The cannabis legalization movement has spread like wildfire across the globe, and as a consequence, novice smokers and aficionados alike have been introduced to a staggering cornucopia of seemingly endless varieties of the plant and the pipes and rolling papers that allow for its consumption. Names like Bubba Kush and Girl Scout Cookies adorn reefer labels and can understandably confuse anyone not well-versed in the lingo. Today we’ll check out the meaning behind these names and why specific strains never seem to stick around for too long, no matter how in vogue.
Cannabis: A Class of Its Own
Cannabis has a very unusual genetic makeup that qualifies it to its own category of plants. Unlike many others, legislators and scientists have both been unable to pin it to one class. The plant’s reputation has ranged across multiple categories – from stimulant-like to hallucinogenic to depressant – depending on context, region, and usage.
How can this be? It’s a complex issue with many factors involved, but a major reason often noted is the incredible differences between the two main varieties of the smoked herb.
The fact that two very different varieties of the plant exist should be obvious to anyone with adequate history on the matter, as both variations have been cultivated in different environments and for different purposes for thousands of years. They even look different.
Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Indica has been cultivated in India for centuries. Kush is a popular genetic line from this variety, named after the ancient mountains that overlook the fertile land. Cannabis to this day is still a major aspect of Indian culture and has survived restrictions from governments both local and abroad. The herb has an extensive history in religion – being used ceremonially, as a sacrifice, and as an entheogen – a plant imbibed to induce religious or spiritual experiences.
Indica varieties are often noted for their unique chemical profiles, which have been shaped over centuries of selective breeding. Selective breeding is the term used to describe the intentional choosing of specific plants with desired properties by cultivators over multiple generations.
Cannabis, like apples, has an innate survival mechanism that makes it display a wide variety of phenotypes, or genetic expressions, every time it reproduces. This process allows the plant to adapt to new or changing environments, but it also makes consistency a challenge for cultivators. Selective breeding eventually domesticated this tall, sparsely-producing, wild weed into a shorter, denser plant with more predictable results.
Indica strains • commonly described as producing body-centered, relaxing experiences, and are often associated with evening or nighttime enjoyment.
Summer Daze
The incredible amount of genetic expression propelled by the plant is the reason that even popular varieties tend to disappear from the market after just a few years: even a plant grown from seeds of a certain variety may express different qualities than its parent. Consequently, the only way to get the same properties (like flavor and aroma) is to clone the plant you like in the first place.
Grafting is the process that apple farmers have used for ages, but modern cultivators often use cloning. This is achieved by dipping a chopped branch of the desired plant in something called “rooting hormone,” which causes the branch to sprout roots. The only drawback is that clones gradually lose vigor after multiple generations.
A clone of a clone can be less robust than the plant it originated from. This is why the names you might look for in your local dispensary are often crossed with something else after a year or two. Some growers keep a plant they really like in vegetative growth for years. This is not a natural state for the perennial plant, which is accustomed to passing the vegetative stage in a few months to flower and return to the soil. With artificial lighting, however, plants can be kept in this stage indefinitely and used strictly as a source for clones.
Cannabis Sativa
Sativa is just as fascinating, but for different reasons. Whereas Indica varieties were shaped by cultivators to develop compact, resin-heavy traits, Cannabis Sativa kept more of its wilder growth patterns. Sativas are known for producing tall, slender plants that can grow to impressive heights in outdoor conditions. Many enthusiasts also note that Sativas are associated with energetic, uplifting qualities and creative experiences.
Today, it’s difficult to find 100% Sativa strains outside of their native regions. The reason is the way the plants grow – sometimes up to 30 feet tall with fewer flowers compared to Indica plants. Most of what you find in head shops and dispensaries are hybrids of both Indica and Sativa. This trend became widespread in the 1970s when cultivators realized that combining the two produced plants that were smaller, easier to grow indoors, and offered a balance of traits from both lineages.
Sativa strains • often described as producing more energizing and cerebral experiences, making them a popular option for daytime enjoyment.
Comparing Both Cannabis Types
When people talk about cannabis, the most common distinction is between indica and sativa. These categories describe general growth habits and commonly reported effects, helping shoppers set expectations before they read a strain’s lab results. Keep in mind that individual experiences vary and many modern strains blend traits from both types.
| Aspect | Indica | Sativa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Origin | Mountainous regions (e.g., Hindu Kush, Afghanistan) | Equatorial regions (e.g., Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia) |
| Plant Appearance | Short, bushy structure with broad leaves | Tall, slender structure with narrow leaves |
| Flowering Time | Generally shorter (about 6–9 weeks) | Generally longer (about 10–16 weeks) |
| Bud Structure | Dense, compact buds | Airy, elongated buds |
| Commonly Reported Effects | Relaxing, body-focused, suitable for winding down | Uplifting, cerebral, often chosen for daytime activities |
| Typical Uses | Evening relaxation, mellow vibes, unwinding | Creativity, social settings, staying active |
| Cultivation Considerations | Compact size, often higher yields indoors | Requires more vertical space and longer cycles |
| Terpene/Flavor Tendencies | Frequently earthy, herbal, or sweet notes | Frequently citrusy, fruity, or piney notes |
Today’s market includes many hybrids that blur the lines between indica and sativa, so lab-tested cannabinoid and terpene profiles are your best guide. Use the table as a quick reference, then choose accessories and sessions that match the experience you’re after.
Our smoke shop‘s high-quality dab rigs, pipes, and rolling papers work for any type of cannabis. Find the right devices and accessories for you on our products page or browse through our glass gallery.