The genus Cannabis is often described as having three species: sativa, indica and ruderalis. However, the names Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica have been used inconsistently, depending on whether they are viewed from a taxonomic or consumer perspective.
Regardless of classification, cannabis users report distinct effects from each type, so it’s important to understand whether a strain is predominantly one or the other. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the confusion around cannabis classification, the differences in effects between indica and sativa, and what to consider when choosing strains.
Defining the species
Cannabis, a plant genus within the hemp (Cannabaceae) family, has historically been categorized into the species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis based on physiology, morphology, geography and chemistry. However, advances in genome sequencing and bioinformatics have called this classification into question. Extensive interbreeding by growers has blurred the boundaries between species. Today, experts debate whether cannabis consists of three separate species, a single species with three subspecies, or one species that is phenotypically diverse (Figure 1).[1]
Figure 1. Three theories of Cannabis classification, from left to right: a single species with three subspecies, three independent species, one species. Image source: Lapierre, Eliana, Adrian S. Monthony, and Davoud Torkamaneh. 2023. “Genomics-Based Taxonomy to Clarify Cannabis Classification.” Genome 66 (8): 202–211. https://doi.org/10.1139/gen-2023-0005.
The confusion over how to classify cannabis is also evident at the grower level. Taxonomists have traditionally referred to non-narcotic hemp plants as Cannabis sativa and narcotic plants as Cannabis indica, but this classification is highly debated. Growers, however, tend to distinguish the two by THC and CBD levels, with Cannabis sativa considered the more potent variety.[2]
This confusion does not extend to Cannabis ruderalis, known as the “wild” cannabis species, which is rarely grown on its own due to its low THC content.[3]
Cannabis indica versus Cannabis sativa
While most taxonomists today consider the plant a single species—Cannabis sativa[4]— many growers still use the terms “sativa” and “indica” to describe different characteristics (Table 1).
Characteristics
Cannabis indica
Cannabis sativa
Geographical origin
India
Asia
Morphology
Typically grows 2–4 feet tall with a woody stalk. Compact and bushier with broader leaves. Wider buds.
Can grow 5–18 feet tall. Has a fibrous stalk and thinner leaves.
Flowering period
7–9 weeks.
9–14 weeks.
Cannabinoid profile
Higher CBD content than sativa. Its THC:CBD ratio is close to 1:1.
Higher THC content than CBD.
Terpenoid profile
Skunky.
Herbal or sweet.
Psychoactivity
Relaxing and sedative.
Stimulating and energizing.
Advised use
Pain management, inflammation, insomnia, epilepsy, glaucoma, muscle spasms.
Appetite stimulation, headaches, nausea, depression.
Geographical origin: India
Morphology: Typically grows 2–4 feet tall with a woody stalk. Compact and bushier with broader leaves. Wider buds.
Flowering period: 7–9 weeks.
Cannabinoid profile: Higher CBD content than sativa. Its THC:CBD ratio is close to 1:1.
Terpenoid profile: Skunky.
Psychoactivity: Relaxing and sedative.
Advised use: Pain management, inflammation, insomnia, epilepsy, glaucoma, muscle spasms.
Geographical origin: Asia
Morphology: Can grow 5–18 feet tall. Has a fibrous stalk and thinner leaves.
Flowering period: 9–14 weeks.
Cannabinoid profile: Higher THC content than CBD.
Terpenoid profile: Herbal or sweet.
Psychoactivity: Stimulating and energizing.
Advised use: Appetite stimulation, headaches, nausea, depression.
Table 1. Differences between Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.[5], {6}
Table 1. Differences between Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.[5], {6}
These differences are reflected in consumer experience. A web survey of 95 medical cannabis users found that indica was preferred for pain management, sedation and sleep, while sativa was favored for inducing euphoria and boosting energy.[7]
Understanding these differences is important because most cannabis strains[8] today are hybrids of the two. Centuries of use and informal breeding have produced a wide diversity of phenotypes and effects. Hybrids can be indica dominant, sativa dominant or balanced.
Some hybrids also include ruderalis for its auto-flowering trait, which makes it valuable for developing autos.[9]
Figure 2. Plant morphological differences between Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Image source: McPartland, John M. 2018. “Cannabis Systematics at the Levels of Family, Genus, and Species.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 3 (1): 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0039.
The role of cannabinoids and terpenes
Whether a plant is predominantly Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa or a balance of both is only part of what shapes user experience. Each strain has unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles that influence psychoactivity, therapeutic potential and aroma. Hybridization allows growers to combine desirable traits regardless of species distinctions. Important factors include:
- THC and CBD levels: The ratio of these cannabinoids strongly affects a strain’s effects. THC is considered psychotropic and CBD non-psychotropic.[10] Strains with higher THC ratios are typically more psychoactive, while those higher in CBD may provide therapeutic benefits without the high.[11]
- Terpenes: In addition to contributing to a strain’s aroma and flavor profile, terpenes have their own psychoactive effects. Myrcene, for example, is associated with relaxation, while limonene tends to promote alertness. Some researchers propose an “entourage effect,” in which terpenes and cannabinoids act together to create a stronger or more intense experience.[12] For example, a high-THC strain with myrcene may be more sedative, while one with limonene may feel more uplifting.
Cultivation and processing
While secondary metabolites are primarily influenced by genetics, environmental factors also contribute to their accumulation. The growing medium, light, temperature, humidity and nutrient availability all affect THC and CBD levels. Harvest timing and drying practices also impact how much THC and how many terpenes remain in the final product.
Choosing a hybrid
Most cannabis strains today are hybrids of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa—and sometimes Cannabis ruderalis if they are autos—created through years or decades of selective crossbreeding. Whether a strain is predominantly indica or sativa still matters to many users. One study examining cannabis strain and terpene content found that 80% of regular users reported a preference.[13]
However, while the traditional indica versus sativa distinction is useful for broad categorization, it is not a reliable predictor of effects. Modern research highlights cannabinoid ratios, terpene profiles and hybridization as better indicators of how a strain will affect the user. When choosing a hybrid, consider its full chemical profile rather than relying solely on its species label.
Emerald Harvest Team
[1] Lapierre, Eliana, Adrian S. Monthony, and Davoud Torkamaneh. 2023. “Genomics-Based Taxonomy to Clarify Cannabis Classification.” Genome 66 (8): 202–211. https://doi.org/10.1139/gen-2023-0005.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Gloss, David. 2015. “An Overview of Products and Bias in Research.” Neurotherapeutics 12 (4): 731–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0370-x.
[4] Anderson, Patti J., and Alexander de la Paz. 2021. “How to Identify Hemp, Cannabis sativa L. (and Lookalike) Plants.” Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry 43. https://ccmedia.fdacs.gov/content/download/96962/file/CIRCULAR-Hemp-01945.pdf.
[5] Gloss, David. 2015. “An Overview of Products and Bias in Research.” Neurotherapeutics 12 (4): 731–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0370-x.
[6] McPartland, John M. 2018. “Cannabis Systematics at the Levels of Family, Genus, and Species.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 3 (1): 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0039.
[7] Pearce, Daniel D., Katherine Mitsouras, and Kristopher J. Irizarry. 2014. “Discriminating the Effects of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica: A Web Survey of Medical Cannabis Users.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 20 (10): 787–791. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2013.0190.
[8] Strain: In biology, a strain is a genetic variant, a subtype or a culture within a biological species. In cannabis, they are either pure or hybrid varieties of the plant, which encompasses various sub-species C. sativa, C. indica and C. ruderalis.
[9] Gloss, David. 2015. “An Overview of Products and Bias in Research.” Neurotherapeutics 12 (4): 731–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0370-x.
[10] Stella, Nephi. 2024. “THC and CBD: Similarities and Differences Between Siblings.” Neuron 111 (3): 302–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.022.
[11] Grinspoon, Peter. 2024. “Cannabidiol (CBD): What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health Publishing, April 4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-201808242496.
[12] Ferber, Sari Goldstein, Dvora Namdar, Danielle Hen-Shoval, et. al. 2020. “The ‘Entourage Effect’: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.” Current Neuropharmacology 18 (2): 87–96. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X17666190903103923.
[13] Okey, Sarah A, Jack T Waddell, Rishika V Shah, Gillian M Kennedy, Maria P Frangos, and William R Corbin. 2023. “An Ecological Examination of Indica Versus Sativa and Primary Terpenes on the Subjective Effects of Smoked Cannabis: A Preliminary Investigation.” Cannabis Cannabinoid Research 8 (5): 857–866. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0213.