Types of Cannabis Plants

Sativa in-depth

Images Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia.

Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow to about 6 feet (ft) or 2 meters (m). They take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Sativa often has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC, whereas indica tends to have less THC than CBD.
Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect.
Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its stimulating effects, sativa is often used in the daytime.
Popular strains: Various sativa strains may be used for different purposes.



Indica in-depth
ImagesOrigin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
Plant description: Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds.
Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, but the THC content isn’t necessarily less.
Commonly associated effects of use: Indica is sought after for its intensely relaxing effects. It may also help reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is typically consumed at night.
Popular strains: Like sativa, there are also various indica strains.


Hybrid in-depth


Each year, cannabis growers produce new and unique strains from different combinations of parent plants. These cannabis hybrids are often grown to target specific effects.Origin: Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of sativa and indica plants.
Plant description: The appearance of hybrid strains depends on the combination of the parent plants.
Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Many hybrid cannabis plants are grown to increase the THC percentage, but each type has a unique ratio of the two cannabinoids.
Commonly associated effects of use: Farmers and producers select hybrids for their unique effects. They can range from reducing anxiety and stress to easing symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.
Daytime or nighttime use: This depends on the predominant effects of the hybrid.
Popular strains: Hybrids are typically classified as indica-dominant (indica-dom), sativa-dominant (sativa-dom), or balanced.





Ruderalis in-depth


A third type of cannabis, Cannabis ruderalis, also exists. However, it’s not widely used because it usually produces no potent effects.Origin: Ruderalis plants adapt to extreme environments, such as Eastern Europe, the Himalayan regions of India, Siberia, and Russia. These plants grow quickly, which is ideal for the cold, low sunlight environments of these places.
Plant description: These small, bushy plants rarely grow taller than 12 inches (in), but they grow rapidly. One can go from seed to harvest in little more than a month.
Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: This strain typically has little THC and higher amounts of CBD, but it may not be enoughTrusted Source to produce any effects.
Commonly associated effects of use: Because of its low potency, ruderalis isn’t routinely used for medicinal or recreational purposes.
Daytime or nighttime use: This cannabis plant produces few effects, so that it can be used anytime.
Popular strains: On its own, ruderalis isn’t a popular cannabis option. However, cannabis farmers may breed ruderalis with other cannabis types, including sativa and indica. The plant’s rapid growth cycle is a positive attribute for producers, so they may want to combine more potent strains with ruderalis strains to create a more desirable product.