When you head to the dispensary, you’ll see products labeled as “sativa,” “indica,” or a “hybrid” between the two that can be either sativa-dominant or indica-dominant. The terms sativa and indica technically identify a plant’s genetic makeup and physical characteristics. However, over time the medical marijuana community has adopted these terms to explain how a product might make you feel. Sativa-leaning medical marijuana strains are associated with energy, while indica-leaning strains are linked to relaxation. However, as we learn more about how medical marijuana works, we now know that these labels are not as accurate as once thought.
Your medical marijuana experience is shaped by much more than whether the product’s source plant has sativa, indica, or hybrid traits. What do you need to know before heading to the dispensary? Here, we’ll explain the physical and genetic differences between these strains, and identify which factors have a greater impact on your desired medical marijuana experience than its indica, sativa, or hybrid designation.
