Not to be confused with hemp, which is the non-psychoactive plant used to make many products, cannabis can be used to cure a number of mental and physical health ailments.

Marijuana, grass, Mary Jane, ganja, pot and weed are just a few of the well-known nicknames for the notorious cannabis flower.

The history that encompasses this forbidden fruit is far reaching, migrating the world for different practices and with different purpose and perception.

The first recorded use of cannabis as a medicinal drug occurred in 2737 B.C., by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung.

Cultivated for more than 12,000 years, this pungent flower has been the subject of illegalization, criminal persecution, spiritual enlightenment, pain relief and an alternative for a natural remedy.

But with the recent passing of Proposition 64, which is the legalization of the substance in California for those 21 years and older.

The once taboo act of smoking marijuana has dwindled from a judgmental silence to a murmur of excitement.

For those who don’t know, there are two popular species of the cannabis plant, Sativa and Indica. Their appearance differs with sativas being a lighter green more tall and thin, while Indicas are darker green, short and bushy. Their effects give a new meaning to day and night, ironically coinciding with the activities done during the day and night.

Sativas are like the Red Bull of marijuana, giving off aromas of sweet and fruity to earthy and peppery. The effects of a sativa high are uplifting and energetic with more of a head buzz that works best for the day time.

Popular strains of sativa like sour diesel, trainwreck and Jack Herer, infused with sparks of creativity and deep thought, keep you alert and focused with a persistent rush of energy and a light euphoric feeling to the body, which might lead to long conversations, physical activity and artistic outlet.

Sativas function as a high that is not too distracting, but invigorating and spontaneous, to help you through your day with a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Besides having the tendency to get your body moving and mind focused, Sativas aid in healing and dealing with some of life’s many issues.

Sativas normally have a higher CBD to THC ratio which creates more of a stimulating effect to help with stress, depression, fatigue and headaches.

CBD is 60 percent cannabinoid without the psychoactive effects.

A cannabinoid is a class of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells that alter neurotransmitters release in the brain.

The list of medical benefits that CBDs provide include an anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants.

To get your day started, sativas are natural alternative to caffeine, without the sluggish come down. Throughout the day it can provide a refreshing outlook and a boost of energy, inspiration and thought.

Popular strains of indicas like Granddaddy Purple, Afghan Kush and Northern Lights all pack that essential indica punch. Indicas are the pillow and blanket of marijuana. Giving off intoxicating fragrances of sweet to savory, they are strong and have a skunk like scent with undertones of deep earth.

The effects of  indicas are filled with deep relaxation and a smoothing body high that puts you under a spell of calming inner peace or  “couch locked” where you can a keep your body in a relaxed state, with a light head high, you may find yourself cuddled up with a dozen cookies, and two bags of potato chips, laughing uncontrollably.

Sativa gives a complete relaxation, coupled with a euphoric body high that leaves you with the perfect night sleep.

Besides providing comfort and a deep trance of calmness, indicas also have a higher THC to CBD ratio, which creates the psychoactive effect that help with sleep, pain and hunger.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, is the psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant which is associated with the “stoned” feeling. This also gives indicas their sedative properties, which is used to treat insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms and nausea.

To end the night, whether after a long day of work or school, or pain relief, indicas provide an alternative to a prescription or over the counter sleep aids and pain killers.

The potency and effects of marijuana will differ from strain to strain depending on the grow. The effects it has varies from person-to-person, and must be handled with responsibility and treated with care.

And always remember thats sativa is for the day and indica for the night.