Ever asked, what are the three types of weed? What most of us refer to as Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis are shorter versions of Cannabis sativa, C. Sativa subspecies Indica, and C. Sativa subspecies Ruderalis. They were discovered many years ago but gained popularity only nowadays when they became available to a broader audience. For more details about the three types of weed check this article at AskGrowers.
These types of marijuana react differently to the human body, so they were classified in the first place. Most people get sleepy, relaxed, and hungry when they use Indica, while Sativa is known for its energizing effects. They have different biological compositions, which alone makes them have their unique reactions when consumed. This knowledge alone intrigues anyone that wants to learn more about the cannabis plant.
Discovering the Different Kinds of Weed
Humanity has known about weed for about 12,000 years. The population of South-East Asia (Crocq, 2020) or those from the Central part of the region are responsible for this discovery. They used weed for its fiber while others had already discovered its psychotropic properties. A study found out that over 3,000 years ago, some strains with higher levels of THC had been grown artificially, which showed that people already knew about weed cultivation and its psychotic properties. In Asia, China, and India, people were already using marijuana for medicinal purposes, and some regions even used it to worship the god Shiva.
Today, this plant is used more, and people are learning more about its medicinal and recreational benefits. They are also learning different ways of growing it as it is a complicated plant that needs care. For those in the United States looking to use medical marijuana for debilitating ailments as an alternative to traditional medicine, take into consideration your state might require you to register as a medical marijuana patient. This is the case in Maryland, in case you’re looking to get a marijuanas card in MD.
Cannabis Sativa
It is thought to have originated from regions in Africa and South America as it needs more light than other strains to grow. It can also withstand harsher climates, making it easier to grow outdoors. Sativa grows tall and has narrow leaves.
Its aroma is sweet and herby. It has lower THC and high CBD levels, but the ratio depends on the strain. Thanks to the controlled levels of THC, this product leaves a user energetic and creative. Most strains take 10 to 12 weeks to flower, but others can go as far as 16 weeks. They need at least 12 hours of light a day to flower.
Cannabis Indica
It is thought to have originated from Asia due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Thanks to this resilience, it is the easiest type of weed to grow. It is shorter, has thicker stems and broader leaves than Sativa, and is mostly characterized by a “skunky” smell.
Since it is high in THC and low in CBD, this product is known to have relaxing and soothing effects and would be ideal for lazy days or evenings. It flowers in 6 to 10 weeks and can be grown at home as it is resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
Hybrid Cannabis
Seedless cultivation technology made it possible to grow hybrid strains, which has also led to the increase of Indica vs Sativa strains breeds. Why hybridization? Growers are looking for strains that are not too hard to grow while also trying to achieve certain qualities out of their products.
Thanks to this growth of hybrids, cultivators can find plants with almost all the specific traits they prefer. As an example, Runtz is the current pinnacle of modern cannabis breeding, with one of the most balanced hybrids out there. For those looking to start growing, Zamnesia Seedshop is the best place to get cannabis seeds.
The first product of seedless cultivation, Skunk #1, is a mix of Afghan Indica, the Colombian Sativa, and later they added Mexican Sativa. Flowering periods differ from hybrid to hybrid, and the growth conditions are also different.
Cannabis Ruderalis
This type may have come from the South of Russia (Gloss, 2015), and it is characterized by continued flowering even as it gets older. This special feature that is not common in the other two types of cannabis is called auto-flowering, and it makes it a great hybrid product. Due to its lower levels of THC, this type is not popular among smokers, and it is known more for fibers, seeds, and oils (Chouvy, 2019).
What Are Terpenes and Why Do They Matter so Much?
The THC/CBD ratio is not the only important part of cannabis: terpenes also matter greatly. They are oily residues that determine how a strain smells and tastes. They also contribute to how weed affects the body and mind. The best-known terpenes are myrcene, a-Pinene, caryophyllene, limonene, humulene, and linalool.
- Myrcene, limonene, and humulene are found in buds and are medicinal. They have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, body relaxing effects.
- Caryophyllene is found in seeds, while linalool is packed in flowers.
- A-Pinene is for energy and focus, and it’s packed in the leaves.
These qualities are a drop in the ocean, as terpenes have several other qualities that have already been studied. Today, many smokers look up weed strains based on their respective terpene profile, which is responsible not only for taste and aroma but medicinal properties, too.
Adverse Effects of Marijuana
Regardless of subspecies, people may get adverse reactions from smoking weed. The best known are: labored breath, hyperventilation, paranoia, and decreased cognitive functions.
Normally, pregnant women are discouraged from using any marijuana strain as it will negatively affect the baby. You are also warned to watch your consumption as some people risk getting addicted.
Not all people react adversely to marijuana. Here are some things you are asked to consider before using marijuana:
- Let your physician know so they can recommend or warn against its use.
- Research to know the levels of CBD, THC, and terpenes in the strain you choose.
- Start low and go slow if you are a beginner to find your ideal dosing.
- Stop smoking once you notice said adverse reactions.
Conclusion
All three types of marijuana can have adverse effects on users. However, marijuana can be used for medicinal and recreational purposes in moderate amounts.
Underaged users have been affected the worst. Naturally, youngsters shouldn’t smoke cannabis unless prescribed by a physician. Since cannabis strains are genetically different, it is difficult to say whether this weed is good for you and this is bad.
One important note is that everyone who tries marijuana starts slowly and builds up their tolerance. You also want to observe how your body reacts with each use and adjust your dosage accordingly.
