You may have heard the terms indica and sativa used in reference to cannabis. These terms are used to describe the two major species of the cannabis plant that induce considerably different effects and emotions for the consumer. 

Before legalization most people never had the chance to choose, they got the bud (flower) that they were sold and hoped for the best. However, legalization has created the opportunity for Alaskan consumers to make informed decisions about the strain they would prefer to consume. The Alaska Cannabis Company has a wide range of cannabis strains and choosing the right strain can make all the difference, whether you are trying to calm down, spur your appetite, fall asleep, or find creative inspiration.  

INDICA

vs.

SATIVA

INDICA

Cannabis plants of the indica variety grow short and bushy. Their leaves are short, wide, and deeply serrated. Cannabis indica plants typically mature in 6 to 8 weeks. Commonly known as the ‘nighttime’ variety, the effect of our indica strains is typically described as an amazing body high. Alaska Cannabis Company indica strains have sedative properties and induce feelings of deep relaxation; making them a great natural sleep aid. Our indica strains provide stress & anxiety relief as well as pain & nausea relief. Oh, and the munchies? Those come from indica strains and can make the most basic meal taste like five star cuisine. 

Indica strains generally hit the body more than the brain. An easy way to remember it: Indica = in da couch. After enjoying Alaska Cannabis Company indica strains, most of our consumers tend to be more relaxed and less talkative. Indica strains are generally used more by medical cannabis clientele because of its calming, pain-relieving qualities. 

It is believed that most indica strains originated in Afghanistan and surrounding areas. The indica plants are shorter and bushier than sativa strains. Because indica strains are easier to control, many of Alaska’s indoor growers prefer indica strains. 

SATIVA

Alaska Cannabis Company plants of the sativa variety grow tall and lanky. Their leaves are long, narrow, and narrowly serrated. Our cannabis sativa plants typically mature in 10 to 16 weeks. Commonly known as the ‘daytime’ smoke, the effect of cannabis sativa is often described as a cerebral high. Sativa strains induce feelings alertness, creativity, focus, and increased energy. Unfortunately, these same characteristics have been known to induce those racy feelings of paranoia in certain consumers (especially the less experienced). Cannabis sativa  has been known to help aid in treating depression. 

Think of sativa strains as “head high” strains, meaning that the consumer will typically feel uplifted and happy. Many of Alaska Cannabis Company’s clientele consider our sativa highs to be best in the morning or daytime. 

Most sativa strains can be traced back to Central America, Mexico, Thailand and parts of Southeast Asia. Sativa plants are easily identified by their tall , thin stocks, fanned leaves, and massive height. Some outdoor sativa strains can grow between 15 to 20 feet tall. 

Indica Characteristics

  • Relaxed
  • Sleepy
  • Pain relief
  • Anxiety relief
  • Nighttime use
  • For relaxing body high, muscle relaxation
  • Traditionally small, dense buds
  • Sometimes used to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia

Sativa Characteristics

  • Energetic
  • Stimulating
  • Uplifting
  • Cerebral
  • Creative
  • Daytime use
  • For stimulating brain activity, clarity, creativity
  • Traditionally less compact buds
  • Sometimes used to treat ADD, depression, or anxiety

HYBRIDS

I must clarify that the above descriptions address the extremes, i.e. 100% indica and 100% sativa strains. The majority of cannabis strains available in Alaska are really hybrids that can lean heavily in one direction (either indica or sativa). Alaska Cannabis Company’s ‘hybrid’ strains combine elements of both the indica and sativa species through our meticulous breeding process. Alaska Cannabis Company hybrids are extremely popular as they maintain the most favorable aspects associated with each of the parents. Hybrids can be sativa or indica dominant – or right in the middle. We recommend consulting with your local bud tender or cultivator for strain specifics. 

These strains are known as “Hybrids” show traits directly related to the genetics in its lineage. Hybrids can be broken down into three basic categories:

  1. Sativa-dominant Hybrids: Cerebral high with a relaxing body effect. Provides physical and mental relief.

     

  2. Even Hybrids (50/50): Ideal strains for people seeking a perfect balance of head and body.

     

  3. Indica-dominant Hybrids: These strains provide a full-body pain relief, with a relaxing head high. Recommended for nighttime use to go to sleep, or daytime relief from minor pain. These strains are perfect for consumers  who suffer from all types of autoimmune diseases as well as insomnia or depression. 

Hybrid Characteristics

  • Mixed uses depending on the particular strain
  • Can be bred to be weighted towards indica or sativa, or a balance of both
  • Are often cultivated to magnify certain effects
  • Most commonly seen strains on the market

THC vs. CBD

The cannabis plant contains dozens of cannabinoids. The most well known cannabinoid for a long time has been tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but as more scientific research is conducted involving cannabis and its ability to be used as a medicine, more and more people are learning about other cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD). The last couple of years interest in CBD has grown exponentially, as it’s been featured on numerous television episodes showing how well it works in treating people who suffer from severe epilepsy. One of the most common questions Alaska Cannabis Company get asked these days is ‘what is the difference between THC and CBD?’ 

The most important thing that the Alaska Cannabis Company want people to grasp is that THC will get you high and CBD will not. THC has psychoactive properties that affect your brain and give you a ‘buzz’ while CBD does not. We have talked to many people that avoided cannabis simply because they didn’t want to be high all the time. We want to inform Alaskans so they understand that there are dozens of cannabinoids, and that they all don’t get you stoned (specifically CBD).

While many of Alaska Cannabis Company strains are known for having abundant levels of THC, we do have specific strains that are rich with CBD. CBD strains have recently started to draw attention from the medical community, who seem to prefer CBD over THC. Here, we explain the differences between these two compounds. 

The High: THC is probably best known for being the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. CBD, however, is non-psychoactive  In other words, CBD by itself can’t get you high. While disappointing to recreational users, this unique feature of CBD is what makes it so appealing as a medicine. Doctors usually prefer treatments with minimal side effects, which has been a major barrier to the acceptance of medical marijuana.

Anxiety: THC is known to cause some people to feel anxious or paranoid. But CBD is believed to have the opposite effect. In fact,  studies show that CBD works to counteract the anxiety caused by ingesting THC. Several other studies also suggest that CBD can reduce anxiety when administered on its own. 

Antipsychotic: In addition to being non-psychoactive, CBD seems to have antipsychotic properties. Researchers believe that CBD might protect cannabis consumers from getting too high by reducing the psychosis-like effects of THC. However, regulating the mind-altering activity of THC isn’t all that CBD is good for. On its own, CBD is being tested as an antipsychotic medicine for people who may be schizophrenic.

Sleep: One of the most common uses of cannabis is as a sleep aid. THC is believed to be responsible for most of marijuana’s sleep-inducing effects. On the other hand, certain studies suggest CBD acts to promote wakefulness, making CBD a poor choice as a sleep medicine. The opposite effects of CBD and THC on sleep may explain why certain strains may cause consumers to feel drowsy while others are known to boost energy. 

Flight Advisory: 

Watch your airspeed. If you fly too fast or high, you might get burned. If you fly too far, you might run out of fuel. Surround yourself with good people. Respect other humans and enjoy our cannabis when and where it's appropriate. Never ever actually fly an airplane or operate machinery while under the influence of cannabis. Enjoy our products responsibly and fly safe. 

Warning Statement:

  • (A) “Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming and addictive";
  • (B) “Marijuana impairs concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under its influence”; 
  • (C) “There are health risks associated with consumption of marijuana” ;
  • (D) “For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children”; and 
  • (E) “Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding"

AMCO License # 12618 AMCO License # 18929