cannabis indica is a fast growing fast-flowering weed, which originates from a group of the same-named plants native to east Asia but widely now of cosmopolitan cultivation in tropical areas worldwide. It was widely cultivated throughout recorded history, especially in China and India, as a food, recreational drug, seed oil, fibre, spiritual and religious ambience and medicine. Although the weed itself has no medicinal properties, it does produce potent psychoactive (mind altering) substances in its seeds, flower heads, stems and leaves.
Sativa and indica differ in that indica are more woody and dense than sativa, their roots being much thinner than sativa. This makes them ideal candidates for indoor growing as both types can easily be managed on a small area. The only real difference between the two is that indica produces a more fruity, sweet-smelling flower, whereas sativa produces a stronger, darker, woodsy, musky scent.
Sativa and indica were crossed in the 1980’s in a bid to increase the potency of cannabis and create a new class of cannabis known as “herb-to-weed”. It was believed by many that this method of crossing would yield better results, as each weed had been bred with its own genetic code to make it more potent than any other. This is not the case however, as all indices produced from the cross between sativa and cannabis indica have high levels of both psychoactive (mind altering) and non-psychoactive (mind altering) compounds.
Sativa, on the other hand, is a slow growing, compact, short stemmed plant. Its primary purpose is to act as a weed, feeding on the nutrients that are available to the plant in the form of light, water and nutrients. Sativa weed is commonly found growing amongst grasslands and gardens, growing in dense clumps, spreading and thickening with the passage of time, often forming thick mats that block pathways or even block water drainage. Some strains of sativa are so dense that they require very specific growing conditions to grow properly.
Sativa has been used traditionally for centuries as an aphrodisiac. The herb has been found in most traditional recipes, such as teas and drinks, and has also been used for medicinal purposes. It is also a popular choice for an alternative remedy in treating nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and stomach cramps as it induces feelings of nausea and vomiting.
Sativa and indica are often confused for the common cannabis seed, which contains a large amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis. The plant, however, contains very little in the way of THC.
Sativa is known to cause a more intense, “high” than marijuana. It produces the feeling of being “stoned,” or high, when smoked. Sativa provides a relaxed state of mind, relieving stress and depression, increasing energy and mental clarity. It may be compared to marijuana in that it may bring about feelings of paranoia and detachment from reality, as well as feelings of intoxication, as it is often said to have similar effects on people who are under the influence of marijuana.
Sativa and indica seeds are used in many forms of cooking, as food and beverage preparation. They may be used as tea or pressed into jams, tinctures and sprays. The leaves are also added to coffee and other beverages. Sativa and indica are also used to prepare the flower heads of cannabis to produce hash oil and oils, as well as making weed cookies, capsules, potpourri, tea bags and many more. There are even seed producers who use the herb to make high-end perfume and cosmetics.
The sativa and indica are also often found mixed in with other herbs in a blend to make a variety of different products, such as ginseng, which have anti-inflammatory properties, dandelion root, which help alleviate fatigue and promote rest, and chamomile, which is used to relieve headaches and promote sleep. Most herbalists recommend taking sativa and indica with lemon balm or spearmint leaf tea.
Sativa and indica seeds are also often combined in a pill form, usually sold under the brand name High Times. In fact, one of the most popular varieties, the Haze, is made with a combination of two different strains: the indica and sativa strains. These plants are then cultivated and crossbred to form different varieties that can be used for smoking. Haze pills are sold at all leading weed retailers and can be purchased online.
Sativa and indica are very powerful herbs, so they need to be taken very carefully. In fact, it is recommended that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take these herbs. However, these types of herbs can be taken for a relaxing, energizing experience, as long as they are used in moderation and as directed by a professional.
