Indica and sativa are the two most well-known types of cannabis. They differ in origin, appearance, scent, and growth pattern.
Both are regarded as Cannabis sativa L. Cannabis plants have been interbred so extensively over the years that some botanists regard all plants to be part of the same polymorphic species.
Indica and sativa origins
- Most indica varieties originally came from the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia; key areas are Afghanistan, northern India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
- Sativa strains originated from equatorial countries like Jamaica, Thailand, Mexico and southern India.
Appearance
The strains differ considerably in appearance.
- Indicas are squat and short, with dense, weighty buds, and short spaces (internodal gaps) between the bud-clusters.
- Sativas are usually taller, with long, narrow buds that spiral around the whole length of the branch. However, these buds are usually lighter and fluffier than indica buds when they’re dried.
Scent
- Indica plants and buds tend to be pungent and skunky.
- Sativa plants produce a less obvious smell, and their odor is often citrussy or herbal.
Duration of flowering
- Indica strains typically flower faster than sativas. They finish flowering in 45 to 60 days.
- Sativa varieties can take as long as 90 days to finish blooming.
Growth pattern
- Indica plants gain most of their height before flowering, but rarely grow very tall.
- Sativa plants continue to grow whilst flowering. It’s usual for them to gain 200% to 300% of their vegetative height during the flowering phase.