For decades, the cannabis world has categorized strains into two primary groups: indica and sativa. Most consumers have grown accustomed to using these labels to make decisions about the effects they want—indica for relaxation, sativa for energy. But as cannabis research has progressed, it’s become clear that these terms may not tell the full story about what cannabis really does to our bodies. Instead, they’re better understood as botanical classifications that describe how cannabis plants grow, rather than how they affect you.

A Botanical Distinction

The original use of “indica” and “sativa” dates back to the 18th century, when biologists began classifying cannabis plants based on their appearance and growth patterns. Cannabis sativa was used to describe tall, thin-leaved plants from warmer climates, like those found near the equator. Cannabis indica, on the other hand, referred to shorter, bushier plants native to cooler, mountainous regions like those in Central Asia.

These terms were meant to define physical traits—leaf shape, plant height, and growing conditions. While these traits are useful for cultivators looking to optimize growth conditions, they don’t necessarily translate to how a particular strain will make you feel.

Why Indica and Sativa Don’t Define Effects

Today, many cannabis consumers expect an indica strain to make them feel sleepy and relaxed, while a sativa is believed to offer an energetic, uplifting high. But modern research shows that the effects of cannabis are much more complex and are determined by a wide range of factors, including:

1. Terpenes: These aromatic compounds are responsible for the unique scents and flavors of cannabis. They also play a major role in determining how a strain will affect you. For example, limonene (found in citrusy strains) can have an uplifting effect, while myrcene (found in earthy strains) may produce sedative effects. The terpene profile often plays a bigger role in determining whether a strain feels relaxing or energizing.
2. Cannabinoid Profile: The levels of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids such as CBG or CBN can heavily influence a strain’s effects. Two different strains with the same THC level can affect people differently based on their overall cannabinoid composition.
3. Your Unique Endocannabinoid System: Each person’s body responds to cannabinoids differently based on their own endocannabinoid system. That means a strain that energizes one person might have the opposite effect on someone else, regardless of whether it’s labeled as indica or sativa.

The Hybrid Reality

Most modern cannabis strains are hybrids—a mix of both indica and sativa genetics. Over time, the breeding of cannabis plants has blurred the lines between these two categories to the point where it’s difficult to find a "pure" indica or sativa. In fact, many strains on the market today contain genetics from both categories, making it even more misleading to use indica and sativa as indicators of effect.

So why do we still use these terms? Simply put, they’re convenient. For those new to cannabis, using indica and sativa as rough guides for relaxation or stimulation is easier than explaining the intricacies of terpenes and cannabinoids. But as consumers become more informed, it’s important to recognize that these labels are oversimplifications of a much more nuanced experience.

Understanding Cannabis Beyond Indica and Sativa

Instead of relying on these outdated terms, consumers should focus on the chemical makeup of the strains they’re choosing. By looking at the terpene profile and cannabinoid content, you can get a much clearer idea of what to expect.

At Meds Cafe, we’re committed to educating our customers about the full spectrum of effects that cannabis can offer. Whether you’re looking for a strain to help you relax after a long day or one to fuel your creativity, our expert budtenders are here to guide you through your options. We’re moving beyond the old “indica vs. sativa” debate and helping consumers make more informed choices based on science—not outdated categories.

In conclusion, while “indica” and “sativa” may still have a place in botany and cultivation, they don’t do justice to the diversity of experiences cannabis offers. Next time you visit Meds Cafe, ask about the terpenes and cannabinoids that make each strain unique. You’ll find that cannabis has much more to offer than the simple indica vs. sativa distinction can explain.