When it comes to consuming cannabis, one of the first things anyone should know is the basics of indica, sativa, and hybrids.

Before even taking that very first hit, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into and what to expect, not to mention be prepared to buy the one you feel is best suited for you. 

Want to feel energized, motivated, ready to face any challenge? Sativa is the way to go.

Looking for relaxation, peace, and a movie night on the couch? Your best choice is indica.

Want to feel relaxed as a bird on the windowsill but invigorated enough to fly off at any time? Hybrids are your best bet.

We like to dive into the history of the strain before laying out the benefits, so let’s get into it. Cannabis indica is native to the Middle East and surrounding areas, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Turkey.

in the harsh climate of the Hindu Kush mountains (fitting name, right?), indica has learned to overcome and adapt to the dry and turbulent weather that can often be experienced in this region.

What makes it a bit different from the energizing sativa is a high level of CBD, the essential cannabinoid that’s associated with relieving anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and PTSD.

While sativa may provide more of a head-high, indica gives you a full-body experience. Essentially, CBD is the more relaxing component of the cannabis plant, which is why it comes as no surprise that it’s found in high levels of indica.

When it comes to consuming indica, most people would say it’s great for nighttime use (although we won’t tell if you wake and bake). Because of its relaxing effects, it can make you feel sleepy, but it can also just make you feel relaxed and at ease.

At the end of the day, it all depends on how your body takes it and the strain you’re consuming, due to the variety of terpenes and flavonoids that make each one unique. 

In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the many benefits that indica can bring about, the strain type most known for helping you switch off pesky feelings of stress and anxiety, often leaving you like a beached whale on the couch with a bag of chips in one hand and the TV remote in the other.

Indica does more than just relax: its benefits can be medicinal, both on a physical and psychological level.

Let’s get into three of the advantages to smoking indica, and what you can expect after a few hits.

Human beings can’t help but feel stressed about anything from the looming deadlines at work to that one piece of paperwork they can’t seem to find.

The body just goes along with it: when you’re stressed, you’ll go into fight or flight mode, releasing hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

While these can be helpful when the time is right, sometimes stress is uncalled for and can be alleviated with a few hits of a soothing high CBD hemp indica.

When it comes to easing the bad and embracing the good, indica can be helpful in relieving stress.

You’ll feel calmer and laid back, fighting against racing thoughts and that pesky inner monologue that won’t shut up. Gently and soothingly, indica can reduce stress levels thanks to the high CBD content.

Chronic inflammation isn’t a one-of-a-kind experience, in fact, about 43 million Americans suffer from it every year.

The ongoing discomfort that comes with it can often drive people to their breaking point, and traditional medicine isn’t a route that everyone wants to go down. 

When it comes to seeking out relief for inflammation, strains with a high CBD level are often most useful, which is why indica stands out among the crowd as the strains to look out for.

In fact, strains that are myrcene-dominant are the best way to go because of the terpene’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Who hasn’t felt anxious before?

Practically everyone can relate to those feelings of unshakeable tension and worry, which can often lead to feeling depressed and unmotivated. While medicine has come a long way in the anxiety department, weed can lend a helping hand without the need for medication.

The serene and calming effects of Indica-dominant strains do wonders against the age-old curse of anxiety.

Once again, the high CBD content can help ease those feelings, so you might want to steer clear of THC-dominant strains that can bring on more paranoia and stress.