Indica vs. Sativa vs. Ruderalis

When we speak about cannabis plants, there are two major types of plants; Indica vs Sativa. There is a third type of plant that is less well known but is becoming more prevalent in the cannabis grown today and that is the Ruderalis. Each of these plants has things in common, and specific differences. Understanding the qualities and effects that Indica vs Sativa flowers have, will help you to decide what type of plant is best for you.

Indica

Cannabis indica is an annual plant in the Cannabaceae family originating from the Indian subcontinent from where it gets its name. Indica produces large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Indica plants are typically short and squat. The have broader leaves, and appear to be bushier than their sativa cousins. Indica plants have many medical benefits including anti-nausea, pain relief, and many mental health related issues.

Indica possesses a more calming, soothing, and numbing experience which can be used to relax or relieve pain.

INDICA Qualities

increased mental relaxation
muscle relaxation
decreases nausea
decreases acute pain
increases appetite
increases dopamine
for night time use
Shorter, bushier plants with broad leaves
Normally lower in CBD

Sativa

Cannabis sativa come from southeast Asia. The word sativa means things that are cultivated, and the plant has been used for many purposes throughout history. From industrial fiber, food, religious ceremony, oil, and medicine. The entire plant can be used with different parts of the plant serving different needs. Sativa plants got their name from the vast quantity of practical uses found for the plant.

The effects of sativa are well known for its cerebral high. Users can expect a more vivid and uplifting high, while indica is well known for its sedative effects which some prefer for night time use.

SATIVA Qualities

anti-anxiety
anti-depressant
treats chronic pain
increases focus and creativity
increases serotonin
for day time use
Taller plants with long, slender leaves.
Normally higher in CBD

Ruderalis

Cannabis ruderalis is a low THC species of cannabis which is native to Eastern Europe and Russia. Because it grows in a very Northern climate, flowering is not induced by amount of daylight, but rather on an internal timer. Crossing Indica & Sativa plants with Ruderalis plants is how autoflower strains are created. This changes a strain from photoperiodic to autoflowering, thus negating the need to switch to a 12/12 light schedule. Ruderalis, and thereby autoflowers, will flower regardless of the amount of light. They also do not need darkness, so autoflower strains can be grown under 18/6, 20/4, or even 24/0 light schedules.

Breeders have breed out all the qualities of Ruderalis except the autoflowering. This allows photoperiod strains to be crossed with Ruderalis without losing all the THC and CBD found in Indica and Sativa plants. While growing straight Ruderalis would be an interesting experiment, you would end up with low quality cannabis when it comes to its THC and CBD quantities.

Ruderalis Qualities

Autoflowering
Can grow in harsh northern climates
Very low THC

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Ruderalis