What is Indica?
In the marijuana community, strains are generally organized into three main categories: indica, sativa and hybrid. For consumers who have ever bought weed from a dispensary (reminder: practice forbidden in France!), they're bound to have noticed that every strain on the menu has been assigned to one of these distinct groups. This is because cannabis plants in each category not only share physical and taxonomic properties, but their flowers (also known as "buds") each produce a different "type of high" (= effect).
Although little research supports these distinctions - due to its illegal federal status in some US states, relatively little research exists on cannabis in general - these categories are widely accepted in the marijuana community and date back to the 18th century.
The cannabis indica as a plant species was first identified by French naturalist and biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785 . Lamarck published a description based on plant specimens he had found in India. According to Lamarck, the plant is distinguished by its short, firm stature and bushy appearance. The indica leaf tends to be broad. Cannabis sativa, on the other hand, tends to be tall and wiry. Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are the two main subspecies of the cannabis plant, while hybrid simply describes plants that have been crossed by both.
The cannabis indica plant is also known for producing comparatively higher yields, denser buds and pungent aromas. Native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, it has adapted to harsh climates and early weather conditions by growing faster, flowering earlier and producing thick layers of protective resin. Since exposure to colder temperatures can turn a cannabis plant's flower (or buds) purple, if you come across a purple weed, chances are it's a indica variety.
What are the effects of Indica?
Indica strains are known to produce a "body high", leaving you physically relaxed and even sleepy. Marijuana enthusiasts often describe it as producing a "couch-locked" sensation, and use the expression "in-da-couch" to remind themselves that indica effects are best enjoyed on the couch (preferably in front of movies!). Most people prefer indica effects in the evening.
In contrast, sativa strains produce an energetic "head high", better suited to creative or physical activities, and are generally enjoyed during the day. Hybrid varieties are a cross between indica and sativa, producing a high that combines a little of both properties.
Patients treated with medical marijuana (in countries that have legislated: for the record, not France!) also often use these specific strain categories to treat various illnesses and conditions. They are commonly used to treat insomnia, chronic pain or loss of appetite. Again, more research is needed, and many researchers believe that other factors, such as CBD / THC ratios, are more important in determining potential medical uses. Yet scientific literature shows that indica tends to have higher CBD content than sativa, and sativa tends to have higher THC content.
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