It is widely accepted that there are two predominant strains of cannabis. Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Did you ever wonder where these names originated from or what they really mean? After all, we all “know” that sativa varieties let you really get stuff done, you are going hiking, walking the dog, etc. We also all “know” that indica varieties make you go to sleep and give you that classic couch lock. If you explore this a little further and also reflect on some of your own experiences, does this really hold true? Keep reading while we explore this magical plant and where these names came from.
Cannabis sativa was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and was largely cultivated in western continents and utilized for fiber and hemp. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the name Cannabis Indica in 1785 for the wild growing species in India and neighboring countries. The sativa varieties are recognized as growing into a taller, more “stringy” plant, while indica varieties are more “bushy” in appearance. The effects of the plants are frequently believed to cause either uplifting (sativa) or relaxing (indica) and while this is popular belief, it is not accurate.
Today through selective breeding for higher and higher THC contents largely spurred by prohibition on cannabis it would be difficult, if not impossible to find a pure sativa or indica variety. Most plants are considered a hybrid of the two varieties. Another complicating factor is each persons’ endocannabinoid system (ECS) may react differently to different doses of TCH and cannabinoids. You may react somewhat differently than another person when using the same cultivar. To further complicate this equation, the product purchased may not be what you think you are buying, it could be entirely different.
The products could have been switched certainly, but there is also a lot of leeway on naming of these plants. A breeder can cross two parents and essentially name it as they please. This certainly continues to compound the hybridization of the plant. A struggle for a more accurate naming schema continues to this day with multiple proposals available. One option is cannabis indica, sativa, or hybrid. Another is type 1, 2, or 3 that attempts to name based on TCH vs CBD content. As debate continues over naming and classification what should a consumer focus on and look for when trying to find a product that will help them?
Approach each new cultivar with an open mind, try it in a safe fashion, remember a start low and go slow approach. Learn how this particular cultivar affects you as an individual, and keep a journal of your symptoms, the time of day, names, how much you use, and what effect you achieved. Revisit this journal as you collect more data so you can make more informed decisions about your use and your health.
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