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indoor, outdoor, greenhouse, indica and sativa... The world of CBD is full of technical terms specific to plant cultivation. Between genetics, cultivation methods and cannabinoids, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around, especially for novices.
We've already seen the differences between greenhouse, indoor and outdoor growing methods.
Today, we're going to talk about sativa and indica strains, looking at the differences between the two and what they entail.
Hemp, or cannabis, belongs to the Cannabaceae family. Historically, botanists have distinguished two main species within the Cannabis genus:
Some add a third species, Cannabis ruderalis, often considered a wild, auto-flowering variety.
Genetically, there is no clear separation between these different forms. Rather, they are sets of variable genetic traits shared between certain varieties, such as :
In short, indica and sativa do not correspond to two totally distinct families, but to groups defined by characteristic traits, more or less objective, used to classify plants more easily.

Originating in equatorial or tropical geographic zones, cannabis sativa plants are better adapted to hot climates, long days and intense sunshine. As a result, they often require powerful lighting over long periods. They also tend to flower longer. This combination of factors often makes them more difficult to grow, just like the famous Haze cannabis flowers.
Aesthetically, the plants are taller and more slender, with spaced branches that give them an airy appearance. Their leaves are long, thin and lighter in color. The flowers, like the plant, are airy, long and slender.
In terms of terpenes and cannabinoids, sativa varieties generally have a higher ratio of THC to CBD concentration.
The most representative terpenes are :
The effects of sativa varieties are most often described as cerebral, energizing and conducive to creativity. They are often preferred for :

Plants in the indica family are native to cooler, mountainous and/or temperate regions. They are mainly found in the mountain ranges of Asia: in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal.
Adapted to cooler climates and higher altitudes, where sunny days and seasons are shorter, they generally flower more quickly. They are also more robust and require less light, making them simpler and less costly to grow.
Aesthetically, indica plants are distinguished by their smaller size, compact, stocky and bushy appearance, with numerous tightly packed branches laden with thick leaves. Their leaves are wider, larger and thicker, with a darker hue. The flowers, meanwhile, are dense, heavy and compact, often darker in color and rich in resin.
In terms of active molecules, indica cannabis plants generally produce more CBD than Sativa varieties, although THC content remains higher than CBD.
The dominant terpenes are :
The effects of indica varieties are often described as physical, relaxing and soothing. Indica flowers are generally used for :
| Features | Cannabis sativa | Cannabis indica |
| Origin | Tropical and equatorial regions | Mountain regions |
| Ideal climate | Warm and humid | Temperate to cold |
| Plant size | Tall and slender | Small and compact |
| Leaves | Long, narrow, light green | Wide, thick, dark green |
| Flowers (buds) | Elongated, sparse, light | Compact, resinous, heavy |
| Flowering cycle | Long (12 to 16 weeks) | Short (6 to 9 weeks) |
| THC/CBD ratio | THC often high, CBD low | THC variable, CBD often more present |
| Dominant terpenes | Limonene, pinene, caryophyllene | Myrcene, linalool, humulene |
| Typical effects | Stimulating, euphoric, creative | Relaxing, sedative, corporal |
| Typical use | Daytime activities, creativity, sociability | Relaxation, sleep, pain management |
On our CBD shop, several indica and sativa varieties are appreciated for their terpene profile and aromas, as well as for their CBD concentration , which gives them powerful relaxing or energizing effects. Among them, the most popular are :
Looking for the complete list of our best indica and sativa CBD flowers? Here are our top 10 most potent CBD flowers of 2025