Also known as “on the couch”, this cannabis strain gives you more body high (rather than a “heady” high) and leaves you more relaxed. Oddly enough, indica strains tend to have a lighter THC concentration than sativas, even though they produce a more “high” sensation. Most of the time, Indica plants will have lower THC and higher CBD, and Sativa plants will have lower CBD and higher THC. The preference of regular cannabis users has changed this distinction in some way.
People have developed preferences for higher THC in each plant, which changes their proportions. So how do indica-dominant strains get their reputation for producing a “closed couch” feel? This is probably because, for the most part, indica-dominant strains have higher levels of the terpene called myrcene. But it's not well understood why sativa-dominant strains get a reputation for being uplifting. The effects of body high are the result of the CBD content in the herb.
Indica strains also contain THC, so you're likely to feel a head high in addition to a body high. If you want to avoid a head high, look for a strain with a low THC content. You can also ask about CBD products that don't contain THC. While the ratio of CBD to THC can vary between different types of strains, pure indica strains have a higher amount of CBD, so they contain more relaxing and calming properties.
Unlike Indica strains, Sativa was not hidden in the mountains, but has always grown in places with a lot of sun, such as in sunny areas of Europe. Part of this tradition is that Indica is said to have higher concentrations of CBD and lower concentrations of THC. These are generally known as hybrids, but the result is that even many strains that are indica and sativa have a hybrid nature. Indicas are often associated with whole-body effects, such as increasing deep relaxation and reducing insomnia.
Cross-fertilization of the ruderalis type with indica and sativa was only successful later. So instead of thinking in terms of sativa, indica, or hybrid when it comes to the effects of a strain, start thinking about the THC-CBD spectrum. Some of the most popular Indica strains are Northern Lights, Critical Mass, Purple Kush and Granddaddy Purple. These are the real factors contributing to the alleged relaxing or sedative effects of Indica.
If you're new to the cannabis community, you might want to start with a strain that has a 50-50 ratio of Sativa to Indica. Nobody smokes an indica joint and decides it's the best time to clean the upholstery or address the problem of mold in the bathroom. Indicas also have a reputation for giving you cravings and relieving physical aches and pains. But first, let's take a look at some of the different effects that indicas and sativas are famous for.
All strains available in a dispensary are truly a hybrid; some are more indica-dominant and others are more sativa-dominant. This is most likely due to the fact that indica cannabis contains a higher amount of CBD, a cannabinoid associated with these therapeutic effects.
