are thicker than sativas and produce more flowers. If you're looking at a jar of buds, you can typically tell indica apart from sativa simply by the shape of the buds. Sativa buds are long and cylindrical compared to indica buds, which are more round. Indica buds are also incredibly dense compared to sativa buds.^{[4]
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- Hybrids, which are a combination of sativa and indica plants, usually take on the bud shape of the dominant strain. So if those buds have a sausage shape, you know the dominant strain is sativa.

3

Smell

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Indica strains have earthy, skunky odors while sativas smell sweeter. If you stick your nose in a jar of fresh buds or catch a whiff of someone's smoke, you might be able to tell the type by smell alone. Indica produces a heavier, mustier smell compared to sativa, which can smell fruity or spicy. Why do they smell different? Terpenes!^{[5]
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- Limonene is a terpene that's heavy in sativa strains. This terpene is responsible for the energy you get from sativa. It's also common in citrus fruits, which explains the fruity aroma many sativa strains have.
- Linalool and pinene are terpenes with relaxing effects that are found in indica strains. If you couldn't guess from the name, pinene can also be found in pine needles and contributes to indica's earthy aroma.

4

Mental Effects

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Sativa increases focus and creativity more than indica.^{[6]
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Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.} Sativa is typically considered more of a daytime cannabis because it can give you energy and improve your focus. Indica, on the other hand, has a calming effect that relaxes your mind and promotes sleep. For that reason, most people prefer to use indica strains at night.^{[7]
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- These are very general differences in the mental effects for the 2 basic types. Different people can have different experiences depending on their own mental state. For example, if you have ADHD, you might find that sativa calms you.
Jorge Cervantes, Bestselling Marijuana Author

Indica strains tend to provide a more relaxing, sedative effect that can help relieve pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. Sativas usually deliver a more energetic, uplifting high that sparks creativity and focus. But the reality is more nuanced, with countless hybrid strains exhibiting mixed traits.

5

Physical Effects

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Indica has more of a body effect than sativa and helps relax muscles.^{[8]
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Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.} While sativa is used to treat chronic pain, its effects are more mental than indica's. Indica is the type that gives you a "body high," relaxing your muscles and reducing tension.^{[9]
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- If you want a mix of both, try an indica-dominant hybrid. The CBD in the indica will mellow out the THC for a more relaxed buzz than you'd get with sativa alone, but you'll still get more of a buzz than you would with pure indica.

6

Medical Benefits

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Indica helps insomnia while sativa helps ADHD and depression. Looking at the mental and physical effects of each type gives you a good idea of the medical benefits. Just think in terms of what medical condition might be improved by that effect.^{[10]
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- In addition to providing much-needed energy and focus for people with ADHD, depression, and related conditions, sativa is also used as an appetite stimulant.
- Because indica is also a muscle relaxant, it's helpful in treating pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.

7

Active Compounds

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Indica strains contain CBD while pure sativa strains only contain THC. The specific amount of the compounds depends on the strain.^{[11]
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Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.} Some indica strains only contain CBD while others contain THC and CBD.^{[12]
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- CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce an intoxicating high like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does.^{[13]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
  Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education
  
  Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.}
- Hybrids can contain different combinations of THC and CBD depending on the dominant type.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
  Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education
  
  Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.} Different combinations produce different effects, so experiment until you find a blend that you like!

8

Plant Size and Shape

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Indica plants grow to about half the height of sativa plants. Sativa plants are tall and thin with the branches reaching upward. When cultivated outdoors, sativa plants may grow up to 12 feet (3.7 m) tall! Indica plants seldom grow more than 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, but are wider at the base than sativa plants, shaped similar to a pine tree.^{[16]
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Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- The usable part of the sativa plant tends to be about halfway up the plant, while indica buds flourish all the way down to the bottom of the stalk.

9

Leaf Appearance

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Sativa leaves are long and skinny compared to indica leaves. Sativa leaves are the model for the stereotypical pot leaf icon you see on T-shirts, hats, and stickers. Indica leaves are fat, wide, and flat.^{[17]
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- Although the leaves of both types grow in the same pattern, this is typically the easiest way to distinguish the 2 types of cannabis. Indica leaves are usually double or even triple the width of sativa leaves.

10

Origins

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Sativa plants originated near the equator while indica plants thrive further north. Indica plants originated in central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Sativa is native to countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Cambodia, and Colombia. Sativa varieties are more likely to be grown in Central and South America.^{[18]
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- Since indica hails from mountainous areas in Tibet and Nepal, it grows easily at altitude.

11

Growing Conditions

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Sativa plants grow in warmer climates than indica plants. Sativa plants grow tall in temperate, almost tropical zones. In colder climates, they're typically grown indoors. In contrast, indica plants thrive in cooler climates and at higher altitudes.^{[19]
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- Growers tend to prefer indica plants because they're hardier than sativa varieties and produce higher yields despite being smaller plants.

12

Flowering Time

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An indica plant will flower in 45 to 60 days, whereas sativa plants take 60-90 days. Sativa plants have less chlorophyll than indica, which is why they take longer to finish blooming.^{[20]
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Expert Q&A

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Is hemp or CBD better for pain?

Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education
Dr. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH is the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Dr. Corroon is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Corroon advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies regarding science, regulation, and product development. He is well published in the peer-review literature, with recent publications that investigate the clinical and public health implications of the broadening acceptance of cannabis in society. He earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, subsequently completed two years of residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and is a former adjunct professor at Bastyr University California.

Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH

Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Answer

CBD is most commonly used to reduce pain and improve sleep, while hemp oil is primarily used to supplement one’s diet with important fatty acids that may reduce inflammation.

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Does topical CBD actually work?

Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education
Dr. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH is the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Dr. Corroon is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Corroon advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies regarding science, regulation, and product development. He is well published in the peer-review literature, with recent publications that investigate the clinical and public health implications of the broadening acceptance of cannabis in society. He earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, subsequently completed two years of residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and is a former adjunct professor at Bastyr University California.

Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH

Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Answer

Yes, but these products do not drive CBD deep enough into the body to reach the bloodstream. As a result, it is unlikely that this method of administration would help with things like anxiety, seizures, sleep problems and other symptoms or medical conditions.

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Tips

Statements on labels that claim a specific therapeutic effect, like “promotes sleep”, “reduces pain”, should be interpreted with skepticism. Given the federal prohibition on marijuana, the US FDA has not sanctioned any health-related claims for marijuana products.^{[21]
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Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.}

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If you're just starting to explore cannabis, keep a journal. Write down information about each strain you purchase, including the percentages of CBD, THC, and different terpenes. Then, describe the effects it had on you and how you liked it. You can use this information to find the best strains for you.

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Warnings

Cannabis is illegal in many places.^{[22]
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Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.} Check local laws before you buy cannabis or carry any with you from one place to another to avoid possible criminal penalties.^{[23]
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Marijuana sold in dispensaries is much more potent than marijuana sold before legalization. Go slow and don't overdo it, especially if you're just getting started.^{[24]
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This article discusses the difference between pure indica and sativa strains. Most of the cannabis sold in dispensaries are hybrid strains, so the differences might not be as profound.^{[25]
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Customer service representatives should be knowledgeable and formally trained, but it is important to remember that they should not provide medical advice. Be wary of sales representatives that act like healthcare professionals and make therapeutic claims about products. In case of any questions, you should consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional.^{[26]
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Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.}

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In some states, you should be qualified to purchase medicinal marijuana. A visit with a healthcare professional who is evaluating patients for a state medical marijuana program should be treated like any other visit to a healthcare provider.^{[27]
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Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH
Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education

Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.}

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