With so many cannabis strains on the market and new ones being bred all the time, there needs to be a way to sort them into more manageable groups. Thankfully, the sativa-hybrid-indica sorting system exists to categorize cannabis strains based on the effects that they produce.

Whether you’re looking to boost your productivity or relax after a long day, here’s what you need to know so that you choose the right strains or cannabis products for your goals.

Sativas: Energize & Invigorate

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Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and euphoric cerebral effects. Sativa-heavy strains tend to mentally energize and stimulate, while also sparking creativity and focus. 

Additionally, strains on the sativa end of the spectrum don’t usually produce the same kind of sleepiness or drowsiness that is commonly noted with indica strains. Because of this, sativa strains are best suited for daytime use. 

Thanks to their uplifting and euphoric effects, sativas are often believed to be useful in alleviating some of the symptoms of depression or anxiety. If you’re looking for a daytime pick-me-up, count on a strong sativa to do the trick!

Sativa-Leaning Hybrids: Focus

Sativa-leaning hybrids are cannabis strains that contain mostly sativa genetics, but also retain a sizeable indica presence. Sativa-dominant hybrids are better suited to promoting focus and concentration since they won’t energize you as much as strong sativas and also won’t make you feel as distracted or spaced out as hybrids or indicas. 

Sativa-leaning hybrids produce euphoric cerebral effects similar to those produced by strong sativas, but also produce a noticeable body buzz. Additionally, some sativa-dominant strains can cause some level of drowsiness as their effects wear off.

Hybrids: Calm

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Hybrid strains contain a blend of sativa and indica genetics. While some well-balanced 50/50 strains exist, most hybrids lean towards either sativa or indica genetics. 

Well-balanced hybrids tend to be calming and relaxing since the effects they produce are neither overly-cerebral nor overly-physical. Hybrid strains are great for late afternoons or for evenings where the overly-sedating effects of an indica are not yet wanted. 

Indica-Leaning Hybrids: Relief

Indica-leaning hybrids are strains that contain mostly indica effects, but also produce a noticeable cerebral buzz. Most indica-leaning hybrids can provide you with the relief, relaxation, and sedation typically associated with indica strains, but without as much sleepiness, drowsiness, or appetite stimulation.

Indica-leaning hybrids are perfect for lazy late afternoons or for unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re looking for indica relief that won’t put you to sleep, consider an indica-leaning hybrid instead.

Indicas: Sleep

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Indica strains are well known for their sedating and relaxing effects. Because they can often be so strongly sedating, many strong indica strains have gained a reputation for their ‘couchlock’ effects that can have you glued to your couch. 

They are also known for the heavy, euphoric body buzz that they produce, which is great for therapeutic relief. Heavy indica strains are preferred by many medical marijuana patients for their ability to keep chronic pain in check, soothe anxiety, promote sleep, and more. 

Due to their strong sedating and sleep-inducing effects, indica strains are best enjoyed at night-time. It’s best to stay away from strong indicas during the daytime or if you have something mentally-intensive to do!

If you’re ready to further explore strains, find your nearest Cloud Cannabis location and browse our menu to see what’s in stock!