How Do The Different Types Of Marijuana Strain Compare?
People who are new to growing marijuana often struggle to understand how to grow a high-quality, beautiful marijuana plant. Many new growers choose to simply propagate their seed indoors, so that they are able to keep their seed alive and start producing their desired crop for sale within a few short weeks. However, the common seed used in indoor gardening is actually a hybrid. Many hybrids are cross-bred to create new, desired varieties. While you can typically purchase these plants at specialty stores, you can create your own marijuana seed mixture with the following two great indica strains:
Medically speaking, there are three basic classes of marijuana plants. Sativa, Indica, and crosses between the three. These three categories all have their own distinct characteristics when it comes to potency, taste, smell, texture, and overall quality. Some good hybrid choices for beginners include:
First, there’s the Medicago sativa strains. This particular plant only produces small amounts of buds that grow in a single group of three to seven. These buds are actually small marijuana leaves, and the leaves are covered in hairs. The flowers look like tiny roses, and they are red, pink, or purple in color. Although this plant grows primarily outdoors, it is very popular indoors as a couch crop, and many people use it as an alternative to couch-pot.
Second, there’s the Indica. This is the most common type of cannabis used for indoor growing. Indica plants are prized throughout the world, and they are prized for their ability to produce highly-potent flowers. The large flowers can be used indoors for decoration. However, the primary difference between indica and sativa strains is the way in which the plants are harvested.
Indicas are grown by clipping a branch at the base and then allowing the plant to grow up to five new branches over the year. Each of these branches grows into a flower over the following two to three years. In order for an Indica plant to flower, it must reach maturity. Once it matures and starts to flower, it stays on its own until the next flowering period takes place. The entire life cycle of an Indica cannabis plant takes about two years to complete.
Finally, there’s the Sativa versus Indica debate. This one really boils down to personal preference. Most experienced indoor gardeners prefer to use indica for growing cannabis because of the terpenes (the chemical in marijuana that is believed to have the most impact on the psychoactive substance) that are present in the plant. However, some people feel that the terpinen-coumarins that are present in indica are too much like alcohol. So in theory, the two should be grown together in order to avoid any undesirable effects.
Sativa is more widely known as the weed variety. It has been growing in popularity for decades and was even used by pioneers of the west in their efforts to cross the Atlantic. While the weed variety of indica does not have nearly the amount of terpenes as its more popular cousin the sativa, it does produce different effects on the body. Sativa produces a sedative effect, allowing one to get high without the need to drink alcohol. It also is not highly processed as it is lower in fat and contains more fiber than most other forms of potency.
Overall, these three classes of marijuana strains are vastly different from one another. They all go through a similar growing process, but they all have their unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to understand the overall difference between each of the three before deciding which type of plant would best fit your lifestyle. Some plants may be right for you, but not others. It’s important to understand why you are choosing which marijuana plant. There is no “wrong” choice, just a better understanding.