If you’re familiar with cannabis basics, you may have heard of two common terms used to describe different types of weed: indicas and sativas. These terms refer to two different types of cannabis, cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. While weed originally came from these two weed types, there are now hybrid strains that are a mix of the two. Indicas and sativas look, smell, and taste different. Indicas tend to grow shorter and stockier, while sativas grow taller and thinner. Indica bud may have a purplish appearance.
More fundamentally, these differences refer to the plant’s easily observable traits, or its phenotype. While they do correlate with certain effects — indicas are known for their stoney body highs, sativas for their more cerebral high — we’ll have to dig deeper to get a better understanding of what lies behind the many psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits of these types of weed.
Marijuana Types: Phenotypes, Genotypes, And Chemotypes
We mentioned that a cannabis plant’s phenotype — its easily observable traits — tends to correlate with certain effects. But correlation doesn’t imply causation, so what causes those pleasing, therapeutic benefits that we associate with marijuana? To get a better understanding of what some of those causes may be, we’ll have to explore two additional marijuana types: genotype and chemotype.
A genotype is a living being’s genetic makeup. While phenotype refers to external, observable traits, genotype refers to the genetic, internal blueprint that a being inherits from its parents and ancestors. A genotype outlines the set of possible characteristics that a being could have or pass on to its offspring.
While a plant’s genotype refers to its genetic makeup, its chemotype refers to its chemical makeup. That is, what chemical compounds are most prevalent and in what combinations.
Indica vs Sativa Effects
As noted above, indica and sativa refer to different phenotypes of the cannabis plant. More accurately, they refer to different phenotypic expressions. The plant’s genotype is what outlines the possibilities of what it can taste, smell, look, and feel like, and its phenotype is what actually shows up. That means that even if a plant has a strongly indica-like appearance and smell, it may still be storing some sativa genetics, or vice versa. This can lead to unexpected effects. With the ever-expanding range of hybrid strains out there, mixed genetics are also becoming more and more common, and mixed effects along with them.
Chemotypes in cannabis refer specifically to its THC versus its CBD content. These are two of the better-known cannabinoids, one of the main “active ingredients” in cannabis. Cannabis comes in three different chemical variations, or chemotypes. Type I refers to the so-called “drug type”, meaning that its high THC to low CBD ratio induces psychoactive effects, as well as other therapeutic benefits. Type III refers to the “fiber” or “non-drug type”, also often called hemp, because its high CBD to low THC ratio means that it induces little-to-no psychoactive effects, although it can still offer many therapeutic benefits. Type II is a sort of intermediate.
While these basic chemotypes are helpful for understanding some of the effects a particular marijuana strain may have, it is important to remember that there are at least 85 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and that they produce different therapeutic benefits. Cannabinoids are not the only factor at work, either. Terpenes, the essential oils of the cannabis plant that give it particular smells, also play an important role in cannabis’ psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits.
Different Marijuana Strains and Effects
There are types of cannabis that are more popular than others. With the increase of hybrid blends, there is now a Designer OG strain that is said to satisfy any customer. When new marijuana strains are created, their names usually have something to do with their origins, effects, or how they appear and smell. Some examples include Purple Urkle, Pineapple Express, and Strawberry Cough. Here are a few of the most common types of weed:
Sour Diesel
This hybrid marijuana strain may have energizing effects from sativa and relaxing effects from indica. It is very high in THC, and is known for smelling like gasoline. Its leaves are yellowish-green color, and they have a sour taste.
Purple Kush
Purple Kush is an indica strain that may provide a strong body high due to its high THC content, making you feel very relaxed and calm. The color of its leaves are purple, and it is one of the most common Kush strains.
Blue Dream
This type of weed is a hybrid strain that may provide more of the sativa effects than the indica. It may produce a strong head high, which increases energy and focus. The origins of this strain are unknown, which explains why it is called a dream, and it has a sweet, fruity taste.
We hope this breakdown has helped you understand the different types of weed, what you’re getting with any one strain, and will help you find what works for you.
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