When patients buy on the black market, they rarely know what they’re getting. One of the great things about state-licensed medical marijuana programs is the empowerment patients feel as they get to choose specific strains, ask their budtender questions, and experiment with different products.

In addition to their different medical benefits, Indica and Sativa strains also look different.

When patients visit a dispensary, they see cannabis is often categorized into two groups: Sativa and Indica. The most important difference between these two subspecies of cannabis is in their medical effects and how they influence energy levels.

Indicas

Indicas tend to decrease energy and are better for consumption in the evening, when the patient has no work obligations or commitments to fill. Strong Indica strains may give some patients what is called “couchlock,” a condition in which they become so relaxed that they care barely get up from the sofa.

Sativas

Sativas, on the contrary, are uplifting and cerebral, enhancing creativity and productivity. Indicas provide what has been called a “body high,” while Sativas deliver more of a “mind high.” Unfortunately, sativa plants require longer to grow and yield less medicine (flowers) than Indica varieties. This is why Indica strains have traditionally dominated the black market, where the focus is more profit-driven than patient-driven.

Terpenes

There are other, and perhaps more accurate ways, to categorize cannabis. One such way is by the terpenes present in the plant. Terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine. Terpenes may play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity.

Learn more here about getting your medical marijuana card!