“I like sativa, I don’t want to fall asleep” is something I often hear from people looking for the right strain to smoke. The general public perception of indica is one that gives you “couch lock” while sativa gives you energy. However, this is often not accurate. Some indica strains may make you feel energetic while some sativa strains may totally space you out. Why is this?
The effect of a strain has to do with the terpene and cannabinoid content, not whether the plant grows stringy, leafy branches or is short and compact. Because everything is very hybridized in the current market, many traits have been crossed back and forth.
The other important consideration is that traditionally, most bud you get around here is old. Most other vendors get last years “light deps” and even their best indoor is usually 6+ months old. As cannabis ages, THC breaks down to CBN. CBN a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for “couch lock” and heavy eyelid effects. Almost anything that is old is going have much more pronounced “indica” effects than the fresh buds.
This is why I try to more accurately describe each strains effects in the descriptions and on the boxes - you may find an “indica” that’s perfect for you, and visa versa.