# Is the distinction between sativa and indica supported by research? Or is it marketing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 30, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623 "2022-08-30T21:06:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/1 "2022-08-30T21:06:22Z")
I realize that there are two main strains (species) of cannabis and that there is some common understanding of the different types of highs they produce. But I have been consuming mj for over 50 years and I never knew what strain I was smoking and I never noticed that the subjective sensations fell into two categories. In fact, I believe that there is a strong component of suggestibility in the supposed characteristics - primarily a feature of marketing. I cannot find any double blind studies in which these purported distinctions are identified. Maybe someone here can direct me to something that confirms what the various companies contend - that there’s an identifiable difference in highs between these two strains. Dopers? (and I used the term advisedly)… ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/2 "2022-08-30T21:14:03Z")
Well one consistently mellows you out and the other consistently makes you more active/hyper. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/3 "2022-08-30T21:27:15Z")
No, there is no real scientific difference between what is called Indica and what is called Sativa, they are all Cannabis Sativa. The naming of various strains has no scientific basis and never did, But we are stuck with the naming mess that we have now. [Why There’s No Difference Between Indica and Sativa Marijuana Strains (insider.com)](https://www.insider.com/why-theres-no-difference-between-indica-and-sativa-marijuana-strains-2020-4) ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/4 "2022-08-30T21:38:45Z")
Yeah, the oly thing I’ve noticed among sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid vs. high CBD strains vs. not is: Higher percent THC = higher me And speaking of CBD, I’ve tried it for relaxation, for mood elevation, for anxiety relief. The only effect I’ve noticed from CBD is a feeling of lightness… …in the wallet ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/5 "2022-08-30T21:51:24Z")
It’s the potheads’ version of “I can’t drink tequila, it makes me _crazy!_” Basically, there’s a lot of Bro Science-like myths surrounding every way humans get wasted/high, because that shit’s fun to BS about while you’re wasted/high. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/6 "2022-08-30T21:56:09Z")
I’ve always believed the advertizing copy on various strains – “Relaxing! Euphoric! Energizing! Helps With Appetite!” – to be just that: advertizing copy. Certain strains will have different flavors, that’s beyond debate, but I think at the end of the day it’s all just unverified hype w/r/t their effects. And don’t forget _cannabis ruderalis_ – industrial hemp, which won’t make you high. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/7 "2022-08-30T22:22:09Z")
I’m a complete lightweight and only partake once every couple weeks, but I can’t tell a difference. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/8 "2022-08-30T22:33:34Z")
Yeah, I’ve read that it’s all Cannibas sativa L. I’m not experienced enough with the stuff to know the differences other than what is labeled as “indica” does not seem to trigger panic-attack, paranoia highs in me the way “sativa” does, but there are so many other factors, and my sample size is not terribly high. (Maybe a few dozen.) Perhaps all the indicas I’ve had were lower THC than the sativas I’ve had. I know potheads also talk about terpines and things like that in terms of the quality of high you get. I do know that Delta-8 does jack shit for me, though, and for the regular pot smokers I know. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2022, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/9 "2022-08-30T22:41:46Z")
I hear you, I could never keep track of which advertised strain was calming and which made me more hyper, just noticed that they do. And I don’t think it just depends on THC content because I usually buy 24% or higher of both. I go more by reviews than what they are advertised as doing. After the type of high, flavor matters most. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/10 "2022-08-31T10:37:42Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > It’s the potheads’ version of “I can’t drink tequila, it makes me _crazy!_” > > Basically, there’s a lot of Bro Science-like myths surrounding every way humans get wasted/high, because that shit’s fun to BS about while you’re wasted/high. Potentially =) However, I note in myself that sangria on the rocks _seems_ to affect me more strongly than the drink-equivalent of schnapps on the rocks [1 shot schnapps to 16 oz sangria, sangria is red wine watered down with fruit juices so the equivalence is not 12 oz.] I rarely drink for effect, I can’t be arsed to deal with insulin/carb adjustments. I also like myself and don’t feel the need to self medicate for anything. If I do consume inebriates, it’s deliberately for the buzz. Though I do note I like gummies as a replacement for opioids. And yes, having been on opioids for over a decade I can be considered to be addicted - I happen to like not hurting physically =) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/11 "2022-08-31T11:28:34Z")
I don’t pay much attention to indica/sativa unless I’m growing the plant. Indica strains tend to be shorter/squat, making them ideal for indoor grows. A good example is Afghani. Sativa strains tend to be crazy tall growing plants with longer flowering times, making them difficult to handle indoors. A good example is Durban Poison. As far as effects, there are definitely strains with terpenes (an important consideration) that make _me_ giggly/creative/energetic and other strains that couchlock my ass. Now, please pass to the left. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Duality](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.duality/32/4098_2.png) [@Mr.Duality](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Duality)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/12 "2022-08-31T11:37:06Z")
I think the same people who write fanciful, over-imaginative descriptions of wines are the same people who write blurbs to ‘describe’ marijuana varieties. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/13 "2022-08-31T11:48:17Z")
I can get anxiety with what are more sativa strains so I look for indica or indica leaning hybrid which I can’t remember even doing that. The anxiety is a minor lower level unpleasant annoyance that actually is usable sometimes but life has been better with indica. > [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > I hear you, I could never keep track of which advertised strain was calming and which made me more hyper, Indica = In-di(the)-couch is how I learned it. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/14 "2022-08-31T11:50:12Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Basically, there’s a lot of Bro Science-like myths surrounding every way humans get wasted/high, because that shit’s fun to BS about while you’re wasted/high. And because pot advocacy has been unfortunately tilted in the direction of pot being a cure-all wonder drug, the supplement industry has gone all-in with adding a pseudoscientific veneer to these bro myths. It’s really sad that we didn’t choose the path of “adults should get to put fun things in their bodies, and if alcohol is allowed, pot absolutely should be allowed.” Instead, pot advocates insisted that pot is a world-saving wonder drug and it’s cruel to withhold it from people. So now we get to deal with a bunch of pseudoscientific bullshit that will never, ever go away. I actually believe the idea that qualitiative differences exist between different strains, maybe in some important way. Definitely strains vary in potency, and there are hundreds of compounds involved that could behave differently in different proportions. It should be a discoverable phenomenon, but given the factors involved and the state of the industry, we are simply never, ever going to know the truth about this. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/15 "2022-08-31T11:55:15Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Well one consistently mellows you out and the other consistently makes you more active/hyper. True. > [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > they are all Cannabis Sativa Also true, but it is like saying cauliflower is the same as brussel sprouts because they are both cruciferous vegetables or that a chihuahua is the same as a great dane because they are both canines. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/16 "2022-08-31T12:02:36Z")
I can’t tell the difference. Different buds smell different, taste different and are weaker or stronger but I have never been able to tell the difference between the strains. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/17 "2022-08-31T13:01:39Z")
Since cannabis is legal in Canada, and in Ontario the government runs the online distribution channel (Ontario Cannabis Store) I thought I’d check to see what they had to say about it, as a sort of “official” statement on the matter. It turns out to be a namby-pamby statement that was hard to find, indicating that they didn’t consider the indica/sativa distinction very important. What I finally found says this: > The two most common cannabis plant types are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Less common is Cannabis ruderalis, which is used mostly by breeders to enhance their hybrids. > > It was once believed that _Cannabis sativa_ and _Cannabis indica_ had distinct effects. The former was thought to produce more energetic effects, while the latter produced more calming effects. While some of this basic knowledge may still apply, now that growers have cultivated hybrid strains for so many years, references to the effects of pure species may no longer be relevant or helpful. > > Today, there are hundreds of strains of plants- each bred for specific characteristics and often intended to produce specific effects for consumers. ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/18 "2022-08-31T14:44:40Z")
I am SO jealous of those that live where it’s legal and can choose between the various types and strengths of pot. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/19 "2022-08-31T16:27:27Z")
And contrary to the scare-mongering about price, it is way cheaper now that it is legal. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2022, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623/20 "2022-08-31T17:05:22Z")
And in states where you can grow it it is practically free. I’m in Oregon and can grow 4 plants. Right now where I sit I am looking out my sliding glass door at 4, 7 foot tall healthy plants that are starting to mature with plenty of time left. Right there in the garden next to the grapes and Marionberries. Nobody cares, not the UPS/Fed Ex/US Mail delivery people or the Sheriff. A sheriff deputy drove up the driveway two weeks ago looking for a former neighbor and the plants are right in your face once you get up into the yard, he didn’t say a thing. I can drive around the back roads and see it growing in several other gardens. Nobody even bothers to steal it anymore because it really has little value. Back to the Indica/Sativa thing. These are supposed to be a landrace (meaning found in the wild) strain of indica, Afghani. But they look more sativa this year, taller, thinner leaf fronds, we will see how they turn out. Last year’s were quite purple at the end. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-distinction-between-sativa-and-indica-supported-by-research-or-is-it-marketing/970623.md?page=2)