Effects of Indica Weed: What Does Indica Do to You?

Cannabis indica is one half of the dynamic duo that makes up the majority of cannabis strains available today – its other half being cannabis sativa.

Originating from the mountainous regions of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, indica has developed unique characteristics to survive in harsher climates. The result is a tough, short, and bushy plant with broad leaves.

Most importantly, though, a plant with a unique chemical profile that gives indica its distinctive set of effects. 

But what does indica weed do to you, exactly? Let’s find out!

Key Points

For those in a hurry, here’s a set of key facts about indica weed properties:

• Cannabis indica is a relaxing strain, with its variants offering mostly sedative and soothing effects.
• Indica owes its calming properties to a higher concentration of CBD, which makes up most of its cannabinoid profile. 
• Indica weed is often used to promote better sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate physical discomfort, and stimulate appetite. 
• How indica weed makes a user feel depends on the strain, individual factors (e.g., weight, tolerance, well-being), and dosage.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CANNABIS INDICA IN OUR IN-DEPTH GUIDE 

A Quick Introduction to Cannabis Indica

Before we begin explaining the effects of indica weed, let’s quickly remind ourselves of some key information about this miraculous strain. 

More precisely, its chemical profile. 

Side note. For those wishing to learn more about indica’s origins, we covered this in our detailed article about indica weed. 

Okay, with that out of the way, let’s talk more about the chemical compounds that provide cannabis indica with its properties. We present you cannabinoids. 

A word of explanation: cannabinoids are the main compounds present in cannabis plants. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). 

THC is responsible for stimulation, and CBD is responsible for soothing effects. The easiest way to explain them is that THC makes you high and CBD stoned. 

In general, indica strains have a higher CBD-to-THC ratio than their sativa counterparts, which is why indica weed is associated with calming and relaxing properties with less potent psychoactive effects.

What Does Indica Weed Do? 

Like other cannabis strains, indica weed provides users with both mental and physical effects. Let’s go through them one by one:

Physical Effects 

The higher CBD concentration makes indica weed effects more body-centered. It offers potent sedative effects, which is why many users refer to indica as ‘in-da-couch.’ We don’t think we need to explain this further.

But there’s more to indica’s physical effects than sedation. 

Its higher CBD content can also help manage pain, making it a popular choice for people suffering from chronic pain conditions and muscle spasms. 

In addition, Indica strains may stimulate appetite, turning even the most mundane meal into a culinary masterpiece in your mind.

Mental Effects 

Beyond its physical effects, indica weed also comes with a magnificent range of psychological properties. For starters, its potent combination of cannabinoids can induce a sense of deep relaxation and mental calmness, which is excellent for managing stress or anxiety. 

Some users also report experiencing euphoria and increased sensory awareness. Colors might seem more vibrant, music more resonant, and emotions more intense (that’s THC in indica speaking). 

Possible Side Effects

While incredibly beneficial, indica weed does come with some adverse side effects that may impact the overall experience. 

For example, some people might experience feelings of paranoia or increased anxiety. It’s like being at an epic party but suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the crowd and noise. 

Dry mouth and eyes are also common side effects – so keep some water and eye drops handy. 

All things considered, the best idea to avoid those adverse effects is to practice moderation. Don’t try to be brave and take higher doses straightaway. 

Start small and go slow. Take your time to explore your cannabis tolerance and find your sweet spot. 

Use of Indica Weed in Medicine

The magic of cannabis indica isn’t limited to improving one’s mood and creating a sense of relaxation. Indica weed has also been widely used in medicine, offering several scientifically proven medical benefits. 

And while more research is needed to 100% confirm indica’s positive influence on one’s health, both mental and physical, it’s already commonly used to support the treatment of the following conditions:

• Pain Management: Higher concentrations of CBD provide indica strains with more potent soothing properties, with indica weed being often recommended for managing chronic pain and inflammation. 
• Anxiety and Stress Relief: In a world filled with stress and anxiety triggers, indica weed steps in as a soothing balm, inducing a state of calm and relaxation that can potentially help manage anxiety and stress disorders.

• Epilepsy and Seizure Control: Studies suggest that CBD, present in high concentrations in Indica strains, could help manage seizures, particularly in treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy, reducing their frequency and alleviating their impact. 

• Insomnia Treatment: Cannabis indica and its higher CBD content have been lauded for their potential sleep-inducing properties, helping those with sleeping disorders, such as insomnia, sleep better. 

Also, an important note: while the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis indica are promising, it’s crucial to remember that research is still ongoing.

You should also remember to consult with your doctor about whether adding indica weed to your treatment is safe.

What Impacts Cannabis Indica Effects? 

One last thing we’d like to remind you of is that how indica weed affects you is an individual matter. Several factors impact indica’s effects, including:

• Strain Variation
  Not all Indica strains are the same. Each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that contribute to its specific effects. Some indica strains may have higher levels of certain cannabinoids like CBD, which can influence the overall experience.
• Dosage
  How much indica weed you consume matters a lot. Lower doses usually produce mild effects, with higher often leading to more pronounced and potentially sedative effects. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it can help you find your optimal level. The dosage may vary depending on the strain potency, so be careful here.
• Tolerance
  Individual tolerance to cannabis varies. Regular cannabis users may develop a tolerance over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Conversely, individuals with lower tolerance may be more sensitive to lower doses.
• Consumption Method
  It’s not just how much cannabis you take. It’s also how you take it. Smoking or vaporizing, for example, tends to produce faster effects than edibles, which have a slower onset but can be more intense and last longer.

Other factors, such as combining cannabis with other substances or medications, can also significantly affect the experience. Your overall health also plays a crucial role. 

Therefore, once again, please be careful and always consult your doctor if it’s safe for you to take cannabis. 

Final Word

In the grand scheme of things, cannabis indica can be a great ally, offering us its miraculous calming and therapeutic effects. Whether you’re seeking physical relief or a mental escape, indica is there, with its arms wide open, ready to welcome you into its tranquil embrace.

However, as with all things magical and potent, it’s crucial to use indica weed responsibly. Start slow, listen to your body, and make sure you’re in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Remember, it’s not just about the destination, but also the journey. 

And speaking of the journey, you can’t take it in just anything. You need the best stuff to get you to your destination safely while providing the best experience.

Get Kush has got you covered when it comes to that. 

Browse our selection of premium indica strains and enjoy the best-quality cannabis products coming from industry-leading producers. 

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/ 
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/cannabis-sativa-subsp-indica