Looking Beyond Indica and Sativa: The Future of Cannabis

Hello, Planted Faithful!

Alex Martin, the Marketing Director here at Planted Provisioning back again, and while I’ve talked before about my role behind the scenes, today, I want to focus on my roots—pun intended—in cannabis cultivation. My journey began all the way back in 2008, when the cannabis industry was still a far cry from what it is today. In 2013, I moved to Michigan to become a caregiver, fully immersing myself in the medical marijuana program. By 2018, my focus shifted to cannabis propagation, where I played a part in preserving some of Michigan’s most well-known cultivars, including the legendary Oreoz and Secret Weapon. These strains became famous not just for their potency but for their rich, diverse terpene profiles.

Which brings me to an important topic: the outdated and limiting practice of buying cannabis based on the “indica,” “sativa,” or “hybrid” labels. These categories are everywhere—dispensaries, online menus, product reviews—but here’s the thing: they don’t tell you much about the experience you’re going to have. In fact, these labels are relics from a time when we had much less scientific understanding of cannabis. They describe the physical characteristics of the plant, not the effects. The truth is that the real drivers of your cannabis experience are cannabinoids and terpenes, not whether a strain is indica or sativa.

Let’s be honest. How many times have you purchased a “sativa” expecting an energetic, creative high, only to feel sluggish? Or picked up an “indica” to help you sleep, only to find yourself wired at 2 a.m.? The problem with relying on these labels is that they oversimplify a complex plant. Recent research shows there’s little chemical difference between many strains labeled indica or sativa. The effects are determined by the levels of THC, CBD, and most importantly, terpenes—the compounds responsible for a strain’s smell, flavor, and, yes, its effects.

Terpenes like myrcene and limonene have much more to say about whether you’ll feel relaxed or energized than any sativa or indica label ever will. For instance, myrcene is known for its sedative properties, while limonene often delivers an uplifting, energizing high. So why aren’t we seeing more emphasis on terpene profiles when we purchase cannabis?

As cannabis enthusiasts, we need to start demanding better information. This means asking cultivators and processing facilities to conduct terpene testing. It’s time to stop relying on outdated labels and start embracing a more scientific approach to cannabis consumption. Here at Planted Provisioning, we’re leading the charge. Our updated product catalog will soon feature detailed cannabinoid and terpene profiles for every strain we carry (if this data is available), giving you the tools to choose based on what really matters.

The next time you’re shopping for cannabis, look beyond the indica, sativa, or hybrid labels. Ask about terpenes. Think about how the chemical makeup of the plant can shape your experience. The future of cannabis isn’t in broad categories—it’s in the details, and it’s a future we’re excited to help you explore.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and as always, we encourage you to:

“Keep Your Head High”