From a scientific standpoint, THC/CBD content and method of consumption are the only things that make a notable difference. To my knowledge there hasn’t been any opportunity for real double blind studies yet, but I’m fairly certain that even the most seasoned users would not be able to readily discern a sativa from an indica if they have the same THC/CBD content.
THC/CBD content
I thought this was the purported difference between the strains, which is responsible for the supposedly differing highs?
There are so many strains available now that you can get basically whatever THC/CBD ratio you want in either cultivar or a hybrid. Lots of people will argue either that the terpenes are responsible for differences or just an unquantifiable “something else”. The cannabis growing community has a ton of bro-science involved since there hasn’t been a lot of opportunity for real scientific research.