Smoking indica

Are you searching for an all-natural way to unwind after a tough day? If so, you’ve got to look into indica hemp strains! Unlike cannabis sativa plants, indica cultivars are reputed for their soothing and sedative qualities. Indeed, indica hemp strains are so relaxing that many smokers only use them late in the day. While indicas aren’t great to take before going to work, they might “work” wonders on conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Plus, since hemp strains don’t contain more than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there’s no chance Cannaflower’s indicas will cause the “mind fog” associated with marijuana. Anyone who wants clear-headed stress relief can’t afford to pass on the indica info below.

Indica vs. Sativa Hemp – Is There Really A Difference?

Anyone with a basic understanding of cannabis has probably already heard about the “indica vs. sativa” distinction. While there’s some debate over the accuracy of this classification system, many cultivators still believe it’s the easiest way to differentiate strains of cannabis. 

In terms of effects, indica cannabis plants are always linked with mild sedation, while sativas offer a euphoric “head-rush” sensation. Unsurprisingly, you’ll often hear experienced smokers recommend scheduling sativas early in the day and savoring indicas before bed.

But it’s not just the effects that separate indicas from sativas. In fact, the primary reason botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck created the “indica” category was to distinguish its growing patterns from sativas.

Lamarck noticed that certain cannabis strains coming from the Kush mountains on Pakistan – India border had a smaller size than sativa variants. If you were to see an indica plant’s low stature and densely packed buds, you could understand why Lamarck argued for this category. In addition to their short height, indicas also have a “short” growing period of about 8 – 9 weeks.

By contrast, sativa strains take a long time to grow (about ten weeks), and they grow, well, long! It’s not unheard of for sativa strains to reach 10 feet tall. Buds on sativa-heavy strains also tend to be airier than indicas, making them more susceptible to mold. 

Although hemp hybridization blurs the lines between these categories, many farmers still cling to the indica vs. sativa distinction. True, the indica-to-sativa percentage won’t tell you everything about a strain, but it’s a great place to begin your research.

Could Terpenes Enhance An Indica’s Effects?

At this point, we don’t know what causes the distinctions between indica and sativa strains. However, some scientists believe terpenes may explain why these strains have such different effects on users. 

For those who don’t know, terpenes are the smelly compounds responsible for each hemp strain’s flavors. Terpenes certainly determine hemp’s aromatic properties, but new research suggests they may also have physiological effects. Some scientists suggest indicas and sativas evolved unique terpene profiles, which may account for their different impacts.

For instance, the terpene myrcene is typically found in indica strains. Interestingly, myrcene may have a sedative effect on smokers. By contrast, some sativa strains have the woodsy terpene alpha-pinene. Unlike myrcene, most users report alpha-pinene has a stimulating effect that’s best enjoyed early in the day.

Since terpenes seem to play a significant role in influencing a strain’s effects, we always recommend reviewing Cannaflower’s third-party results before buying a bag of buds. Knowing the average terpene percentages could give you a great preview into your chosen strain’s effects and aromatics. 

For more detailed info on how terpenes influence hemp strains effects and side effects, be sure to check out this previous Cannaflower post.

Things to consider

The two main types of cannabis, sativa and indica, are used for a number of medicinal and recreational purposes.

Sativas are known for their “head high,” an invigorating, energizing effect that can help reduce anxiety or stress and increase creativity and focus.

Indicas are typically associated with full-body effects, such as increasing deep relaxation and reducing insomnia.

Although research examining these effects is limited, it appears these plants have more in common than previously thought.

Many in the cannabis industry have moved away from the terms Indica, Sativa and hybrid and started classifying the different “strains” or, more correctly, “chemovars” as:

• Type I: high THC
• Type II: THC/CBD combined
• Type III: high CBD

More and more, the cannabis industry is moving away from the term “strains” and using chemovars (chemical varieties) instead, since the word “strain” is often used to refer to bacteria and viruses.

What should you look for to understand strain effects?

The often-applied rule of thumb is that sativas are more invigorating and energizing, while indicas are more relaxing and calming — but it isn’t really that simple.

Individual plants produce varying effects, even among the same type of cannabis. It all depends on the plant’s chemical composition and the growing technique used.

Oftentimes, the plant types are broken down into specific chemovars, or breeds.

Chemovars are distinguished by their individual cannabinoid and terpene content. This “cannabinoid profile” will provide the user with the best information to help them determine which chemovar is best suited for them.

Relying on names does not provide the user with the necessary information to pick the correct profile. These compounds are what determine the chemovar’s overall effects.

Indica in-depth

• Origin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
• Plant description: Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds.
• Typical CBD to THC ratio: Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD, but the THC content isn’t necessarily less.
• Commonly associated effects of use: Indica is sought after for its intensely relaxing effects. It may also help reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
• Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is better consumed at night.
• Popular strains: Three popular indica strains are Hindu Kush, Afghan Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.

Legality

Cannabis isn’t legal everywhere. A few years ago, all cannabis products were illegal in most parts of the United States. Today, many states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, or both.

CBD laws are also evolving. Some states allow it for medicinal purposes, but they heavily regulate the source in order to prevent THC-laced CBD products.

Before you attempt to purchase or use cannabis, you should know the laws for your state.

Keep in mind that cannabis is still illegal under federal law. If you don’t know the laws where you are, you could face legal consequences.

You may be subject to different laws if you live outside of the United States.