What You Need to Know About Cannabis Indica

Marijuana is a term used to call a family of plants and is divided into two distinct types: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants. Canna indica seeds are seeds from Cannabis indica plants. Canna indica has a distinct appearance, effects, medical effects, side effects and growing needs from its Cannabis sativa sibling.

In general, Canna indica has the following characteristics:

·         These are small plants with short statures

·         These plants have broad leaves

·         These plants have shorter flowering times.

·         Indica plants are suitable for places with colder climates and in regions with shorter seasons

The origin of the word

The terms indica and sativa were used in the 18^th century to describe the two different species of cannabis: the Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.

Sativa was first used by Carl Linnaeus to describe hemp plants in Europe and in western Eurasia. Sativa was initially grown for its strong fiber and for its seeds.

Meanwhile, the term Cannabis indica was first used by Jean-Baptise Lamarck to describe the psychoactive effects of weed in India. Cannabis indica was cultivated for its seeds, fiber and for making hashish.

The weed that cannabis lovers consume comes from Cannabis indica but usually, both terms (Sativa and indica) are used to refer to the many strains that are found in the market today.

The appearance of cannabis indica plants

Canna indica plants are small with broad leaves. These plants have compact structures and will usually grow only up to a few feet high. The size and appearance of Cannabis indica plants make these useful for growing cannabis stealthily indoors.

If cannabis growing is prohibited in your area but you still want to grow your own supply at home, canna indica is your best choice. Canna indica plants may be cultivated inside a small space. These plants will thrive and grow well even in very small places like tents, cabinets and grow boxes. 

The effects of cannabis indica

Canna indica strains generally have strong, relaxing effects but to actually understand these, you need to find out why indicas are relaxing and why sativas are stimulating.

According to experts, it is not enough to label indicas as relaxing and sativas as stimulating. There are factors that determine the effects of a certain strain like the chemical profile of the strain, a person's unique biology, the personal tolerance of a person, the dose and how the weed was consumed.

Canna indica plants may have a higher THC and lower CBD or a lower CBD and higher THC. THC and CBD are just two of the hundreds of cannabinoids present in cannabis. These two chemicals are the main indicators of a strain’s therapeutic or recreational effects.  THC and CBD balance each other out and naturally when a strain has high THC, it will have low CBD and vice versa.

The cannabinoids

There are hundreds of chemical compounds, each with their own effects. These are led by cannabinoids and terpenes. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol can make you feel hungry and euphoric. It relieves pain as well as nausea. CBD or cannabidiol is a compound that does not produce psychoactive effects which can reduce anxiety, inflammation, pain, and other medical conditions. 

Experts advise users that instead of choosing an indica or sativa strain, select from these three groups instead:

·         High- THC or THC-dominant strains

THC – dominant strains are for consumers who are looking for a strong euphoric experience. These are for patients who need help for pain, anxiety, insomnia, depression and so many more.

If you are not comfortable or you feel anxious when taking high THC strains then you should switch to strains with a higher CBD.

·         High-CBD or CBD-dominant strains

This type has more CBD and less THC. Because of this, you can gain relief for a variety of conditions like pain, stress, depression, and anxiety minus any psychoactive effects. This is used by people who are quite sensitive to THC or those who want clear-headed symptom relief.

·         Balanced  THC/CBD strains

These strains contain small amounts of THC and have mild euphoria with symptom relief. It is a good choice for people new to using cannabis and for someone new to the usual cannabis high.

Both sativa and indica strains can have different cannabinoid profiles. Some people believe that high CBD levels can lead to sedation and that CBD levels are higher in indica plants but this is not actually the case. 

Experts reveal that there is likely more CBD in sativas but there is no systematic rule regarding this.

What are terpenes?

Canna indica plants also come with terpenes. Similar to aromatherapy, terpenes can invigorate your senses and body resulting in mind and body relaxation. Terpenes are basically aromatic components of weed and are also found in lavender flowers, hops, pepper, and oranges.

Terpenes are secreted by glands that secrete CBD and THC. When you smell berries, pine, diesel, citrus or flower smell in your weed, terpenes are at work here.

Similar to oils that are vaporized using a diffuser, terpenes from cannabis can make users feel sedated or stimulated depending on the type of terpene that was produced. Just some of the most common terpenes are pinene, a terpene that causes users to become alert and linalool that makes users feel relaxed. There are hundreds more so be sure to familiarize yourself as you try different canna indica strains.

And whether a strain is an indica or sativa does not determine the aroma and effects of a strain but you will surely notice a consistency with the different strains available.  So when you consume canna indica and sativa strains, try to distinguish which strain has relaxing terpenes or which one has stimulating terpenes.

The medical effects of cannabis indica

Your biology, the consumption method and the dosing of canna indica determines its medical use. Have you ever used cannabis before or canna indica before?  If you have a low tolerance for cannabis then consider a low-THC or high-CBD strain. You may also use high- THC strain but in small, moderate doses.

Are you susceptible to the side effects of canna indica? If so, you should consider a high CBD strain. Do you want a strain with long-lasting effects then consider canna indica in edible form for a lasting high. Indicas have a lasting positive experience. But if you want something quick-acting then inhaling canna indica or using a tincture works best.

If you have a positive experience with indica strains then this might be the type of strain for you. But there’s no reason not to try other strains and check out canna sativa strains! There are too many strains waiting for you.  

Canna indica is useful for the relief of insomnia. The relaxing effects can end sleeplessness and help users wake up fresh and ready for a new day. It is also a strain for pain. It can deal with pain conditions like headaches, muscle pains, muscle strains, chronic pains, and surgical pain. The strong analgesic effects of canna indica strains can help you stop the pain and compared to synthetic analgesics, canna indica can stop the pain with little to no side effects or dependence.

Side effects of canna indica

Just some of the common side effects of canna indica include dry eyes and dry mouth if the strain has elevated THC levels. You may also experience headaches, restlessness, and anxiety especially when you consume indicas in higher doses. You may also experience paranoia especially when you are new to using canna indica.

How to grow canna indica plants

Because of this strain’s size, indoor growing is a good choice. The plant has a small structure but has broad leaves, therefore, you must consider pruning your plants to improve its yields. Canna indica plants will grow well in healthy, well-aerated soil so the best choice would be a sandy-clayey soil mix. This soil will absorb more water and nutrients plus will drain excess nutrients and water from the soil as well. Sandy clayey soil will also permit oxygen to move to the roots of the plants.

Because canna indica plants are small with large leaves, these should be pruned to improve lighting, air circulation and to prevent the growth of molds and mildew. Mold and mildew grow where there’s moisture and therefore these can grow in soil and inside dense flowers. To prevent this, use a quality dehumidifier and water your plants only when the soil is dry and high.

Some canna indica strains are easy to grow while some could be challenging. Some are immune to pests and molds while some are not. But don’t take any chances; always be diligent and check your plants for any pest. To remove pests like spider mites, grasshoppers, crickets and the like, use natural products and pesticides.

Use neem oil. water and other natural methods. If you are going to use neem oil, do not spray it in the buds since neem can affect the taste and smell of the buds. Most canna indica strains have large, thick buds with good yields. Protect your buds from molds and pests and you're ready for an impressive yield to come harvest time.