Indica vs Sativa

Who would have thought that in marijuana there are different types of plants with completely different effects and benefits? The origin, the climate, the effects, and the physical characteristics are crucial in order, to differentiate the type of plant that you are going to use either in the clinical, pharmaceutical, or recreational field, as well as to know between Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica in order, to be able to make the best selection of seeds according to your needs.

Marijuana is a well-known plant for its mind and body effects and it’s split into two main types: Sativa and Indica. Even though they come from the same family and have similar ingredients, they’re different in how they look and what they do when you use them. Let’s break it down simply:

What the plants look like:

Indica: This plant is short and looks like a bush with wide leaves. It grows well in cooler and mountainous areas.
Sativa: This one is tall and thin, with skinny, pointed leaves, kind of like a young pine tree. It likes hot and humid places.

How they make you feel:

Indica: It chills you out and can make you sleepy, like when you’re getting cozy in bed after a long day.
Sativa: It energizes you and wakes up your mind, great for when you need to do things that require imagination or when you’re hanging out with friends.

To put it simply: if you want to relax, go for Indica. If you want to be more alert and active, go for sativa. We’ll explain more about this soon so you can better understand how each one affects people differently.

The two subspecies of marijuana represent different adaptations to different climates. Sativa originates from the jungles of equatorial regions such as Thailand, Cambodia, Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico, places that enjoy long hours of sunshine and constant light throughout the year. The Indica variety, on the other hand, comes from the Hindu Kush region, a vast mountain range of more than 800 kilometers that stretches from Afghanistan to China and is characterized by a very cold climate.

Climatic and physical characteristics

Cannabis Sativa is known for its ability to adapt to the heat of tropical climates, being resistant to low temperatures and showing an effective ability to prevent the growth of fungi commonly associated with humidity. Indicas, on the other hand, originate from mountainous climates, which enables them to withstand climatic challenges such as wind, rain, and frost.

Morphology and appearance:

Morphology of Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis Sativa plants, are distinguished by their unique morphology and appearance, which tend to be taller and more slender, with long, thin leaves, differentiating them from other marijuana species such as Indica and Ruderalis. The following points highlight the main morphological and appearance characteristics of Sativa:

1. Height and Structure: Cannabis sativa plants are typically tall and slender, with some varieties reaching heights of up to 20 feet (about 6 meters) under optimal conditions. They have a more open structure compared to the bushier Cannabis indica, allowing for greater light penetration throughout the plant.
2. Leaves: The leaves of Cannabis sativa are characteristically long and narrow with a light green color. They possess serrated edges and are composed of slender leaflets that are spread far apart. The number of leaflets can vary, usually between 5 to 13 per leaf.
3. Branching: Sativa plants have less dense branching compared to their indica counterparts, with branches extending outward and upward, giving the plant an airy appearance. This less compact structure is beneficial for air circulation and can help in reducing the risk of mold and fungal diseases in humid environments.
4. Flowers (Buds): The flowers of Cannabis sativa are elongated and less dense than those of indica plants. They tend to be more “fluffy” or airy and can appear on the plant as spaced, apart clusters. The flowering period for sativa strains is generally longer, often taking between 10 to 16 weeks to fully mature.
5. Trichomes: While both sativa and indica plants produce trichomes (the resinous glands containing cannabinoids), the concentration and distribution can vary. Sativa plants typically have a high concentration of trichomes on the flowers and surrounding foliage, contributing to their potent therapeutic and psychoactive properties.
6. Root System: Cannabis sativa plants develop a deep taproot system, which enables them to access water from deeper soil layers. This characteristic is beneficial for plants growing in arid conditions, allowing them to thrive where other plants might not.
7. Growth Pattern and Maturation: Sativa strains usually have a longer vegetative growth phase, which contributes to their tall stature. Their extended flowering time requires patience but can result in high yields of marijuana flowers.

Cannabis sativa strains are often associated with a cerebral, uplifting high, attributed to their higher concentration of THC in comparison to CBD. This makes them particularly popular for daytime use. The distinct morphology and appearance of sativa not only contribute to its cultivation requirements but also influence its effects and applications, making it a fav

Morphology of Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Indica plants have distinctive morphological traits, shorter and more compact appearance, with wider and denser leaves, traits that differentiate from Sativa and Ruderalis. The main characteristics of Indica are described below:

1. Height and Structure: Cannabis indica plants are generally shorter and bushier than their sativa counterparts, typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (about 0.6 to 1.2 meters). They have a compact, dense structure, which makes them well-suited for indoor cultivation.
2. Leaves: The leaves of Cannabis indica are broad and dark green, with fewer but wider leaflets compared to sativa plants. Indica leaves often have between 7 to 9 leaflets, which are closer together, giving the leaf a fuller appearance.
3. Branching: Indica plants have dense branching, with closer internodal spaces. This compact growth habit results in a bushy appearance and contributes to their ability to produce more buds in a smaller space.
4. Flowers (Buds): The buds of Cannabis indica plants are typically dense, thick, and bulky, clustering around the plant’s nodes. Due to the plant’s compact nature, these buds are often heavier and more resinous than those of sativa strains, leading to higher yields per square foot in controlled environments.
5. Trichomes: Cannabis indica plants are known for their abundant trichome production, which covers the buds and surrounding foliage in a thick layer of crystalline resin. This resin is rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD, making indica strains highly potent.
6. Root System: Indica plants have a more spread-out root system compared to the deep taproot of sativa plants. This characteristic makes them more adaptable to various growing mediums and efficient in nutrient uptake from the soil.
7. Growth Pattern and Maturation: Cannabis indica strains have a shorter vegetative growth phase and a faster flowering cycle than sativa strains, often maturing in 6 to 8 weeks. This quick turnaround makes them attractive to cultivators looking for a fast crop.
8. Effects: Indica strains are traditionally associated with a sedative, body-centric effect, often referred to as a “body high.” This makes them popular for evening use, providing relaxation and aiding in sleep.

The morphology and appearance of Cannabis indica are not just significant for identification; they also have practical implications for cultivation and use. The compact, dense growth of indica plants makes them particularly suited for indoor or space-constrained environments. Their potent, resinous buds are favored for their strong therapeutic effects, offering relief from pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more.

Chemical and Psychoactive Composition

Both subspecies contain a variety of chemical compounds, but the proportions of these compounds can vary.

Cannabis Sativa: Sativas tend to have higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. They may also contain significant amounts of cannabidiol (CBD), which has health properties, but in lower proportions than THC.

Cannabis Indica: Indicas generally have slightly lower THC levels than Sativas, but can still be potent. They tend to have a more balanced ratio of THC and CBD, which can result in a more relaxing and sedative effect.

When it comes to psychoactive effects, it is important to remember that although both Sativa and Indica contain THC, the effects and reactions vary greatly depending on the type of plant.

So which strain is right for me? Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds can tell you:

Sativa is known for its properties that induce a state of euphoria and greater sociability compared to the Indica variety. This sub-species enhances perception, intensifying the appreciation of colors and sounds while stimulating creativity and thinking. Sativa is used to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, nausea, migraines, and as an appetite stimulant, among other wellness benefits.

On the other hand, Indica, known for its relaxing and sedative properties, is highly effective in the treatment of insomnia and a variety of conditions. It is widely used to alleviate neuromuscular disorders such as tremors and, spasms, and to combat chronic pain. It is also a valuable option for reducing anxiety and stress and stimulating appetite in patients who need it.

Alternative uses

Cannabis Sativa: Sativas are often used to treat depression, anxiety and to improve mood. They can also be useful in treating attention deficit disorder and stimulating appetite.

Cannabis Indica: Indicas are preferred for the treatment of chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety and to relax tense muscles. They are also commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.

It is important to note that due to hybridisation and genetic variability of marijuana strains, classification as sativa or indica is not always accurate. In addition, individual experience with these subspecies may vary between individuals and specific strains.

Sativa and Indica are two subspecies with marked differences in morphology, chemical composition, psychoactive effects, and alternative uses. The choice between one or the other depends on the personal preferences and therapeutic needs of each individual.

CBD Seeds

CBD marijuana seeds share characteristics with feminized, regular, or autoflowering varieties, but are distinguished by their higher CBD content compared to conventional varieties. Additionally, in many cases, the aim is to minimize the THC level so that they can be used for medicinal purposes.

However, these seeds never contain the adequate concentration of THC for use in legal CBD product production, which currently must be below 0.2%. For this purpose, hemp seeds are used. Despite this, CBD marijuana seed varieties still offer more relaxing and stress-relieving effects than other varieties.

Hemp Seeds

Unlike CBD seeds, hemp seeds always contain THC levels below 0.2%, ensuring a predominance of CBD. Also known as industrial hemp, this variety is used for CBD extraction and the production of therapeutic products. However, the CBD levels obtained from hemp never reach those achieved with CBD seeds.

Hemp seeds are not only used for obtaining cannabidiol but also for extracting strong fibers used in various industries, such as textile, paper, insulation, rope manufacturing, fuel, paints, cosmetics, among others. Additionally, hemp seeds are edible and can be consumed as oil, whole, raw, toasted, or ground into flour.

Fast Version Seeds

Like CBD marijuana seeds, Fast Version seeds have similar characteristics to regular or feminized varieties, but their life cycle is shorter than usual, allowing for harvesting before the first October frosts.

Indeed, many of these types of seeds can be combined. Sativa, indica, hybrid, or ruderalis varieties can be presented in feminized, regular, autoflowering, or Fast Version forms. Hemp seeds, on the other hand, belong to the sativa group.

Germinating is the beginning of life for your cannabis plant, and it is essential to understand how it works.

This guide will discuss the different ways of germinating your marijuana seeds and some strategies to help you achieve the best results.

Why You Need to Germinate Cannabis Seeds Before Planting

Many different plants can germinate in the ground. However, cannabis seedlings can be fragile. Because of this, weed seeds should be germinated separately before planting. Immediately after the seeds have sprouted, they should be planted in a hydroponic setup, a soilless medium, or the soil.

During the planting process, you should ensure that the seeds are 2.5 cm (1 Inch) deep in whichever medium you choose and covered lightly.

After planting, you should wait one week for the seedling to start emerging from the soil. If the seed poked through the soil by the tenth day, it likely didn’t survive.

When to Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds

We recommend that you germinate your cannabis seeds when the hours of sunlight are long enough to allow for healthy growth.

In short, we recommend germinating your seeds in the spring when it is getting warmer and when the sun won’t disappear for long periods. You don’t need to follow a fixed calendar, although it can help. Instead, you can look outside your house and see when other plants are starting to sprout. Just make sure that good growing weather will be present for some time. Your plants should be getting about 12 hours of sunlight each day. You can help with this by making sure they have southern exposure.

This means ensuring your plants have access to the sky facing south. Now that we have a solid foundation of where to start let’s learn how to germinate your cannabis seeds.

How to Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds

Before we highlight the different methods of germinating marijuana, we need to understand what conditions the seeds need to germinate. The conditions include the following:

· Moisture – You need to ensure that the seeds are moist. You can soak cannabis seeds for between 20-30 hours. Do not oversoak them.
· Provide Peace– Don’t disturb the seeds; wait for the taproot to show up.
· Warmth– To assist with germination, keep the seeds warm. Make sure the environment is not too hot. Seeds can germinate in cooler temperatures, but the process takes a long time when it’s cold. You want to shoot between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).
· Be Gentle– Be careful when taking care of the seeds; treat them gently as you move them. If possible, avoid touching the white root; this is the taproot and is fragile. It can easily snap off.
· Plant with the Pointed End Up– Make sure the pointed end is facing up when planting the seeds. This will ensure that the seedling does not waste energy trying to reorient itself.
· Plant About a Knuckle Deep – Don’t put the seeds too deep in the soil. You can place the seed about an inch under the soil’s surface.

Different Methods of Germinating Cannabis Seeds

The best germination method depends on the choice of the cultivator. Below are some of the common ways to germinate your cannabis seeds.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in the Soil

Perhaps the easiest way to germinate cannabis seeds. The soil acts as a protective barrier for the seeds. It is also good at retaining moisture. What steps should you take to germinate seeds in soil?
Step 1: Ensure You Use the Correct Soil Type – This is the first step. The soil should either be gently fertilized or a seed starter with a pH level of 6.
The soil should also contain enough nutrients and the right acidity to strengthen the young plants during the first two weeks. After that, refrain from adding more nutrients to the soil unless there is an absolute need. After that, you can cause your plant to go into the nutrient lock.
Step 2: Place the Soil in a Container and Use a Pencil to Create a Small Hole – Once the soil is in the pot, you can use a pencil to create a hole that is half an inch to an inch deep. Once the seed is in the soil, bury it in the soil. After this stage, please do not touch the seed because it is very fragile.
Step 3: Water the Soil – Carefully water the soil with a spray bottle and place your pots under a fluorescent lamp. Keep your seeds away from a window. The temperature swings that happen at a window can interfere with germination. You must ensure the temperature range is between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).
Ensure that you monitor the soil daily to ensure that it is moist. After 4 to 7 days, small stems should be sprouting through the soil.
Once the seedling grows to 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) height, you can now transplant the cannabis to a larger pot with more room for the roots to spread out. This indicates that you have successfully germinated the seeds into young plants.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in Water

Germinating cannabis seeds in water is popular because it is faster. All you need to do is place your seeds in water and make adjustments as necessary.
As we stated earlier, germinating seeds require a balanced and ideal growing condition. For example, many water germinations require only 24 to 48 hours to ensure that the stems pop out of the seeds. However, some seeds can be soaked for up to a week.
Water germination can be fast because the seeds have all the water they need readily available. This allows the shell to be softened and to crack easily.
What do you need to do to germinate seeds in water?
Step 1: Fill a Glass with Tap Water and Leave It to Come to Room Temperature – Once you fill a glass with tap water, you should leave it in a warm room until it attains a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Add Seeds to the Glass – Add 2 or 3 seeds to the glass and allow them to settle for some time. Then watch the glass for any changes. You can change the water to freshwater after every two days, but always make sure that it is at room temperature.
The seeds may start sprouting after two days, though some old seeds may take a week to sprout.
Step 3: Remove the Seeds from the Water – Once the seeds have sprouted, remove them from the glass and place them in the soil.
The only disadvantage with water germination is that you must be very careful when moving the sprouted seeds. This process is very delicate since the seeds are fragile. If you harm the seeds, you can kill the plant.

Germinating Seeds on Paper Towels

Germinating marijuana seeds on paper towels is a common way to sprout cannabis seeds. In some cases, the grower will use a cotton pad instead. The methods for germination using paper towels and cotton padding are very similar.
Step 1: Lay the Paper Towels on a Flat Surface – To germinate seeds using paper towels, you should lay paper towels on a countertop, then place some seeds on them. Next, cover the seeds using another towel.
Step 2: Moisten the Towels – Use a spray bottle to moisten the towels. Place the paper towels and seeds on a plate or in a bowl. Then cover the seeds with a face-down bowl or plate. Alternatively, you can place them in a plastic bag to ensure they are secure.
Step 3: Maintain the Temperature – Ensure room temperature is between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). You will want to maintain this temperature. Also, you should wrap the seeds and place them in a dark place. You will want to keep the seeds away from direct wind and sunlight. Within 2-5 days, the seeds should start to show tiny roots. You can plant them when they reach about 5 millimeters (0.2 Inch) in length.
The paper towel method has some risks. This is because the seedlings might be destroyed during the unwrapping and potting stage. Also, the roots can become entangled in the towel and the roots of other seeds. So make sure you relocate the seeds before their roots get too long.
You can use your hands or some tweezers to move the seeds and place them in your medium of choice.

Other Popular Germination Methods

The abovementioned methods are some of the most popular ways of germinating marijuana seeds. However, they are not the only ways. For example, you  can always use starter plugs or cubes.
These methods are straightforward. All you have to do is to put a seed into or onto the growing medium. Once you do this, add some water. Then you need to wait. After that, the seeds should begin to germinate. Just keep an eye that they don’t dry out.
These methods protect the plants from damage, mainly when transported to their final homes. However, as usual, you should exercise caution when using these methods.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in Peat Pellets

This is a method of germinating seeds that will help to mitigate damage to the young roots. Peat pellets are made of decomposed vegetable matter. These pellets contain nutrients that the seedlings need to develop correctly. The pellets enlarge when you add water to them, forming a nutrient-rich container.
The peat pellets are optimized with a pH of 5.5. Therefore, you shouldn’t need to worry about any adjustments. However, remember to soak the pellets in warm water to prepare them for the seeds.
Once the roots appear, move the whole pellet into the medium, where it will continue growing. This method is not recommended for hydroponic setups. However, peat pellets are suitable for germination and can be used by beginners. They can also be used in cloning.

Planting the Germinated Cannabis Seeds

After the seeds have sprouted, they should be planted in the most suitable medium.
If you use a germination process that requires moving the sprouts, do so with a lot of care since the roots are very fragile. You don’t want to touch the root, or you can break it. The root may sustain this, but it can seriously hamper your plant’s growth. It can also send the plant into shock, which it may never recover from. It should also be placed half an inch to an inch deep in the growing medium. After positioning the germinated seed, cover it lightly and make sure the soil is moist. After one week, the seedling should emerge through the soil.
Some seeds emerge in a day or two, while others can take up to 10 days. If the waiting period exceeds ten days, your seed may not have survived.
If your seed is planted upside down, don’t panic, nature has a way of working things out. As long as you have not crowded the seedling, it should be able to correct itself. Give it some time and space and allow it to do this.

Cannabis Seeds versus Clones

For typical home growers, it is easier to obtain cannabis seeds than clones. Also, growing seeds produce more vigorous plants acclimated to the climate they are growing in.
Marijuana plants grown from seed are usually stronger than plants grown from clones. This is because they develop strong taproots. In cooler climates, you can plant your seeds directly in your garden. After the last frost, you will want to do this in mid to late spring.
It is better to germinate your seeds indoors if you grow them outside. This will allow the seeds a more extended germination period and also protect them from the worst of the early spring weather. Moreover, growing the plant indoors will enable the seedling access to plenty of light (primarily if you use a grow lamp). Then, transplant them outside or into an indoor pot when mature enough.

Is Lighting Important for Cannabis Germination?

Just like water, lighting is an essential requirement for germination. Light enables the plant to survive. In addition, it allows for the creation of sugars during photosynthesis. The plant will use these sugars to feed itself as it grows.
Light is also essential to the young plant. It also provides much-needed warmth. The plant will require warmth to help break through the shell and not die from the cold. Fluorescent bulbs with a color temperature of 6500K and a T5 output will help provide the seeds with the correct light.
Fluorescent bulbs are recommended because they take up very little power and don’t produce too much heat. You can adjust the position of the lights so that they are very close to the plants without causing them to suffer any damage. As soon as the first leaves emerge, you will need to ensure that your plants are receiving light.

You can use incandescent bulbs also. They will generate heat. You cannot use incandescent lights to provide the light necessary to grow your plants. However, they can be used to assist in germination.
You can use garden heating mats as an alternative to light as a heat source. These pads heat the seeds from underneath the container you are germinating in. Remember that once the plants start to grow, you will need an alternative heating method. Also, these pads will not produce enough warmth for larger plants.
Keep the soil at around 21 to 22°C (69 to 71°F). Seeds need a specific temperature range to germinate. If the temperature is too cold, they won’t germinate. Likewise, if the temperature is too hot, they won’t germinate.
It is better to have humid air when germinating seeds. Drier air is not that good for your seeds. Also, if the temperature in your germination growth starts to get too high, move the setup away from the lights. If it is too cold, move it towards the lights.

Final Thoughts

Germination is considered one of the most critical stages of cultivating cannabis. You will need to be careful with this stage. We have gone over some germination strategies that will help you achieve the best results possible. We think what works for you is the best way to do something. If you are like me, you prefer to do things most simply and naturally possible. Not just because it is easy but also because it most closely emulates natural growth. But something else may appeal to you. So get out there and see what works for you.