When people talk about weed, they’re usually referring to cannabis, the plant behind all those familiar cultivars you find at dispensaries. Weed is just the casual name for a plant that’s been around for thousands of years, used for everything from relaxation to creativity to connection.
There’s more to weed than just one kind of plant. Cannabis comes in a few main types, each with its own growth pattern, aroma, and experience. Some cultivars bring uplifting energy, others lean into full-body calm, and many land somewhere in between. Learning how these types differ can help growers and consumers pick the right cultivar for their needs.
Core Cannabis Species
Cannabis isn’t just one plant. It’s a group of related species that share similar traits but grow and feel different. The three main types are Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each has its own growth style, structure, and typical effects.
Cannabis Sativa
Sativa plants are tall with narrow leaves and take longer to mature. They’re often chosen for their uplifting and energizing qualities. Many growers like sativas for daytime use and their tendency to produce lighter, more cerebral effects.
They can reach impressive heights outdoors and tend to have lighter green foliage. Their buds are usually looser and airier, which helps them thrive in warm, humid regions.
Popular Sativas
- Durban Poison – A pure sativa known for its sweet, earthy scent and energizing buzz.
- Sour Diesel – Famous for its fuel-like aroma and creative, heady high.
Cannabis Indica
Indica plants are shorter and bushier, with broad leaves and dense buds. They’re known for deeper, more relaxing effects that tend to hit the body. Indica cultivars often appeal to those who want to unwind or get some rest.
They grow broad, dark green leaves and dense, chunky buds. Their compact shape makes them a favorite for indoor grows or cooler climates.
- Northern Lights – A classic indica with sweet pine notes and a heavy, relaxing feel.
- Granddaddy Purple – Recognized for its grape flavor and deep body calm.
Cannabis Ruderalis
Ruderalis is smaller and more rugged than the other two. It grows fast, flowers automatically, and has low THC levels. While it’s not popular for solo use, breeders love it for creating autoflower cultivars that don’t rely on light cycles to bloom.
Their leaves are short and thick, and they flower on their own without a specific light cycle. That’s why they’re prized for creating autoflower cultivars that thrive in almost any condition.
Hybrid Strains: Crossbreeding Cannabis
Most of today’s popular cultivars are hybrids. Growers have spent decades crossbreeding sativa and indica plants to create cultivars that balance or blend their traits. This lets breeders fine-tune everything from flavor and aroma to growth time and effects.
Hybrids fall into three main categories:
- Indica-dominant hybrids – Lean toward the relaxing, body-focused side but still carry some mental clarity.
- Sativa-dominant hybrids – Often bring creative or energetic effects with a touch of calm.
- Balanced hybrids – Mix the two evenly, offering both physical and mental effects that feel well-rounded.
Every hybrid cultivar carries its own unique mix of genetics, making this group the most diverse and widely available on the market.
Popular Hybrid Strains
- Blue Dream – A balanced hybrid that blends Blueberry and Haze, offering a smooth and uplifting experience.
- Gorilla Glue – Potent and sticky, this hybrid delivers a strong mix of relaxation and euphoria.
Classification by Use and Effects
People often sort weed into types based on how it’s used or how it feels. While the plant species help define structure and growth, the effects depend on cannabinoids, terpenes, and how your body responds to them.
Medical vs Recreational
Some cultivars are grown with a focus on medical use, often featuring specific cannabinoid ratios that appeal to certain needs. Recreational cultivars are typically bred for potency, flavor, and the kind of experience they create. Many overlap, so a single cultivar might be used in both settings.
Effects-Based Typing
Instead of looking at the species, many growers and consumers think in terms of effects:
- Energizing – Often associated with focus, creativity, and mood lift.
- Calming – Helps the body and mind unwind, great for relaxation or sleep.
- Balanced – Offers a middle ground between uplifting and relaxing.
Each cultivar’s terpene and cannabinoid profile plays a big role in shaping the overall feel, making it worth learning what combinations work best for you.
FAQs About Types of Weed
The three main types of weed are Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Most modern cultivars are hybrids that mix these genetics to create specific effects, flavors, and growth patterns.
Sativa plants are tall with narrow leaves and often produce uplifting effects. Indica plants are shorter and bushier with broad leaves, known for their relaxing, body-heavy qualities.
Cannabis ruderalis is a small, hardy type of weed that flowers automatically. It has low THC levels and is used to create autoflower cultivars that don’t depend on light cycles to bloom.
Hybrid strains are crosses between sativa and indica plants. They combine the traits of both, giving growers and consumers a mix of effects. Hybrids can lean sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or stay balanced.
Pick based on your goals. Go for sativas if you want an energetic feel, indicas for relaxation, or hybrids for a mix of both. You can also choose by aroma, THC level, or growing style.
You can buy premium cannabis seeds directly from Growers Choice Seeds. We carry a full range of sativa, indica, and hybrid cultivars, shipped safely and discreetly to your door.
