Indica and sativa used to describe cannabis strains are largely meaningless. The cannabis community comprises billions of people with different perspectives on what makes a strain an indica or sativa, best growing them, and ultimately the desired effects of consuming their flowers. These labels are arbitrary because they don’t describe anything about the plant itself. It’s not that describing a plant as sativa or indica is entirely pointless. When we say we want to consume an “indica” variety, we may refer to its stereotypical body highs and sedating effects. Similarly, “sativa” traditionally has been associated with an uplifting, refreshing high.
Time to Toss the Indica and Sativa Terms
Today, a new breed of cannabis professionals understand these terms cause more confusion than they convey information, and many people have referred to plants as either “indica-dominant” or “sativa-dominant.”
However, the line between indica and sativa is being blurred. This is because the cannabis community has learned that plants are not indicative of their traditional indica or sativa properties. Instead, the terpene profile and blend of cannabinoids and flavonoids can tell you more about those flowers than these generic terms. Review the contents of the popular weed firecracker here.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds in the cannabis plant that act with human cannabinoid receptors. We know cannabinoids like THC and CBD are among the most studied, but there are also lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, THCV, CBN, CBC, and over 100 others. For cannabinoid-rich buds, choose firecrackers weed.
These compounds play a significant role in how the plant affects you. The cannabinoids also influence one another, which leads to different experiences when combining cannabinoids through various strains.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a large class of organic hydrocarbons that contribute to the scent and flavor of cannabis. We often refer to terpenes as “terps.” The combination of terpenes and cannabinoids works together to provide the desired effects of consuming cannabis.
Better Cannabis Product Labeling
The need for better labeling is becoming more critical than ever before. Sativa and indica have no place in the description. The information is too vague and confuses consumers about what to expect.
More accurate languages to describe cannabis effects already exist. Add the terpene profile, cannabinoid percentage, and genetics in the strain’s description. When you break down the plant this way, it allows for better consumer education and less confusion.
The Benefits of Tossing Outdated Terms
When we consider cannabis as a cannabinoid and terpene profile rather than indica or sativa, the plant becomes more diverse. This opens up different consumption opportunities for people to find something that fits their desired effects. The cannabis industry will benefit from this, too, because it will help create a more mature consumer base that actively seeks quality medicine. For accurate labeling with cannabinoid and terpene percentages, check out firecrackers.
The power is in your hands. Know what you’re consuming to make an informed decision about what feels best for you. Ignorance of the basics of cannabis only hurts the industry as people continue to rely on a system that hasn’t been updated in decades.
The end of indica and sativa is near, and it’s coming at a time when we’re learning more about cannabis than ever.
