Indica, Sativa and hybrid
Several categories of cannabis exist but Indica, Sativa and hybrid are the most common. While few plants these days are 100% Sativa or Indica, the two categories can be told apart by their physical traits and the potential effects ascribed to them by producers and users. Hybrids typically have characteristics of both categories.
Indica
Its effects are usually described as potentially calming, relaxing or sleep-inducing.
Cannabis Indica plants tend to be short and stout and have compact, dense flower heads.
Sativa
Its effects are usually described as potentially energizing, uplifting or mentally stimulating.
Cannabis Sativa plants tend to be more willowy and narrow-leaved than Indica plants. Their flower heads are typically longer and less dense than those of the Indica category.
Hybrid
Its effects are usually described as potentially being a mix of Indica and Sativa effects.
Hybrids are a botanical cross between the Indica and Sativa categories. As such, they have characteristics of both categories. Hybrids can be Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant or an equal blend of the two categories.
Derivatives
Products that don’t fit into the Indica, Sativa and hybrid categories are grouped into the « Derivatives » category at the SQDC.
There is no scientific proof of these effects, which can vary from person to person based on any number of factors.
Cannabis strains
Each type of cannabis (Indica, Sativa or hybrid) comes in many strains (varieties). While retaining the characteristics of their lineage, strains may also show variations due to differences in the growing environment.
Grown under different conditions, two plants of the same strain may not have the same levels of THC and CBD or the same aromas and effects.
Plant and
cannabinoids
Learn about the cannabis plant and the psychotropic and physical effects attributed to THC and CBD.
Types of
products
The SQDC sells a range of quality cannabis products with a lower level of risk, all of which have been authorized by Health Canada.
The effects
of cannabis
Relaxing, stimulating and mood-altering: cannabis can have effects that are pleasant or undesirable. Learn what causes the effects and determines how intense they are and how long they last.