Discover the Secrets of Relaxing Cannabis Indica Plant
Indica is one of subspecies of cannabis plants. There’s also sativa and ruderalis. Cannabis indica plants are noticeably small and have broad, dark green leaves. In this article, we will talk about Indica effects and usage of Indica and some of best known Indica strains.
What is Indica?
Indica is type of cannabis plant known for its physical and sedative effects, which is popular for use in evenings or for treating chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
Indica originated in Hindu Kush region, which is situated in present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Northern India.
Indica plants can be female and male. In general, indica plants are short and grow up to 3-6 feet (0,9 – 1,8 m), are wide, and have broad leaves.
Their nugs are conical in shape and dense with flowers. They grow best at temperatures of 68-78°F (20-26°C), and they flower for 9 to 12 weeks.
Indica has wide variety of strains, which are all slightly different in shape, size, and flowering time. Some of most poplar strains include Northern Lights and Aurora Indica.
Indica Effects
Most indica strains are very potent and can cause serious couchlock.
This is because they contain high amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), substance that makes you feel high, and high amount of cannabidiol (CBD), which doesn’t make you high but has medical and relaxing properties.
If you wonder whether Indica makes you sleepy or hyper, asnwer is simple.
It depends on person, but most indica dominant strains are downer and will make you feel relaxed in first couple of hits.
You’ll start to feel heavy sensations in your body that will take effect quickly after smoking.
It makes you feel relaxed and sleepier. You shouldn’t be surprised if you fall asleep within minutes after smoking this type of weed.
On top of that, your muscles will become heavier, and you’ll feel desire to relax your body.
Indica strains are used by many people who suffer from chronic pain or fibromyalgia and have sleep problems due to their condition. But not everyone responds same way to this type of cannabis.
Uses of Indica
Since indica contains high CBD levels, it’s not surprising that most medical marijuana is indica.
Medical properties of this plant are well documented and include treatment for chronic pain, spasms, multiple sclerosis, and lack of appetite.
You can consume indica in many ways, like smoking, vaping (indica carts), and eating (indica gummies).
Indica is commonly used for:
- Pain relief: Cannabis indica strains are commonly used to alleviate pain, including chronic and neuropathic pain.
- Anxiety and stress relief: Some strains of indica are known to have calming effects and are used to treat anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Insomnia: indica strains are commonly used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders due to their sedative effects.
- Muscle relaxation: Cannabis indica strains are also used to relax muscles and improve physical comfort, making them popular among people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions.
Indica Compounds
There are hundreds of different compounds in Indica plant. Two most important ones are CBD and THC.
CBD is not psychoactive, which means it doesn’t make you high. CBD does, however, have medical value. THC, on other hand, is psychoactive and makes you high.
CBD in Indicas Strains
Studies have shown that CBD has medical properties. It’s used against stress and anxiety, and pain. CBD doesn’t make you high.
It’s neutral regarding effects on mind, but it can still make you feel better because of its analgesic properties.
It also decreases blood pressure and slows down metabolism. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and lowers risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Results of these studies are mainly based on cannabis strain active principles that are high in CBD and low in THC.
Medical Properties
Indica contains various other substances that have medical properties. Some are used in pharmaceutical industry to make medicine.
- Cannabinoids: Most known medical compounds in Cannabis indica are cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is non-psychoactive and has variety of potential therapeutic benefits.
- Flavonoids: Some flavonoids, such as apigenin and quercetin, have potential therapeutic benefits.
- Terpenes: Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are responsible for flavor and aroma of Cannabis indica. Some terpenes, such as myrcene and linalool, are believed to have therapeutic effects, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and stress relief.
THC in Indica Strains
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is most important cannabinoid. It’s responsible for psychoactive effect you get when smoking weed. More THC, more stoned you’ll get.
THC also stimulates appetite. Both THC and CBD are present in Indica, but ratio of these substances differs per strain.
Delta 9 THC is most well-known psychoactive compound in cannabis. In addition to this, there is also delta 8 THC. This substance isn’t psychoactive but can convert into delta 9 THC in your body.
This process takes place much faster in lungs than in liver, which means you absorb more delta 9 THC when you inhale than when you eat it.
Myth of Indica vs Sativa
Most people have heard of Indica and Sativa, but not all know difference between this two cannabis (maconha) strains.
In this post, we will explain difference between Indica and Sativa weed, so you know exactly what to expect when you buy one of these popular cannabis types.
Indica and Sativa are two of three subspecies of cannabis plants. In fact, Indica and Sativa are not two different landrace species – they’re just different subspecies.
Sativas are head high, while indicas are more physical body relaxing high.
Difference between Indica and Sativa
Indica vs Sativa weed differ in physical characteristics, such as leaf structure, flowering time, and height, as well as their effects on human body and how they grow.
Indica plants are shorter and wider, while Sativa plants tend to be taller and leaner.
Plant’s appearence is not only due to differences in height but also to its branching pattern.
Sativas prefer to stretch out and grow thin as opposed to Indica, which grows more compact and bushy.
Cannabis Indica is native to Hindu Kush region of Middle East, specifically Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Northern India.
It is known for its relaxing and sedative effects, making it a popular choice for nighttime use.
Cannabis Sativa originates from warm climates, such as Central America, South Asia, and Africa, and is known for its uplifting and energizing effects, making it popular choice for daytime use.
Indica grows in colder climates, and Sativa originates in higher altitudes with lots of sunlight.
Flowering time of Sativa and Indica plants can vary depending on strain and growing conditions, but in general:
Indica dominant strains take around 9-12 weeks to finish flowering, while Sativa takes 10-16 weeks to full grown.
This is because Indica genetics are dense and more compact than Sativa, which makes them faster to flower.
Indica effects are “body high,” and Sativa effects are “head high.”
Sativa and Indica strains are not limited to just smoking, they can also be consumed through edibles.
Effects of Sativa-based edibles are generally described as uplifting, energetic, and creative, while Indica-based edibles are often described as relaxing, calming, and sedating.
Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid
Today, most indica strains have been hybridized with Sativa to create different effects and resistances.
Some of best medicinal strains are cross between Sativa and Indica. Cross between Sativa and Indica is called hybrid.
Hybrid strains are usually 50/50 Indica/Sativa or Sativa-dominant hybrid and Indica-dominant hybrid.
For example, Sativa-dominant hybrid strain may have an uplifting effect, while Indica-dominant hybrid may be more relaxing.
While Sativas and Indicas share lot in common, each has its own unique traits.
When you mix two different strains, you’ll end up with hybrid that shows combination of best traits of both sides and mixed balanced effect of mind and body.
Best Indica Strains
Here are some of best indica strains you’ll find at Dutch Seeds Shop. These are the best cannabis seeds if you’re looking for potent, relaxing effects.
Most poplar Indica-dominant Hybrids
Here are some of most potent Indica-dominant hybrid seeds we offer at Dutch Seeds Shop:
Purple Kush Indica
Breeders from Oakland, California, bred Purple Kush by crossing Hindu Kush with Afghani Purple.
Purple Kush seeds are indica-dominant hybrid strain with THC levels of up to 21% and CBD of less than 1%. Plant grows medium in size and has purple-colored buds.
Flavor of Purple Kush is mix of sweet flavors of berries and grapes. This strain is perfect for night use as it provides relaxation and calming sensations.
Medical users can use Purple Kush to combat stress, pain, insomnia, fatigue, and appetite loss. This strain has rich history of winning Cannabis Cups.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple, or GDP, is one of first true Indica dominant strains.
It’s been around for long time and has won numerous price in cannabis cups. GDP seeds are great strain for beginners because it’s easy to grow and has manageable height and flowering time.
Plant is covered in purple leaves that match rest of plant’s color. Plant buds are coated in THC crystals that smell like grape bubblegum.
Smoke from Grandaddy Purple will give you strong body high with heavy cerebral effects that will leave you feeling relaxed and happy.
Aurora Indica
If you’re looking for potent indica that grows easily, then look no further than Aurora Indica seeds.
In just 9 weeks, this strain will be ready for harvest, which makes it great choice for beginners or those with busy schedules.
It’s also suitable for colder climates because of its short flowering period.
Despite its short life cycle, this strain is high in yield and produces large buds with high THC levels.
Super Skunk Seeds
Super Skunk seeds are potent Indica-dominant strain developed by Sensi Seeds.
One of best indica strain for beginners and experts alike is Super Skunk. This strain is highly potent and can be used to treat different medical conditions like chronic pain and nausea.
Taste of this strain is sweet with hints of spice. Effect of this strain provides strong body high that makes you feel relaxed, calm and happy.
Most Popular Pure Indica Strains
Dutch Seeds Shop is best place to start if you’re looking for potent pure indica. Here are some of most popular pure Indica seed we offer at Dutch Seeds Shop:
Afghan Kush
Afghan Kush seeds are one of most popular pure Indica strains, which is excellent for relaxation.
Flowering time for this strain is only 9 weeks, making it one of fastest indicas.
Taste of Afghan Kush is earthy and sweet with hints of spice. Effect-wise, expect a feeling of complete calm and relaxation to wash over you as high THC levels kick in.
Northern Lights Auto
Northern Lights is legendary Indica strain that every marijuana cultivator knows.
Northern Lights autoflower seeds originates from Northern Lights and Ruderalis.
Since its discovery, Northern Lights has become an even improved strain thanks to different breeders continuing work on it and stabilizing genetics.
As one of most famous indica strains, Northern Lights still gets plenty of praise from marijuana users and remains one of best-selling strains ever.
Northern Lights has THC levels ranging from 12% to 15% and CBD levels of 0.1%.
FAQ
Here are most frequently asked questions about indica and their answers:
What does Indica do to you?
Indica weed is typically associated with a body high that will make you feel relaxed.
This can be great to use before going to bed or as a way to relax after hard day.
Indicas are often used for muscle tension and spasms, as well as for chronic pain relief.
Does Indica make you feel sleepy or hyper?
Answer is both – It depends on strain you choose; however, most of time, smoking indica will make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
Is Cherry Pie Indica or Sativa?
Cheery Pie is hybrid of 75% Indica and 25% Sativa.
This strain combines fruity aromas of its Sativa genetics with dense, fruity flavors and sedative effects of Indica.
While it has both Sativa and Indica influences, its effects are more like Indica dominant – with a powerful body high that takes over whole body.
Is Blue Dream strain Indica or Sativa?
Blue Dream is Sativa-dominant hybrid of 60% Sativa and 40% Indica.
Effects of Blue Dream are balanced, happiness, and relaxation.
Is Sour Diesel Indica or Sativa?
Sour Diesel is Sativa-dominant hybrid. It is 70% Sativa and 30% Indica.
Is OG Kush Sativa or Indica?
OG Kush Auto is 50/50 hybrid of Indica and Sativa.
What is Ruderalis?
Ruderalis is third cannabis wild specie.
Cannabis ruderalis has an unusual ability to initiate flowering no matter what the season is.
This helped it survive harsh winters of cold places like Siberia, where this subspecies naturally grows.
Is Pineapple Express Indica or Sativa?
Pineapple Express is Sativa-dominant hybrid with 60 Sativa/40 Indica ratio.
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