The myths and stereotypes around cannabis varieties are plentiful, but most aren’t true. Sativas aren’t sure to give you a panic attack, and indicas won’t necessarily put you to sleep by 6 PM. The nuances between the two are blurrier than that.However, I’ll try to unblur the lines a little to help you understand how each variety affects you and when to choose one over the other. From origins to sensations to strains, here’s a breakdown of indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid cannabis.Let’s Get Into the IndicasCannabis indica plants come from dry climates in locations like Asia, South Africa, and India. They’re often the ones described as “skunky” and have pungent smells and dank profiles. The plants are technically supposed to be bushier and shorter with spherical nugs, but you can’t know for sure if something is indica or sativa just by looking at it. So don’t be an ass and go making assumptions!They generally have higher CBD content, but not necessarily lower THC content than sativas. The ratio can be 1:1 CBD and THC, which is delightful. Because of this cannabinoid ratio, indica strains usually offer a mellow, soothing sensation. They’re less likely to cause anxiety, paranoia, or energy, so I love them for chill nights and bedtime tokes. They’re also popular for managing chronic pain and mental illnesses like anxiety.Common Indica Strains: Purple OG KushBubba KushNorthern Lights (one of my favorites!)Sorting Out SativasCannabis sativa plants come from humid, tropical climates, like Thailand, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Mexico. The plants are tall and spindly compared to traditional indicas with long, thin nugs of flower, and the smell is usually sweeter and subtler.Sativa strains aren’t really the opposite of indica strains like people think. They contain much less CBD, but around the same amount of THC, delivering the psychoactive, silly effects without the calmness. This is what can lead to paranoia and discomfort when high. However, they’re more energizing, which can be wonderful for getting high before activities like a concert or a beach day. These are more of a pick-me-up than a calm-me-down.Common Sativa Strains:Acapulco GoldMaui WauiJack HererHow Are the Hybrids?Hybrids are simply crossovers of cannabis sativa and cannabis indica plants, usually grown in greenhouses or on cannabis farms. People constantly engineer new strain profiles, whether they want more CBD, stronger pine flavors, or a darker purple color. There’s no way to define a hybrid’s flavor profile, potency, cannabinoid makeup, origin, or appearance, as it could take on any characteristics from its sativa and indica parents. In reality, most strains we encounter nowadays are hybrids, and we’re actually comparing indica-dominant hybrids with sativa-dominant hybrids. Common Hybrid Strains:Sour Diesel (Another favorite, in case you were wondering)Granddaddy PurplePineapple ExpressChoosing Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid CannabisWhile I like to consider myself an indica girl, the best strain always depends on the occasion. The bong next to my bed? Always packed with indica like Northern Lights. But the vape I take with me to walk my dog? Usually a sativa-heavy variety. If you’re looking for relaxation and comfort, I recommend indica. For a giggly, euphoric, let’s-go-outside-and-look-at-the-sky high, I’d choose sativa. But my best advice is to try them all! Mix up what flower strains you try, look for vapes with different strains, and just see what you vibe with. It’s taken me about a decade to discover my favorite strains, and I’m still trying new ones all the time. And you should too!Give Each Type of Cannabis a Try…For that uber-chill feeling, try the Yumz Lab Tigers Blood + Watermelon Kush Indica THC Disposable Vape.(opens in a new window)Yumz LabTigers Blood + Watermelon Kush Indica THC Disposable Vape(opens in a new window)Available at Yumz LabBuy Now(opens in a new window)For more of an energized and creative wavelength, I’m obsessed with this Maui Wowie Sativa CBD + Delta-9 THC Vape Juice from CBDfx. (opens in a new window)CBDfxCBD + Delta-9 THC Vape Juice: Maui Wowie Sativa(opens in a new window)Available at CBDfxBuy Now(opens in a new window)Lastly, if you want the best of both worlds, this Yumz Lab Bubblegum Kush Hybrid THC Disposable Vape is a delightful balance. (opens in a new window)Yumz LabBubblegum Kush Hybrid THC Disposable Vape(opens in a new window)Available at Yumz LabBuy Now(opens in a new window)The post Indica Vs. Sativa Vs. Hybrid: The Ultimate Stoner Showdown appeared first on VICE.