Most people think of the classifications of indica, sativa, and hybrid cannabis as a description of the high that they each give. Usually, cannabis enjoyers expect an “energetic high” from a sativa, a “lazy high” from an indica strain, and somewhere in-between for a hybrid. This expectation is a bit misguided, and can lead to some disappointed consumers when purchasing a sativa (for example) and being surprised with an incredibly sedative and lethargic effect. In reality these classifications are focused on the physical growth traits and geographic origins of the two different varieties, (Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica) and not the inherent psychotropic effects of them. This is why it is quite misleading for consumers to make certain expectations on a strain’s effects based on its classification. These classifications are most useful for agricultural and breeding purposes, but it has become commonly used for categorization of cannabis in dispensaries.

“C. sativa is one of the oldest domesticated species, being cultivated since antiquity for end uses including fibre, hempseed, and for its psychotropic phytochemicals. There is uncertainty where C. sativa was domesticated and whether there are multiple centres of origin. The extensive use and spread by humans of C. sativa in the last 6,000 years have made it difficult to distinguish between wild, native populations and escapes from cultivation^{Footnote 25 Footnote 52}. Many areas have been proposed as the centre of origin for C. sativa, including countries in Asia and Europe”  – The Biology of Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabis, hemp, marijuana)

Cannabis indica describes a phenotype of short height and broad-leaf plants generally originating from hashish producing geographical regions such as Afghanistan or Pakistan. Hybrid cannabis strains are just a genetic mix of a C.sativa strain and a C.indica strain, which can result in an incredibly wide array of traits.

So next time you find yourself at a dispensary, instead of asking the budtender for a sativa or an indica. Instead, try to be more descriptive and tell the budtender which effects and flavor profiles you are specifically looking for. Don’t be surprised if the strain you get ends up being the opposite classification of what you have been taught to expect.