If you are new to smoking marijuana, be it for recreational or medical use, you might have heard the words “sativa strain” and “indica strain” tossed around. If you’re confused as to what those mean, don’t worry. Read on and learn about the differences.

Sativa

The leaves of a sativa plant are taller and narrower than its counterpart. Strains of sativa affect the brain and give you more of a head high, helping you to feel more relaxed and at ease with the world. Good for depression and anxiety, sativa is also thought to boost creativity (think writing, painting and adult coloring books) and help you concentrate better. Some of the best-rated sativa strains include ACDC, Maui Wowie and Super Lemon Haze.

Indica

The body is affected when smoking a strain of indica flower. Indica relaxes the muscles and helps you feel chill and at peace. Smokers jokingly refer to indica as “in ‘da couch,” so it’s a great sleep aid and natural muscle relaxant if you’ve recently had surgery. The plant grows shorter and stockier than its sativa sister, smelling a little skunkier too. The best strains for an indica smoker include O.G. Kush, Pineapple Kush and Royal cookies.

It can be confusing as a new stoner, but knowing the difference between the two strains can help you understand what you’re getting and how it will affect you and your body.