What is the difference between Indica and Sativa?

From the scientific point of view (and legal) all cannabis is Cannabis Sativa L. In practice, indica and sativa are the names used to distinguish the two sides of the "spectrum" of cannabis, and there are many elements that differentiate them. There is a wide spectral range of types of growth, qualities and effects, most of which are the result of cannabis's remarkable ability to adapt to its environment. To the extent that from the genetic point of view, and at the level of possible crosses (ie, cultivation of hybrids) all versions of the plant (including industrial hemp, and Cannabis Ruderalis J.) are considered as belonging to the same species polymorphic. Difference between Indica and Sativa - origins Cannabis Indica L. Most indica varietiesare native to South Asia and the Indian subcontinent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tibet, Nepal, etc.). Cannabis Sativa L. The sativas are usually from the equatorial regions - Thailand, Cambodia, Jamaica, Mexico, etc. Difference between Indica and Sativa - physical appearance The physical difference between Indica vs Sativa is the indicas are compact and stocky, with dense, heavy and aromatic heads. Cannabis plants produce nodes at regular intervals along their stems, and these nodes accommodate leaves, branches and flowers (heads). The heads of indicas tend to grow in clusters of relatively small variable spaces (known as internodes) between clusters. In such conditions, the sativas reach a greater height than the indicas. The heads of the sativas are usually larger than those of the indicas, because they grow along the length of a branch instead of forming clusters around the internodes. Dry, their weight is lower than that of indica heads because of their lower density. The smell of the heads of sativas is often also less strong. Difference between Indica and Sativa - flowering time Indica are cannabis varieties that flower more quickly, with flowering time usually being 45 to 60 days. Sativas take longer to flower. In general, they take 60 to 90 days to complete their flowering. On the other hand, the growth time is much shorter than that of indicas BEFORE blooming. Also the total time for sativas is more or less equal to that of indicas (sometimes even shorter on the basis of "hours of light"). Difference between Indica and Sativa - size Flowering started, the indicas tend to reach their height rather slowly. An indica can be expected to reach 50 to 100% of its growth height towards the end of the flowering period. Sativas usually continue to grow during flowering, often reaching 200% to 300% of their height of growth or even more. The reason is that in the equatorial regions the difference between the number of hours of daylight in winter and that in summer is not very large. Also, in their home environment, sativas grow and bloom simultaneously. This is why indoor horticulturists must already put a blooming sativa before too much vegetative growth occurs. Difference between Indica and Sativa – effects The effect of an indica is usually characterized as a "stone", which means that it is more focused on the body. This can intensify the physical sensations such as taste, touch and sound. It has a relaxing effect - mentally and physically - and, in larger doses, can be soporific. Despite the lower weight and possibly the longer flowering time of sativas, many horticulturists appreciate them because of their "high" effect. This high could be characterized as cerebral, energetic, creative, making you want to laugh or even psychedelic. It is less devastating than the indica "stone" and is unlikely to put the smoker to sleep.