What are indica strains?
Indica strains are a type of cannabis plant that are known for their sedative and relaxing effects. They are typically shorter and bushier in appearance than their counterpart, sativa strains, and tend to have wider leaves. Indica strains are thought to have originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range in Central Asia, and they are often associated with the countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Indica strains are known for their high levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, as well as other cannabinoids like CBD, which can have potential medicinal benefits. They are often used for managing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia, and may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant properties.
Please note: Indica holds a high THC level and is considered to be more potent than Sativa strains.
If you are a seasoned smoker you may be looking to up your high and an Indica strain might just be the right option. Or if you are new to the cannabis community and you want to relieve some pain or get a good night’s sleep – Indica strains have a lot to offer!
Let us give you a rundown of some of the top Indica strains available in Canada!
Top Indica Strains in Canada
- Afghani
- Northern Lights
- Blueberry
- Hindu Kush
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Critical Purple Kush
- Bubba Kush
- Critical Kush
- Aurora Indica
- Wedding Cake
- Pink Kush
- Pink Gas
Afghani
If you are looking for a pure Indica strain – Afghani is the ideal choice! It provides deep relaxing effects that are beneficial for many. If you suffer from chronic pain, insomnia or perhaps stress disorders Afghani will provide you with just the right high. It offers a state of euphoria followed by blissful relaxation.
Afghani Indica strain gets its name from its geographic origin – in the Hindu Kush mountains. It has been growing in the area for over 1000 years! It has your common earthy scent with a sweet flavour that all smokers love.
Afghani Indica strain offers a somewhat modest THC level of 20% but still provides a good high. In addition, its deeply relaxing effects deliver the perfect high for those who need a break from chronic pain, insomnia, or stress disorder.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights Indica strain is probably the most well-known Indica strain on the market. It is a pure Indica that offers a strong high and several medicinal benefits. You can find strains with THC levels ranging from 16-26%.
Northern Lights offers a euphoric high followed by relaxation that is great for the end of the day. If you are suffering from any anxiety or depression, this might be your ideal strain!
Blueberry
Another popular strain from the Indica catalogue is the Blueberry Indica strain from DJ Short. This strain is well known for its compact green with a combination of purple/red throughout its appearance.
The Blueberry strain’s name is relevant when it comes to both scent and taste! It offers a fresh and fruity flavour and aroma that will have you thinking about those freshly picked berries at your local farmers’ market. But, not only does the Blueberry strain have an excellent appearance, taste and smell – it also offers a decent high. Consumers have reported a happy, relaxed and couchlock style high.
Hindu Kush
Another pure form of Indica can be found with the Hindu Kush strain. These compact buds offer a strong high and are often used to create hash. Hindu Kush originates from the Hindu Kush mountain range between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is one of the oldest known strains in the world.
The Hindu Kush offers traditional Indica qualities like a sweet but earthy aroma – and a smokey, sweet flavour. The effects are what you would expect from a pure Indica strain – strong relaxation qualities that offer many benefits, such as sleep-inducing effects and pain relief.
Girl Scout Cookies
Just like the cookie – the Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) Indica strain is just as popular! Maybe more so since you can get it all year round. This award-winning strain offers a hard-hitting punch due to its high THC levels – sometimes reaching up to 28%.
Girl Scout Cookies strain offers a solid high that provides a euphoric effect which smokers love! This is something special for this strain that is not always found in Indica strains. With a 60/40 ratio of Indica to Sativa Girl Scout, The Cookies offers the benefits of Indicas and Sativas.
GSC is ideal for so many smokers! So whether you are looking for pain relief, to increase your appetite or improve another medical condition – Girl Scout Cookies strain might be ideal for you.
Purple Kush
Another pure Indica to add to your catalogue is the Purple Kush from California. This well-known strain offers beautiful purple buds that are coated with strong terpenes. This strain was developed from the cross-breeding of the Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani.
Purple Kush is an excellent Indica for those just starting smoking. A THC level of 17% will provide a good high that won’t hit too hard. With strong calming effects, Purple Kush is a great way to relax at the end of a long day.
Bubba Kush
Another well-known Indica strain to add to your catalogue is Bubba Kush, best known for its strong sedating effects. This strain is not exactly a pure Indica strain offering 70-80% Indica levels, but it is still a strong, hard-hitting strain. Originating from California, this strain provides strong Indica effects with some Sativa benefits. In addition, it is a crossbreed of OG Kush and Northern Lights, which creates a strong high!
The THC levels can range from 20-29%, which is some of the strongest strains out there. After the first hit, you will feel a strong body buzz that leads to a peaceful, relaxing state. Bubba Kush is also beneficial for those who need to increase their appetite or get a good night’s sleep.
Critical Kush
This almost pure Indica strain (90/10 ratio) is well known for being a strong hitting Indica with a lot to offer! Critical Kush typically holds a 25% THC level, which makes it ideal for the seasoned smoker.
This particular Indica strain offers strong euphoric and relaxing qualities, making it a great way to end the day. Critical Kush also provides some good medicinal benefits if you are not smoking for recreational purposes.
Aurora Indica
Aurora Indica strain has a lot to offer! With strong body buzz effects that create a sedated feeling – this strain is ideal for those who look to solve some medicinal issues. It is well-known for treating pain, insomnia, and stress disorders.
This strain has a 15% THC level, which is modest compared to some but with its pure qualities of 90/10 ratio, it offers your standard Indica benefits. In addition, it will help any consumer relax and feel an overall sense of peace.
Wedding Cake
If you are interested in hybrid Indica strains – Wedding Cake is a great option! Its THC levels range from 16-25%, which offers a good range for all smokers. If you are a newbie, this high might feel you leaving couch-locked, and for the experienced smoker, you will be feeling euphoric and relaxed.
Wedding Cake strain is a crossbreed of Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie strains, making it a hard-hitting high and flavourful smoke. Wedding Cake is an ideal strain for any smoker!
Pink Kush
Pink Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid strain of cannabis that is known for its potent relaxing and sedative effects. It is believed to be a descendant of the popular OG Kush strain, and is characterized by its dense, trichome-covered buds and sweet, floral aroma with hints of vanilla and spice.
Pink Kush typically has high levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and lower levels of CBD, which may contribute to its strong sedative effects. It is often used for managing symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia, and may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant properties.
When smoked or vaporized, Pink Kush is known for its smooth and enjoyable smoke, with a sweet and earthy flavour that is both relaxing and uplifting. Its effects may include feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and a sense of well-being, followed by a deep and restful sleep. However, the specific effects of Pink Kush can vary widely depending on the individual, the dose, and the method of consumption.
Pink Gas
Pink Gas is a hybrid cannabis strain that is believed to be a cross between two popular strains, Pink Kush and Gas Mask. It is known for its potent relaxing effects, with a sweet and earthy aroma and a spicy, peppery flavour.
Best indica strains available in Canada
When it comes to smoking cannabis – Indica strains are your hard-hitting, relaxing strains that offer you many medicinal benefits. This is the type of cannabis that many are seeking out for pain relief, help with insomnia and more.
Above we have discussed some of the best indica strains of 2023, but we are sure with the evolving cannabis community that there are many more to come! We will continue to update this list each year!
