What Strains Are Indica?

If you’re new to the cannabis world, welcome! If you’re a seasoned pro, maybe a refresher is in order! You’ve probably heard about strains, so what strains are Indica?

First of all, in case you’re wondering, Indica is a type of strain or variety of the cannabis plant.

Strains or selections of cannabis plants have different chemical compositions and can alter effects for the user. (that’s you!)

A strain’s characteristics can vary from grower to grower too! Depending on the soil, harvesting and processing conditions – the pant will have different cannabinoid and terpene contents.

When finding the right Indica strain for your needs and results, it might be best to learn more about the chemical make up as opposed to the name of the strain or brand.

Where Do Strain Names Come From?

Cannabis is believed to have a long lineage dating all the way back to Central Asia thousands of years ago.

One of the most popular strains is called Hindu Kush – and is named after its origin in the Hindu Kush Mountains. Most strains are named after a location or the grower who cultivated them!

Some of the major differences between strains and names are their flavor profiles.

Cannabis gets its flavor and aroma from oils that it naturally produces called terpenes. Terpenes actually change the way THC affects us when we inhale them.

The buds that come from cannabis plants, even though they are cannabis flowers, are not created equal.

Each plant variety and the buds that come from them have their own unique composition, chemical structure, scent, and effect.

Another example of an interesting strain name is Northern Lights. It is one of the most famous cannabis strains, period.

Northern Lights is a 100% Indica strain, known for its ability to flower quickly and produce loads of resin.

It’s a descendant of Afghani and Thai landrace cannabis strains, so it is literally deeply rooted in history and longevity.

How Do I Know It’s Indica?

There are quite a few common characteristics and effects when you consume an Indica strain – whether it’s by edibles, smoking, or in yummy weed recipes:

• Relaxing and sedative. They’re also great to help reduce pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
• The plants are short and stalky, and the buds are sticky from a high resin content.
• The leaves are usually short and fat.
• Indica strains normally have notes of pine, pepper, lavender, and berries.

Popular Indica Strains

1. Northern Lights – relaxed, happy, and euphoric.
2. Bubba Kush – may help with pain and stress due to its high THC content.
3. Big Bud – known for its full and total body relaxation.
4. Purple OG Kush – great for getting a good night’s sleep.
5. Sensei Star – may help you lose the anxiety and any kind of stress.
6. Grape Ape – super sweet, and packs a punch! Get ready to chill!
7. Blue Cheese – great for an end-of-day toke to relax.
8. Purple Kush – expect immediate feelings of relaxation.
9. Afghani – super sedative! Need to zone out and rest? This is the one.
10. Rockstar – hard-hitting, and uber relaxing.

Of course, there are many more to add to the list and if you have a dispensary nearby, best to ask your budtender for the best strain for the results and effects you desire!

Indica VS Sativa

Sativa strains are typically tall and skinny, while Indica’s are short and fat.

Sativa is generally higher in CBD levels ( you won’t get high from a pure isolate CBD strain) and Indica has higher levels of THC ( gets you high).

The question you need to ask yourself is: how do I want to feel?

If you’re looking for rest, relaxation, better sleep, improved anxiety levels – then Indica is your choice. (knowing that everyone reacts differently, of course)

If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, or to heighten your creativity, focus or energy – then you want to take a look at Sativa strains.

Choosing A Strain That’s Right For You

1. Why do you want to use marijuana?
2. What effects do you desire?
3. Will consuming cannabis support your wellness?
4. How long do you want your cannabis experience to last?
5. Is it recreational or medicinal?
6. How will I consume it? Smoke? Vape? Oil? Gummies? Edible Recipes? or capsules?

Enjoy the exploration process of finding the right strain for you!

There are so many fantastic reasons to use Indica strains and we hope you enjoy the journey.

If you’re looking to start or up-level your canna-cooking game, you may want to start here.

For more recipes like this one, check out our recipe index here.

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As always, happy canna-cooking!