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  • Eli Hunt

Indica and Sativa: The Differences and Distinctions


You have your Virginia medical marijuana card ready to go and you’re heading off to the dispensary. You’re new to the world of medical marijuana but are eager to benefit from this natural remedy. At the dispensary, you start seeing two words over and over again: Indica and Sativa.

These two strains of marijuana offer their own unique distinctions and offer different forms of relief to patients. Let’s take a look at how exactly indica and sativa are distinct from one another and what they can do for you.


Sativa: An Overview

Sativa is a strain of cannabis commonly found in the southern half of the globe. This strain needs hot and dry climates with extended days to thrive. The sativa plant is quite tall and slender and can take some time to mature. While cannabinoid levels can vary from one variety to the next, the Sativa strain tends to be higher in THC and lower in CBD.

The Sativa Effect

What type of effect does sativa generate? Generally speaking, sativa works to reduce anxiety, energize the brain and deliver a mind “high” as opposed to a body high. It can help patients feel more productive and creative and, as such, is typically used during the day.

Indica: An Overview

Indica comes from West Asia and South Asia, growing freely in countries such as Turkey and Pakistan. These hearty plants have adapted over the years to the demanding and dry environments of these places; as such, the plant is shorter and stockier than Sativa with broad sturdy leaves. Indica typically has higher quantities of CBD, though it doesn’t always have less THC.

The Indica Effect

Products created from Indica are typically used by patients to relax or sleep. It also has a positive effect on symptoms of nausea, pain, and reduced appetite. Since it is such a powerful at helping people relax, it is often used at night.


Indica or Sativa: Which is Right For Me?

Trying to choose between the two? Here are a few tips to follow when making the choice:

Consult with Your Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor

When you schedule your consultation with your certified medical marijuana doctor, make sure to describe all your symptoms and needs. Your doctor may be able to help you focus in on a particular strain or even variety before you make your way to the dispensary.

Consider Your Tolerance Level

If you are new to medical marijuana as a therapeutic intervention, you may want to start with strains that are milder and more tolerable. Look for products with lower THC levels to ensure that you have the must valuable early experiences.

Look at Customer Reviews

Dispensaries in Virginia maintain websites on which you can look at customer review for various products. These reviews can give you key insights into the impact of a sativa or indica product. You can also look at how a product is categorized by the dispensary; products will be categorized based on the effect they create (e.g. “relax” or “sleep.”)

Consider Your Intake Method

How you take your medical marijuana can also affect its overall strength and impact. Smoking or vaping typically delivers the fastest effects, while edibles take longer but can be more potent in the long run. Take these issues into consideration when choosing which strain is the right one for you!

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card and Enjoy Your Preferred Strain Today!


Whether you decide indica, sativa, or a hybrid is the right option for you, getting your medical marijuana card is your important first step.


Consult with a doctor who can give you the recommendation you need to access this natural product.


Schedule an appointment with an online VA medical marijuana doctor today to start gaining access to safe and legal cannabis products, including tinctures, flower, concentrates and more for your loved one or patient!


 

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness

safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on

education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by

providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.


Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!


Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.


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