Indica Strains 101

Pure indicas are rare due to so much crossbreeding over the years. Indica-dominant hybrids are typically labeled as indica.

A tale as old as time. You just smoked a joint and now you’re glued to the couch. Eyes and limbs become heavy. Next thing you know, you just finished sleeping through that movie you’ve tried watching 100 times. 

That’s the indica effect. At least, that’s the claim. These strains tend to be heavy hitters and have high amounts of THC. Just a few hits can put you out like a light, so be careful when and how much of this you consume.

Some fan favorite strains around the world! (according to leafly)

Ice Cream Cake
Zkittlez
Northern Lights

Common Effects

As previously stated, indicas are said to have the ability to put you to sleep. This is because it gives you a body high. It has a relaxing effect. This effect is often referred to as “couch lock” because you won’t be able to leave the couch.

You may even be able to pinch yourself and realize that you don’t feel much pain. Which is another everyday use for this type of cannabis. Pain. Take a look at the graphic for more info about indicas!

*Disclaimer: Understand that none of these effects have actually been fully confirmed through clinical studies. This is mostly anecdotal evidence from what others have experienced! Effects may vary from person to person.

How to combat “couch lock”

If you thought you could fight the effects of an indica, and lost, then this should help. There are a few ways to avoid getting stuck on the couch and slipping into a deep sleep. 

Hydrate with cold water – our bodies get groggy and tired when we are dehydrated. Cold water is also shown to produce adrenaline without the crash of caffeine

Coffee or caffeinated beverage – if cold water didn’t do the trick, then caffeine should. At least for a few hours. Coffee and weed are a classic combo.

Limit your intake – know your limits when smoking or consuming. Microdosing is a great option when trying to stimulate your senses without some of the negative effects of weed.

Take CBD – a CBD product can help offset the extreme highs that can come from THC

Embrace it – sometimes there is no fighting couch lock or it is too late to consume caffeine. Enjoy the moment. 

Best time to smoke

Indicas tend to be best for evening or nighttime consumption based on their sedating nature. You can unwind and throw on a show or some tunes. Even meditate! Indicas and meditation mix well. 

Now, don’t get it twisted. They can still be great daytime strains, as long as you don’t have much to do! Or if you have mastered the science of micro-dosing. Either way, enjoy it responsibly.

Plant Structure

Indica plants are smaller than their sativa counterpart. Because of this, they tend to be a lot bushier. The buds are wide, dense, and bulky with dark green, bushy leaves. 

These are a fan favorite for indoor grows due to the lower height needed. They also produce a high amount of buds in a relatively short time. Sometimes in as little as 8 weeks. Indicas originally needed to flower quickly because of their origin in Asia. The climate was cold and dry and the plant needed to spread before the winter.

The Truth about Indicas

We stated this in the sativa 101 article, but please note that not all indica strains will make you tired. All sativas won’t make you energetic either. Rather, a lot more goes into the makeup of each strain that includes different percentages of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.  

Body chemistry plays a role as well. In fact, everyone reacts differently to every strain. No one person is alike. Trial and error is your best friend in finding what strains you enjoy most!

Overview:

  • Pure, 100%  indicas are rare to find
  • Body high that can leave you feeling tired (couch lock effect)
  • CBD or cold water can combat couch lock
  • Night time is typically the preferred consumption time
  • Great for indoor growing due to short height and fast flowering 
  • NOT ALL INDICAS MAKE YOU TIRED