What is Indica? Understanding the Cannabis Species

You may have heard that indica strains and products are best for nighttime use, or that you’ll nap for hours after consuming them. That’s not always the case. The term “indica” doesn’t describe the cannabis experience, but it’s often used that way. Here’s what you need to know about indica cannabis strains and products before you shop.

What is indica?

Cannabis indica is a species of plant in the Cannabaceae family first classified by Jean Baptiste-Lamarck in 1785, a few decades after the classification of Cannabis sativa in 1753.

Cannabis indica is native to regions in the Middle East and southern Asia, such as the Hindu Kush mountains. There are various cultivars, or strains, of Cannabis indica plants, each evolving under different conditions. The result is that each strain has its own genetic makeup and compound profile, which causes slightly different effects when consumed by humans.

The indica phenotype: What the plant looks like

Oftentimes, you will hear the term indica used in connection with specific effects, but that’s not entirely true. Experience is related to the genetic and chemical makeup of the plant, called its genotype. When we use “indica,” we’re describing the plant’s phenotype, or what it looks like.

Most pure Cannabis indica plants tend to grow in a short and squat manner, appearing like bushy shrubs. The branches of an indica plant tend to be close together, and the leaves are known for their thick, broad pattern. Compared to their sativa cousins, indica plants tend to grow more slowly during the vegetative stage of their lifecycle.

Why do people associate indicas with relaxing effects?

Consumers often associate Cannabis indica plants with relaxing, calming, and even drowsy effects. However, this generalization shouldn’t be strictly relied upon.

Indica strains are reputed for their relaxing effects because of their more balanced THC-to-CBD ratios, which tend to result in a mellow body high compared to the more common “heady” effects of Cannabis sativa plants. Additionally, indica strains tend to be especially high in terpenes like myrcene and linalool, known for their relaxing effects that may help consumers drift off to sleep.

Which effects are indica strains most known for?

Due to their reputation as deeply relaxing and sleep-inducing, indica strains are often sought out for nighttime consumption. Some of the most common therapeutic applications of indica strains that consumers report are:

• Promoting restful sleep
• Pain management
• Stimulating appetite
• Non-migraine headache relief
• Muscle relaxation

Consult with your doctor before adding cannabis of any kind to your wellness routine, especially if you’re using prescription medications.

5 famous indica strains

These five Cannabis indica strains are pure indicas that evolved naturally, making them known as “landrace strains.”

1. Hindu Kush

Hindu Kush originates from the mountainous border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, characterized by its deep, earthy aroma and robust, resinous structure. This pure indica strain typically exhibits pronounced levels of caryophyllene and limonene. Traditional hash-making cultures have long prized Hindu Kush for its dense, sticky buds and profoundly relaxing effects, which induce deep physical sedation and mental tranquility.

2. Afghani

Afghani is renowned for its classic indica genetic characteristics, emerging from the rugged northern Afghan provinces where cannabis has been cultivated for generations. This strain typically demonstrates significant levels of relaxing terpenes like myrcene. Its effects are characterized by profound physical relaxation, deep muscular relief, and a powerful sedative experience.

3. Mazar-i-Sharif

Mazar-i-Sharif, named after the Afghan city in the northern Balkh province, represents a quintessential pure indica landrace with deep genetic roots in Central Asian cannabis cultivation. This strain typically exhibits substantial concentrations of caryophyllene and linalool terpenes. Its effects are consistently described as deeply sedating, providing comprehensive physical relaxation and a profound sense of mental calm.

4. Tashkurghan

Tashkurghan, emerging from the remote mountainous regions of northern Afghanistan, represents a lesser-known but genetically significant pure indica landrace. This strain typically demonstrates notable levels of myrcene and limonene terpenes. Tashkurghan is renowned among traditional cultivators for its profoundly relaxing effects, inducing deep physical sedation and a meditative mental state that mirrors its harsh mountainous homeland.

5. Chitral Kush

Chitral Kush originates from the remote Chitral region of northwestern Pakistan, a geographical area renowned for its complex cannabis biodiversity. This pure indica strain typically exhibits significant concentrations of caryophyllene and myrcene terpenes. Its effects are characterized by profound physical relaxation, muscular relief, and a deeply sedative experience that embodies the genetic resilience developed through centuries of high-altitude cultivation.

Using indica as a starting point for buying cannabis

When you’re looking for a cannabis product for a specific purpose, it may be helpful to start by considering whether a product is indica or an indica-dominant hybrid — but it’s far from the only step you should take. If you know you want something that produces a relaxing body high, you may want to begin your search with indica cannabis products, but treat this only as a jumping-off point.

Take these steps to better determine if a product is right for you:

• Examine the entire compound profile. This includes the cannabinoids and terpenes found within the strain or product. It’s the combination of these compounds that determines how a cannabis product is likely to affect you, not just whether it is indica or sativa.
• Cannabinoid ratios. Similarly, many indica strains have moderate THC potencies but also considerable amounts of CBD relative to sativa varieties. The result is a more balanced experience that deepens that “body high” feeling provided by the terpenes mentioned above.

All products sold at Curaleaf dispensaries are labeled, so you can see which compounds are present and in what amounts. As you get familiar with the most common (and even some uncommon) compounds, you’ll be better suited to make educated buying decisions based on your needs and preferences. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, don’t be shy. A Curaleaf associate will be happy to walk you through the menu.

Explore indica products at Curaleaf

Whether you’re looking for pure indica or indica-dominant cannabis products, Curaleaf is bound to have something for you. Or, if you’re looking for something else, our wide-ranging inventory is sure to please. Check out our online menu for a Curaleaf location near you, or visit one of our stores to discuss your options with an associate.