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“EXPOSING THE ‘INDICA, SATIVA, AND HYBRID’ FALLACY”

99% of the time when visiting a dispensary you’re greeted with the following question: ‘Are you shopping for an indica, sativa or a hybrid strain today?’. Pretty simple, even for the apprehensive and overwhelmed first-timer. Nowadays, most people whether they consume cannabis or not, have some comprehension of these unusual labels. Or so they think. What if these terms don’t actually mean what you think they do? What if your entire purchasing strategy up until this point has been a total ruse?

No need to get alarmed or panic. We’re not saying that this method of buying is entirely wrong, per-se. Frankly, choosing between an indica, sativa or hybrid (in addition to the flower’s look and aroma) is the most common way cannabis aficionados decide which bud to take home. Since the dawn of medically legal cannabis - dispensaries have divided and classified their flower selection as such in order to help patients navigate through their diverse inventory. Again we’ve all just been working with the information we’ve been given over the years. The absence of any awareness around cannabis is really no one’s fault but our government’s. Mainly due to the lack of financial support towards the scientific research of our beloved plant. Be that as it may it’s kinda hard not to feel like we’ve been missing the mark for the past several decades. Fortunately with cannabis becoming more mainstream and accepted nationwide, we’re finally getting the resources needed for a deeper understanding of its unique physiology. There’s still so much we have to learn about this mystifying herb.

The indica, sativa and hybrid theory isn’t anything new and for most cannabis consumers it breaks down as the following: 

Indica strains yield a strong “body high”; one that provides deep relaxation and great pain relief. Indica strains are also known to be more potent and can aid in sleep deprivation. Sativa strains, on the other hand, are known for their cerebral effects commonly referred to as a “head high”. Sativas are more mentally stimulating and provide great bursts of creativity and joy. Unless of course you’re someone living with anxiety. In this case a sativa strain might enhance feelings of worry, unease and self-doubt. Lastly, hybrids usually produce a more balanced high for the consumer. However, most hybrids tend to slightly lean one way over the other. Some cannabis consumers are the exception to the rule and experience the opposite effects when ingesting either indica, sativa or hybrid products. 

What do these terms actually mean?

In reality the terms indica, sativa and hybrid refer to the physical aspects of the individual plants and their flowering cycles. Meaning these classifications are based on qualities you can observe with the naked eye. Indica strains take less time to flower and thrive in colder weather while sativa strains prefer warmer climates. Indica strains are short and stalky while sativa strains grow tall with longer, thinner leaves. Again, picture hybrids as a cross between the two. “In 1753, Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus identified psychoactive cannabis plants as Cannabis sativa in his work Species Plantarum, and 32 years later, French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck identified Cannabis indica as a different species while observing the physical characteristics of India’s cannabis plants. Lamarck argued that C. indica plants have dark green, wide leaves compared with C. sativa leaves, which are light and narrow.” The Real Difference Between Sativa vs Indica - Weedmaps. Retrieved 9 August 2019, from https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/difference-between-indica-sativa/

By 1930 Cannabis Ruderalis (commonly referred to as hybrid) was discovered as the third subspecies by Russian botanist Dmitrij Janischewsky. The C. ruderalis plant is also unique in its flowering cycle since it automatically begins to flower within the first 30 days of cultivation. 

It’s hard to say if Linnaeus, Lamarck and Janischewsky had any idea of the life these terms would take 250+ years later. It’s even harder to say exactly when their definitions got mixed up with the expected outcome or effect. Nonetheless, the terms “Indica”, “Sativa” and “Hybrid” have been a stimulus for cannabis consumers shopping habits for (what might be) centuries. 

What does determine the different effects in cannabis?

A strain’s “high” depends on a lot of different factors but its main influence comes from its individual cannabinoid and terpene profile. Popular cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are only two out of the other 100+ cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. 

Terpenes are the aromatic and flavorful molecules in cannabis and other organisms such as alternative plants, spices and fruit. Terpenes are found in the plant’s ‘trichomes’ aka the sticky crystals covering the plant’s surface. They’re produced in order to naturally protect the plant from external dangers such as herbivores and insects. Research shows that terpenes and cannabinoids are the real agents responsible for each strains distinctive outcome. Their relationship commonly referred to as “The Entourage Effect” along with the consumer’s unique make-up are the true driving forces behind the strain’s ultimate effect. Currently the most prominent terpenes in cannabis are:

Limonene: which is found in most citrus fruits and gives certain cannabis strains that delightful fruity, citrusy smell.

Pinene: is one of the most common terpenes in nature and is mostly associated with pine trees. 

Myrcene: is the most prominent terpene in cannabis. It has a very earthy smell and can be associated with the anti-inflammatory and sedative effect derived from consuming cannabis.  

Caryophyllene: also an extremely prominent terpene in cannabis. Caryophyllene has incredible pain relieving qualities and may also be found in cloves and rosemary. 

Terpinolene: has a uniquely crisp herbal aroma and can be found in other flowers like lilac. Terpinolene works as a great anti-oxidant. 

Humulene: is a very common cannabis terpene also found in sage, basil and black pepper. Some studies have referred to humulene having a “hoppy” fragrance since it’s also very common in hops. 

Linalool: is a terpene found in many lovely flowers such as lavender, jasmine and rose. The enticing aroma is very floral and enjoyable. Linalool has several health benefits including anti-fungal and anti-convulsant properties. Linalool can also be very sedative. 

Knowing these compounds or agents will allow the mindful cannabis consumer to make a more educated decision moving forward. 

“Could Cannabis Enhance Your Sex Life?”

America is slowly becoming synonymous with cannabis, but if there’s anything Americans love more than cannabis, it’s sex. As a society we’re utterly infatuated by it, and with good reason. For consensual adults sex can be the greatest, most electrifying, physical manifestation of love, intimacy, and connection there is. As humans we’ve been doing it for so long, one might assume all sex is like this for everyone, every time. But, alas, it’s not. Though our anatomy hasn’t changed much since the days of our cave-dwelling ancestors, humans are really complicated beings and something as natural as sex can still feel foreign. For some people sex can be perpetually overwhelming and result in multiple lackluster experiences over time. For others, sex can actually be physically painful. These unconventional truths are real for both binary and non-binary genders alike. No matter how you identify, one wrong move or unwanted thought in the bedroom, and a passionate moment can be compromised almost immediately. We've all been there; your mind begins to wander at the worst possible moment and before you know it, you’re out of your body and totally in your head. Too many of these little mishaps, which are totally natural by the way, and you might feel anxious or confused whenever sex is on the table. The truth is sex should feel empowering. Every single one of us deserves a healthy, fun, and fulfilling sex-life. Not surprisingly, cannabis may help you achieve this. 

Dr. Emily Morse, a Doctor in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, has some insight into why cannabis could be advantageous in the bedroom. “Cannabis can help both [non-binary and binary genders] to relax more into their bodies so that an orgasm is more likely to happen, as well as the potential to be more intense” Dr. Morse explains. “Experimenting with cannabis to enhance your sex life is very different than getting ‘high’. If cannabis hasn’t worked for you in the past, don’t rule out the other ways of experimenting or ingesting that can actually enhance sexual pleasure and help lessen pain [from sex]” shares Dr. Morse. She continues by stating “THC and CBD can be helpful for painful sex issues, like vaginismus and endometriosis, as well.” A great cannabis company to research for sexual enrichment is Foria. Their team is committed to developing cannabis infused products dedicated to the sexual enhancement, and pain relief of their consumers. Their CBD infused lubricant “Awaken” is a phenomenal choice for beginners dabbling with cannabis. 

It’s not the first time in recent history that the benefits of consuming cannabis are being showcased publicly. Its healing effect on the human body became particularly apparent during the 1980’s and 90’s, when AIDS and cancer patients living in Northern California were finding relief by smoking and ingesting the herb. For years the LGBTQIA community and its allies, including cannabis activists “Brownie Mary” and Dennis Peron, heroically fought for the legalization of this plant medicine that was intrinsic to enhancing the lives of their ill-fated loved ones. It’s an important part of cannabis history our nascent industry has sadly overlooked. Still, regardless of its mention or not, cannabis never stopped elevating the lives of the queer community. Interestingly enough a recent study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence discovered that cannabis consumption rates among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults are higher than heterosexuals who also consume cannabis. “I think that before there was even medicine developed, and I don’t know this for sure, but I would assume that cannabis was around to help people cope. Especially within the gay community” says Indica Sativa, an LA based drag queen with an affinity for marijuana. It’s true that cannabis has a certain way of putting life (and all of its complexities) into a brighter, less daunting perspective. Through mindful cannabis consumption we’re able to travel inward, becoming fully immersed in the glory of our own awesomeness. So you can imagine what genuine self-love and deep sense of euphoria might do for your sex-life. “I think if you smoke [cannabis], you [already] know sex is better when you’re high. Any substance is probably gonna make sex better, but I think with cannabis in particular, it stops you from overthinking. You’re able to go into it feeling free and open to experiment” claims Indica Sativa. “I’m usually focusing on tomorrow, when I need to be focused on today. I think smoking cannabis helps me balance out that mixture of anxiety and paranoia. There have been times where I’ve given myself a month break from cannabis, but realistically smoking helps me release the tension. I remember I was in a relationship one of the times I’d taken a break. We would fuck, and I’d think of how much better it would be with a joint” she confesses while sipping her black coffee.

It seems like cannabis has the potential to bring an individual closer to their own sensuality, too. With each inhale and exhale, cannabis moves us further from the distracting thoughts of insecurity and self-doubt, and closer to our own innate eroticism. “Sensuality is the expression and pursuit of pleasure – sexual or not. When I encourage people to focus on their sensuality, I recommend starting with their senses. When we fully engage all of our senses, we’re able to drop into the present moment and really feel what’s going on in our body. It’s also a great exercise to get out of our head and into our body” according to Dr. Morse. 

Mindfulness mixed with cannabis in the bedroom can certainly help partners connect on a deeper level. And we’re not just blowing smoke up your skirt, either. Neuroscience shows that THC, a psychoactive compound in cannabis, enhances the cell-to-cell communication within our brain, meaning it elevates the original message being communicating between neurons. That’s why everything seems so awesome when you’re stoned. Your brain is literally sending the message that this experience, however exciting or mundane, is exponentially better because you’re high. Which leads me to believe that there are a lot of experiences that might be enhanced with adequate cannabis consumption. But what that consumption level looks like is entirely subjective. Rest-assured though, easing into cannabis experimentation might be the most fun way of maximizing your own potential in and out of the bedroom. 

“THE PERFECT STRAINS FOR A CHILL-ING HALLOWEEN”

There’s a chill that runs through me as I type this post. Yes, it’s unusually cold in LA today, and by cold I mean high 50’s. But that’s not the only reason why I can’t shake this icy bite! It’s two days before Halloween - a time in which the goblins, ghouls, freaks, and misfits dwelling within the city of angels really get to shine. Not to mention on actual Halloween, Mercury will go retrograde in Scorpio; the most emotionally intense of all zodiac signs. Expect delays and misunderstandings to occur with this planetary transition, and be sure to keep a watchful eye on your finances. 

If all this seems like too much and you really ‘just can’t’ this year, then I encourage you to take on these scaries from the comfort of your own home. I’ve curated a brief list of my top movies to watch this time of year, and have paired each of them with an equally sinister strain for your spine-tingling enjoyment. Rather than fight it altogether, lean into the creepiness of this week before it’s too late! 

“TERRIFIER” ...pairs well with Dutch Treat

WARNING - this is a scary clown movie! Actually, this is the scariest clown I’ve seen since Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise in the cult classic It. In Terrifier we follow Art the Clown as he gruesomely slashes his way through a small town on Halloween night. It’s a truly heinous showdown between the eerily silent clown (he never speaks a word in the film) and the unsuspecting townspeople. I definitely recommend a euphoric yet relaxing strain, like Dutch Treat to counteract all the gory, nausea-inducing details.

Available to stream on Netflix.

“THE SIXTH SENSE” ...pairs well with Ghost Train Haze

You really can’t go wrong with this M Night Shyamalan masterpiece. Take one cute-yet-creepy kid plagued by ghosts, add a sexy child psychologist played by Bruce Willis, and voila! - you have The Sixth Sense, one of the most iconic and mind-blowing scary movies from the late 90’s. The ghastly apparitions are still petrifying, including one of a young Mischa Barton. Plus, there’s some emotional depth to the film since you can’t help but feel bad for its tiny protagonist. I’ve paired this suspenseful thriller with the Ghost Train Haze for obvious reasons, i.e. “I see dead people”. Whether it’s from the movie or the weed, be prepared to reside in a baffling and hazy mental fog for days. 

Available to stream on Netflix. 

“THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” ...pairs well with Alien OG

This 1975 musical comedy horror film is a cult classic for a reason. Another fabulous performance by Tim Curry - guess I’m a huge Curry fan? - I remember first watching this movie in college and falling in love with all of the ludicrous chaos that came with it. A film definitely ahead of its time, this movie is both fun and slightly disturbing. Meet sweet transvestite Dr. Frank N. Furter and their gaggle of gypsy friends for a totally bizarre and out-of-this-world gathering. I recommend smoking a piney Alien OG while you attempt to wrap your head around the endless oddities that take place in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This strain is known for its sedative bodily effects and intense psychedelic high, a perfect combo for doing the time warp again! 

Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

“HAUNTED” ...pairs well with Monster Cookies

If movies aren’t your cup of witch’s brew, then maybe you’ll enjoy binge watching Netflix’s original series Haunted. The series is filled with haunted houses, demonic possessions, chilling brujeria, and even some alien probing! Each episode is a different story based on “true events” and told by the people who experienced it firsthand. It sorta reminds me of the book series from my childhood Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, except now all the monsters have faces. I knew I’d need a strain as multifaceted as this show, so I’ve paired Haunted with the happy and stress-relieving, Monster Cookies. A cross between Granddaddy Purple and Girl Scout Cookies, this heavy, sleep inducing strain will help you relax after hours of watching these disturbing tales. 

Available to stream on Netflix.

“THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS” ...pairs well with Jack Skellington 

What better way to close out Halloween than by watching and smoking the pumpkin king himself, Jack Skellington? If you’re like me, then you’ll want to end All Hallows’ Eve on a lighter note, which makes this spooky animated musical the perfect closer. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is already visually stunning, but pairing it with a stimulating and uplifting strain like Jack Skellington, definitely kicks things up a notch. Get lost in a wave of creativity and become fully immersed in Burton’s obscure Halloweentown - just beware of the hungry Oogie Boogie Man. 

Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.