Types of Cannabis Strains: Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid

Sativa, indica and hybrid are the three broad labels for cannabis types, but a 2022 study found they do not reliably predict what a product contains, so the THC and CBD numbers on the lab label tell you more. For someone making a first trip to a dispensary, the strain names can be overwhelming. Our Northern Lights guide shows what users report and what is known about one named strain.

The names date back to the 18th century: the botanist Carolus Linnaeus named Cannabis sativa in 1753, and J.B. Lamarck described a second species, Cannabis indica, in 1785.

The differences between the two plants at this time were visual and where the plants grew. Cannabis sativa, as first described, grew tall and skinny. Cannabis indica grew primarily in India and was shorter and bushier.

Those early classifications drew on the plants’ physical, chemical and geographical features, long before genetic data. However, while these two terms are still in the modern cannabis lexicon, it is unlikely that any plant today is completely a sativa or an indica.

A 2023 genomics review suggests the evidence points to cannabis being one highly diverse species rather than several, so the sativa and indica names describe plant types, not separate species.

Because cannabis was illegal to grow in most countries for decades, strain names were never standardized. Our Do Si Dos guide covers the effects and flavor of one named strain. Scientists still debate the species question.

Yet the budtender at your local cannabis dispensary will still refer to the effects of cannabis as being divided into “sativa” and “indica” and “hybrid.” These terms are now used to describe both the looks and the effects of a particular kind of cannabis.

• Sativa: Refers to tall, narrow-leafed varieties that are thought to have an “energizing” effect. Dried Sativa buds tend to be wispier and less dense and may have a “fluffy” appearance.
• Indica: Refers to stout, broad-leaf plants which are generally associated with sedative qualities. Dried Indica buds will be much denser, and therefore, the dried buds might be slightly heavier than dried Sativa.
• Hybrid: Refers to a breed that has both Sativa and Indica properties. Sometimes, a hybrid will indicate whether it is Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant.

Here are the effects sellers commonly attach to each label, though a 2022 study found labels do not reliably match a product’s chemistry:

Sativa

• Day-time use
• Mental high
• Alertness
• Focus
• Increased energy
• Increased creativity
• Often described as uplifting

Indica

• Night-time use
• Physical high
• “Couch Lock”
• Sedative and relaxing
• Often described as body-heavy
• Often described as calming

Hybrids

Hybrids may be labeled indica-dominant or sativa-dominant, and the hybrid label covers many different crosses. Some strains are also marketed for productivity, and our post on cannabis and productivity checks what the evidence shows. Because labels do not reliably predict effects, the lab label showing THC and CBD content is more useful than the strain type.

However, keep in mind that just because a plant is a Sativa doesn’t mean it won’t give you a couch lock. An Indica won’t necessarily put you to sleep, either. To understand why, we need to look at the chemistry of cannabis.

Cannabinoids

There are hundreds of different compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two groups people talk about most are cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids such as THC drive the main effects, while any effect of terpenes in people has not been shown in clinical trials.

While there are several different kinds of cannabinoids, the two that every cannabis consumer should be familiar with are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

• THC: the compound behind the marijuana “high” and increased appetite. Prescription THC drugs (dronabinol, nabilone) are FDA-approved for chemotherapy nausea.
• CBD: does not cause a high. Its only FDA-approved use is the drug Epidiolex for certain seizure disorders, and NIDA lists drowsiness, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea among its possible side effects.

Knowing the THC and CBD content on the label is more useful than the strain name, though a 2018 study found reported numbers vary between testing labs.

THC-Dominant

THC-dominant cannabis is the most intoxicating type. NIDA links higher THC levels to a greater chance of cannabis use disorder, and too much THC can cause anxiety and panic. Talk with your physician before changing products.

CBD-Dominant

CBD-dominant strains are low in THC, so they are much less intoxicating. Evidence that they relieve symptoms is limited outside the FDA-approved CBD drug.

THC/CBD Balanced

These strains contain similar amounts of CBD and THC. Whether CBD softens THC effects is still being studied, so a balanced label does not ensure a milder experience.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds made by many plants. They give cannabis smells like citrus, berry, pine or fuel. NIH is funding studies of terpenes and minor cannabinoids, mainly for pain; whether terpenes change how cannabis affects people has not been shown in clinical trials.

Once you realize that sativa and indica are broad descriptors, those terms become much less intimidating. In Florida, your qualified physician sets the forms and amounts in your certification, so bring questions about THC and CBD to that visit.

Last updated October 16, 2026 by the Dr. Green Relief Editorial Team.

Sources

• Smith CJ, et al. The phytochemical diversity of commercial Cannabis in the United States. PLoS One. 2022 (PubMed)
• Lapierre E, et al. Genomics-based taxonomy to clarify cannabis classification. Genome. 2023 (PubMed)
• Jikomes N, et al. The Cannabinoid Content of Legal Cannabis in Washington State Varies Systematically Across Testing Facilities and Popular Consumer Products. Sci Rep. 2018 (PubMed)
• FDA. FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
• NIDA. Cannabis (Marijuana)
• NCCIH. Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know