Where to begin when articulating the differences in the two most popular Marijuana genes. We could go for a tour through the centuries and study how the genomics came to fruition, a Darwinian ride if you will, but let’s keep it simple and start with the optics of the plants themselves. After that, we can delve into the applications for each and finally, go into the subjective effects of the two Marijuana genes. These gifts bestowed to humans by whomever you attribute good in our world (God, Mother Earth, Dionysus, etc.) are improving our daily lives in ever-expanding capacities to big Pharm’s dismay.
If you were to take a tour through a Marijuana grow operation, how would you identify the different plants and the genetics to which they belong? I know this information isn’t going to be too useful when you’re at the dispensary choosing the right fit for your marijuana objectives with everything labeled, but if you’re anything like me, you’re the curious type, and you never know when seemingly useless information will come in handy. For instance, what if something existential were to occur with humanities infrastructure and you didn’t have the dispensary or the knowledgeable gent within those walls to guide you in your decision making? If that were to happen, you would be glad you read this but, I digress. Sativa’s plants have a statuesque stature to them which differentiates it from the diminutive Indica. A Sativa thrives in a humid climate and Geographically, an equatorial milieu. Sativa plants can grow up to 19 feet with the growth spurt occurring during the flowering aspect to maturation. Their long, slim, and light green leaves grow structurally akin to a tree with branchlike features. The Indica plant reversely is shorter and more robust, averaging around 5 feet with broad leaves that contain darker green characteristics. Indica’s also have a faster turn around or, growing season, this gives incentive to farmers to produce Indica plants for academic economic reasons. Also, these factors make it relatively difficult to locate a 100% pure Sativa strain. There are differences in the all-important buds they produce too. Indica’s buds are denser and compact while Sativa’s buds carry a fluffy build. If you were to look at the similar weight in both genetic lines, the Sativa would deceivingly appear like more weight. Indica’s bud differentials factors into the aforementioned farmer/production preference with Indica being the more efficient in growth and aesthetically very pleasing. When ingested, an Indica tastes of sweet flavor while a Sativa maintains an Earthy
tone.
Studies into Cannabis regarding its physical and psychological benefits had stagnated for decades. This inactivity stemmed from its placement into a DEA control category akin to Heroin and Cocaine although now it is finally widely studied to humanities betterment. As a result, it’s established both Sativa’s and Indica’s properties as useful in the treatment of a laundry list of emotional and physical problems, along with the mitigation of many symptoms and side effects. These include, but are certainly not limited to, ADHD (how do you think this blog was composed), HIV, Glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s. As a result of very few scientists having the legal opportunity to study Cannabis in a controlled setting, there are many contradicting views. We know for a fact that Marijuana is a great alternative to many pharmaceutical options and not physically addictive, but unfortunately, pharmaceuticals have a substantial amount of money behind them and continue to be the default method by doctors to treat everything.
Both the Indica and Sativa genetic lines of Cannabis have unique nuances to their profiles and produce varying and sometimes contradicting effects on an individual. Keep the word individual in your mind because as stated above, the effects are subjective. A Sativa acts as a cognitive/intellectual stimulator and is helpful in assisting with
stabilizing moods, relieving pain and stress, alleviating fatigue and nausea, and promoting creativity. Indica’s, act as a sedative and consequently can help a person relax and help alleviate, Insomnia, seizures headaches, and promote hunger. A good rule of thumb is a Sativa during the day keeps the stress and fatigue away while an indica at night will help you chill and sleep tight.
Hybrids are a crossbreed between an Indica and a Sativa, and there are even crossbreeds of the crossbreeds. Marijuana is composed of molecules, called “cannabinoids” and “terpenes.” Each breed of marijuana has varying ratios of these molecules that work “jointly” to create a Hybrid’s diverse effects. That word subjective appears here again because finding the right hybrid for you is going to be trial and error. You can find a hybrid in any percentage, i.e., 80%/20% Indica dominant, 50% each, 70%/30% Sativa dominant, etc. One that is Sativa dominant may make you feel too energetic while the reverse may have a greater lethargy effect than you would like.
Marijuana is a diverse and useful tool for people. Whether you are looking to relax and watch a movie or you are suffering from a wasting disease, Marijuana could help. It is not a one size fits all type of issue as this blog details but with the general knowledge displayed here, some personal testing of the strains, you could find a good fit and improve your life.
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