Buzz
The cannabis industry is full of talk about strain effects—indica vs sativa, calming vs energizing, one strain boosts focus while another sparks creativity, and so on. But here's the truth: Much of this is either meaningless or not as reliable as we think. The uniqueness of each cannabis plant, combined with the varying reactions from different bodies, makes it difficult to categorize strains accurately.
Even the way we classify cannabis—into indica or sativa (or their hybrid forms)—has roots in unscientific lore. This classification was popularized by pot enthusiasts working in the shadows of stigma and prohibition, and it doesn’t reveal as much as we often assume. Modern research has shown that sativa and indica plants are molecularly identical, and their distinct physical traits—which led to their 18th-century classification as two separate species—are actually due to their growing conditions. Likewise, the effects of different strains likely vary based on the conditions under which they were grown.
Cannabis classification lacks nuance because its effects and flavor can vary greatly from person to person—and even from one moment to the next. How cannabis affects you depends not only on the strain you choose, but also on factors like your hydration, whether you've eaten recently, and whether you're taking any medications or other substances. Even things like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can change how cannabis impacts you, regardless of the strain.
In the world of flower, classification is often used as a marketing tool. However, with other cannabis products, the concept of ‘strain’ is even less meaningful, as producers tend to rely on pure THC distillate. This approach aids in scaling production, ensuring consistency and control for manufacturers. But for those seeking a varied cannabis experience, it’s about more than just choosing between predefined options.
Indica, sativa, and hybrid are extremely broad classifications. Many hybrids may lean towards one or the other, and some sativas can exhibit effects that are typically associated with indicas, and vice versa. This variability makes these common classifications, at best, misleading. Should you favor one type over another? Many cannabis connoisseurs would say no, while still offering a few tips to consider when selecting products.
Different smokes for different folks
Khalid Al-Naser, head of product at the large-scale California operation Raw Garden, has spent years working with cannabis. He believes that, in today’s cannabis industry, the traditional labels of indica and sativa—once used to define the plant’s genetic origins—are less useful for both consumers and growers.
“Now, with overlapping lineages and the continuous blending of multiple landrace genetics over time, we’re left with a high degree of hybridization in most of today’s cannabis,” Al-Naser told Mytour.
This means the 'indica' you’re purchasing may have been crossbred and hybridized many times, or the 'sativa' you’re smoking could have some hybrid ancestry, making the label less accurate than you might think.
Al-Naser explained, 'To understand how and why this has occurred, just look at our demands for cannabis plants: they need to fit in small spaces (indica), they must thrive under intense light and heat (sativa), they should mature quickly (indica), I want bold, citrusy smells like lemons and oranges (sativa), and I need heavy resin production (indica). The fascinating part is, the plant has adapted to meet all these requests, but at what cost? The effect has become harder to distinguish based on whether it’s labeled as indica or sativa.'
The binary system fuels the industry’s deception
Uninformed cannabis consumers can easily be misled by the conventional classification system into thinking they know exactly what they're smoking—and what they’re talking about.
Cannabis marketing, especially in the grey market, often depends on buzzwords, trendy strain names, and potentially counterfeit packaging, which can mislead even the most seasoned cannabis users. Much like how a bar might repackage cheap vodka in premium bottles, similar practices occur in the weed world, though these deceptive practices are less common in regulated markets.
Sarah El Sayed, a cannabis content creator and marketer based in New York, has been a seasoned cannasseur in all types of markets. 'Forget the inaccurate use of sativa and indica to describe strains; these terms are even less meaningful in the legacy market,' she shared with Mytour. 'After passing through numerous hands, the flower (or cartridges) you’re buying has likely been renamed and repackaged, with little regard for the genetic origins or cross, which are rarely communicated to the consumer.'
El Sayed pointed out that the traditional binary of sativa and indica fails to capture the diverse effects of the plant. 'Sativa and indica simplify the effects of cannabis into two categories, but I rarely feel simply 'upbeat' or 'slumped' from a specific strain. I’d rather hear more specific terms like productive, mood-enhancing, sedating, creative, or tension-relieving, especially if I’m choosing based on the effects I want.'
So how can you actually choose a strain?
Brands are finding new ways to guide consumers in their choices. For instance, Raw Garden has adopted a more interactive approach. 'We shifted to using aroma profiles as a key indicator of effects. Our packaging now lists primary, secondary, and tertiary aroma descriptors,' Al-Naser explained. These aspects are all influenced by the many compounds present in cannabis, including terpenes, which are increasingly being highlighted in marketing.
Instead of wondering why a strain is called 'Margarita Cake' at the dispensary, you'll now see labels describing it with terms like sugary, citrus, and doughy notes. Al-Naser remarked, 'While this standard of communication isn’t perfect, it brings consumers closer to a familiar evaluation process that’s ultimately more meaningful. Most people have a connection with aromas and an understanding of how those scents impact their mood and energy levels.'
Cannabis is, in many ways, a world of unknowns waiting to be refined and regulated into certainty. So, no, there’s no clear-cut explanation for why or how your cannabis product produces the effects it does. (Apologies!) The best approach right now is simple: if you like the aroma and flavor, you’re probably going to enjoy the experience. It’s also enjoyable to experiment with different types and discover what suits you best.
