Where to Buy Indica Flower

The naming of indica stems from the Enlightenment and is credited to French biologist JeanBaptiste Lamark. In his 1785 Encyclopédie méthodique, Lamark proposed a new species of cannabis based on the samples he had received from India, from his friend Pierre Sonnerat, the French naturalist. Lamark provided a botanical description of how indica differed from European sativa, in stem, leaf, and sexual organs. He also described the psychoactive effects resulting from consuming the indica plant, stating: “The principal effect of this plant consists of going to the head, disrupting the brain, where it produces a sort of drunkenness that makes one forget ones sic sorrows, and produces a strong gaiety.” Over two centuries later, the term indica remains relevant. So where to buy indica flower? Let’s figure it out.

Growers, retailers, and consumers currently identify two main types of cannabis plants: indica and sativa. Indica plants are short and fat with thicker leaves, while sativas are tall and thin with skinnier leaves. Indica plants have shorter growth cycles and fare better in colder climates, whereas sativas have longer growth cycles and fare better in warmer climates. Both types of cannabis plants usually smell different, which is likely due to different terpene profiles. While there’s a wide range of indica and sativa strains, the range of hybrid strains is even larger, and, given the last half century of crossbreeding, some even say there really aren’t any pure indicas or sativas any more. Hybrids can be a mix between two indica strains, two sativa strains, or an indica and sativa strain. What’s more, hybrids vary in strain proportionality, such as a hybrid that’s equal parts indica and sativa versus a hybrid that’s 80% indica and 20% sativa.

Indicas are known for producing a ‘body high’ and are generally more relaxing, whereas sativas are known for producing a ‘head high’ and are typically more energizing. Nonetheless, the kind of ‘high’ a cannabis plant produces is ultimately determined by its specific set of compounds – cannabinoid and terpenes – and how a person’s body interacts with them. That’s to say, two people may get a different reaction from the exact same flower.

Regarding THC and CBD levels (the two most common cannabinoids), indicas and sativas can both have varying levels of each depending on the strain – so some indica strains may be higher in THC, or CBD, some sativa strains, and vice versa.

What is Indica?

In the marijuana community, strains are typically organized into three main categories: indica, sativa (e.g: alaskan thunderfuck), and hybrid (e.g: gorilla cookies or fruity pebbles weed). If you’ve ever purchased weed from a dispensary, you might have noticed that every strain on the menu has been assigned to one of these distinct groups. This is because cannabis plants from each category not only share physical and taxonomical properties, but their flowers (also called “buds”) are each said to produce a distinct “type of high.” 

While little research supports these distinctions—due to its federally illegal status, relatively little research exists about cannabis in general—these categories are widely accepted in the marijuana community and date back as far as the 18th century.

Cannabis indica as a plant species was first identified by the French naturalist and biologist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, in 1785. Lamarck published a description of it based off plant specimens found in India. According to Lamarck, the plant can be distinguished by its short and firm stature and bushy appearance. The indica leaf tends to be wide. Cannabis sativa, on the other hand, tends to be tall and wiry. Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are the two main subspecies of the cannabis plant, while hybrid simply describes plants that have been crossed by both.

The cannabis indica plant is also known for producing comparatively higher yields, denser buds, and more pungent aromas. Originating from the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, itadapted itself to harsh climates and first-time weather conditions by growing faster, flowering earlier, and producing thick layers of protective resin. Since exposure to colder temperatures can turn a cannabis plant’s flower (or buds) purple, if you come across purple looking weed, there’s a good chance it’s an indica strain.

The plant’s quick growing time and sturdy build makes it better suited for novice growers, and those looking to grow cannabis indoors.

What are the effects of Indica?

Indica strains are known for producing a “body high,” leaving you physically relaxed and even sleepy. Marijuana enthusiasts often describe it as producing a feel of being “couch locked,” and use the phrase “in-da-couch” to remember that indica effects are best enjoyed on the couch. Most people prefer indica effects in the evening. 

In contrast, sativa strains produce an energetic “head high,” better suited for creative or physical activities, and are typically enjoyed in the daytime hours. Hybrid strains are a cross between indica and sativa, producing a high that combines a bit of both properties. 

Medical marijuana patients also often use these specific strain categories for treating different illnesses and conditions. They are commonly used to treat insomnia, chronic pain or loss of appetite. Again, more research is needed, and many researchers believe that other factors, like CBD to THC ratios, are more important for determining potential medical uses. Still, scientific literature does show that indica tends to have a higher CBD content than sativa, and sativa tends to have a higher THC content. CBD is increasingly demonstrating itself to be a potentially potent treatment option, carrying anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. CBD also does not make users feel “high.”

Many marijuana consumers enjoy knowing the names of each strain and where it came from. Unfortunately, names like Blue Dream and Pineapple Kush don’t relate to the plant all that much. In reality, they’re just names given by the growers in hopes that it sounds appealing for customers and helps it sell more. But, if you take it a step further, you’ll find that marijuana comes in two different species: cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Have you ever consumed marijuana right before bed, only to find that you couldn’t sleep? Have you ever gotten high during the day and as a result became extremely sleepy? Knowing the difference between the two kinds is marijuana can mean avoiding these situations and consuming the appropriate strand at the best time. So, let’s dive in and look at the differences between indica cannabis and sativa cannabis.

Indica Vs. Sativa: The Debate

Legally, there’s no difference.

There’s evidence that the two strands are different, though scientists can’t seem to agree on how different they are. Some argue that they are different subspecies, while others believe that they are different species entirely.

Because each species varies in strength, quality, and freshness, the effects depend vastly on how users choose to consume the cannabis. It also varies greatly on the person, how often they consume cannabis, their current temperament, etc.

Despite the debate of multitude, it is common thought that these two strains differ in appearance, size, how it’s grown, treatments, and how it affects the human body.

So, what makes indica and sativa different?

Indica Vs. Sativa: The Differences

• Name. Both of these words come from Latin. The title indica originally came from the fact that the plant came from India. Indica is Classical Greek and Latin for India. Sativa, on the other hand, is one of three (Sativum and Sativus) Latin adjective that means “cultivated”.
• Origin. As its name hints, the majority of indica plants originated in central Asia and the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, etc.). This goes hand in hand with the fact that Indica is known for growing best in cooler environments. During the 1970s, indica strains were brought to the United States from Afghanistan for the first time. It was then when the first hybrid of indica and sativa were made. Sativa originates in equatorial countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Cambodia, Colombia, and so forth. Sativa thrives in warmer and more tropical climates.
• Physical Appearance. While both of these plants have green leaves for the most part, Indica is a bit darker than sativa. Indica also has broader and fuller leaves. Indica plants usually grow short and wide, between 2-4 feet tall, making it better and easier for indoor growing. Indica plants make up for their height with their dense clusters and thick and heavy buds. These plants tend to be quite fragrant. Its branches are closer together, and it produces more buds than sativa plants. Indica is often grown in mountains and rougher weather conditions. Because of its high density, indica usually has a higher THC ratio compare to sativa. Sativa, on the other hand, tends to be light green with skinnier leaves. Sativa plants are typically tall and skinny with branches far apart from each other. The tallest sativa plants can be up to 20-25 feet high, though most are only about 6 feet on average.
• Growth. Indica plants usually take between 6-8 weeks until they’re ready for harvest. Indica grows best in cooler climates. Since it takes less time and its plants are smaller, indica is best suited for indoor environments. It also yields a higher percentage of buds per pound. Sativa plants take much longer to grow than Indica plants. Each plant takes on average 9-12 weeks before it is ready to harvest. Sativa plants grow best in warmer environments. Due to their height, it’s less common to be grown indoors.
• Effects. Consumption of sativa and indica give its users a different feeling. Let’s look at the best ways to consume each kind.

Indica Vs. Sativa: Popular Strains

Popular sativa strains include:

• Jack Herer
• Power Flower
• Silver Haze
• Royal AK (also known as AK 47)
• Sour Diesel
• White Widow

Popular indica strains include:

• Master Kush
• White Rhino
• Northern Lights
• G-13
• Pineapple Kush
• Granddaddy Purple

Cannabis Flowering Stage

During the phase of life known as the vegetative stage (the first stage of life for marijuana), a cannabis plant grows about how you’d expect… like a weed! In the vegetative stage a cannabis plant only grows new stems and leaves, and can grow several inches a day with the added ability to recover from just about anything! Even if you run into major problems in the vegetative stage, you can bring your plant back from the brink of death simply by addressing the problem and giving your plant some TLC. In the vegetative stage, your cannabis plant only grows stems and leaves and is resistant to problems. It grows like a weed!

When growing cannabis indoors, the flowering stage begins when you change your grow lights to a 12/12 light cycle (12 hours light, 12 hours darkness each day). Getting those 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day gives your plant the signal that it’s time to start flowering. In a way the plant “thinks” winter is coming because the days are getting short.

Note: It’s common to think that a cannabis plant getting 12 or less hours of light is what initiates flowering, but it’s actually uninterrupted darkness that does the trick! If the plant gets any light during the dark period, even for just a minute, it won’t make buds! In fact, a flowering plant may even revert back or express hermaphroditism if it gets any light at night!

Outdoors, it’s also the days getting shorter that cause a cannabis plant to start making buds in late summer, but outdoor buds develop on different schedules depending on the local climate. This tutorial is meant to explain how a cannabis plant usually develops when grown indoors, since that is done under controlled conditions, and plants tend to grow the same way.