Indica strains are like the cosy blankets of the cannabis world — they wrap you up in a warm, fuzzy embrace and transport you to a state of pure relaxation. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or alleviate chronic pain or anxiety, there’s something for everyone in the magical realm of indicas.
Indica is one of the two primary subspecies of the cannabis plant, the other being sativa. While sativa strains are energising and uplifting, indicas tend towards relaxation and sedation.
Indicas originated in the Hindu Kush region of the Himalayas, before spreading across the globe. They produce dense, resinous buds known for their relaxing and therapeutic effects. The juicy underlying genetics often induce a “body high,” meaning that they affect the physical body more than the mind.
They generally provide a deep, relaxing high that penetrates the body leaving the user de-stressed and happy. Indicas can be incredibly effective for easing muscle tension, reducing anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. Here are 7 popular indica strains to consider if you want to explore the relaxing world of indicas.
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a highly regarded cannabis strain and winner of multiple awards. Known for producing euphoric effects and dissolving body tension, this time-tested indica favourite combines a relaxing body high with hints of euphoria all while soothing restless thoughts.
Northern Lights is one of the great Afghani-based cannabis indica varieties of all time. Equipped with the genetic traits to thrive in a variety of environments, Northern Lights is quick to flower and has a reputation for being a super-heavy yielder.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy, then Northern Lights can be extremely rewarding for beginner growers. We stock Northern Lights Feminized and Autoflowering for the green-fingered among you.
Thick clusters of sparkly buds with deep and intense flavour are a guarantee. But novice tokers beware, they may well provide you with a powerful stone that might just blow you away with its powerful punch.
Northern Lights strain information
- Indica/sativa – 90 % indica / 10 % sativa
- Genetics – Afghan x Thai varieties
- THC – 16 %
- Effects – Body relaxation, dreamy, euphoric, heavy, mind-calming
- Flavours – Fruity, spicy, sweet
Related post
2. WSS Skunk
WSS Skunk is a cross between Skunk #1 and Afghani. The original Skunk line has been around since the early 80s and has proven itself as a cup-winning strain time and time again.
Known for high yield and resilience to pests and disease, WSS Skunk is typically high in THC content.
The resinous skunky terpene-drenched buds exhibit a strong, earthy flavour that encompasses a wide spectrum of flavours from citrus to pine and spice. WSS Skunk produces an initial energetic high with a creative cerebral buzz that gradually gives way to a comfortable relaxing high as the indica ’stone’ sets in.
If you’re a budding grower and are seeking a fast, no-fuss crop, then WSS Skunk is just that. We stock both WSS Skunk Autoflowering and WSS Skunk Feminized seeds and they are our most affordable offering.
WSS Skunk strain information
- Indica/sativa – 70 % indica / 30 % sativa
- Genetics – Skunk #1 x Afghani
- THC – 24 %
- Effects – Calming, cerebral buzz, creative, energetic, happy, relaxing, uplifting
- Flavours – Citrus, earth, mango, pine, spices, sweet
3. Critical Mass
Critical Mass is a potent indica strain first obtained by crossing Afghani and Skunk #1. Its buds are dense and heavy, so much so, that the branches tend to snap under their own weight, hence the name!
Critical Mass produces a long-lasting relaxing high that exudes typical indica qualities. In small doses, it imparts a calm creative buzz. In larger doses the indica qualities kick in further and can induce couch-lock and sleep, making it ideal for anyone seeking relief from stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Our Critical Mass Autoflowering seeds are ideal for beginning growers and experts alike. Engineered especially to produce high yields and potent buds, you can expect a bountiful harvest of flower with those trademark bright resinous glands and thick calyxes dripping with THC.
The strain requires only 65 to 80 days from seedling to mature flowering adult, making it an ideal strain for those seeking a fast turnaround between harvests.
Critical Mass strain information
- Indica/sativa – 80 % indica / 20 % sativa
- Genetics – Afghani x Skunk #1
- THC – 17 %
- Effects – Calming, couch-lock, creative, euphoric, focused, sleepy
- Flavours – Earth, pungent, sour, spicy, sweet
Related post
4. Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush is a pure indica strain named after the mountain range that stretches between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This strain is famous for its relaxing and sedative effects, making it a go-to choice for those seeking relief from pain, stress, and insomnia.
Its aroma is earthy and spicy, with hints of sandalwood and pine. The taste is similarly pungent and woody. The high from Hindu Kush is generally slow to come on but long-lasting. It induces a deep sense of relaxation and tranquillity that can lead to couch-lock or even sleep. As with other indicas, it’s an evening-time strain, best used when you don’t have to be active and alert.
In terms of cultivation, Hindu Kush is a hardy and resilient strain that can withstand harsh conditions and low temperatures. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor cultivation in cooler climates. Indoors, it thrives in a hydroponic setup, producing large yields of dense, resinous buds.
Hindu Kush has a relatively short flowering time of around 8-9 weeks. It’s worth noting that Hindu Kush genetics form part of many other famous strains. They include OG Kush and Master Kush, which speaks to its enduring popularity and influence in the cannabis world.
Hindu Kush strain information
- Indica/sativa – 100 % indica / 0 % sativa
- Genetics – Afghan & Pakistan strains
- THC – 19 %
- Effects – Body relaxing, calming, couch-lock, hungry, sleepy
- Flavours – sweet, earthy, sandalwood
5. AK48
AK48 is a popular and potent indica-dominant hybrid strain that boasts a strong sativa component that combines the best of both worlds. The strain is a combination of Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani varieties.
If you’re looking for a strain that delivers both cerebral stimulation and physical relaxation, then AK48 is definitely worth trying. It delivers a relaxing body high that oozes a grounded indica feeling. The sativa side of the genetics provide mental stimulation that’s great for creative pursuits. The THC content of the strain often elicits an uplifting effect on top of a deeper body high. It’s this that often makes this strain an excellent choice for both creative and social activities.
When smoking AK48, expect an earthy and slightly spicy flavour profile, with a hint of sweetness and mango. AK48 produces dense buds, and its fast flowering cycle and exceptional aroma make it a fan favourite among cannabis enthusiasts.
Regarding its physical characteristics, AK48 is an average-height indica plant with bushy leaves and buds. For the growers among you, our AK48 Automatic seeds thrive outdoors in continental climates, but otherwise grow well indoors too.
AK48 strain information
- Indica/sativa – 70 % indica / 30 % sativa
- Genetics – Colombian Gold x Mexican x Thai x Afghan varieties
- THC – 15 %
- Effects – Calming, cerebral buzz, creative, energetic, relaxing
- Flavours – spicy, sweet
6. Super Skunk
Super Skunk is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid strain that offers excellent balanced effects. With this one, you can expect to experience a soaring and potent high accompanied by pleasant relaxation, without the risk of feeling sleepy or immobilised. It’s the perfect strain for those seeking long-lasting and euphoric effects.
In terms of taste, Super Skunk has a strong skunky flavour with a slightly sweet undertone — an added bonus for those who enjoy pungent fragrances!
Super Skunk is a bushy plant with dense, heavy buds that are covered in resin. It’s an easy-to-grow strain and indoor growing is ideal, as it offers the largest harvests and most potent buds. Super Skunk has a relatively short flowering time of 45 – 65 days, making it an excellent choice for growers looking for a quick turnaround.
For the budding growers among you, we’ve got both Super Skunk Feminized seeds and Regular seeds available. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a newbie looking to try your hand at cultivation, Super Skunk is a strain that won’t disappoint when it comes to yield, potency, and of course, that signature skunky aroma!
Super Skunk strain information
- Indica/sativa – 80 % indica / 20 % sativa
- Genetics – Afghani #1 x Skunk #1
- THC – 19 %
- Effects – Euphoric, long-lasting, potent, relaxation
- Flavours – Pungent, skunk, sweet
Related post
7. Afghan
With its origins in the Himalayas in the heartland of many renowned indica strains, Afghan has immense appeal. The purity of its genetics mean that Afghan attracts the interest of breeders who treasure it for its heavy resin production.
As a pure indica, Afghan elicits a strong and powerful effect that can often lead to a sedative high that can pull you down into a deep meditative state. Due to its sedating qualities, this isn’t a strain you’ll want to smoke while engaging in important activities that require energy! In terms of taste, Afghan has an earthy and spicy aroma with sweet undertones that sometimes even resemble incense.
Afghan is an ideal strain for growers, as it satisfies all the checkboxes. As a 100% indica strain, it’s short and more compact. But its strong and sturdy structure can support huge buds that produce a heavy yield. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation, but of course prefers a warmer, sunnier climate for outdoor growth. The flowering time for Afghan is relatively short, ranging from 50-65 days.
With its potent effects, excellent yields and the purity of its genetics, Afghan is a popular choice for both novice and experienced growers and users the world over.
Afghan strain information
- Indica/sativa – 100 % indica / 0 % sativa
- Genetics – Afghani
- THC – 18 %
- Effects – Body relaxation, calming, couch-lock, happy, hungry, sleepy
- Flavours – Earth, fruity, pungent, spicy, sweet
Whether you’re looking to ease anxiety, relieve chronic pain, or simply unwind after a long day, indicas offer that warm, fuzzy embrace that tone everything down a notch or two. From Northern Lights to Hindu Kush, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular and beloved strains in the world of indicas.
However, this is by no means an exhaustive list. We encourage you to explore the magical realm of indicas and discover your own personal favourites. Please share with us in the comments below which strains work best for you!
6critical kush growing fantastically well in 8litre autopots. 2to3 weeks to go and the smell is truly intense. Buds are a plenty and filling out nicely. This plant in the autopots has grew its self. No problem whatsoever. Smashing. D
Amazing! Always happy to hear 🙂