Strains of Marijuana Plants: Beyond Indica vs Sativa

The cannabis plant is an incredibly versatile and complex organism. While many consumers begin their journey with the familiar indica vs sativa distinction, there’s much more to learn beyond those labels. Thanks to modern cultivation techniques and a deeper understanding of plant science, we now have access to thousands of unique weed strains, each bred with a specific goal in mind.

At EarthMed, we believe that informed choices lead to better cannabis experiences. From phenohunting to terpene science, understanding what shapes each marijuana plant can empower patients and recreational users to find exactly what they need.

The Cannabis Plant: A Quick Primer

At its core, the cannabis plant is a species of flowering herb characterized by distinct structural and chemical properties. People often refer to the two types of weed—indica and sativa—but in practice, nearly all strains are hybrids of the two. These categories are still useful, but they only scratch the surface.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common types of weed:

• Indica: Compact, broad-leaf plants known for calming effects.
• Sativa: Tall, narrow-leaf plants that often deliver energizing effects.
• Hybrid: Genetically engineered to combine specific traits from both.

Each plant has its own profile of cannabinoids and terpenes, which interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to produce different outcomes. Knowing the type of weed you are consuming is helpful, but the true value lies in the plant’s chemistry and how it aligns with your personal goals.

Male vs. Female Cannabis Plants

In cannabis cultivation, understanding the difference between the male cannabis plant and the female marijuana plant is critical. Males produce pollen and are used in breeding programs to create new strains of weed. However, they don’t produce the buds we consume, which are rich in THC, CBD, and other therapeutic compounds.

That role belongs to the female plant, which produces resinous flowers rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. Cultivators typically remove males from flower crops to avoid accidental pollination, which can reduce potency and yield. However, male plants aren't without value. In hemp farming, they’re prized for their tall, fibrous stalks, making them ideal for creating paper, rope, and textiles.

Understanding the male vs female cannabis plant distinction is essential for both quality control and for appreciating cannabis beyond its recreational use as a sustainable, multipurpose crop.

Indica vs Sativa: Beyond the Buzzwords

Most cannabis consumers learn early on about the differences between indica vs sativa. Indica strains are generally associated with sedation, pain relief, and relaxation, making them ideal for evening use. Their higher CBD-to-THC ratio often results in a more soothing experience.

Sativa strains are typically used during the day, providing a boost in mood, energy, and focus. They usually feature a higher THC content, which is why they’re often preferred for social or creative activities. Still, the difference between indica sativa and hybrid classifications should be viewed as a starting point, not a final verdict. Your personal response depends just as much on the strain’s terpene content and your individual body chemistry.

Understanding Strains of Weed

When we talk about strains of weed, we're referring to unique genetic variations within the cannabis species. Each strain has been selectively bred to express specific traits—from growth habits and aroma to potency and therapeutic benefits.

Popular weed strains, such as Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Gorilla Glue, are typically widely available due to their consistent and reliable quality. Others, such as niche or small-batch cultivars like Superboof, offer rare terpene profiles and effects. Keeping a journal, like our printable Toke Tracker, helps users monitor what works best for their body and lifestyle.

Phenohunting: How New Strains Are Made

Developing high-quality cannabis begins with phenohunting—a meticulous process used by breeders to identify the best offspring from a genetic cross. Each seed may carry different traits, so growers need to observe and test multiple plants before choosing one to clone and cultivate.

The five steps of phenohunting look like this:

1. Two parent strains are crossbred to create seeds.
2. Dozens (or hundreds) of seeds are germinated.
3. Each resulting plant expresses different traits (phenotypes).
4. Growers evaluate each for aroma, potency, growth structure, and resilience.
5. The best plant is selected and cloned for commercial production.

Phenohunting is what drives innovation in cannabis genetics and ensures the consistency of your favorite types of cannabis at dispensaries like EarthMed.

The Role of Terpenes in Cannabis

If cannabinoids like THC and CBD are the fuel, terpenes are the steering wheel of the cannabis experience. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant that contribute to its flavor, scent, and therapeutic properties. More importantly, they play a crucial role in how a strain makes you feel—by working synergistically with cannabinoids in what's known as the entourage effect.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds in the cannabis plant that influence not just flavor and scent, but also how a strain makes you feel. These oils interact with cannabinoids to enhance or alter effects in a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.”

For example, linalool (floral) is known for its calming effects, limonene (citrusy) is associated with mood elevation, and pinene (piney) may help with alertness and memory retention. Even strains with similar cannabinoid content can feel dramatically different depending on their dominant terpenes.

Want to learn more? Visit our blog series, Terpene Talk, to explore which terpene profiles align with your needs.

Choosing the Right Cannabis for You

Selecting a weed strain is more than choosing between types of cannabis or looking at THC percentages. The ideal product depends on your needs—whether you're managing chronic pain, seeking better sleep, or just enhancing your daily routine. That’s why consulting knowledgeable staff, such as some of our Patient Care Specialists, who we have featured in a Puff Profile, is key.

Here’s a quick reference to help match your needs with the right type of weed product:

• For pain relief, insomnia, or stress: go with a relaxing indica.
• For energy, focus, or social settings: try a sativa.
• For a balanced or tailored effect: explore hybrid strains.

Our team at EarthMed is always available to help you understand how various strains of weed work—and which ones align with your goals.