• Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica. However, using this distinction to determine the plant’s actual biochemical contents may be insignificant because only biochemical procedures can detect such contents(1).
  • Some individuals consider the Cannabis indica strain as calming and relaxing(2). These effects are usually associated with the plant’s terpenoid content and not because of the strain’s distinction.
  • Botanical taxonomists have contrasting opinions about the differences between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica(3). This difference in opinions indicates that there is no single, definite method to determine which strain has better CBD content.
  • Cannabis manufacturers may derive CBD from hemp or marijuana harvested from Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa(4). Hemp plants have a high CBD concentration and contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabis indica CBD Strain Overview

CBD is a phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid) that typically comes from different cannabis plant strains, such as Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa(5). Hemp, one of the harvested plant varieties from these strains, is a CBD-rich plant containing no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is a cannabis compound known to cause psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use(6).

Marijuana usually comes from the Cannabis indica plant that produces CBD and THC(7). However, marijuana is a cannabis plant variety with high THC concentrations of about 15 percent or higher.

Although CBD usually comes from hemp, the compound is also one of the essential components of medical marijuana(8).

CBD functions as a chemical messenger for the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)(9). The ECS is a system-wide network comprising chemical signals and receptors that help regulate and control essential body functions such as immune and inflammatory responses and pain control(10).

The ECS contains cannabinoid receptors, namely the CB1 and CB2 receptors(11). CB1 receptors, which are mainly located in the spinal cord and brain, help manage pain, appetite regulation, and emotional processing. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors in the body’s peripheral nervous system help regulate inflammation.

Is CBD Derived From Cannabis indica?

Plant-based CBD is typically extracted from the Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa strains. However, using this distinction based on the plant’s height, branching, or leaves to determine the cannabis plant’s biochemical content is considered insignificant or futile because only a biochemical assay can determine the plant’s actual contents(12).

A biochemical assay is a procedure to detect, quantify, or study the activities of biological molecules.

Thus, individuals may only determine the amount of CBD in a cannabis plant based on a biochemical analysis rather than whether the compound came from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica strain.

Cannabinoids

Two cannabis-derived cannabinoids studied by researchers are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC may provide analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, THC may also produce a euphoric “high”(13).

THC is a psychoactive cannabis compound that may produce a “high” feeling associated with marijuana smoking and may lead to central nervous system depression(14).

Cannabidiol (CBD)

This cannabinoid may have potential anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic (antianxiety), analgesic (pain-relieving), and antioxidant benefits(15).

Studies suggested that CBD may help manage seizures, such as those caused by epilepsy, and alleviate anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and heroin or tobacco addiction(16).

Manufacturers of cannabis products may extract CBD from hemp or marijuana, harvested from different cannabis strains, such as Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa(17). One significant difference between hemp and marijuana is that the hemp plant has a high CBD concentration and contains less than 0.3% THC.

Other Types of Strains and Physical Differences Between Strains

The descriptions of various cannabis strains and their differences are as follows:

Cannabis indica

The Cannabis indica plant is about three or four feet tall and has a low, pyramidal, or conical shape(18). The plant has broad leaves (or leaflets) distinguished by coarse, serrated edges.

Some individuals describe the Cannabis indica-dominant strain as calming and relaxing(19). However, these observed effects are usually associated with the plant’s terpenoid content and not necessarily due to the strain’s distinction.

Terpenes or terpenoids are among the most prominent and diverse groups of compounds naturally occurring in plants(20).

Additionally, sedation associated with Cannabis indica strains may be attributed to their myrcene content rather than CBD content(21).

Myrcene is a terpene that may help lower the blood-brain barrier resistance to improve permeability, which may increase cannabinoid transportation to the brain(22).

Cannabis sativa

This strain is a tall and loosely branched plant(23). Its leaflets have a narrow shape with fine and sharp serrations.

While there are claims describing the Cannabis sativa strain as energizing and uplifting, observed effects in cannabis plants are primarily due to the plants’ terpene content.

Hybrid

Hybrids are strains created by breeding the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica strains to produce intermediate effects(24).

Cannabis ruderalis

On the other hand, the Cannabis ruderalis strain appears to be small, around two feet tall, and unbranched or slightly branched at maturity(25). The plant has broad leaflets shorter than the Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa variants.

Is CBD Better With Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica?

In an interview with Ethan Russo, a board-certified neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher, he mentioned that botanical taxonomists (experts who identify and classify plants) have different opinions regarding the differences between cannabis strains, such as Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa plants(26).

This difference in opinions suggests that no single, definite method exists to determine which cannabis strain has better CBD content.

Instead, Russo suggested that a better classification method is to look into the cannabis chemotypes, such as CBD predominant, THC predominant, or mixed, to determine the appropriate CBD source(27).

What an Individual Should Look for to Understand Strain Effects

Individuals who want to understand how cannabis products derived from different cannabis strains work should look into the product’s contents, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, and their different effects.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis indica contains more than 400 compounds and around 60 cannabinoids. These cannabinoids include CBD, THC, cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)(28).

These plant-derived cannabinoids, also called exogenous cannabinoids, have the following benefits(29):

  • Cannabigerol (CBG): This cannabinoid may have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antifungal properties.
  • Cannabinol (CBN): This cannabinoid may provide anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects and may act as a sedative.
  • Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): This compound may have anxiolytic effects and cause an individual to have a euphoric “high.”

Terpenes

Terpenes are compounds responsible for the plants’ taste, pigment, and fragrance(30). Common plant sources of terpenes include cannabis, thyme, Spanish sage, and citrus fruits.

One notable medicinal use of terpenes is its purported antiplasmodial activity, whose action mechanism is similar to that of an antimalarial drug(31). Additionally, scientists are researching monoterpenes, a subcategory of terpenes, for a potential antiviral property.

Antiplasmodial activity refers to the action of countering plasmodium parasites. These parasites are the causative organisms of malaria(32).

Malaria is a severe and often fatal disease that causes high fevers, chills, and flu-like symptoms in humans(33).

Commonly found terpenes include pinene, caryophyllene, and linalool(34).

Other terpenes often added to anti-insect formulations include the following(35):

  • Beta-ionone
  • Eugenol
  • Geraniol
  • Myrcene
  • Limonene

Monoterpenes are essential oil compounds derived from plants, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, that contribute to the plant’s flavor and scent(36).

Terpenes are also purported to have antidiabetic and anticancer use(37).

Curcumin is another terpene that may have several beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiplasmodial, antiseptic, and antioxidant effects(38). This terpene may also function as an astringent, digestive, and diuretic.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are plant metabolites with various functions, such as providing ultraviolet (UV) protection, pigmentation, plant development regulation, and plant defense and signaling(39).

Metabolites are substances the body uses to help break down food, chemicals, drugs, or the body’s tissue(40).

Flavonoids constitute essential medicinal plant components for inflammation and cancer prevention and are prevalent in the human diet(41).

Does CBD in Cannabis indica Get an Individual High?

CBD is an essential medical marijuana component and, by itself, does not produce a feeling of “high” among users(42).

Marijuana is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica strains and contains a high THC content, which may be about 15% or higher in some products(43).

THC is the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychotropic or mind-altering effects and causes an individual to become “high”(44).

Thus, Cannabis indica harvested as marijuana may get an individual “high,” especially when the cannabis product they take contains high levels of THC.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Cannabis indica

Researchers have not conclusively determined the side effects and risks associated with Cannabis indica specifically.

However, cannabis, whether it is the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica strain, may contain THC, which activates parts of the brain containing receptors that cause individuals to feel “high”(45)

Other effects associated with this feeling include:

  • Mood changes
  • Impaired body movement
  • Impaired memory
  • Modified sense of time
  • Altered senses, such as seeing brighter colors
  • Thinking and problem solving difficulties
  • Hallucinations or delusions, especially at high doses of marijuana
  • Psychosis, especially with regular use of high-potency marijuana

However, CBD may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue, which may be tolerable among humans(46).

Things to Consider for Certain Conditions

Breeders and growers typically pick cannabis plants with desirable phenotypes or characters related to flowers, terpene production, and cannabinoid profile(47). Thus, cannabis variations may require analyzing their genetic differences instead of physical ones.

Additionally, since the taxonomists have no consensus regarding biochemical differences between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, one expert recommendation is to disregard the sativaindica distinction and instead focus on conducting biochemical assays on cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles for the medical and recreational markets.

Generally, there are three types of cannabis products(48):

  • THC-dominant  (Type 1): This type contains high THC and low CBD and is highly intoxicating.
  • Mixed THC and CBD (Type 2): Type 2 products are less intoxicating than type 1 products.
  • CBD-dominant (Type 3): This type is a non-euphoric cannabis product with high CBD and low THC content.

Manufacturers selling CBD products derived from cannabis or hemp extracts categorize these products as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

  • Full-spectrum CBD oil: This product typically comprises all essential cannabis plant compounds and cannabinoids, such as THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.

When these compounds work together in full-spectrum CBD oil, they may produce an “entourage effect.”

This effect is characterized by the cannabis compounds’ synergistic activity, which may provide better therapeutic results(49).

  • Broad-spectrum CBD oil: This category of CBD oil products contains most compounds and cannabinoids that are also found in full-spectrum CBD oil. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil usually has no THC content.
  • CBD isolates: CBD isolates contain pure CBD only. These products have no THC and do not contain other compounds or cannabinoids.

Consumers interested in experiencing CBD’s full benefits or the entourage effect may consider full-spectrum CBD oil.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer not to take THC or its psychoactive effects in their products may opt for broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolates instead.

Another factor individuals should consider when choosing a CBD product is their preferred administration method or delivery route for CBD. These methods include the following:

  • Ingestion: Ingesting CBD or taking it through the oral route allows the drug to pass through the body’s digestive tract before spreading throughout the bloodstream.

Orally administered CBD oil products have a long duration of effect, making them suitable for daytime or nighttime use(50).

Oral CBD products include CBD capsules and edibles such as CBD gummies, candies, cookies, or chews.

Some cannabis brands may add different flavors to edibles to make these products more appealing to individuals’ tastes. These flavors include chocolate, lemon, peppermint, and other natural or artificial flavors.

  • Sublingual administration: Taking CBD through the sublingual route involves applying CBD oil under the tongue. This method lets the substance directly enter the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract.

Sublingually administered products include tinctures, oromucosal sprays, and high-potency oils.

Tinctures are typically bottled with a calibrated dropper for accurate dosing.

Moreover, CBD oil tinctures have a natural grassy or earthy flavor, which may not appeal to some consumers. Individuals may consider mixing tinctures with food or drinks(51).

  • Topical application: Applying CBD products topically or to the skin may provide pain relief or decrease itching and inflammation in the applied area(52). CBD applied in this method is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Consumers can choose from a wide product selection of CBD topicals, including CBD lotions, creams, balms, salves, and ointments.

Other topical products include roll-on sticks and lip balms.

  • Inhalation: This method sends the drug through the lungs, then to the heart and brain, and distributes it evenly throughout the body(53).

Inhaling cannabis provides a fast method to administer the substance and may be suitable for acute problems like nausea or acute pain(54). One method of inhaling CBD is through vaping.

However, individuals should take precautions before using vapes, as these products can lead to health risks associated with lung disease(55). Moreover, selling vapes or e-cigarettes to individuals below 21 (18 or 19 in some U.S. states) is illegal.

Regardless of the chosen product category or administration method, individuals, especially those with existing medical conditions, must consult their healthcare provider for a diagnosis and effective treatment before using cannabis or CBD products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not provide standard dosing guidelines for cannabis or CBD.

Additionally, scientists have not conducted extensive clinical trials determining the appropriate CBD oil dosage for specific health conditions.

However, one general recommendation is to take cannabis products starting with a low dose, then gradually increasing the dosage(56).

For example, individuals taking CBD-dominant cannabis products for the first time may take an initial dose of 10mg of CBD per day(57).

CBD dosage may vary among individuals based on factors such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, genetics, stress levels, and overall health conditions(58).

Consumers should also consider the potential effects of cannabis products on individuals currently taking medications.

In particular, CBD may interfere with the activities of the cytochrome P450 liver enzymes. Of the more than 50 enzymes within this enzyme group, six metabolize around 90% of drugs(59).

At high doses, CBD may inhibit these liver enzymes’ activities and affect the effectiveness of the metabolized drugs(60).

Thus, individuals under medication should consult a doctor before taking cannabis products alongside those medications.

Legality of CBD

The legality and regulation of cannabis products vary between states. Before purchasing and using cannabis or CBD products, consumers must review and understand their state’s laws regarding such substances.

The 2018 Farm Bill removes hemp and hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC from the Controlled Substances Act’s (CSA) definition of “marijuana”(61). The Farm Bill also mandates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a regulatory framework for U.S. hemp production(62).

Thus, CBD products with more than 0.3% THC content are illegal under U.S. federal law(63).

The FDA warns that marketing or labeling CBD products as dietary supplements or food additives are illegal(64). The agency also mentions that it has limited data on CBD’s safety and advises that consumers consider the real risks before using CBD.

In June 2020, the FDA approved an oral CBD medication named Epidiolex, which contains purified CBD and is used to treat seizures associated with epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)(65).

As of February 3, 2022, 37 U.S. states have allowed cannabis products for medical use. States with regulated cannabis programs include Oregon, New York, Colorado, California, Virginia, Alabama, and Florida(66).


  1. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
  2. Ibid.
  3. Ibid.
  4. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  5. Ibid.
  6. Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol
  7. Marijuana
    https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuana
  8. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  9. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  10. The Endocannabinoid System: Essential and Mysterious
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
  11. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  12. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
  13. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  14. Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol
  15. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  16. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  17. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  18. Page 356 of Botanical Museum Leaflets
    https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/7467406#page/379/mode/1up
  19. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
  20. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7120914/
  21. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
  22. Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8326332/
  23. Page 356 of Botanical Museum Leaflets
    https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/7467406#page/379/mode/1up
  24. Genetic Tools Weed Out Misconceptions of Strain Reliability in Cannabis sativa: Implications for a Budding Industry
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-019-0001-1
  25. Page 356-358 of Botanical Museum Leaflets
    https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/7467406#page/379/mode/1up
  26. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
  27. Ibid.
  28. Cannabis Sativa Subsp. Indica
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/cannabis-sativa-subsp-indica
  29. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  30. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7120914/
  31. Ibid.
  32. Plasmodium
    https://www.britannica.com/science/Plasmodium-protozoan-genus
  33. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.html
  34. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7120914/
  35. Ibid.
  36. Monoterpenes in Essential Oils. Biosynthesis and Properties
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10335385/
  37. Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7120914/
  38. Ibid.
  39. Flavonoid Functions in Plants and Their Interactions with Other Organisms
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6027123/
  40. Metabolite
    https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/metabolite
  41. Flavonoid Functions in Plants and Their Interactions with Other Organisms
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6027123/
  42. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
  43. Marijuana
    https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuana
  44. Ibid.
  45. Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts
    https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana
  46. What Are the Benefits of CBD — And Is It Safe to Use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  47. Genetic Tools Weed Out Misconceptions of Strain Reliability in Cannabis sativa: Implications for a Budding Industry
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-019-0001-1
  48. CBD Dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
  49. The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
  50. Page 202 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  51. Page 208 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  52. Page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  53. Best Way to Take CBD
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/best-way-take-cbd
  54. Ibid.
  55. Can Vaping Damage Your Lungs? What We Do (and Don’t) Know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
  56. CBD Dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
  57. Page 218 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  58. CBD Dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
  59. The Effect of Cytochrome P450 Metabolism on Drug Response, Interactions, and Adverse Effects
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0801/p391.html
  60. Page 114-115 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  61. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
  62. Hemp Production
    https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp
  63. CBD & THC: Myths and Misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-thc-myths-and-misconceptions
  64. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  65. FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare#
  66. State Medical Cannabis Laws
    https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
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