The easiest way to tell indica vs sativa is to look at the leaves. A true sativa is a tall, scraggly looking plant with wiry stocks and thin leaves. In contrast, indica plants are short and bushy. Indica leaves are usually broad and full.

Sativas are native to the warm climates of Mexico, Central America, and Southeast Asia. The natural equatorial habitat of sativas means that these plants love the heat and the outdoors. While they normally grow between 8 and 12 feet high, a healthy sativa plant can reach up to 18 feet tall in optimum conditions.

Smoking sativa

A good sativa should be about as stimulating as a strong cup of coffee. Typically used during the daytime, sativa will energize you with their strong cerebral effects. Many marijuana lovers choose sativa when they’re looking for an uplifting and creative buzz.

Sativas tend to have a lighter, fruity aroma.

Growing sativa

Because sativas are so large and accustomed to warm climates, these plants produce the best when they’re grown outside. Contrary to their stockier counterpart, sativas take quite a while to flower. Expect a flowering time of 12 to 14 weeks.

In warm environments, it’s not uncommon for sativa buds to have a reddish hue. In colder climates, expect to see more purple.

Pure sativa strains