Most people believe that sativa cannabis strains are more stimulating than indica cannabis strains, which are classified as cultivars. This isn’t always the case, though; indicas can have more uplifting effects. Before beginning to use marijuana for any medical purpose, it is always advisable to speak with an MMJ doctor. The doctor will determine whether marijuana is appropriate for your circumstances and will also inform you of your state’s marijuana laws and safe usage practices.
The amount of terpene myrcene and the amount of cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a cannabis strain are the two main factors that determine how drowsy it makes you feel. Based on subjective experiences, it is not uncommon for a myrcene-dominant sativa strain to be classified as an indica.
The main terpene in indica-type cannabis strains from the Afghan or Kush mountains, myrcene, has sedative effects. That being said, not all indicas follow this pattern. THC, which has sedative properties, is present in many indicas in moderate to high concentrations. Additionally, compared to Equatorial sativa strains, indicas from the Afghan, Hindu Kush, and Tibetan regions typically contain higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which can be sedative at high dosages.
The effects of a specific strain of cannabis are also influenced by the presence of other terpenes and cannabinoids, such as terpinolene (alpha-terpinene), limonene, linalool, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG). The way a person responds to a specific strain (cultivar) is also influenced by individual variations in their endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Your Genetics
Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. This implies that even if the same strain or product is used, a person may react to cannabis in a different way. The rate at which cannabinoids like THC are broken down varies from person to person. THC, CBD, or any other cannabinoid may be absorbed more quickly or more slowly by one person than by another due to variations in the concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the brain or immune system.
Cannabinoids
Among the cannabinoids that have more sedative effects are:
- THC at high or moderate dosages.
- High dosages of CBD.
- It has been demonstrated that cannabinol (CBN), a byproduct of THC’s aging, Has sedative qualities, though this is still up for debate.
The following cannabinoids may have more uplifting effects:
- Despite being regarded as a sedative, some people, particularly those who are unfamiliar with cannabis, may find low doses of THC stimulating.
- CBD can lessen the sedative effects of THC and increase its stimulating effects at low dosages.
- Numerous CBG-rich strains have been described as energizing rather than sleep aiding.
- In addition to blocking THC’s ability to bind to CB1 receptors, low doses of THCV have anti-psychoactive effects through 5HT1A receptors. THCV has been characterized as having a more “uplifting” effect than THC, and higher doses of the compound have psychoactive effects, though not always to the same degree as THC. A combination of high THC and THCV dosages may have sedative effects.
Terpenes
Terpenes can be both sedative and stimulating, just like cannabinoids. The effects of terpenes vary depending on the dosage and terpene mixture. In general, a strain is more likely to produce sedative effects if myrcene is the predominant terpene. The strain is more likely to have energizing effects if it has a low myrcene content and terpinolene or limonene is the predominant terpene.
Particularly when used alone, terpinolene tends to have sedative effects. Many people who use strains high in this terpene report feeling uplifted and stimulated. Humans are not always the same as mice! Similar in this sense is pinene, which, depending on the terpene combination and concentration, has been shown to have both calming and stimulating effects.
- Myrcene, linalool, humulene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene make up the relaxing terpene mix.
- Terpinolene, limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and eucalyptol make up the energizing terpene mix.
- When combined, myrcene, limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and terpinolene have both stimulating and sedative effects (usually stimulation followed by sedation).
Placebo Effect
Both the power of suggestion and the placebo effect are real. In the event that you think a strain will help you relax, it may. How you feel about a specific strain of cannabis can be influenced by a number of factors, including listening to the budtender, reading online reviews, and having firsthand experience with other, comparable varieties.
Your mood and surroundings can also affect how you respond to cannabis.
Can Any Indica Strains Be Energizing?
An indica cannabis strain may undoubtedly be more invigorating, particularly if its terpene profile is higher in terpinolene, limonene, and pinene and lower in myrcene. The plant’s expression of CBD, CBG, and THCV also matters, particularly if the THC content is in the more moderate 10%–18% range and the levels of CBD, CBG, and THCV are between 1% and 3%.
It’s also critical to keep in mind that a lot of cannabis strains are hybrids, meaning that an indica-dominant strain may exhibit a sativa-dominant phenotype. The following are some indica strains that might have more uplifting, invigorating effects:
- Alien Dawg (Chemdawg x Alien Technology): high in THC; myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene are the main terpenes.
- Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene, and limonene make up the mixed terpene profile of the Somango (Jack Herer x Super Skunk x Big Skunk Korean), which is high in THC but never dominates.
- Myrcene and beta-caryophyllene are the main terpenes found in candy cane (AK-47 x mango x White Widow), which has moderate THC levels.
- Myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and eucalyptol are among the terpenes found in Speed Queen, an indica-dominant hybrid with Indian ancestry that is high in THC and may also contain some CBD.
- THC is abundant in Purple Chemdawg (Chemdawg x Purple Kush); terpenes include beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and limonene.
- Power Kush (Afghani x Skunk): a myrcene-dominated profile with limonene and linalool and moderate THC levels.
Get a medical marijuana card in your state and discover what cannabis can do for you. Get in touch with the medical staff at Pennsylvania MMJ Card Doctor right now to begin the simple online application process.
