Sativa vs Indica Edibles: Understanding Their Unique Effects

May 3, 2024

Cannabis edibles have surged in popularity as an alternative to smoking or vaporizing marijuana. Among the available options, sativa and indica strains are the two most popular varieties.

While no two people will ever have the exact same experience with cannabis, indica and sativa edibles are believed to produce different effects when consumed.

As the market for edibles grows, understanding the nuances between sativa and indica edibles is essential for consumers seeking specific experiences.

Sativa edibles are often associated with a “head high,” characterized by uplifting, energizing effects that may enhance creativity and focus. These edibles are typically sought after for daytime use or social activities given their stimulative properties.

On the other hand, indica edibles are linked to a “body high” that promotes relaxation and calmness. They are commonly used for their sedative effects, which may aid in reducing anxiety and helping with sleep.

The distinction between the two can influence a consumer’s choice depending on their desired outcome. However, it’s important to note that the effects of any cannabis product can vary widely from person to person.

Factors such as individual biology, tolerance levels, and the specific chemical makeup of the edible also play significant roles in the experience.

Let’s learn more about:

More differences between sativa and indica edibles
How to choose the correct dose for your needs
The most popular strains in each category

Cannabis Sativa Characteristics

Sativa strains of the cannabis plant are known for their taller, slimmer plants with narrow leaves. They tend to grow best in warmer climates with longer summers.

When consumed in the form of edibles, Sativa strains typically produce effects that are described as uplifting and energizing. These effects make sativa-based edibles suitable for daytime use.

Effects of Sativa Edibles

Sativa edibles are known for their potential to enhance sensory perception and stimulate energy and creativity. These edibles are typically sought out by individuals looking for a more cerebral experience.

Sensory Enhancement

Consumers report that Sativa edibles often lead to heightened sensory experiences. This can include:

Visuals: Brighter colors and sharper visual definition.
Auditory: Enhanced sound clarity and appreciation for music.

Energy and Creativity Boost

The stimulatory effects of Sativa edibles may include:

Energy Levels: A noticeable increase in energy, making them suitable for daytime use.
Creativity: Many users find a boost in creative thinking and the ability to brainstorm new ideas.

Popular Sativa Strains

Sour Diesel: Highly sought after for its energizing effects, Sour Diesel is a fast-acting strain that delivers invigorating cerebral effects. It is known for its pungent scent that carries notes of diesel.
Green Crack: Renowned for its sharp energy and focus, Green Crack is often chosen for its potency and ability to keep users feeling uplifted and energetic throughout the day. It has a sweet, fruity flavor.
Jack Herer: Named after the cannabis activist, this strain is favored for its potential to stimulate creativity and deliver a clear-headed high. It has a pine-scented aroma and has won several awards for its quality and potency.
Super Silver Haze: This strain is famous for its long-lasting body high and cerebral effects. It has an earthy citrus flavor and is a frequent winner at the Cannabis Cup due to its balanced yet potent effects.
Durban Poison: Known for its sweet smell and energizing effects, Durban Poison is popular among those looking for a boost in creativity and productivity. It’s a pure sativa and features a clear, focused high.
Super Lemon Haze: With its strong lemony characteristics, both in scent and taste, Super Lemon Haze is celebrated for its uplifting and energetic effects. It’s a multi-time Cannabis Cup winner.
Amnesia Haze: This strain is popular for its psychedelic effects, often leading to a profound sense of euphoria. It has a complex aroma with notes of lemon, nuts, and spices.

Cannabis Indica Characteristics

Indica strains, on the other hand, feature shorter, bushier cannabis plants with broad leaves. They thrive in cooler climates and have a faster flowering period.

Indica-based edibles are often associated with a body-centered effect, which can have a relaxing and calming impact. This makes them typically more appropriate for evening or night-time consumption.

Indica Edible effects

Indica edibles are renowned for their calming effects, often producing a deep sense of physical relaxation. Users may seek them for their potential benefits in managing various symptoms.

Relaxation and Sedation

Indica strains in edible form are typically associated with a deep sense of body relaxation. People often experience a tranquilizing effect, which can lead to increased calmness or even sedation.

This effect is due to higher concentrations of cannabinoids such as CBD, which are common in indica varieties.

Body Relaxation: Usually within an hour of consumption.
Calmness: May assist in promoting better sleep quality.

Pain and Nausea Relief

Individuals often turn to indica edibles to alleviate pain and manage nausea.

They contain properties that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, providing a potentially natural alternative for symptom relief.

Pain: Can help reduce chronic pain and inflammation.
Nausea: Useful for those undergoing chemotherapy or similar treatments.

Edible Types

20 years ago, homemade edibles were the standard and we didn’t have nearly the variety of edible forms we have today.

Now, edibles can be consumed in the following ways (if not more):

Gummies and Candies: These are among the most popular types of edibles due to their discreet nature and familiar form. They come in a multitude of flavors and potencies.
Chocolates and Bars: Cannabis-infused chocolates and chocolate bars can vary from milk chocolate to dark and even white chocolate, often including nuts, fruits, or other flavor enhancers.
Baked Goods: This category includes cookies, brownies, muffins, and other pastries. Baked cannabis goods are classic edible forms and are popular for their taste and the ease of incorporating cannabis butter or oil.
Beverages: These can range from teas and coffees to sodas and even alcoholic-like beverages (non-alcoholic in composition). Cannabis-infused drinks are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a different way to consume cannabis.
Cooking Oils: Cannabis-infused cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, can be used in everyday cooking, allowing consumers to turn almost any meal into an edible experience.
Tinctures: These are alcohol or oil-based cannabis extracts that can be taken directly under the tongue or added to food and drinks. Tinctures are known for their fast-acting effects when used sublingually.
Capsules: For those who prefer not to taste cannabis at all, capsules are a simple alternative. They contain cannabis oil and offer a precise dosage similar to pharmaceuticals.
Lozenges and Dissolvable Strips: These mouth-dissolving products offer a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis, with the active ingredients being absorbed sublingually.
Hard Candies and Lollipops: These work similarly to lozenges but might take longer to fully dissolve, offering a slow release and absorption of cannabis.
Honey: Infused honey can be used as a sweetener in teas, on toast, or eaten directly. It’s a versatile product that combines the benefits of honey and cannabis.

Edible Consumption Basics

Determining the right dose is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Edibles are commonly measured in milligrams (mg) of cannabinoids. Here’s a basic guideline:

Microdose: 1-2.5 mg
Low dose: 2.5-15 mg
Medium dose: 15-30 mg
High dose: 30-50 mg
Very high dose: 50+ mg

Beginners should start with a microdose to assess tolerance.

Onset and Duration

The effects of edibles are delayed compared to smoking or vaping cannabis.

One of the most common beginner mistakes when consuming cannabis edibles is to prematurely take more before allowing the initial dosage to take effect.

This can sometimes result in a higher dose than expected and a potentially poor cannabis experience.

Depending on a variety of biological and chemical factors, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start feeling the effect of edibles.

For that reason, it’s best to wait at least 1.5 to 2 hours to assess your body’s reaction to the edibles before consuming more. The duration of these effects can last from 4 to 12 hours, depending heavily on the dose and individual metabolism.

Medical Benefits Comparison

Cannabis edibles, in forms infused with either sativa or indica strains, carry distinct therapeutic effects.

Understanding the medical differences between these two is crucial for personalized health needs and symptom management.

Sativa for Therapeutic Use

Sativa edibles are often associated with their cerebral, energizing effects. Patients report that sativa strains can alleviate symptoms of:

Depression: Providing uplifting and euphoric sensations that may improve mood.
Fatigue: Enhancing energy levels and concentration throughout the day.

Medical use of sativa leans towards daytime use due to its stimulating properties.

Indica for Symptom Management

In contrast, indica edibles are typically linked with their sedative, body-centered effects. These properties make them suitable for treating conditions such as:

Chronic Pain: Offering relaxation and analgesic effects that may reduce pain intensity.
Insomnia: Inducing a state of deep relaxation that can aid in falling and staying asleep.

Indica edibles are preferred for evening or nighttime use because of their profound relaxing effects.

Strain Hybridization

Cannabis strains have been selectively bred to produce hybrids that combine traits from both Sativa and Indica plants.

These hybrids are designed to offer a balance of effects that may cater to specific user preferences or therapeutic needs.

Hybrid Strain Effects

Hybrid cannabis strains are cultivated to emphasize certain desirable effects from both Sativa and Indica varieties.

The resulting edibles can present a spectrum of effects that range from energizing to relaxing. The key to understanding hybrid strain effects lies in the ratio of Sativa to Indica within a hybrid, which can influence the overall experience.

Sativa-dominant Hybrids: These edibles may provide stimulating effects, often enhancing creative thinking and sociability.
Indica-dominant Hybrids: Consuming these edibles typically leads to more calming effects, which might be better suited for relaxation or sleep.

Hybrid strains may also exhibit the following characteristics:

Balanced Hybrids (50/50): Aim to offer a middle-ground effect, neither overly sedating nor stimulating.
Targeted Therapeutic Effects: Hybrids can be engineered for specific medical benefits, such as pain relief or anxiety reduction.

Edibles in Culinary Use

Cannabis edibles are increasingly being used in culinary applications, with chefs infusing both sativa and indica strains into a variety of dishes.

The choice of strain depends on the desired effect and the flavor profile sought for the meal.

Infusion and Cooking Techniques

The art of creating cannabis-infused edibles involves several steps and choices, starting with decarboxylation, which is the process of heating cannabis to activate the psychoactive compounds, specifically THC.

Chefs must decide whether to use butter, oil, or less common carriers like milk or cream for infusions, each lending a different quality and potency to the final dish. The strain selected, either sativa for more energizing effects or indica for relaxation, impacts the experience of the edible.

Decarboxylation Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to a specific temperature, generally between 220°F to 245°F.
2. Break cannabis flower into small pieces to expose more surface area.
3. Spread the cannabis evenly on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it does not burn.
Infusion Methods:
- Butter or Oil: Simmer the decarboxylated cannabis with butter or oil at low heat for several hours, then strain.
- Milk or Cream: Infuse directly into dairy or non-dairy alternatives by heating gently with decarboxylated cannabis.

Consider the strain’s flavor profile and how it will complement the other ingredients. For example, a sativa strain with citrus notes might be used in a lemon cake, while an earthy indica could be better suited for savory dishes like mushroom risotto.

Accurate dosing is also a key factor, ensuring each serving delivers a controlled and expected potency.

Edible Products vs. Homemade Edibles: What You Need to Know

When deciding between purchasing edible cannabis products and making your own at home, there are several key factors to consider. Each option has its own benefits and challenges:

1. Dosage Control

Purchased Edibles: Commercially made edibles come with precise, lab-tested dosages, which are clearly marked on the packaging. This helps in managing the effects and is safer for those who are new to edibles or looking for consistent results.
Homemade Edibles: Dosage can be harder to standardize when making edibles at home. The THC content in the cannabis used may not be precisely known, and it can be difficult to ensure an even distribution of cannabis throughout the mixture, which may lead to inconsistent potency in different servings.

2. Cost

Purchased Edibles: Buying edibles can be more expensive due to the costs associated with commercial production, testing, and packaging. However, the convenience and precision they offer often justify the price for many users.
Homemade Edibles: Generally, making your own edibles can be more cost-effective, especially if you have access to bulk or lower-cost cannabis. The initial investment in ingredients and preparation time must be considered, though.

3. Variety and Customization

Purchased Edibles: The market offers a wide range of products in various forms, flavors, and potencies. However, you are limited to the options available in your area or what is legal in your jurisdiction.
Homemade Edibles: When you make your own, you have the freedom to create customized recipes that cater to your personal preferences in taste and potency. You can experiment with different ingredients and cannabis strains.

4. Convenience

Purchased Edibles: These are very convenient as they are ready to eat and require no preparation time. They are also easy to carry and consume discreetly.
Homemade Edibles: Requires time and effort to prepare. You need to be familiar with the cooking process and comfortable with kitchen tools and techniques. However, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

5. Safety and Legality

Purchased Edibles: Most edibles purchased from reputable sources (like us!) have undergone testing for contaminants and potency, making them generally safer to consume. They also ensure compliance with local cannabis laws.
Homemade Edibles: The safety of homemade edibles depends heavily on the source of the cannabis and the cleanliness of the preparation environment. Additionally, the legality of homemade edibles can vary by location, particularly concerning the legal status of cannabis and home preparation.

6. Onset and Duration of Effects

Both: The effects of edibles, whether purchased or homemade, typically take longer to onset compared to other forms of cannabis consumption (like smoking). Effects can last much longer as well. However, the precise onset can vary more with homemade products due to the variability in potency.

Choosing between homemade and store-bought edibles ultimately depends on your priorities, such as cost, convenience, and the need for precise dosing.

For beginners or those looking for consistency and safety, commercially prepared edibles are recommended.

For those with specific dietary needs or a desire for creative culinary experiences, homemade edibles might be more appealing.

Future of Cannabis Edibles

The evolution of cannabis edibles is likely to be influenced by technological advancements, consumer preferences, and regulatory changes.

In the context of sativa and indica varieties, manufacturers are expected to refine their products to offer more targeted experiences.

Innovation in Extraction and Infusion:

Leading-edge extraction methods will likely produce purer and more consistent cannabinoids, enhancing the reliability of edibles. The industry may see a rise in nanoemulsification, which increases bioavailability and allows for faster onset of effects.

Tailored Experiences:

Consumers will find edibles categorized not just by sativa or indica strains, but also by desired effect. This entails a deeper understanding of terpene profiles and cannabinoid ratios to customize the experience, whether it’s for relaxation or stimulation.

Regulatory Influence:

Regulations will continue to shape the market. They are expected to become more standardized, providing a clearer framework for edible production and sales. This will likely ensure consumer safety and product consistency across regions.

Market Expansion:

Edibles are anticipated to become more widely available as legalization progresses. An increase in the number of consumers with dietary restrictions will also push the development of gluten-free, vegan, and organic options.

Final thoughts

While no two cannabis strains will have the same effect on someone, we can broadly say that edibles made from sativa plants are generally produce a more energizing, euphoric, and uplifting effect, while sativa strains tend to have more sedating, calming, and relaxing effects.

What you choose depends on your preferences and priorities. Just remember: go slow, read the labels, and buy from a reputable source like 7 Points!