There are two primary types of cannabis plants: indica and sativa. They provide different effects, so it’s important to understand each one and how they differ. You can read all about indica vs. sativa in this article, but today, we’re going to focus specifically on cannabis indica. We’ll talk about indica’s effects, benefits, THC content, and more.
Cannabis indica is known for its relaxing effects (versus the energizing, uplifting “head-high” of cannabis sativa strains).
If you talk to a budtender about the effects of this cannabis strain, they will likely use some of the following phrases when describing this type:
Some users even compare indica to a cup of chamomile tea, producing a “body high” that can help to relieve the tension in your muscles.
For that reason, some people use indica strains to relax after a busy day or to help deal with stress from a chronic illness. Heavier indica strains help some people to fall asleep easier.
Okay, now that we’ve discussed its effects, let’s step back and talk a bit more about what indica is. Then we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about it.
Cannabis indica comes from the same plant as sativa but. However, it has some distinct features:
As we discussed above, indica strains are known for their full-body sedative effects. Indica is often preferred by people looking to relax or who need a better night’s sleep. Those suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, or muscle spasms also turn to indica because it helps them recuperate by allowing them to rest easier.
Indica produces high amounts of resin, probably as a result of protecting itself against the cold, dry climates it grows in (think the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, etc.). The resin content is perfect for those who are looking to make hash.
This strain has many flavor profiles, ranging from rich earth and sweet musk to grape, berry, and other dark fruits.
Most indica strains contain more cannabidiol (CBD) than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although it still contains significant amounts of THC.
CBD is a cannabinoid known for its medicinal properties and lack of psychoactive effects. This chemical compound is largely responsible for Indica’s immersive and sedative high.
This is one of the main reasons why indica produces the “body high” that it’s known for.
These strains of cannabis have a high THC content, which is why they work so well for pain relief and as a sleep aid.
The high THC content can also help to reduce or relieve the following conditions:
Because it is so helpful for reducing those symptoms, it is often used by people who need help managing the following conditions:
Indica strains are also popular with people who suffer from cancer, as it helps them to manage the pain and nausea associated with treatments like chemotherapy.
Another point worth noting is that indica is known to increase the user’s appetite, which can be helpful for people who have difficulty eating otherwise.
Indica strains are known for their “couch lock” effect. In other words, indica can put the user in a state of relaxation or sedation so extreme that they need to sit or lay down. Couch lock can be helpful for people who need rest, but it can also lead to dampened motivation.
Furthermore, indica can have a depressive effect. So if you’re struggling with depression or low mood, you may want to talk with a budtender first to see which indica strain is least likely to affect your depression.
There are many different strains of indica available. Each specific strain has slightly different effects and properties than the next.
A few of the most popular cannabis indica strains include:
Aside from feeling indica’s effects, you can identify cannabis indica in two ways:
Below, we’ll talk a bit more about indica’s buds and aroma to help you identify it.
The flowers of the indica plant form in thick groups surrounding the female plant’s nodes. They’re more solid than the sativa flowers and weigh more, too.
The indica plant’s leaves and stems are broader and thicker than those of the sativa plant. Indica buds also tend to produce more side branches than their sativa cousin.
The leaves of the indica bud favor a dark shade of green. However, some indica strains appear to have almost a blue or green-black tint to the leaves.
While sativas often smell sweet and spicy, indica typically has an earthy, musky, skunky odor to it. This is largely due to the fact that Indica’s terpene profile contains high amounts of myrcene, which is responsible for the strain’s relaxing effect but also its musky smell.
However, it does smell like grape, berry, or other dark fruits in some cases, depending on the exact strains.
There are various ways to use any strain of medical marijuana. Each method will provide you with a different effect, and you can use them for different conditions.
Here are some delivery methods
Vaporization: Vaporization is becoming popular and offers you a healthier alternative to smoking.
Tinctures/Cannabis Oil: These are marijuana concentrates you can add to food or drinks or consume on their own.
Sprays: You can also use tinctures in the form of sublingual sprays. The cannabinoids are extracted using ethanol alcohol and used to create a marijuana-alcohol solution, which you spray under your tongue using a pump.
Topical creams: You apply these products to your skin. They don’t contain any psychoactive properties, which makes them ideal for first-time cannabis users. These aren’t as popular as other products but are still extremely helpful for individuals experiencing pain and inflammation.
Edibles: Edibles are cannabis-infused foods. They are a bit tricky to acclimate to, as they take a couple of hours to take effect after you consume them.
Smoking: Smoking is one of the most popular methods of cannabis use, as it provides an almost instant effect.
Whether you’re looking for indica, sativa, or some kind of hybrid strain (indica-dominant or sativa-dominant), Marijuana Doctors can connect you with everything you need. We’ll help you find a licensed, qualified doctor for your initial consultation.
We have hundreds of dispensaries listed in our directory where you can buy your cannabis products, and they have professionals available 24/7 to provide detailed information and answer any questions.
We can aid you in finding a dispensary or connecting with a certified marijuana doctor today. The right doctor can provide you with your recommendation for medical weed if you qualify. You should also sign up for our newsletter so you can stay informed about everything and anything to do with medical marijuana. Reach out to us today.
