Indica vs. Sativa: An Antiquated Adage

When I was writing my book “Marijuana Horticulture Fundamentals” about a decade ago, I was conflicted regarding the explanation and distinction of diversity between indica, sativa and hybrid, specifically as it relates to the varying ratios of compounds, be they terpenes or cannabinoids. 

Traditionally, these classifications are utilized to describe and distinguish the plant’s physical characteristics, growth patterns and chemical compositions. Indica is generally a term describing growth characteristics, such as shorter, stockier plants with short, broad leaves. Sativa is a label for taller plants with long, thin leaves, and hybrids can possess characteristics of both the sativa/indica parents in one plant. Whether it be indica, sativa or hybrid, the reality is each cultivar is unique, and the effects of each depends on its chemical makeup, not its species. Besides the physical differences, indica, sativa and hybrid plants have distinct effects on consumers mentally and physically because all contain cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as other chemicals that differ significantly.

However, these terms have been adopted to describe the effects of cannabis. Traditionally, consumers have described indica effects as body-high focused, calming, relaxing, and are frequently used as sleep aids and for relaxation, pain, tension and anxiety relief, and for appetite stimulation.

Typical reported sativa effects include a mind/ cerebral high, which encourages sociability, creativity and focus, and can translate into an increased productivity, alertness and motivation while reducing mind and body fatigue.

These three classifications are simplifications that do not tell the full story.

THC and CBD are the two distinct, dominant cannabinoids found in all cannabis. THC is psychoactive, while CBD is primarily utilized for therapeutic effects, and does not cause intoxication. The percentages of each will vary in each individual plant. Traditionally, sativa plants typically have higher levels of THC than CBD, and indica plants may contain more CBD than THC. Hybrids typically vary based on the parent plants that were utilized to create them, but with the acceleration of modern breeding programs, this ratio of various cannabinoid percentages is changing rapidly.  

When deciding between indica and sativa cultivars, knowing the chemical differences and the desired effects and/or personal physiological preferences is vital.

Some factors to consider include:

• THC versus CBD percentages;  
• terpene profiles; 
• consumption method;
• desired effects.

There also are many individual characteristics that dictate a cannabis use experience, including body size, body chemistry and tolerance levels. Understanding the varying chemical ratios allows one to make educated decisions when deciding among cultivars’ individual distinct effects. 

Lessons in Cannabis Chemistry

Besides these obvious observable effects, ongoing research suggests that terpenes have therapeutic effects on their own without cannabinoids, such as antidepressant or antistress qualities. A 2014 clinical trial suggested that caryophyllene reduced depression symptoms in mice. Some of today's antidepressant pharmaceuticals are manufactured utilizing plant-based extracts that contain terpenes. Recent studies also suggest that terpenes have cancer-fighting properties. Some also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. One 2023 study found that humulene, linalool, geraniol and pinene may have therapeutic and pain-relieving effects, but it has not yet been peer reviewed. Terpene research is in its infancy, and with cannabis legalization will come legitimate data that will forever change the perspective on cannabis, THC and terpenes.

Many years ago, I hypothesized that there is a correlation between the cannabis cultivar that smells like a skunk and the chemicals secreted by the animal that is a skunk. At that time, the only correlation I could find was references to sulfur-based thiols, so the recent research that showed terpenes are not solely responsible for odor and flavor confirmed my thoughts is refreshing.

This connection is not limited to skunky cultivars. Likewise, there is a correlation between spicy cultivars of cannabis and the terpenes found in black pepper – beta caryophyllene (one of the most abundant and studied terpenes, in cannabis and beyond). Other dominant terpenes found in cannabis, limonene and B-pinene, smell similar to the corresponding citrus fruits and trees. The impact of these other compounds is also not well understood.

Current data suggests that there are approximately 100 possible cannabinoids and hundreds of terpene possibilities in cannabis genes, with just a handful (beyond THC and CBD) included on product labels, including CBN, CBG and THCV. Not all cultivars contain all possible cannabinoids or terpenes in the wide variety of cultivars available today.

Then combine these factors with “the entourage effect,” which explains and defines the synergistic effects of cannabinoids and terpenes combined as opposed to effects from a single cannabinoid or terpene. And then, of course, there’s the human endocannabinoid system, which interacts with these compounds in many different ways; one can clearly see the indica and sativa adage is antiquated. 

Alcohol and Cannabis

There is a wide ratio of alcoholic beverages available that range from low alcohol content wine coolers to straight ethyl alcohol proofed with water to form the brand “Everclear”—and everything in between.

Educated consumers know the difference between a beverage with a low alcohol content and one with a high alcohol content, and the effects. They also have taste and proof preferences. A person consuming wine coolers typically doesn't prefer or consume Everclear or other high alcohol content beverages, and vice versa.

Likewise, not all cannabis is created equal. Multiple growers can receive a cutting of the same exact cultivar, and the final results can widely vary in regard to the ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes, caused by different environmental conditions or influences, nutrients and other inputs, and cultivation methods.  

It's no different from other industries, whether you’re growing cannabis, tomatoes or wine. As just one example, a vineyard in Napa Valley, Georges III, owned by Beckstoffer Vineyards, was supplying fruit to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon to three different wineries: BV-Beaulieu Vineyards, Chateau Montelena and Clos du Val. And each one was distinctly different because of production choices, including inputs such as French versus American oak barrels, type of yeast utilized for fermentation, as well as other environmental influences. Dramatic differences can be exacerbated by each of these factors, which can cause great diversification in a final product that started as the same. Just as with wine, a cannabis plant’s potential is dependent on the growing environment and post-harvest techniques.

Reclassifying Cannabis

There is a movement to redefine cannabis concentrate and cannabis cultivar descriptions, reclassifying them based on dominant compounds to be more accurate and potentially helpful to consumers trying to distinguish among so many choices. Two of the most prominently used include:

Type I, II and III

Type I, THC-dominant varieties that constitute most cultivars on the market; Type II, a mixed ratio profile of THC and CBD, where concentrations of CBD are almost always predominant; and Type III, CBD-dominant varieties with little to no intoxicating effects for most.

While this goes beyond the indica/sativa dichotomy, it does not address terpene influence. 

The Emerald Cup Classifications

Seeing the limitations of these classification systems, The Emerald Cup adopted system in 2022 to account for the diversity of terpene profiles and flavors in cannabis cultivars when grouping and judging cannabis entries, as well as cannabinoid content. It has become my favorite option to properly describe the diversity of cannabis.

Categories and common cultivars include:

Jacks + Haze (mostly sativa): Classic Trainwreck, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze. 

Tropical + Floral (indica): Super Skunk, Hawaiian, In the Pines, Dream Queen

OGs+ Gas (hybrid): OG Kush, Chemdog, Sour Diesel, GG4 

Sweets + Dreams (indica): Tangie, Cherry AK, Purps, Blue Dream 

Dessert (hybrid): Classic Bubba Kush, GSC, gelatos, cakes

Exotics: Rarest terpene profiles and combinations

Emerald Cup noted that this change was in an effort “to revolutionize the collective understanding of the role terpene content plays in judging cannabis quality.”  The classification notes include basic terpene profiles, a more detailed list of primary and secondary terpenes, and tasting notes and reported effects of each.

While more descriptive, this information can easily overwhelm a consumer who is not an Emerald Cup judge. In the wine industry, some consumers use a wine diary or wine tasting journal that allows them to note the name of the wine, year and tasting information. Similarly, taking notes or tracking cannabis consumed would be useful for consumers to truly understand the composition of their preferred go-to favorite cultivar or form of cannabis, be it flower, concentrate or edible. Encouraging cannabis journaling to track cultivar traits such as terpene and cannabinoid profiles, effects, taste and more could help consumers narrow down the type of products they prefer, beyond the indica and sativa labeling. This could help answer questions such as: Do you have a preferred cannabinoid ratio for daytime use? For nighttime or bedtime use? Do you have a favorite terpene or preferred terpene profile or ratio for daytime use? For nighttime or bedtime use? Are there similar cultivars with similar terpene or cannabinoid levels to your favorite that you may also enjoy?

Cannabis is a puzzle composed of literally hundreds of chemical compounds that have never been properly studied or researched. With legalization and legitimization comes realistic opportunities to explore all possible beneficial aspects of cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as the synergistic aspects of both combined. Each bit of relative research and correlated data will hopefully one day fit together to unlock all the beneficial aspects of the cannabis plant.