Does Sativa Or Indica Make You Sleepy?

Poor sleep and difficulty getting good rest are problems affecting many people worldwide. Whether due to stress, anxiety, pain, or any other reason, some people's minds seem to decide to run while other people sleep, and as is well known, a restless mind makes a restless pillow.

Insomnia is a much more common condition than it should be and than we would initially believe. This is why many people who deal with this condition are in a constant search for alternative methods to traditional sleep drugs, looking for help that does not carry so many side effects that can seriously affect health or even generate dependency.

Since ancient times, people have been using cannabis to better deal with certain conditions, including lack of sleep. But, among the different varieties of cannabis that exist, how do you know which one is best for you? Are indica or sativa strains better for helping with sleep problems?

If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you are on your lucky day! In this post, we will talk a bit about how Indica and Sativa varieties could affect sleep, and we will give you the necessary answers so that you can accurately determine if Indica or Sativa are the best strains to make you sleepy. Without further ado, let's jump into bed! 

Key takeaways 

• The effects of cannabis on sleepiness can vary significantly from person to person and also depending on each strain.
• Overall, the combination of CBD + THC + Myrcene in Indica strains generates powerful sleep-inducing effects perfect for people with difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
• It is also possible that some Sativa strains can make you sleep.

What is Sativa and Indica in Cannabis?

Sativa and Indica refer to two of the main subspecies of the cannabis plant, although there is a lesser-known third variety called ruderalis. The terms Sativa and Indica serve to classify the different strains of cannabis according to their physical characteristics, growth parameters, and nature of effects.

Although these terms describe the inherent characteristics of different cannabis strains, these generalizations are not absolute. Currently, most cannabis strains are hybrids, combining Sativa and Indica characteristics in the same plant and different proportions depending on the strain.

Previously there weren't as many cannabis strains, but it was more common to find pure Sativa or Indica strains. Currently, there are few pure Sativa or Indica strains, as many hybrid strains combine the characteristics of both.

What is the Difference Between Sativa & Indica?

Understanding the differences between the Sativa and Indica subspecies and the different cannabis strains can be key to choosing the variety that best suits the needs of each user.

The differences between Sativa and Indica start from their genetics. These differences reflect in the effects that each subspecies generates and in the physical characteristics of each type of plant. The effects are also markedly different, which is why some strains have different therapeutic applications than others.

Of course, the load of terpenes that each strain carries dramatically influences the effects they generate. But there is also a tendency in the terpene profile of each strain depending on whether it is Sativa or Indica. Consequently, the terpene load influences the aromas and flavors of the plant. This trend is very relative since the terpene profile of each strain is unique, and currently, there are a lot of hybrid strains that combine the characteristics of both subspecies.

It is important to note that it is not always easy to classify all strains as Indica or Sativa due to their hybrid nature. Furthermore, the effects of the different strains of cannabis can vary significantly depending on a series of factors, such as the tolerance of each user, the dose, or the method of consumption.

Does Sativa or Indica Make You Sleepy?

The effects of cannabis on sleepiness can vary significantly from person to person, depending on each strain. Nonetheless, Indica strains, in general, tend to generate sedation and relaxation effects that usually trigger drowsiness in many people. In contrast, Sativa strains tend to generate invigorating and uplifting effects that increase alertness.

That said, it is also important to highlight that the effects of the different cannabis strains depend enormously on the specific cannabinoids and terpenes that each variety carries and the genetics of each user, their tolerance level, and the dose used.

Simply put, the effects of cannabis on sleepiness can vary from person to person and strain to strain. Therefore, it is a good idea to proceed with caution when trying a new strain and always start with low doses, paying close attention to the effects before increasing the amount.

Why Does Indica Make You Sleepy?

There is a widespread belief among cannabis users that stronger Indica strains are naturally sleep-inducing. Certainly, although this belief is not entirely absolute due to the wide variety of current hybrid strains, the fame of the potential sleep-inducing qualities of Indica strains is not that far from the truth. We will understand why if we look at the science behind this belief.

Indica strains typically contain a higher CBD content than sativa strains. The different studies on the effects of CBD show that CBD could have sedative effects, which can contribute to the sleep-inducing properties of Indica varieties.

Additionally, Indica strains tend to have higher contents of a terpene called myrcene, which is also shown to cause sedative effects and can enhance the effects of CBD.

Finally, the combination of THC and CBD in Indica strains can also contribute to their sleep-inducing qualities. This is because THC can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while CBD improves the quality and duration of sleep.

Overall, the combination of CBD + THC + Myrcene in Indica strains generates powerful sleep-inducing effects perfect for people with difficulty sleeping or insomnia. But again, we must remember that everyone reacts to cannabis differently, so the effects of Indica strains on sleep can vary for each individual.

Can Sativa also Make You Sleepy?

Most people associate Sativa strains with energizing and uplifting effects, associated with increased creativity, focus, and sociability high. Nevertheless, it is also possible that some Sativa strains can make you sleepy, especially if you have a low tolerance for cannabis and when taking very large doses. In addition, some Sativa strains may contain other cannabinoids or terpenes that cause sedation and relaxation, which could contribute to feelings of drowsiness.

Overall, Sativa strains are more commonly associated with uplifting and stimulating effects. Still, individual user experiences may vary, and it is vital to approach cannabis use with awareness of your tolerance and sensitivity to its effects. If you use cannabis therapeutically and are concerned about some of its possible side effects, such as drowsiness, it is best to consult a professional and be careful when choosing a strain.

How Can You Tell Indica From Sativa?

There are different ways to distinguish an Indica variety from a Sativa, depending on whether we are talking about the plant in question or its buds. You can distinguish Sativa from Indica cannabis plants due to their different appearance, structure, and flowering times. But if you can't see the plant and only have the buds, you can have an idea of its Sativa or Indica nature by the aroma they carry. 

Sativa varieties tend to have more fruity and spicy aromas, while Indica varieties generally carry more earthy and herbal aromas. However, there may be better ways to distinguish between a Sativa and an Indica variety, as many hybrid strains combine characteristics of both.

Ultimately, another way to distinguish a Sativa strain from an Indica strain is through the effects its buds generate. As is well known, Indica varieties tend to cause energizing effects, while Indicas lean more towards relaxation and body highs.

But again, due to the great abundance of hybrid strains, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether a strain is Indica or Sativa based on only a few of these characteristics. The best and most recommended thing is to try to get your cannabis from reliable suppliers or brands that indicate the Sativa or Indica nature of a variety before buying it to better understand the possible effects that said strain could generate on you.

Indica vs. Sativa: Other Differences.

When comparing Indica vs Sativa varieties, we will find significant differences that separate some varieties from others. But, categorizing the large number of cannabis strains that currently exist as Indica or Sativa may not be the most accurate as there can also be very marked differences between different Sativa strains and Indica strains.

Nonetheless, the Indica or Sativa nature of a cannabis plant does generate a tendency towards specific characteristics that are easily identifiable when identifying one subspecies from another. The differences between Indica varieties vs Sativa varieties tend to develop more commonly in the following aspects.

Appearance

Sativa strains usually generate tall plants with narrow leaves, require more light, and have longer flowering periods. On the other hand, Indica species tend to be shorter, with bushier foliage and shorter flowering periods.

Effects

Effect-wise, Sativa strains tend to generate energizing and uplifting effects with a cerebral high that can stimulate creativity, and focus, and put you in a sociable mood, making them perfect for daytime use. Under the proper dosages, the upbeat effects and jovial mood that Sativa strains put you in can be great for relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Regarding the effects of the Indica species, they usually generate relaxing and sedative effects accompanied by a body high that is perfect for relieving pain and promoting relaxation. The effects of the Indica strains are ideal for stimulating appetite and helping with insomnia, making them perfect for use at night.

Terpene profile

There are also differences between the flavors and aromas that Sativa strains usually have compared to Indica strains due to the terpene load each subspecies tends to carry. Sativa strains tend to have higher levels of terpenes, such as limonene, pinene, terpinolene, and humulene, which generate more fruity and spicy flavors and aromas. On the other hand, Indica varieties tend to carry higher levels of myrcene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene, which generate the earthy, musky, and skunky aromas and flavors characteristic of many Indica varieties.

Final Thoughts — Does Sativa or Indica Make You Sleepy?

While Indica strains generally tend towards relaxing or sedative effects and Sativa strains tend towards energizing and uplifting effects, the effects of each cannabis strain can vary widely depending on the unique combination of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds each variety carries. Some Sativa strains may contain higher levels of naturally sedative terpenes like myrcene, while some Indica strains may contain higher levels of energizing terpenes like limonene or terpinolene.

Therefore, it is not the most accurate to say that a particular type of strain, be it Indica or Sativa, will always make you sleepy or that Indica or Sativa strains are the best weed strains for nighttime. In addition, the effects of cannabis can vary enormously depending on a series of factors, such as the level of tolerance of each individual, the dose administered, or the method of consumption.

It is essential to take a cautious approach to the new cannabis strains you try, starting with low doses and paying close attention to your body's reaction to best determine what works best for you.

Where to Buy the Best Nighttime Indica Strains Online

Having said all this, if what you are looking for is precisely a good cannabis strain that causes that sleepiness feeling that helps some people to fall asleep better or to sleep faster, we can recommend some of the best Indica strains for nighttime currently available on the market. 

At Botany Farms, we have some outstanding and delicious Indica strains available that can gently float you to bed with just a few tokes. Some of our best Indica strains, like our Delta-8 Blueberry Kush, the exclusive Godfather OG CBD, or the tropically flavorful Delta-8 Strawberry Banana Kush, can make your nighttime a truly pleasant moment and help you sleep like never before.

Best of all, to obtain any of these products, you just have to go to our online store, choose your favorite variety, and click on order. Our dedicated team of experts will deliver your order directly to your doorstep so quickly and discreetly that you'll think you're already dreaming.