Walk into any dispensary and you’re likely to hear questions like: “Is this strain an Indica or a Sativa?” or “Will this give me energy or put me to sleep?” For years, cannabis has been marketed around these three categories: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. But how accurate are those labels—and what should you really look for when choosing a strain?
Let’s break it down.
Originally, these terms referred to botanical classifications based on the physical characteristics of cannabis plants—not their effects on the body or mind.
Traditional reputation: Balanced effects or tailored to specific needs
Today’s cannabis strains are so heavily hybridized that most are not pure Indica or Sativa. In fact, many strains labeled “Sativa” or “Indica” may have mixed genetics and unexpected effects.
So what’s really going on?
The real difference in how a strain makes you feel comes down to chemistry, not plant type. Here are the key factors:
These are aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that influence effects and flavor.
The unique cannabinoid + terpene combo of each strain is what truly shapes the experience.
Instead of relying on labels like “Indica” or “Sativa,” here’s what you should look at:
Tip: Always ask for the lab results or COA (Certificate of Analysis) when possible. This tells you exactly what’s in the strain.
Not necessarily.
These terms are still useful as broad starting points—especially if you’re new to cannabis. But they shouldn’t be your only guide. A better question to ask your budtender is:
“What are the dominant cannabinoids and terpenes in this strain?”
The Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid debate is more about tradition than science. What truly determines how a strain will affect you is its chemical makeup—especially its cannabinoids and terpenes.
So the next time you’re shopping for cannabis, don’t get too hung up on the label. Think beyond plant type and focus on what actually matters: the chemistry, the effects you’re looking for, and how your body responds.
