5 min read
Indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid: what the labels really mean
The three words on every menu, and why terpenes might matter more.
Menus sort strains into indica, sativa and hybrid. Those labels started as botanical terms describing plant shape: indicas are short and bushy, sativas tall and lanky.
The common shorthand
- Indica: often described as relaxing and body-heavy, "in-da-couch."
- Sativa: often described as energizing and heady.
- Hybrid: a mix of both, which describes most modern strains.
The fuller picture
Today nearly everything is a hybrid after decades of cross-breeding. How a strain feels depends more on its full chemical profile, especially its cannabinoids and terpenes, plus your dose and tolerance.
How to use the labels
Treat indica, sativa and hybrid as a starting point, then look at the terpene profile and reviews. Our strain library lets you filter by the effect you want.