Indica, sativa, and hybrid are some of the most common words you’ll see at a dispensary. But what do they actually mean, and do they matter when you’re choosing a THC drink? Here’s a simple breakdown.
What Do Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Mean?
These terms started as ways to describe how cannabis plants grow and look:
- Indica plants are traditionally described as shorter and bushier, with broad leaves.
- Sativa plants are traditionally described as taller and thinner, with narrow leaves.
- Hybrid plants are a cross between the two. Today, most cannabis on the market is some kind of hybrid.
Over time, the labels also became shorthand in dispensaries for how a strain might feel. That’s where things get less clear.
What the Research Says
Recent studies suggest the indica and sativa labels don’t reliably tell you what’s in your cannabis. A 2022 study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that strain names and labels often don’t match a product’s actual chemical makeup. (Source: CU Boulder Today)
Another study from Dalhousie University and international partners found that the indica and sativa labels didn’t line up with the plants’ genetics. (Source: Dalhousie University)
In other words, the label on the jar or can isn’t a guarantee of how a product will feel. How you respond to cannabis depends on the amount of THC, your tolerance, and other personal factors.
Do Indica and Sativa Matter in THC Drinks?
For most THC drinks, the number that matters most is the milligrams of THC on the label. Many cannabis beverages are made with THC oil or distillate rather than whole flower, and some use oil from a rotating mix of strains.
That’s true for Keef. Our Classic Sodas are made with CO2 oil from a rotating variety of hybrid strains. So instead of choosing by strain type, we recommend choosing by dose and flavor.
What About Other Cannabinoids?
Some drinks pair THC with minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, or THCV. Keef’s Life H2O line, for example, includes Blueberry Lemon with CBN, Strawberry Kiwi with CBG, and Cranberry Lime with THCV. Learn more about these ingredients in CBN, CBG and THCV Drinks.
How to Choose a THC Drink
- Start with the dose. Check the milligrams of THC per serving and per container. Our THC drink dosing guide explains how.
- Start low and go slow. If you’re new, begin with a low-dose drink and give it time. See How Fast Do THC Drinks Work?
- Pick a flavor you love. Root beer, cola, orange, grape, citrus energy or a sparkling water: there’s a Keef drink for every taste.
- Ask your budtender. Dispensary staff can tell you what’s available in your market and how each product is labeled.
Never drive or operate machinery after consuming THC.
Where to Buy Keef THC Drinks
Keef THC drinks are sold through licensed dispensaries in select markets, and you must be 21 or older to purchase. Product availability varies by market. Use our store locator to find Keef near you, or browse all products.
Looking for hemp-derived THC drinks that ship to your door? Keef hemp drinks ship to eligible states from keefbrandshemp.com. You must be 21 or older to purchase.