
Sativa plants traditionally contained higher levels of THC and THCV (a cannabinoid that has been studied for its effects on focus and appetite suppression). It is often a more desirable daytime experience. In today’s market, sativa is known for a more stimulating “cerebral” experience that can promote feelings of creativity, suitable for social situations and artistic endeavors. These plants have more extended veg periods of 10-16 weeks and produce less dense buds than indicas. Researchers believe that sativa plants adapted their thin leaves to reduce transpiration and ensure good aeration on hot days. The plant was nutritious and contained low levels of THC.Ĭannabis sativa originates near the Equator in warmer and drier climates with long sunny days, such as Jamaica, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and humid tropical regions in Southeast Asia. Where indica buds group around the nodes, sativa flowers are found in and along the stalks.Ĭannabis sativa was identified in Europe 32 years before the discovery of the indica variation in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, the “father of modern taxonomy.” Its tall thin leaves made it a good source of solid fibers similar to the cannabis ruderalis variation that we know and use today as hemp. It has tree-like branches that expand and grow upwards with long narrow leaves giving the plant a much more open and aerated appearance. The cannabis sativa subspecies is much taller than its indica counterpart. If your dispensary has a wide selection of hybrid strains only, you can often find the desired indica effects by seeking out chemovars rich in the terpenes myrcene, linalool, and caryophyllene. These genetically pure strains can be challenging to find on dispensary shelves. Some users report more intense side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and paranoia after smoking an indica strain.įamous indica strains include but aren’t limited to: Whatever the combination, the blend of cannabinoids and terpenes typically found in indica strains provides effects many medical cannabis patients turn to when dealing with conditions like insomnia, chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, and panic.īecause of its potential body-heavy effects, consumers often consider indicas to be “nighttime” strains best avoided when the goal is to feel more uplifted or energized. They also tend to generate higher levels of terpenes like myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene. Indica plants have traditionally produced higher levels of cannabinoids like CBD and CBN. Cannabis marked indica often offers consumers more of a body high. Indica “in-da-couch” is a popular reference to indicate that items labeled indica suggest that they might provide a more relaxing, sedating effect. In modern settings, like your local dispensary, the term ‘indica’ describes a strain or product’s possible psychoactive effects. These regions have a dry climate till October when the monsoon season brings high humidity causing early flowering before the autumn rain.Īs cannabis has evolved, so have the terms used to describe it. These conditions possibly explain the cannabis indica plant’s high volume of resin production since the resin would be the plant’s form of protection from the cold environment.Ĭannabis indica refers to all cannabis varieties from dry regions of south and central Asia, like India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Turkey South, China, and Pakistan. It is believed that cannabis indica plants originated from the Hindu Kush Mountains, where the plant adapted to the cold climate. This plant’s features differentiated it from the already known Cannabis Sativa variation. In 1985 biologist and academic Jean-Baptiste Lamarck collected samples from cannabis plants found growing in India. The indica plant’s high resin content make it ideal for hash production.Ī more in-depth definition of the cannabis indica plant dives deeper into its origin.

They typically only grow between 2-4 ft tall indoors (taller outdoors). These plants have dark green leaves that are short and broad to help minimize water loss. Cannabis Indica plants have many branches, and their buds weigh more, giving the plant a dense appearance.

Indica refers to the plant’s physical properties. Cannabis Indica is one of three subspecies of the cannabis plant, along with cannabis sativa and cannabis ruderalis.
