The General Perception

The two major types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa. Each strain has its own effects on the mind and body. Indica strains generally provide a sense of deep body relaxation and can have a wide range of medicinal benefits. Here we discuss everything you need to know about Indica. 

Refresh on Cannabinoids

It’s important to remember that when it comes to the strains of cannabis, the cannabinoids are the primary elements responsible for the effects. Botanists say that there can be up to 144 different cannabinoids in any given cannabis plant, but the two primary cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

When Consumed, What Will Indica Do?

Medicine produced from cannabis Indica plants have higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC when compared to sativa varieties. Indica cannabis is generally the preferred strain for consumption during the evening hours because it’s associated with some of the following effects:

• Increased mental relaxation
• Muscle relaxation
• Decreases nausea
• Decreases acute pain

Indica Effects on the Brain and Body

Our bodies when faced with any sort of pain, inflammation, or stress, release endocannabinoids. Those endocannabinoids then make their way to our endocannabinoid system to try fight those unwanted sensations.

The Cannabinoids which you find in marijuana work the same way as the endocannabinoids our body releases. This makes them able to latch onto the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. 

So far researchers know of two types of endocannabinoids found in our body CB1 and CB2.

CB1 

Can be found in certain areas of the brain where it is involved mostly in various neurological activities and conditions, such as:

• Learning, memory, cognition
• Motor control
• Anxiety and depression
• Appetite and food intake
• Reward and addiction
• Neuroprotection
• Neural development
• Sleep
  

CB2 

Is more associated with the immune system. The cannabinoids found in marijuanna can boost certain signals found in your immune system and also interfere with others. This is why the effects of marijuana can range from a feeling of relaxation and pain relief to a desire to consume cannabis.

How long does it take to feel high?

It all depends on whether you smoke, vape or ingest (edibles) cannabis. When you smoke or vape, the cannabinoids will enter your bloodstream very quickly. When you ingest edibles it can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes before you will feel any effect. 

Every Individual is Affected Differently

While some people swear that there are distinct Indica  effects, others are skeptical if there are any real differences between sativas, indicas and hybrids at all. 

It’s hard to predict the effects of a strain with 100% certainty because every individual, every experience, and every setting are different. There are so many variables when it comes to consuming marijuana that it’s almost impossible to tell if there really are distinct and tangible effects of the different strains. If the same individual smokes the same exact strain at two different times, the outcome can be totally different.

The best way to truly know the effects is to experiment with an open mind. Only then can you understand what works for you and what doesn’t. 

Indica Side Effects:

We all love the effects of weed, but it’s no secret that marijuana can also produce unwanted side effects.

This includes:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Lethargy
• Increased heart rate
• Decreased blood pressure

Best Climate to Grow Indica

Indica plants originate from the dry, mountainous regions of the middle east (i.e. Afghanistan, Turkey, Nepal, and Morocco) whereas Sativa has its roots in equatorial countries like Mexico, Columbia, and Thailand. 

Indica plants are known to handle colder temperatures from desolate mountainous regions  however, they do not grow well in high humidity or anywhere with heavy rainfall. Under the conditions of the middle east mountainous regions, Indica strains tend to finish flowering quickly (7 to 9 weeks), while Sativa can take anywhere from 8-11 weeks to flower.   

Indica plants are popular among home growers because of the shorter flowing periods and higher yield returns. 

What Does the Indica Plant Look Like?

The Indica plant's physical profile is compact, broad with dark green leaves and bushy in appearance. Generally, Indica plants are smaller in height (usually no higher than 6ft.) which is unlike the sativa strain, which can grow to upwards of 10ft.

Indica plants can also be distinguished by their unique smell. They tend to have a strong either sweet or sour nose. Sativas, on the other hand, are generally more fruity or spicy. The difference in smell is the result of terpenes.

Pros and Cons of Indica (Conclusion)

Like we said before, everyone is affected differently when it comes to marijuana, but some common pros and cons are as follows:

Indica Pros:

• Body high
• Cures insomnia
• Chills you out - if you are normally high strung
• Great while watching movies or vegging out 
  

Indica cons:

• Hinders productivity 
• Creates Couch Lock effect 
• Causes munchies 
• Causes cloudy thinking