Indica strains are typically shorter, wider plants with a 45 to 60 day flowering cycle. These strains have more physical effects resulting in full-body relaxation, sedation, increased appetite and tend to be sleep inducing. It is these effects that have earned Indica the reputation of putting you “in-da-couch”.
These strains are excellent for a variety of ailments but particularly the physical. Indica’s are potent pain relievers and can also assist with battling insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms and more.
There are many Indica-dominant strains available with pure Indica strains being a little harder to come by. If you are looking for pain relief or some serious physical relaxation, we have a few great options:
Girl Scout Cookies: Girl Scout Cookies (also known as GSC) is a popular Indica-dominant hybrid that combines physical effects with a potent Sativa component to provide both euphoria and deep physical relaxation. The hybrid nature of this strain makes it effective at managing anxiety, stress and depression and is also known to produce a mean case of the munchies! Due to the predominant Indica genetics, Girl Scout Cookies is a strain best used for afternoon or evening medication.
Grand Daddy Purple: The genetic result of crossing Big Bud and Purple Urkle, Grand Daddy Purple is a potent Indica-dominant strain with heavy body effects and a positive cerebral experience. The overwhelming physical relaxation and cerebral euphoria is perfect for unwinding after a long day. Medically, GDP is effective at treating several conditions such as chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms and nausea or appetite loss.
Blueberry: Blueberry is an 80% Indica dominant hybrid with high-powered effects and a mouth-watering blueberry vanilla flavor. This strain produces euphoric and hazy effects that build slowly that blanket the user in a sense of calm and ease. Blueberry is excellent for those users suffering from chronic fatigue, depression, migraines, chronic stress and anxiety.
Sativa
Daytime use; potent mood management and energy boost
Sativa strains come from taller, more narrow plant with a longer flowering cycle of up to 90 days. These strains have more cerebral effects and tend to improve mood along with increasing energy and creativity. The effects range from euphoric, energetic, giggly and even psychedelic in nature and are ideal for daytime use.
Sativa’s are predominantly used for managing mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD/ADD, but can also help to fight fatigue and pain. The “high” from these strains is less intense than the Indica and tend to be relaxing without being sedating.
Pure Sativa’s are hard to come by, but there are many Sativa-dominant strains available to users looking for a cerebral boost:
Jack Herer: Jack Herer is named after a famous cannabis activist and medical marijuana user of the same name. This strain features a distinctive cerebral high that produces a euphoric and blissful experience that is both creative and clear-headed. The effects are ideal for patients suffering from bipolar disorder, PTSD, migraines, anxiety and ADHD.
Green Crack: This strain is a long-running Sativa favourite. This is a highly potent strain that can reach up to 24% THC. Green Crack has strong cerebral effects that result in a boost of energy and improved mood. This strain is effective at treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD and migraines.
Pineapple Express: This is a Sativa-dominant strain created after the movie of the same name. Pineapple Express is a solid hitting Sativa that provides the user with a lasting energetic buzz to get through the afternoon. The uplifting effects are both calming and stimulating and are great for managing anxiety and stress, as well as chronic depression and pain.
Strawberry Cough: Strawberry Cough is a 80% Sativa-dominant strain that provides an uplifted, yet relaxed cerebral high that is both energizing and euphoric. This is a great daytime strain to help manage anxiety, stress and chronic fatigue.
THC Vs. CBD
While most users prefer cannabis flower that has high levels of THC, which is the cannabinoid that causes the “high” many patients are looking for. However, some individuals prefer to reap the benefits of cannabis without the high. This is where CBD comes in.
CBD is another powerful cannabinoid found throughout the medical marijuana industry. It is favored for its ability to provide pain relief and boost in mood without the psychoactive effects. While previously hard to find in the recreational arena, CBD is becoming increasingly popular and is a great medical strain for many ailments.
Charlotte’s Web: Charlotte’s Web is a world-renowned CBD strain with up to 20% CBD and less than 1% THC, making it a great medical option with no psychoactive effects. Charlotte’s Web is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that is highly effective for seizure disorders, chronic pain, muscle spasms, arthritis and headaches.
ACDC: This is another a high-CBD strain with less than 1% THC. ACDC has a ratio of 70:30 Sativa/Indica genetics that helps the user focus and can also improve social anxiety. As a pure CBD strain, ACDC is excellent for managing chronic pain, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, seizures, nausea, tumours and tremors.
