Cannabis Indica

There are more than 1000 variants in the cannabis subspecies, one being Indica marijuana, which is a strain that primarily comes from Eastern Europe and various Asian countries. The purest form of Indica’s natural history comes from The Himalaya/Karakorum vicinities and the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s brought Indica to the Western world. Whilst exploring Asia and interacting with local growers, the hippies obtained the Indica seeds and brought them back to the US and Europe for cultivation. Strains were grown in isolated areas so there are distinct differences found in Indica strains even if they are grown in different valleys in the same area.

Characteristics

Indica plants are generally shorter, bushier, and are generally shorter in stature with broader leaves when compared to Sativa.  The short differences between the plant nodes ultimately dictate how tall the plant will grow.  As the leaves are compact, they have a short flowering period of approx. 45 to 60 days and are fairly quick to grow.

Cultivation

Indica cannabis is ideal for indoor and outdoor growth.  When grown indoors, most growers use the sea of green method, termed SOG, to make the growing time shorter.  This flowering period is really fast thereby perfect for new growers as they can harvest their plants quickly before their plants are infested with pests or diseases.

Outdoor growth is as advantageous as the indoor way, as it is also short and suitable for growing on your patio.  The flowering time is generally in Spring being mid-September or mid-October.  Indica is generally resistant to bugs however they do not react well to mould which attacks the buds and fungus can set in when it rains or when there are high humidity levels.

Indica is generally considered a lower quality than the Sativa strain.  Indica has a very pleasant and sweet scent whilst other strains have a more earthy and spicy note. Hashish production uses the Indica strain as they produce greater quantities of resin.

Indica Effects

Indica tends to leave people feeling so relaxed that they barely rise from the couch (couch-lock) hence this strain is best taken at night after returning from work.

Indica strains usually cause sedative and narcotic effects. One feels stoned, which is why Indica is generally not suggested for people that are going to work or operating heavy machinery. Certain strains may take effect instantaneously and this can cause you to fall asleep after a few tokes.

Medical conditions such as stress, eating disorders and anxiety, to name a few, are treated with the Indica buds and resin. One thing to take note of is that you will feel incredibly hungry (the munchies) when smoking this strain. Indica comes in thousands of various strains of which some will make you feel happy and relaxed, others will induce sleepiness, and some will have the opposite effect when bred as a hybrid with Sativa.

Indica Strains

Indica marijuana is the favourite amongst hardened cannabis users and people that use the phrases “loud” or “bomb” are usually referring to a strong Indica.

Northern Lights is the favourite strain amongst seasoned users and its influence can’t be mentioned enough. Northern Lights originates from Afghanistan and is known to have sticky buds that emit a pleasant herbal aroma.

Grandaddy Purple has a distinctive purple flower, which sets it apart from the normal varieties and was created in 2003. It is famous for its startling, deep purple bud which has amazingly sweet aromas. The nickname “purp” is widely known in the cannabis community.

Blueberry is short for “DJ Short’s Blueberry” the well-known cultivator who promulgated this strain with strong Afghani and Thai roots. It has a compact cluster of green buds intermingled with purple and red hues. The smell and taste are similar to that of the blueberry fruit and this strain gives a happy, relaxed feeling and bodes well for an evening nightcap.

Forbidden Fruit always offers the most beautiful plant of all strains with a brilliant purple flower. The buds are covered with cottonlike orange hairs, with a tropical aroma. The effects of Forbidden Fruit are generally lighter than other purple strains, giving a relaxed euphoric feeling.

G-13 strain has to be mentioned as being the “loch ness monster” of the cannabis world.  It is said to stem from an experiment when all Indica’s in the world were bred together.  This strain usually results in a feeling of hunger and makes you feel relaxed and sleepy.