When shopping for cannabis seeds online, you’ve probably noticed the terms indica, sativa and hybrid and wondered what the difference is. And it’s a good question. With so many cannabis seeds to choose from, understanding cannabis genetics is essential. Using those three terms or plant classifications supports growers in making informed decisions.
Cannabis seeds aren’t just flashy packaging and cool branding; they are developed on generations of plant genetics that decide everything from aroma and THC content to flavour to plant size and the high you can expect. We use the labels indica, sativa and hybrid to describe the dominant traits of a strain.Â
Typically, indicas are known for relaxing body effects, and sativas tend to bring creativity and energy. At the same time, hybrids balance the best of both.Â
In this blog, we will break down the difference between indica, sativa and hybrids, how these genetics shape their growth and effects and how to find the ideal cannabis seed for you. Whether you’re new to growing or just want to learn more about what you’re rolling up, TB Seeds has got you covered.
Did you Know?
The labels indica and sativa no longer define cannabis plants in a botanical sense but are still used as valuable indicators of the potential effects of a plant. Due to generations of crossbreeding, nearly all strains are now technically a hybrid. Still, the labels are still helpful in describing a strain’s dominant traits, such as high-energy sativa or couch lock indica.
What are Cannabis Genetics?
Cannabis genetics refers to the inherited characteristics passed down from parent plants. These genetic traits influence everything in some form, from plant height and growth structure (tall and lanky vs short and bushy). Genetics dictate the flowering time of a plant (short vs long), the yield size, a plant’s resistance to pests, mould, and disease and how well it copes with environmental stress such as harsh weather. Genetics also influence the fun stuff, like cannabinoid content, terpene profiles, and the overall effect of the high, whether relaxing or energising.
Growers and Cannabis Genetics
Genetics allow growers to predict how a plant might behave and how it will perform in different conditions. (indoor vs outdoor, warm vs cold). For consumers, labelling genetics helps inform the experience (creative stimulation, pain relief or relaxation and a good night’s sleep). Modern cannabis crossbreeding has created a whole new range of hybrid cannabis strains.
Hybrid strains offer more balanced effects than traditional Indica or Sativa varieties. They combine the best traits of the two and produce strains with more balanced effects. This preference for more balanced highs has led to hybrid strains dominating seedbanks. Thanks to selective breeding, breeders are more able to target the traits they or the market desire most. For example, you might cross a sativa with a fast-flowering indica to get a hybrid that finishes faster than a sativa but still delivers the same type of high, only more balanced.
Indica
Indica-Dominant
Indica Genetics: Compact and Fast-Flowering
Indica cannabis strains hail from regions such as The Hindu Kush Valley, which weaves between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Some of the most famous strains ever descend from indica genetics, and a few pure 100% indica strains are on the market. They are known as Landrace cannabis strains. A landrace grows naturally, adapting to its environment, and there are both indica and sativa landraces. Still, they are found in opposite parts of the world.
Growing Characteristics of Indica Cannabis Strains
Indicas grow short (around 1 metre); they form a compact and bushy structure. They produce wide, dark green leaves, develop dense resin-laden flowers, and typically flower in 7-9 weeks. Indicas are ideal for indoor growing but will perform well outdoors due to their resilience and hardy nature.
Effects of Indica Cannabis Strains
The effects of indica cannabis strains typically include calm, body-heavy effects. They are famous for providing deep relaxation and the infamous couch-lock effect. They are popular with medical patients and those treating pain and seeking muscle relief. For these reasons, it’s common for consumers to indulge in indica strains at night. Still, reports from growers with ADHD indicate Indicas can be effective during the day.
Sativa
Sativa-Dominant
Sativa Genetics: Sun Loving and Tall
To find sativa genetics, you’ll need to go to warm places like Thailand, Mexico, Colombia, and other parts of Africa. Sativas originated in areas with plenty of sun and have longer flowering times. The naturally long days allow sativas to take longer to flower. They are typically much taller (over 2m) than indica plants.
Growing Characteristics of Sativa Cannabis Strains
You can spot a sativa plant by its tall, slender build. They grow lean, producing narrow, light green leaves. A pure sativa can take 14 weeks to flower (10-14 weeks in most cases). A key difference between indica and sativa is the internode spacing. Sativas have more space between internodes, which gives the flowers more space to form. While Sativas can be grown indoors, they truly thrive outdoors or in spacious greenhouses, thanks to their height and natural growth pattern. They don’t like the cold and thrive in warm climates and can produce high yields when properly supported and trained. Read about plant training here.
Effects of Sativa Cannabis Strains
Sativas are known for their uplifting, cerebral highs. They are often described as energetic and ideal for boosting creativity and socialising. Thanks to their energising. effects, they are popular with day users and helpful in combating fatigue and low mood.
Hybrids
Balanced Hybrids
Hybrid Cannabis Seeds: Selective Breeding for Desired Traits
A hybrid is a cross of at least two things; in the case of cannabis, it is a cross of indica and sativa. Due to selective breeding, most modern cannabis strains are hybrids. The key to selecting the right hybrid cannabis strain for your needs is to learn the traits of the strains you’re invested in. A cannabis hybrid will often lean more heavily toward indica or sativa and, in some cases, balance both.
Indica-dominant (relaxing effects with some cerebral stimulation)
Sativa-dominant (uplifting with mild body relaxation)
Balanced hybrids (even a mix of both physical and mental effects)
Growing Characteristics of Hybrid Cannabis Strains
The traits of a cannabis hybrid will vary based on its genetic makeup. There are countless combinations. You might find fast-flowering Indicas with the height and yield of sativas or long flowering indicas closer to the height of a sativa. Hybrids allow breeders to target specific traits such as THC/CBD content or how a plant performs in different environments. Cannabis hybrids tend to be versatile and well-suited to indoor and outdoor environments.
Why Choose a Hybrid
Sativas are known for their uplifting, cerebral highs. They are often described as energetic and ideal for boosting creativity and socialising. Thanks to their energising. effects, they are popular with day users and helpful in combating fatigue and low mood.
Hybrids offer more choice and more control over the experience. They are ideal for medical patients who want relief without sedation and recreational users who wish to explore unique flavour profiles and effects. Hybrids are also suitable for growers because they allow them more predictability and make it easier to target specific traits.
