As this incredible ‘green wave’ of cannabis legalization sweeps across the nation, it is important to be educated and informed when it comes to all of its related parts. Here at Zenbarn Farms recreational cannabis dispensary, we aim to be your natural wellness hub, providing you with the highest-quality options as well as resources to grow your canna-knowledge.

In one of our previous blogs, we discussed the major aspects of our brand, illuminating our desire to help make the world a better place through cannabis. Follow along with this blog as we cover the terms ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ — breaking down whether or not they really matter for your consumption experience.

What is Cannabis sativa?

For those that are newcomers to this wonderful plant, as well as for the longtime enthusiasts, it is always great to be up-to-date on your terminology.

First things first, the cannabis plant has two major subspecies: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Let’s start by talking about Cannabis sativa. According to Science Direct:

Cannabis sativa is the most common type of cannabis plant used as marijuana, although there are other forms of cannabis including Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis.

In an article published in Frontiers, some of the main compounds found in Cannabis sativa are highlighted:

The predominant compounds are THCA, CBDA and cannabinolic acid (CBNA), followed by cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and cannabinodiolic acid (CBNDA). THCA is the major cannabinoid in the drug-type Cannabis, while CBDA predominates in fiber-type hemps.

Known for their ‘head-high,’ some of the potential effects of ‘sativa’ strains can be categorized as energizing/creativity-inducing, mood-lifting, and euphoric.

What is Cannabis indica?

Next, we come to Cannabis indica, the second of the two main subspecies of cannabis:

  1. sativa var. indica is a complex plant with over 400 compounds and a total of more than 60 cannabinoids,19 including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the principal psychoactive constituent), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG). C. sativa var. indica may have a CBD/THC ratio 4–5 times that of C. sativa.

Known for their ‘body-high,’ some of the potential effects of ‘indica’ strains can be categorized as relaxing, sedating, pain-relieving, and stress-reducing.

Do these Terms Really Matter for My Cannabis Experience?

So with all that being said, you might still be wondering, do these terms really matter for my cannabis experience? Simply put: yes, they do matter, but not to the extent that you may think.

It’s important to understand that in actuality, hybrids of varied levels of indica/sativa are more prevalent in today’s cannabis (pure indica and sativa strains are known as landraces, which are more difficult to come across).

Therefore, while these terms do matter, there’s more to cannabis than just ‘indica’ and ‘sativa.’

It’s helpful to think of the ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ classifications as the entry points in figuring out if a certain strain of flower or a particular product is right for you. The product may indicate that it is sativa-leaning or indica-leaning, which then gives way to some more crucial parts:

  • Terpenes

These are the aromatic compounds found within cannabis that also give it an array of potentially beneficial effects. Assessing the terpene content within a particular product will give you a greater vision of how it can work with your body.

  • Cannabinoid Content & Percentages

Compounds such as THC and CBD are found in abundance within cannabis, so it is important to also pay attention to these levels when looking at product labels and talking to our cannabis guides. Be sure to also look for the minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, etc.)

The Importance of the ‘Entourage Effect’

When all of the beneficial compounds available within a specific cannabis plant work in concert to provide a comprehensive wellness experience, this is known as the ‘entourage effect.’ Be sure to keep this theory in mind when continuing your cannabis journey to optimal self-care.

Zenbarn Farms: Vermont’s Premier Cannabis Dispensary

In conclusion, while the terms ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ do matter to a certain extent, there are other crucial components that should also matter during your decision-making process. We hope this blog served as a helpful guide to get you started thinking in a more comprehensive direction when it comes to your own personal cannabis consumption goals.

Still have some burning questions? No problem, we are here to help! Our friendly and knowledgeable cannabis guides are always there to talk things out with you. No matter your level of familiarity with cannabis, a myriad of options await you. Knowing that you’re getting your information from a trusted source is half the battle.

In addition to providing pertinent educational resources for our customers, our expert team is deeply committed to the betterment of our local community, and using our platform to support sustainability as well as various important movements.

Interested in learning more about cannabis? Be sure to stay tuned to our Blog Page for upcoming posts covering education, Vermont cannabis culture, news, legislature, and of course, all the latest exciting Zenbarn Farms Dispensary happenings.

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