What is meant by Indica?
Have you ever thought about the difference between Indica and Sativa? The smell of both of these is the same and both of these also look similar. So, you would think that they would also come with the same effects. Indica and Sativa are the two distinct species that belong to the similar family of cannabis. But, both of these are distinctively different.
These are having exceptional intoxicating effects, and growing characteristics. These are also used for different medicinal purposes. Having a better understanding of variations can make all the differences for people who are suffering from different problems. The reason is that they can stay informed about which strain is better capable of curing their problems.
Initially, the name Indica basically referred to the geographical area in which the plant was grown. Cannabis Indica strains have mainly originated from India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Northern Pakistan during the 1970s. These were particularly from the Hindu Kush mountain range. However, as the awareness about the plant has become more widespread. It has become more common to grow these in greenhouses around the world.
History of Indica
A French naturalist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, in 1785 has published a description of a species of cannabis. He has given it a name that was cannabis Indica. The reason was that he found it grew in and around India. His description was based on the newly named species on the specimens of the plant that he has collected in India.
Jean-Baptiste has described Indica as relatively conical, short, & densely branched. Meanwhile, he described Sativa as sparsely branched and tall. Later, as Lamarck and other naturalists have done their studies further. They have found that Indica plants were also capable of flourishing across other parts of Southern and Western Aisa.
Difference Between Indica & Sativa
Indica & Sativa both strains have diverse cannabinoid compositions on a chemical level. These have the balance of other phytochemical compounds as well such as flavonoids and terpenes. Usually, Sativa strains show a higher THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) content and lower CBD (Cannabidiol). Meanwhile, Indica strains usually comprise a higher CBD content and a lower amount of THC. But, we should be thankful for breeding. You can find both Sativa and Indica strains with varying CBD and THC concentrations.
CBD is one of the major cannabinoids you will find in cannabis plants. On the other hand, THC is a psychoactive element found in these kinds of plants. While CBD and THC play a crucial role in shaping the effect. Other naturally occurring substances also play their part in the production of these distinct characteristics. For instance, more than 120 varying terpenes you will find in cannabis are eligible for mixing and matching.
The balance and concentration of these can lay a huge impact on the high produced by a special strain. CBD is the second most crucial cannabinoid after THC that you will naturally find in cannabis. It also does the modification of the way in which THC interacts with the body. Sativa usually affects the mind and it is good for creative thought. Meanwhile, Indica used to do a production of a more body-centred, stone effect.
Growing Attributes of Indica
Usually, Indica cannabis strains are bushy and shorter in height than Sativa strains. The leaves of these are fat and are of dark-green color. It is because of the higher amount of chlorophyll. On contrary to Sativa strains which usually grow lengthy and tall, Indica strains used to grow between 2-6 feet tall. These do the production of around 1.5 to 2.5 ounces per plant. Typically Indica comes with higher levels of THC percentage than the Sativa counterpart.
The buds of the Indica strains tend to be dense, bulky, and wide. Meanwhile, Sativa strains are generally long, sausage-shaped flowers. These are also having a shorter flowering period than Sativas. This is the reason that it is better to grow these in a greenhouse or indoors.
Higher ratio CBD strains are developed from Indica origins in the current era of cannabis breeding. It maintains the balance between THC and CBD, but these can go as high as a ratio from 22:1 CBD:THC.
Effects of Indica
Most often Sativa strains are having a strong and uplifting head high that is good for work and concentration. Meanwhile, Indica is popular for doing the production of a more body-centered effect that is better for the treatment of issues such as anxiety. Most often Indica ‘high’ referred to as “body buzz”.
In addition to an effective treatment for an anxiolytic and insomnia, it comes with beneficial properties such as pain relief. CBD and THC play a crucial role in shaping the effect. On the other hand, other naturally occurring substances also play significant roles in the production of these distinct characteristics.
Medical Advantages of Indica Strains
Indica strains are ideal for those people who are in search of treatment for some symptoms. These symptoms are muscle spasms, appetite stimulation, sleeping issues, anxiety, nausea, and chronic pain. The reason is the higher levels of CBD present in these.
Indica strains can assist in some more complex diseases such as multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea, insomnia, lupus, and fibromyalgia. There are numerous benefits in these diseases from the effects of this strain. Cancer patients after their chemotherapy treatments get special benefits from nausea and pain relief from medicating with Indica.
Unfortunately for the past 30 years Indica strains have been bred and selected for their high levels of THC. The result of this was CBD being nearly bred absolutely out of the plant. Until recently, most of the strains are containing less than 1% CBD.
We should be thankful that there is being more researches. Scientists are rediscovering the advantages of cannabis particularly CBD. The trend is going to get reversed by numerous growers who are having their focus on CBD-rich strains. And that also for medicinal advantages instead of searching for a high from the THC.
