Indica or indica-dominant genetics are a group of strains that share the same morphological characteristics and flowering time, and whose effects are focused on the body on a more physical level.
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‘Indica’ is a term often used to describe cannabis strains and products which produce strong physical, sedative, and relaxing effects. However, it’s important not to rely too much on this term when deciding on a specific marijuana variety: while both ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ are used in popular culture to describe the effects of cannabis, they are not definitive labels, as they technically refer to the structure of certain plants rather than to their specific effects.
In fact, these terms are far more useful for growers than for users, as they’re commonly used to describe the morphology, physical characteristics, and growth cycle of cannabis plants.
When the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (the father of modern taxonomy) first published the scientific name Cannabis sativa in his seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, the only type of cannabis that he had seen in Sweeden up to that point was the shorter and more robust plant that we nowadays know as hemp. The Latin name cannabis derives from the Greek (kannabis) and may have originally been derived from Scythian. The term sativa simply means ‘grown’ and describes the common hemp plant that was widely grown across Europe at the time of Linnaeus.
After his death in 1785, the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck described and named a second species: Cannabis indica, meaning ‘Cannabis from India’, as this was the origin of the first samples of the plant that reached Europe (from across the Indian subcontinent, i.e. from Southeast Asia to West India and Africa). This species later spread all over the world, mainly as a source of psychoactive THC. Lamarck based his classification primarily on the morphological differences of this plant in relation to Linnaeus’ C. sativa, but he did also notice that C. indica was more potent than its sativa counterpart.
Hence, the terms ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ were initially used to distinguish between cannabis strains according to their place of origin, and were meant to identify plants by their appearance. For instance, marijuana varieties from the Middle East and Central Asia have large and wide leaves to capture weaker solar radiation more efficiently, and their buds are also denser. On the other hand, cannabis plants from tropical regions showcase narrower leaves.
The shift from Lamarck’s classification to the modern popular definition of indica cannabis plants occurred in 1974, when the American biologist Richard Evans Schultes applied Lamarck’s term to marijuana plants from Afghanistan. These plants looked different from Lamarck’s Indian specimens, with a shorter stem and wider leaves.
Therefore, we currently use the ‘indica tag’ for plants with an Afghan origin that are short, wide, and dense. However, as more research on the cannabis genome is carried out, we are learning that there’s not much difference between the two types of plants. In fact, after molecular testing, scientists have determined that in reality there’s only one cannabis species: Cannabis sativa L., with indica simply being a subspecies; although this is something that still remains open for much debate.
Generally speaking, it is accepted that native indica strains originated near Central Asia before spreading to certain regions in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Turkey. These original indica landraces (i.e. native cannabis strains from a specific region) are locally adapted varieties which have been optimised through natural evolution to grow in their specific microclimates. They mainly thrived in regions at a latitude between 30° and 50°, as they adapted to those local growing conditions.
Over the last 50 years, crossbreeding has dominated cannabis growing, virtually eliminating the possibility of finding pure indica or sativa strains. If anything, the way plants are classified nowadays usually means that they are predominantly one or the other.
If you visit your favourite seed store, you’ll probably find products labelled as indica, sativa, or hybrid. The addition of hybrid strains to the cannabis vocabulary is a sign that cannabis marketing is catching up with reality, since all modern strains are technically hybrids nowadays.
The true difference between indica and sativa strains lies in the features that they develop during their growth cycle. Indicas tend to grow into short plants with thick stems, and normally reach a height of less than two metres. They also tend to develop more lateral branches and denser foliage than sativa strains, which results in wider and more compact plants.
The flowers of indica cannabis strains form highly populated clusters around the internodes of the female plant (the internodes are the points on the main stem and branches from which the pairs of leaves sprout). The foliage of these plants is usually dark green, although some phenos can have almost blue or green/black leaves, which are made of short and wide leaf blades.
Another clear sign that your cannabis plants are indica is that their branches grow upwards instead of sideways, to be able to get stronger to withstand the weight of the buds on the tips. If they grew sideways, then they would break in half when these shoots at the end of the branches became too heavy. This means that these seeds are perfectly suitable for indoor growing.
Most efforts made to accelerate the new generations of hybrids tend to focus on the flowering phase, which is when the buds take shape; or on the earlier vegetative period, which is marked by the explosive growth of roots, stems, and fan leaves. Throughout both stages, indica-leaning strains tend to develop more quickly than their sativa-dominant relatives.
This trend goes back to native indica habitats located in the high plains of Central Asia, where the harsh winters are followed by short summers. These conditions favour shorter growth and flowering cycles, so that the plants can be harvested before the arrival of the autumn humidity and cold.
As a result, the indica strains that evolved successfully became increasingly faster plants, with flowering times between 50 and 70 days, and usually sacrificing a proportion of size and yielding capacity in the deal.
Their buds also tend to be denser and more compact than those of the sativa varieties. This is because the Cannabis indica species is an expert in retaining water for its natural survival, given its hot and dry origins.
Indica cannabis strains have always been known for their outstanding resin yielding capacity, perhaps as an adaptive measure to protect themselves from the harsh climatic conditions of the mountain regions from which they originate. This high resin content is ideal for making hash, which was the main way of consuming indica strains at the onset of the cannabis trade, and which still remains popular in much of the eastern hemisphere. During the flowering phase, vertical and horizontal growth slows down or stops altogether, since indicas direct the bulk of their energy to the development of their reproductive organs: male flowers (which distribute pollen) or female flowers (which produce most cannabinoids and need the pollen to produce seeds).
Traditional taxonomy also attempted to identify the differences between the chemical compounds produced by the indica varieties. Scientific literature shows that indica plants usually have a higher CBD count than sativas, which tend to have higher THC levels. As indicas produce higher amounts of CBD, the effects that they deliver are often more complete and less psychoactive. Nevertheless, many researchers believe that other factors, like the CBD:THC ratio, are more important to determine any potential effects.
So even though the indica/sativa classification is effective for growers, it doesn’t help users to predict the effects of a specific marijuana strain. Human intervention has drastically changed the chemical composition of cannabis. In the times of Linnaeus and Lamarck, the effects produced by C. indica and C. sativa plants probably corresponded more with their physical characteristics. Nowadays, however, the appearance of a plant doesn’t reveal anything about the type of effects that it’ll deliver.
Within the cannabis community, indica plants are often characterised by their sedative effects, which usually lead to strong bodily sensations; whereas sativa strains are believed to be more stimulating and produce more of a mental high.
But the reason why these plants have been attributed certain effects and seem different from each other, is actually due to a variety of other factors, including the environment, growing conditions, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids. The effects of marijuana are based on the distinct chemical profiles of each strain rather than on their genetic lineage. For example, a native cultivar with indica lineage grown in a new environment could produce a unique chemical profile that could deliver stimulating effects.
What’s more, the effects of cannabis have more to do with the composition of the user’s individual endocannabinoid system rather than with the genetic lineage of the plant. This means that people may have different experiences depending on how their endocannabinoid system reacts to a specific cannabis plant. Some users may report the indica effects of a plant with indica lineage, whereas others may experience a more sativa-like stimulating effect from the same plant.
In terms of aroma, indica strains tend to release scents of humidity, soil, and skunk, whereas sativas smell sweet, fruity, or spicy. Indicas are known for their taste profiles, which can range from musk to earth, including black fruits such as berries and grapes. This difference in aroma and flavour is the result of terpenes, the molecules within the plant that are cousins of cannabinoids like THC or CBD. While these chemical compounds sometimes provide incredibly spicy aromas, their greatest benefit to users is actually their medical effectiveness.
It is believed that the role of terpenes in the entourage effect is what causes two different strains with the same proportion of cannabinoids to produce diverse psychoactive effects. This could be the reason for the differences in effects between the indica and sativa strains.
Although terpenes don’t cause any psychoactivity, their ability to modulate the activity of cannabinoids could explain, for instance, how two plants with the same concentration of CBD and THC can produce opposite effects. One may deliver typically indica sensations (narcotic and relaxing), whereas the other may produce sativa-like effects (energising and cerebral).
When we say ‘indica terpenes’, what we’re actually referring to is only the terpenes that help create the indica experience. Therefore, a soothing terpene that promotes feelings of calm or sleepiness is considered an indica terpene. Although you can definitely find sativa strains which include the following terpenes, these are typically found in much larger quantities in the indica varieties:
Myrcene: As a rule of thumb, if the plant’s myrcene count is over 0.5%, it is regarded as an indica strain. This terpene is also found in mangos, cardamom, and hops. It is a powerful sedative, which could explain why indica genetics (which have higher myrcene levels) produce more calming and sleep-inducing effects.
Beta-caryophyllene: The great indicas contain larger amounts of this spiced terpene, which is found in black pepper, clove, and oregano. This is in fact one of the only known terpenes which can interact directly with the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). And this is partly what makes beta-caryophyllene so effective as an anti-inflammatory and mood booster.
Linalool: Also found in mint and known for its sedative and stress-reducing properties. Strains like OG Kush and Northern Lights contain great amounts of linalool, which helps turn their psychoactivity into a truly relaxing and euphoric experience.
Limonene: Believe it or not, some of your favourite indica strains contain huge amounts of this terpene. Limonene’s mood-lifting properties provide varieties like White Widow with incredibly stimulating effects. Other indica strains with a high limonene count include Gelato 41 and Sherbet.
Humulene: Also known as alpha-caryophyllene, this terpene is partially responsible for that distinctive cannabis smell. Found prominently on the hop plant, it’s no surprise it showcases a clearly hoppy herbal aroma (think of beer). Although it is normally found in smaller amounts, strains like Panty Punch and Cookies contain a good dose of this terpene.
The quick growth time, limited stretching, and stocky build of indica plants make them more suitable for those looking to grow cannabis seeds indoors, as their short height will allow you to fit several plants in a reduced space. Once you shift to the flowering period, they become two to three times bigger, and most strains finish flowering two months after turning the lights off. When grown outdoors, they also flower quite quickly, generally finishing in mid- or late September, so they’re the perfect genetics for regions where the end-of-summer rains arrive early.
Another option is to choose easy cultivation over speed. In this case, you should look for hardy and robust cannabis plants that can go through the successive stages of their life cycle with the least amount of problems. In this regard, resistance to pests and diseases are the main benefits.
Indica varieties evolved to cope with short flowering seasons and to withstand the negative influence of unpredictable weather conditions. This means that seeds with a high percentage of indica genetics are usually easier to handle, even for less experienced indoor growers.
When it comes to indica plants, fertilisation is relatively simple. In contrast with sativa-leaning strains, strong indicas feed heavily, although there are some exceptions. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced grower, it always helps to have hardy plants that can tolerate high doses of nutrients.
On the other hand, the buds of indica plants tend to be more compact than the sativa flowers, so the trapped moisture within their bud structure makes them more susceptible to mould issues. However, as a general rule, choosing an easy and sweet indica like Mandarin Panties is always the safest way to grow.
If you’re looking for the best seed bank to purchase your indica seeds, we can proudly say that Seedstockers has one of the most comprehensive catalogues on the market. When we decided to create our own seed bank back in 2017, our aim was to provide the general public with a wide selection of high-quality strains at the best price, and to cover the needs of all types of growers. br>
And rest assured we have achieved this, as you can see for yourself in our indica cannabis seed section, which is the best showcase for this type of strains (both in their feminised and autoflowering versions). You’ll find an incredible range at Seedstockers: from timeless classics to the latest genetics that are all the craze on the American market right now. br>
These are indica seeds with a proven quality so you can take the best of this type of strains to your garden or grow tent. Thanks to our breeders’ arduous work, these seeds have been stabilised to help you obtain heavy-yielding plants that are highly resistant and especially reliable at the early stages of any type of grow, whether indoors or outdoors.
Whether you’re a novice grower who wants to avoid any trouble, or whether your level of experience allows you to get the best out of your cannabis grow, there’s no doubt our indica cannabis seed selection will totally captivate you. But if you don’t know where to start with our wide range of feminised strains, here are some examples to get you going:
MANDARIN PANTIES FEM
Our Mandarin Panties got her genes from no less than two world champion heavyweights: Girl Scout Cookies and Pink Panties. These are two real superstars of the cannabis scene whose cross has made Mandarin Panties one of the best-selling genetics of our feminised cannabis seed collection. No surprises there, as this is an easy-to-grow plant that delivers pretty good yields in a really short time, and easily adapts to different environments without asking for too much. And, to top it all off, she exhibits complex and intense organoleptic qualities, with marked notes of earth and pastries, along with clear herbal and citric hues which go perfectly with her high THC levels. These can reach as high as 26% to offer you a pleasurable and soothing effect that’s suitable for a wide range of activities.
BLACKBERRY GUM FEM
The successful marriage between Bubble Gum and Blueberry results in a strain that has inherited all the good traits of her parents. This lady takes only 8 weeks to flower and will reward you generously with a good amount of aromatic buds which have a sweet taste of caramel similar to chewing gum, fused with a touch of spices. Those who love sweet flavours for smoking or vaping will find that Blackberry Gum is an excellent companion. Just make sure you have plenty of jars at hand so you can store those stunning treats… Compact nuggets which will provide you with total physical relaxation (due to their high THC content), and which are ideal to calm your muscles after an intense sports sesh at the end of the day.
CBD CRITICAL XXL FEM
Speaking of BCN Critical XXL, our own improved version of the iconic Critical +, is to talk of a strain idolised by many growers for all her outstanding properties. This is a hardy and vigorous plant, with an out-of-this-world yielding capacity, and a remarkable aroma and flavour. And her cannabidiol-rich sister isn’t far behind, offering the perfect alternative for those who don’t want to get high. Given that her CBD count is around 10% and her THC levels never exceed 0.5%, this lady won’t give you a psychoactive buzz but a calm sensation that will make you feel completely zen. In short, this is the perfect strain to combat the symptoms that may afflict your body whilst also enjoying all the benefits of more sustainable cannabis that’s suitable for everyday use.
If you opt for strains with a short life cycle (of just 10-11 weeks) which don’t depend on the photoperiod to start flowering, we are certain that the following indica-leaning autoflowering cannabis seeds will be to your liking:
PANTY PUNCH AUTO
Once again, our Seedstockers breeders have surpassed all expectations with this autoflowering that has lots of ‘punch’. This is Panty Punch Auto, the result of the cross between Pink Panties and Purple Punch Auto… A really easy-to-grow strain that adapts to all types of environments and scenarios. If you don’t have much time to take care of this beauty, she won’t hold it against you, becoming a mature plant by herself in just 11 weeks of life, with a size that fits perfectly into any grow tent. When grown outdoors, especially during the warm summer months, and when the climate gods are in good spirits, this strain really lifts off, offering super fruity buds with clear touches of herbs and spices. These all combine to produce a delicious mix that’s incredibly pleasant for smoking or vaping.
STICKY FINGERS AUTO
Our Seedstockers breeders have created our own Sticky Monkey, a descendant of Gorilla Glue #4 with the genetics of the ‘Thin Mint’ pheno from the renowned Girl Scout Cookies. All of this results in a strain that can make anyone happy, not only for her sweet flavour but also for her easy cultivation and XL yields. Her frosted white and resin-laden buds are ideal for making oils, waxes, edibles, and anything else you can think of doing with high-quality cannabis. When you start smoking Sticky Finger Auto, you can imagine yourself in front of the bakery counter: her sweet aroma smells of freshly baked cakes and cookies, and her taste complements this perfectly. Nuances are fresh, with a touch of mint and spices, and with a taste of freshly sawn pine. And with her THC values just above 20%, this strain will be gentle with you… she won’t make you high, just completely and utterly relaxed.
CANDY DAWG AUTO
We have managed to adapt one of the star genetics of our catalogue to all those growers who are eager to get big yields but don’t want to wait for too long. To achieve this, we crossed Candy Dawg’s original genetics (Candy Kush x Chem Dawg x OG Kush) with a truly special ruderalis strain. This resulted in an indica-dominant hybrid capable of turning from seed to mature plant in just 70 days of flowering. Once the cross was completed, the specimens with the highest THC levels were selected, whilst also making sure to preserve her distinct and dense Kushy flavour with coffee and diesel undertones. It is precisely thanks to her Kush lineage that this plant is not too demanding in terms of cultivation and nutrition, so she’s highly suitable for rookies. She’s also a great option for terraces and balconies, as she can produce a generous top-quality yield with a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight. So why are you waiting to get your hands on this gem?
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