What Is Indica?

There are three main strains of the marijuana plant: indica, sativa, and hybrid. The indica strain is known for producing relaxing, sedating effects that are felt throughout the body. Sativa is thought to produce more uplifting, creative, and energizing effects. The indica strain is often smoked before going to sleep or watching a movie, while the sativa strain is often enjoyed in more social situations.

This system of classification began in the 18^th century. Scientists noticed different structures and different resin production between cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Hybrid, of course, emerged later when growers experimented with mixing the two strains. The effects of hybrid strains are somewhere between indica and sativa, depending on what genetics were passed down from each parent.

Indicas are thought to have originated on the Indian subcontinent, in the Hindu Kush region. The climate conditions there are harsh, so the plant produced a thick coating of resin for protection. Sativa is thought to have migrated to Eastern Europe and developed into a separate species. The indica plant also tends to be bushier and shorted than the sativa plant. Indica lends itself well to being grown indoors and producing higher yields as opposed to sativa plants. The name “indica” comes from the Latin term meaning “of India,” while “Sativa” comes from the word for “cultivated.”

It is thought that human selection played a great role in the separation between indica and sativa strains. For centuries, marijuana was valued in Asia for its psychoactive properties. It was bred selectively to increase these properties. European cultures, however, may not have had as many resources. They therefore turned to cannabis plants for sustenance and tools. The cannabis plant can be used for many things — hemp rope, for example. However, both varieties can be found around the world and both have been cultivated to produce psychoactive effects.

We do not yet know what chemical configuration is responsible for the difference in flavour and effects between indica and sativa. It is quite possible that smokers’ expectations of a particular strand will alter their perception of its effects. There may also be indica strains that produce more uplifting, sativa-like effects, or sativa strains that are more sedating and indica-like.

The high from marijuana comes from chemicals called cannabinoids, especially THC. Strains with little THC may not produce strong psychoactive effects that correspond to the typical indica or sativa experience. Different strains will have different concentrations of THC and other cannabinoids. Strains can be bred to increase or decrease these proportions, as desired.

Different strains will also have different types and levels of terpenes, the oils found in cannabis resin that are responsible for marijuana’s unique aroma. Terpenes are also thought to modify the effects of cannabinoids. Marijuana plants can pass on their particular terpene and cannabinoid configurations to the next generation. This explains why different plants from the same main strain (indica or sativa) will have similar effects.