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Whether you smoke weed or not, curiosity about its euphoria and medicinal properties always remain a hot topic to discuss. Most of us consider it a thing of stoners who get high with red eyes and a giggling face. Have you ever tried to figure out what’s so special inside these weed leaves, how they react when consumed, and their different types of impacts based on different species? We will cover all these aspects one by one briefly.
Anatomy of A Cannabis Leaf
- Shape: Palmately compound, often resembling a hand with fingers.
- Leaflets: Usually 5-9 slender, serrated leaflets per leaf.
- Petiole: The stalk attaching the leaf to the stem, often flexible.
- Stipules: Small green appendages at the base of the petiole; protective role.
- Trichomes: Tiny, crystalline structures on the surface that store cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
- Color: Varies from deep green to purplish; indicates health and nutrient levels.
- Texture: Smooth on top but can be more rugged and textured on the bottom.
- Veins: Clearly visible, transport nutrients and water.
- Blade: The flat, extended surface of the leaf where most photosynthesis occurs.
- Edges: Serrated or “toothed,” making them easily recognizable.
From the trichomes rich in cannabinoids to the petiole that anchors the leaf, every part plays a role.
Naturally Existing Cannabis Varieties Available
Cannabis genus plants are present in three basic variants on our planet, i.e.
Sativa
- Plant Characteristics
Tall, slender plants with narrow, elongated leaves. It thrives in warm climates and has a longer flowering cycle.
- Dominant Cannabinoids
Generally high in THC and low in CBD, creating an uplifting and cerebral high.
- Other Compounds
Rich in terpenes like pinene and limonene contribute to a citrusy aroma and potentially enhance mood.
- Energy Boost
Often used for daytime activities due to its energizing and uplifting effects.
- Mental Clarity
Sativa strains are praised for enhancing creativity and focus, making them a go-to for artistic or intellectual endeavors.
- Medical Uses
Commonly prescribed for conditions like depression, ADHD, and fatigue due to its uplifting effects.
- Popular Strains
Think Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison.
- Social Settings
Ideal for gatherings and social interactions, as it can make users more talkative and outgoing.
Indica
- Plant Characteristics
Short, bushy plants with broad, dark green leaves. Adaptable to colder climates and has a shorter flowering cycle.
- Cannabinoids
Typically higher in CBD and lower in THC compared to Sativa strains, offering a more relaxing, body-focused high.
- Other Compounds
Dominant terpenes include myrcene and linalool, contributing to earthy aromas and potential sedative effects.
- Relaxation
Known for its calming properties, Indica is the go-to for winding down or evening use.
- Medical Uses
Often recommended for anxiety, inflammation, pain, insomnia, and muscle spasms due to its calming and sedative qualities.
- Popular Strains
Classic examples include Northern Lights, Blueberry, and Afghan Kush.
- Indoor Chilling
Perfect for a night in, watching movies, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility.
Ruderalis
- Characteristics
Small, hardy plants, usually no taller than 2 feet. Grows well in harsh climates with short growing seasons.
- Cannabinoids
Low THC and moderate CBD levels, making it less psychoactive compared to Sativa and Indica strains.
- Other Compounds
Less abundant in terpenes, which means it’s not as aromatic as its Sativa and Indica counterparts.
- Autoflowering
Unique in that it flowers based on age, not light cycles, making it appealing for breeders.
- Resilience
Naturally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a robust choice for difficult growing conditions.
- Medical Uses
Often bred with other strains to create hybrids rich in CBD, suitable for treating conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain.
- Popular Strains
Auto-flowering hybrids like Lowryder and FastBuds often incorporate Ruderalis genetics.
- Niche Use
Not typically consumed on its own but is gaining traction in the medical cannabis field for its CBD content and auto-flowering trait.
Apart from these, horticulturists have developed a huge number of cannabis plants that are recognized as “hybrid”.
A Brief Understanding of Hybrid Cannabis
Characteristics
Plant traits vary widely since hybrids are a cross between Sativa, Indica, and sometimes Ruderalis. Can be short, tall, bushy, or slender, depending on parentage.
Cannabinoids
THC and CBD levels can range from low to high, offering a balanced or dominant effect based on the parent strains.
Other Compounds
Terpene profiles are diverse, inheriting aromas and flavors from parent strains, like the citrus notes from Sativa or the earthiness from Indica.
Versatility
Great for users seeking specific effects, such as relaxation plus mental clarity or pain relief with less sedation.
Medical Uses
Used for a broad range of conditions, like anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia, tailored to individual needs.
Popular Strains
Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies, and OG Kush are classic examples.
Personalization
Ideal for users who want to fine-tune their cannabis experience; can be energizing, relaxing, or somewhere in between.
Commercial Appeal
They are widely available and popular for both recreational and medicinal purposes due to their tailored effects.
How it feels like getting high on Sativa, Indica & Hybrid
A marijuana leaf of sativa dominant strain would be different from Indica because of its compound composition and percentage. Therefore, we get different after-effects every time. Let’s get to know how distinctively they hit:-
Sativa Hit
Being high on a Sativa strain is often described as a cerebral, uplifting experience. Imagine a wave of energy and clarity washing over you, like a mental espresso shot. Creativity blossoms and conversations flow effortlessly, making you feel more socially engaged. Sativa elevates your senses, making music richer and colors more vivid. Tasks that may seem mundane suddenly become intriguing puzzles to solve. While the body stays grounded, the mind soars freely, exploring new ideas without the burden of stress or negative thought loops. It’s an invigorating mental journey that enhances mood, focus, and social interaction—your perfect daytime companion.
Indica Hit
The hit of Indica strain is akin to a full-body massage for your mind and soul. The experience often starts with a calming sensation that seeps from the crown of your head down through your limbs, like warm water in a tranquil bath. A sense of physical relaxation takes over, melting away tension and stress. The world slows down, and you feel enveloped in a comforting cocoon. Anxiety dissipates, replaced by serene tranquility. You might find yourself sinking deeper into your couch, utterly content to let go and be present.
Hybrid Hit
Experiencing a high from a Hybrid strain is like navigating a tailored playlist that shuffles between upbeat tracks and soothing melodies. The feeling can be dynamic and versatile, shifting gears from a lively focus to a comforting ease, often in the same session. Unlike Sativa’s exclusive cerebral stimulation or Indica’s profound body relaxation, a Hybrid high offers a layered experience. One moment you could be brainstorming ideas with creative vigor, and the next you could be cocooned in a mellow warmth, content to simply be. Hybrids offer a nuanced, multi-dimensional high, allowing you to tailor your cannabis experience depending on your mood, setting, or even time of day.
We are excluding “Ruderalis” from the comparison because it is an inferior variant of cannabis, only meant for use as a base of hybrid strains by horticulturists. It has a subtle hit basically lacking the intense cerebral or physical effects found in Sativa or Indica. The low THC and moderate CBD offer a gentle, clear-headed experience, ideal for minimal disruption and focused relaxation.