Cannabis Indica  

There is perhaps no more contentious discussion in cannabis than what makes a plant an Indica. French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, the first European botanist to classify this type in 1785, received his samples from India and dubbed the plant Cannabis Indica in recognition of that fact. 

 

Conventional wisdom holds that Indica strains produce a laid back, relaxing high,  Most Indicas are a rich source of the cannabinoids THC, CBD and CBN. While Cannabis Sativa often produces a higher proportion of THC compared to its other cannabinoids, Cannabis Indica often contains significant levels of all three. 

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Another factor in why indica works the way it does is its terpenes. Also known as terpenoids, these compounds are what give plants their flavonoid and aromatic properties. For those who enjoy rubbing on a bit of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil, the scent that uplifts or calms is due to that plant’s terpenes. While terpenes create different scents, they also affect the body in different ways. Myrcene, for instance, is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory that has a relaxing, sedative effect. Pinene is another anti-inflammatory terpene that, like CBD, helps counteract the effects of THC. Geraniol is a terpene that researchers believe may be helpful in treating neuropathy.

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The cannabinoids in indica-dominant strains of marijuana likely work in combination with the terpenes to create various effects in the body. As more research is done, scientists and doctors will better be able to isolate each chemical and understand how they work—both individually and as a cannabis chemical “entourage.”

 

Generally speaking, Cannabis Indica is a more compact, thick-stemmed bush than its cousins, usually reaching a height of less than two metres. The foliage is generally a dark shade of green, some examples appearing to have almost blue or green-black leaves. These leaves are composed of short, wide blades. Indica plants tend to be shorter, with broader leaves and a shorter flowering time. Sativa plants tend to be taller, with narrow leaves and a longer cycle from seed to harvest. 

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Cannabis Indica strains are cultivated almost exclusively for their medicinal and psychoactive properties, and may be the most commonly used medicinal marijuana strains. Cannabis Indica’s firm stem and thin bark make it unsuitable for fibre production. Many indica-dominant marijuana strains have extremely high levels of THC. Because THC is known for causing an increased heart rate and sometimes even anxiety, this fails to explain why indica strains can still cause users to feel sedated and relaxed. That’s because THC is only one part of the puzzle; it works in concert with other cannabinoids that can help mitigate its stimulating effects.

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Cannabis indica is useful for much more than insomnia, however. Strains that are indica-dominant are excellent for the following conditions:

Pain

Indica marijuana strains work well to reduce pain levels. They’re especially helpful for people with chronic pain who wish to avoid taking opioid painkillers over the long term. Indica-dominant strains are excellent treatments for people with painful conditions such as cancer and fibromyalgia.

Muscle Relaxer

The indica body high means that it is an exceptional muscle relaxer or antispasmodic. It’s a helpful treatment for those with diseases like multiple sclerosis—diseases that cause painful muscle spasms. Because the effects of marijuana kick in fast when it’s smoked or vaporized, this makes it an effective way for patients to get quick relief.

Headaches

Indica’s pain-relieving properties make it a wonderful headache remedy, particularly for people who suffer from migraines. Cannabis can be a helpful alternative for patients who have failed to respond to pharmaceutical headache medications or who cannot tolerate the side effects from those types of drugs.

Anxiety

Due to their calming effects, indica-dominant strains are highly suggested for those who deal with anxiety and panic attacks.