Many people in the cannabis industry have moved away from the traditional classifications of indica and sativa or ‘hybrid’. Instead medical cannabis is classified more correctly as high , low or balanced THC.

Despite modern classifications, the traditionally applied rule is that sativa flower is more energetic and invigorating, while indica is relaxing and calming, but the reality is often much more subtle.

Cannabis is an extremely complex plant, in effect a personalized medicine containing hundreds of compounds split between cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. 

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring components, responsible for producing many of the effects (positive and negative) of the medicine. Terpenes (found in all fruits and plants) are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others. They may work with the cannabinoids and other compounds to product a medical effect. The combination of all of these  compounds can create what is known as the ‘entourage effect’  where the simultaneous effects in the body of the multiple compounds, work together like an orchestra to be greater than the sum of its parts. 

Sativas tended to be from warmer parts of the world such as South East Asia or Central America.  They are generally believed to provide more of a ‘mind high’. Indicas tend to be from the Middle East such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tibet, they are believed to provide more of a ‘body high’ and are often sought out for pain relieving qualities.

Many years of cross breeding have made it difficult to pin point specific cannabis strains to either sativa or indica, but as a rule there are physical differences between plants themselves. Botanists use physical differences to classify plants, such as the shape of leaves, the height of the plants or the type of stalk.
It is common for patients to try a number of cannabis strains before they land on the best for their own condition and physiology. Often patients begin to recognize certain plant profiles or terpenes as beneficial, which makes future product selection easlier.

We would advise patients looking for more information to discuss their requirements with their doctor or our clinical team. We are experienced at helping patients navigate the often complex world of cannabis medicine.