Indica

Cannabis indica was first classified by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785 from samples collected in India. The plants evolved at high altitudes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India, developing a stout structure (60-120 cm), wide fan leaves with thick fingers, and resin-heavy flowers as protection against intense UV radiation and short growing seasons. Indica strains finish flowering 2-3 weeks faster than sativas, making them favored by indoor growers and those in cooler climates with shorter summers. Effect-wise, indicas are associated with the "couch-lock" body high — muscle relaxation, sedation, appetite stimulation, and pain relief. This profile is driven primarily by the terpene myrcene (often above 0.5%), which has documented sedative properties, combined with the natural conversion of THC to CBN as flowers age. Classic indica genetics include Hindu Kush, Afghani, Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, and Bubba Kush. In modern breeding almost no commercial strain is 100% indica — most "indica-dominant" hybrids are 70/30 or 80/20 splits with sativa genetics introduced for vigor and yield. Indicas are commonly chosen for evening use, sleep support, chronic pain, and PTSD applications.