Indica strains of cannabis have a multitude of health benefits, which include but are not limited to:
- Relief from body pain
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduction of seizures
- Migraine relief, and
- Appetite stimulation
Examples: Afghan Kush, Blue Cheese, Blackberry Kush
Indica plants developed in central Asia between the 25th and 35th latitudes, where the weather is changeable. Drought one year may be followed by cloudy, rainy or sunny weather. For the population to continue, the plant group needed different individuals that survive and even thrive under those specific conditions. Thus, in any season, no matter what the weather, some plants will do better than others.
Indicas, including Kush varieties, have broad general characteristics: they mature early, have compact short branches and wide, short leaves which are dark green, sometimes tinged purple. Their buds are usually tight, heavy, wide, and thick, rather than long. They smell “stinky,” “skunky,” or “pungent,” and their smoke is thick – a small toke can induce coughing.
Indica plants were developed for resin content, which was removed from the flowers to make hashish. It is only after these varieties were introduced to the West that their buds were consumed. The best indicas have a relaxing “social high,” which allow you to sense and feel the environment, without analyzing the experience.
Indica at a Glance
Height: 2′ to 6′ (0.6 to 1.8m)
Shape: Conical to bushy
Branching: Lots of side branching, usually wider than its height
Nodes: Short stem length between leaves
Leaves: Wide short leaves, short wide blades
Color: Dark green to purple
Flowers: Wide, dense, bulky
Odor: Pungent, sticky, or fruity
High: Inertia, desensitizing
Flowering: 6 to 9 weeks