Have you ever stood in a cannabis store staring at shelves and wondering which is better: Sativa or Indica? While some strains have relaxing and even sedative properties, there are variants that promote motivation, focus, and energy and can be consumed while hiking, studying, cleaning, or anything else that involves physical and mental activity.
Another aspect to pay attention to when choosing a strain is its THCA level. All weed varieties can have THCA, whether you’re eyeing Indicas or Sativas. You want one rich in THCA but not excessively, as it will lead to an overwhelming and nonfunctional high incompatible with any of your activities. Essentially, pure Indica cannabis flowers are believed to have the strongest sedative effects among all strains.
Indica-dominant strains
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is an Indica-heavy cultivar with a decent THCA rate of up to 25 percent. Although it provides a strong, peace-inducing effect for most people, some experience a creativity-stimulating impulse after consuming it. This means the impact of the strain can be dependent on the individual peculiarities of your body.
Purple Kush
Purple Kush has a relatively high amount of THCA, which is around 27%. This variety is a mixture of two other popular cannabis types: Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. This Indica possesses both strong painkilling and anxiolytic effects and is usually used for therapeutic needs.
MK Ultra
The THCA rate of MK Ultra goes up to 23 percent. Sativas or Indicas both can have high levels of THCA, but this cannabis strain is created by using a G-13 and OG Kush combination to provide a bit of extra numbness, which can be great for insomnia. The creation of MK Ultra is shrouded in mystery and is commonly attributed to CIA mind-control experiments.
Critical Kush
Critical Kush was created by cross-breeding two popular varieties called Critical Mass and OG Kush. The THCA rate of this strain varies from 20 to 25 percent. This Indica is known for its specific lemony-pine smell and taste.
Sativa-dominant strains
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a 100% Sativa that originates from Africa and thus prefers a warmer growing climate. So, if you decide to cultivate this energy bomb by yourself, make sure you have a suitable temperature in your indoor garden.
The high delivered by Durban Poison has little to no physical aspects and is strictly cerebral-focused: you’ll feel a rush of energy for up to 3 hours. Just like a cup of coffee, Durban Poison is not something to consume before going to bed. It’s a strain to treat yourself to when you need to stimulate creativity, fight fatigue, and find motivation to get your everyday tasks done.
Super Lemon Haze
Another Sativa strain with a generous amount of THCA is Super Lemon Haze. In perfect growing conditions, it reaches up to 25%. Thus, it can be somewhat disorienting for the first few times and is not recommended for beginners but rather for experienced stoners with higher THCA tolerance.
If you are one of them, you’ll enjoy the active high triggered by this Sativa and its strong citrus flavor and scent that has made the strain popular among consumers.
Jack Herer
You no longer need to wonder which is better: Indica or Sativa. Unlike the previous strains, Jack Herer is a hybrid, meaning the properties of both varieties find their way into this product.
Since Sativa dominates in its genetics, Jack Herer provides energetic and euphoric effects. But, as there is also some Indica in the mix, those effects are not too overwhelming and feel quite balanced and calm, meaning you can easily take a hit of Jack Herer in the morning and be sure you’re not going to be couch-locked or put into a state of anxiety and panic.
Put the strain into your shopping list if you are a newbie, as its THCA level is not too high.
Harlequin
Harlequin is the only Sativa-dominant CBD-rich strain on today’s list. It’s a perfect option for beginners or those prone to anxiety or sensitive to THCA, as Harlequin delivers almost no psychoactive effects.
So, Indica or Sativa here? With this Sativa-dominant strain, you are not going to be high in the classic sense of this word, but you can expect your mind to get clear and your fatigue to step back. What else could you ask for to have a productive morning or afternoon?
Sour Diesel
Still doubting what to choose: Sativa or Indica? Sour Diesel is a Sativa-leaning hybrid that is already considered a classic among consumers. They love it for the distinctive smell of sour fuel and pleasant, long-lasting effects that promise increased mental activity and ignite creativity.
Due to 20% of Indica in its genetics, Sour Diesel might slightly relax your body. Think about consuming it when dealing with simple tasks or brainstorming.
Jillybean
The first thing to fill you with energy will be the aroma of Jillybean that goes around the room as soon as you open a bag or a jar with its fragrant buds. It’s a sweet combination of flowers, honey, mangoes, and oranges that you’ll want to have for breakfast instead of your peanut butter and jelly toasts.
Jillybean effects are predictably energizing and motivating, perfect for social activities. It’s a Sativa to roll into a joint at the party or to share with friends during your weekend hike.
Green Crack
For some enthusiasts, it may be hard to recognize whether Green Crack is Indica or Sativa. It’s best for seasoned stoners, as newbies may catch paranoia and anxiety instead of euphoria and improved activity.
Besides being psychoactive, Green Crack sets off a potent cerebral buzz and energy rush, so don’t expect to get relaxed on a couch when you take a hit. Start with lower doses and increase them a bit at a time to see what this Sativa-dominant hybrid can bring.
So, is Indica or Sativa better?
There’s no definitive “better” strain overall – it hinges on what effects you want. Higher-THCA Indicas (like Purple Kush) offer intense sedation, while THCA-loaded Sativas (like Super Lemon Haze) can awaken your inner fire and energy. For daytime or creative needs, Sativas and specific hybrids would likely be better for you.
