Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis – Exploring the Differences in Types of Marijuana
If you’re curious about marijuana and all its intricacies, you’re not alone. Nearly 160 million people around the world currently partake according to the latest reports, and that doesn’t necessarily include medical users. Of course, millions more are probably flying under the radar.
On top of that, countless others are considering exploring the possibilities. Innumerable people are still on the fence about it, but many of them will ultimately venture over to the dank side as well.
Whether you’re simply trying to learn about cannabis and its potential benefits or equipping yourself with the right knowledge to grow your own marijuana crop, it’s important to at least understand the basics. Here at Kind Seed Co, we know everything there is to know about the subject. We’re also dedicated to sharing our knowledge, as well as our top-quality marijuana seeds, with everyone interested.
Exploring the Different Types of Marijuana
One of the most fundamental aspects to educate yourself about is the three main types of marijuana: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Each one has its own physical characteristics and unique range of effects. We’ll cover the important details you need to know about each of these cannabis categories to aid in your growing efforts.
Sativa
Cannabis Sativa plants generally grow tall and thin with slender leaves. Some can reach heights of 15 feet or more, making them a bit difficult to hide if you grow them outdoors. On the other hand, their lofty stature can make them somewhat problematic for indoor grows as well. Keep in mind, though, you can use certain training methods to manage their height without stunting their growth or productivity.
This species originated in parts of Asia and other areas where the days are long, hot, and humid and the nights are warm and short-lived. Because of their origins, Sativa plants absolutely crave heat, moisture, and ample sunlight. In its purest genetic form, Sativa also needs a long growing season to mature and flower properly.
Typical Sativa Effects
In general, Sativa strains tend to have high concentrations of THC and lower amounts of CBD. That makes them popular among recreational and medical users alike. Because of their generous helpings of THC, they usually generate uplifting and euphoric effects. They also provide an energy boost and can even ramp up your creativity, focus, and cerebral function. If those are the effects you’re looking for, high-THC weed seeds would be the way to go.
People often use Sativa to combat depression, ADHD, and conditions that cause chronic pain and inflammation. Having said that, it’s also a great tool for simply having an interesting evening at home with friends. Some of our most popular Sativa strains are OG Amnesia, Sugar Fruit, and Stardawg, but we have a range of other Sativa-dominant species to choose from as well.
Indica
Whereas Sativa sprang to life in hot, humid climates, Indica hails from mountainous regions. It still needs heat, moisture, and sunlight but not quite to the same extent as its tropical cousins. Indica thrives in areas that are drier, windier, and a bit harsher than the tropics, and it can hold up to the hazards of those climates.
Indica plants are short and bulky. That makes them good choices for both indoor and outdoor grows. If you’re growing them indoors, though, being able to give each plant enough room to spread out is crucial.
Their leaves are also wider than those of Sativa plants. It’s a natural adaptation that enabled them to draw in more sunlight in their cooler original environments with shorter days and more punctuated growing seasons.
Indica’s Expected Impacts
Indica strains usually have higher amounts of CBD than Sativas. They generally provide plenty of THC as well. This more balanced ratio often helps to combat the sometimes problematic effects of THC, like paranoia, without putting too much of a damper on the positive impacts you may be looking for.
Indicas are most often known for their relaxing, sedating effects thanks to their higher CBD content. This makes them perfect for warding off anxiety, insomnia, and certain types of pain. They’re also helpful for those who suffer from social anxiety. Due to the THC-to-CBD ratio in Indicas, they can also help give you more energy and alertness in some cases. This typically depends on the amount you consume.
Ruderalis
Ruderalis evolved in areas where other types of marijuana just can’t flourish. It’s found in colder climates with shorter days and growing seasons. You may even see this strain of cannabis growing by the wayside or in rocky patches and vacant lots. It’s a stocky, sturdy strain that can hold its own against harsh growing environments.
While you hear a great deal about Sativas and Indicas in the world of marijuana, Ruderalis is a bit of an underdog. It has no THC to speak of and only moderate amounts of CBD. That means it’ll generate modest effects at best.
Despite Ruderalis’s weak points, it also has quite a few strong suits. Indicas and Sativas are photoperiodic, meaning they grow and begin to flower based on the types and amounts of light they receive. Ruderalis doesn’t work that way. It’s naturally accustomed to short growing seasons and minimal sunlight, so it flowers based on age. This is known as autoflowering. We’ll cover that point in more detail shortly.
Delving Deeper into Cannabis Strains
Now that we’ve covered the three basic strains of marijuana, we can dig deeper into the matter. Most of the strains on the market today are hybrids. Some are Sativa-dominant strains whereas others have more Indica DNA. That means they can exhibit a mix of the physical traits of each strain. They can give you an interesting blend of effects as well, making for a lost list of highly sought-after strains.
Additionally, it’s important to understand that we offer different types of cannabis seeds, namely regular, feminized, and autoflowering. Regular cannabis seeds can grow into either male or female plants. Males produce pollen while females produce buds. If you grow regular seeds, you’ll need to separate the male plants from the females when they begin to mature. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a less-potent haul of seed-riddled buds.
Feminized seeds are popular because they only produce female plants. That eliminates the risk of male plants pollinating the females and potentially ruining your harvest. It also makes matters much simpler during the growing process.
That brings us to autoflowering seeds. Autoflowering strains have a certain amount of Ruderalis DNA, so they flower based on age rather than the light they’re receiving.
Having Ruderalis genes doesn’t mean autoflowering strains are any less potent and effective, though. They’re still either Sativa- or Indica-dominant plants. They simply give you the simplicity of being less finicky than other strains. Autoflowering strains are nice options for those of you who are new to growing cannabis or don’t have a great deal of time to devote to farming.
Finding the Perfect Cannabis Seeds for Your Marijuana Garden
At Kind Seed Co, we offer a vast selection of marijuana seeds for those who want to try their hands at cultivating a cannabis crop. Our lineup includes numerous popular strains in regular, feminized, and autoflowering varieties.
There’s no better time than now to start your own indoor or outdoor marijuana garden filled with strains that offer the effects you need. We have the varieties you’re looking for, and when you come to us, you’re guaranteed to get high-quality seeds that’ll get your grow off to a great start.
