Indica

What is indica?

Indica is a strain of cannabis that’s best known for its calming effects. This sets indica marijuana strains apart from sativa strains that are known to be stimulating and uplifting. Indica was first named in 1785 by French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.

What Is Cannabis Indica?
Indica is one of the two primary types of cannabis plants. Unlike sativa, indica creates a relaxed, sedative effect often described as a “body” high. By educating themselves about the differences between indica and sativa, consumers are better able to customize their high.
To fully understand marijuana strains, it helps to know a little history. The name “indica” first came from Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French naturalist. In the late 1700’s, hemp (a plant that’s non-psychoactive) was grown in Europe. There, it was harvested and used to make things such as fabric for ship sails. These hemp plants were known as “cannabis sativa.”
In 1785, Lamarck discovered that there was a different kind of cannabis plant growing in India—one that created a euphoric high when smoked or consumed. He wanted to differentiate these intoxicating plants from the European hemp plants. Lamarck gave the Indian plants the name “cannabis indica” in order to set them apart.
Today, cannabis sativa is still the name of the species of low-THC plant from which manufacturers create hemp fiber, hemp seed oil, and other such products. However, it’s also now used to refer to the high-THC species of cannabis sativa that produces flowers that are known for their hallucinogenic “head” high.
Set apart from both of these in name and effects is cannabis indica, also known as the “sleepy” strain of marijuana.

Indica Effects
Because the indica body high can be quite intense, it’s advised for those who are inexperienced with marijuana to be cautious when consuming indica marijuana strains. Some indica strains are incredibly strong and can produce such extreme relaxation that they cause a condition known as “couch lock.” When this happens, the person is so high, woozy, and sedated that they find themselves completely unable to get up and move around until the effects begin to wear off.
While an indica body high may be unwanted during the day, this makes them very helpful strains to consume at night. Indicas are very popular among those with insomnia.
Effects that are commonly felt during a indica high are:
Relaxation
Sleepiness
Sedation
Appetite stimulation
Heaviness/“couch-lock” sensation

Medical Benefits of Cannabis Indica
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.