Indica strains are known for their full body effects, providing a deeply relaxed and sedated feeling. They are also popular for medicinal use, helping to ease symptoms of chronic pain, stress and insomnia.

Learn more about Indica strains and their potential effects on your mind and body here.

What are Indica Strains?

Indica strains of cannabis are an Indica-dominant cannabis plant that have full body effects, making them popular for relaxation and stress relief. Indica strains are often recommended to help with insomnia, muscle spasms and chronic pain. Usually, they induce sleepiness, physical relaxation and a sense of calmness.

Indicas tend to have higher levels of CBD compared to Sativas, making them great for those seeking the medicinal benefits associated with cannabis without the intense psychoactivity that comes from the high-THC content found in many cannabis Sativa strains.

Popular Indica strains include Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, Afghan Kush, Blueberry Kush and Skywalker OG. Each cannabis strain has its own flavour profile and terpene content offering something unique to each user.

When it comes to medicating or treating specific ailments or conditions, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different people respond differently to different combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the many different cannabis strains available.

Indicas have a reputation for providing an overall sense of relaxation and calmness, making them a great choice for nighttime use or when dealing with stress or anxiety issues. As such, they are often recommended by medical practitioners to those looking for relief from insomnia, chronic pain, or nausea. Additionally, many users report feeling creative and uplifted after using Indicas, making them great for creative endeavors or simply unwinding after a long day.

Examples of Indica Strains

Some popular examples of Indica strains include:

• Northern Lights: One of the most popular Indicas. Northern Lights is known for its distinct piney aroma and relaxing effects
• G-13: This strain provides an intense body high, making it a great choice for those dealing with chronic pain or insomnia
• Blueberry Kush: A sweetly flavoured strain, Blueberry Kush offers users both physical and mental relaxation
• Granddaddy Purple: Granddaddy Purple is beloved for its grape flavour and potent sedative qualities. It’s perfect for kicking back after a long day
• Afghan Kush: Afghani kush has been around since the 1970s and is one of the best-known pure Indica strains. Users report feeling deeply relaxed, happy and sleep-inducing effects
• White Widow: White Widow is a powerful hybrid that’s great for calming anxiety and stress. Its intense cerebral high will leave you feeling uplifted and energised

These are just some of the most popular strains available on the market today. Medical professionals should be familiar with the different effects of these strains and may be able to recommend a strain most suited to your health conditions.

What are the Effects of Indica Strains?

The typical effects of cannabis Indica strains include deep relaxation, sedation, and a sense of physical heaviness. Medical users generally find Indica strains are more helpful for dealing with pain, reducing inflammation, and stimulating appetite. People who struggle with insomnia or anxiety may also benefit from the strong calming effect Indica can produce.

The main effects of Indica-dominant strains include:

• Relaxed feeling
• Increased appetite
• Pain relief
• Sedation
• Sense of physical heaviness

Indica is also known to provide more “body highs” than Sativa, which tend to be more cerebral in nature. These relaxing effects are why many people use Indica before bedtime for better sleep and pain relief. Some medical marijuana patients prefer Indica because of its strong sedative effects, which can help reduce anxiety, inflammation and pain.

Indica cannabis plants are generally shorter in stature than Sativa cannabis strains, with wide leaves and an overall bushy appearance. Indica-dominant hybrids typically have a more “Indica” look to them - short, wide, and oftentimes with dark green foliage. The buds tend to be dense and sticky as well!

Overall, Indicas provide powerful relaxation effects that can lead to a deep sleep or couch-lock feeling for some consumers. Although not as stimulating as Sativas, many enjoy the relaxing properties Indica brings - as it may be suitable for unwinding after a long day or treating uncomfortable conditions like chronic pain or insomnia.

Indica VS. Sativa Strains

The effects of an Indica strain tend to be more physical, whereas the effects of a Sativa strain are more mental. Despite having different looks and providing various effects, both types of cannabis can provide relief for a variety of conditions

When it comes to Sativa and cannabis Indica debate, it is important to recognise that there is no definitive answer as to which one will work best for you or your condition - as everyone responds differently. However, here are some general characteristics associated with each type - Indica strains are more sedative, providing a relaxing and calming high that’s good for people suffering from insomnia or chronic pain. Sativa strains are known to be more uplifting, providing a boost of energy and creativity which can help those who suffer from depression or anxiety.

The differences between these two strains mean that it is important to consider how you want to feel when considering cannabis – whether you’re looking for a relaxing or stimulating experience.

When selecting Indicas vs. Sativas, medical professionals will think about the effects that each offers, process your personal data, and consider which is most likely to give you the desired result. It may also be helpful to experiment with different strains such as a hybrid strain to find the best Indica strains for you, as some people respond differently depending on their individual chemistry.

Indica Strains in Australia

In Australia, medicinal cannabis is available as a prescription from a doctor or specialist. Medicinal cannabis products are generally classified according to the content of active ingredients (cannabinoids) such as THC and CBD, and whether they contain Indica or Sativa strains.

Indica strains tend to be higher in the cannabinoid CBD than THC, providing more calming effects rather than psychoactive ones. Some common indica-dominant medicinal cannabis products available in Australia include Bedrocan, Bedrobinol, Elixinol, Cannatonic and Sativex. These products can be used for a variety of conditions including chronic pain relief, neuropathic pain relief, muscle spasticity management, seizures, and cancer symptom relief.

In Australia, medicinal cannabis is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This means that products must meet certain quality standards. For example, they must be produced in clean and safe facilities, contain the correct ratios of THC and CBD as prescribed by a prescriber or pharmacist, and not contain any contaminants. In addition to this, medicinal cannabis products need to be approved by the relevant state health authority before they can be sold.

Medicinal cannabis can also only be accessed via prescription by a medical professional. After a thorough assessment, the doctor will decide whether medicinal cannabis is an appropriate treatment for the patient’s specific medical condition. In addition, it must be prescribed in accordance with relevant state laws and regulations.

Indica Strains FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions concerning indica strains of cannabis.

Which indica strain is best?

The best indica strain will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is important to consider the cannabinoid profile of each strain as well as its potential side effects and interactions with other medications or supplements.

Can indica strains be used for medical purposes?

Yes, many varieties of indica cannabis can have medicinal benefits. Indica strains can be used for a variety of ailments, including chronic pain relief, neuropathic pain relief, muscle spasticity management, seizures and cancer symptom relief. However, it is important to speak with your doctor before using cannabis medicinally as it may interact with other medications you are taking.

Is an indica an upper or downer?

Indica strains can provide a range of effects, depending on the terpene profile. While they are often known to produce more of a body-relaxing and sedative effect, others may be more stimulating or uplifting. It is important to research each strain you purchase in order to understand how it will affect your body and health conditions.

What is the most common indica strain?

The most common indica strain is Afghani. This strain is known for its earthy, sweet taste and aroma, as well as its strong body-relaxing effects. It is a good choice for those who suffer from chronic pain or insomnia due to its sedative qualities.

Are indica strains legal in Australia?

Indica strains can be a great choice for those seeking relief from stress or anxiety. They have many different effects, depending on the strain, but generally produce a sedative-like body high that helps to relax and unwind. Indicas also often have powerful pain relieving properties, making them ideal for treating chronic pain or nausea.

Additionally, some users report feeling creative after using indicas, so they can be useful for creative pursuits as well. When choosing an indica strain with a medical professional, it’s important to consider your desired effect and know the THC and CBD levels (when available) of the strain you are purchasing. This will help you and your healthcare practitioner find the best indica for your needs.