When it comes to finding the ideal cannabis experience for relaxation, tranquility, and relief from the stresses of modern life, Indica strains have long held a special place in the hearts of cannabis enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of Indica strains, starting with our top pick Pure Indica. We unveil the 10 best varieties that provide a haven of relaxation and potent relief.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of Indica, join us on a journey to uncover the strongest Indica strains that many users swear by for delivering the ultimate sense of calm and well-being.
Top-Rated Indica Strains: First Look
Pure Indica - Best overall
Granddaddy Purple - Best for relaxation
Purple Punch - Best for sleep
Black Indica - Best indica hybrid
Blue Haze - Best for energy
Diamond Kush - Best for high yields
Grape Ape - Best for pain management
Blueberry OG - Best flavor
Glue Gelato - Best mold resistant strain
Cali Kush - High CBD content (20%)
We review the best indica strains to relax, sleep, and relieve pain. We discuss their flavors, aromas, effects, medical benefits, terpenes and more. Keep reading to find out which indica strain is right for you!
1. Pure Indica - Best Overall
Pure Indica is a premium 100% indica strains bursting with high THC levels ranging between 19% to 23%. It has a mixed fruit blend aroma complimented by refreshing hints of earthy moss and a fruity flavor with a subtle aftertaste of tingling spiciness.
One of the strongest indica strains, Pure Indica, is the go-to choice for ultimate mental and full-body relaxation. Users claim that every muscle feels soft within minutes of taking it, leaving you completely chilled out.
Cultivating this strain is hassle-free, especially for beginners, thanks to its easy-to-manage growth characteristics and resistance to molds and pests. Indoor plants typically stay under 3 feet, while outdoor plants may stretch up to 5 feet.
With a moderate yield of around 10 ounces of buds per plant, it's one of the best indica strains to grow at home. A great tip to further enhance its growth potential is by using hydroponic systems or specialized soil compositions.
Where To Buy Pure Indica
When it comes to premium indica strains, Seed Supreme is an industry leader, offering an extensive collection of cannabis seeds from 1,500 trusted breeders.
Its 100% free stealth shipping and 14-day refund policy on unopened packages make it the top choice for numerous customers to buy the best indica strains.
>>Check the best price for Pure Indica
2. Granddaddy Purple - Best for Relaxation
If you're looking for the best indica strains to melt away a long day’s frustrations, look no further than Granddaddy Purple. Known for its vivid purple buds, this West Coast classic delivers a mild buzz and a relaxing high with its impressive 23% THC content. That makes it one of the strongest indica strains available for relaxation.
Granddaddy Purple has a delightful berry and grape aroma with a wine-like sweet, fruity flavor. The delicious taste and its potential to stimulate appetite make it a valuable option for those struggling with eating disorders. However, remember that smoking Granddaddy Purple might leave you cotton-mouthed so stay hydrated.
This strain grows best indoors in humidity-controlled environments, yielding up to 5 to 15 ounces in 7 to 10 weeks. Outside, it may grow taller, but the production will be about 4-6 ounces per square yard. Unlike most indica strains, Granddaddy Purple prefers cooler climates and can withstand some cold, but be sure to harvest before the first frost sets in.
Where To Buy Granddaddy Purple
I Love Growing Marijuana, or ILGM, is a top-notch seed bank that aims to provide the strongest indica strains at an affordable price.
ILGM reviews note that the seed bank offers a generous Buy-10-Get-10-Free offer on multiple indica strains, including Granddaddy Purple, making for an attractive budget-friendly bundle.
>>Check the best price for Granddaddy Purple
3. Purple Punch - Best for Sleep
Packing a punch of potent psychoactive properties and yielding gorgeous purple blossoms, Purple Punch is one of the best indica strains for sleep. Its blend of moderate THC levels, ranging from 15 to 20%, and delightful terpenes can soothe your body and gently lull you to sleep without overwhelming your senses.
On top of this, this strain is known to potentially enhance creativity, helping many artists, musicians, and writers move beyond any creative blocks. Just a puff of this bud, and you can chill out while basking in Purple Punch’s delightful blueberry and fruity aroma with subtle hints of exotic spices.
Its flavor profile is equally attractive, featuring hints of citrus and zesty grape balanced by creamy vanilla and herbal undertones. However, it's among the challenging indica strains to grow, as it falls prey to insects, particularly caterpillars.
On the flip side, carefully monitoring the plant will be worth it once its glorious purple buds start blooming. This strain is notable for its impressive 21 ounces of weed per seed yield giving you a steady supply. A Sea of Green (SOG) set-up can boast the yield even more.
Where To Buy Purple Punch
At Homegrown Cannabis Co, you can find a wide selection of cannabis seeds, from fast-flowering and high THC to the most exclusive indica strains.
Its customer-friendly website has something for every user, beginner or experienced, ensuring everyone can get the best indica strains based on their preferences and skill level.
>>Check the best price for Purple Punch
4. Black Indica - Best Indica Hybrid
Black Indica is a potent blend of highly sought-after strongest indica strains, Pure Kush and Afghan. It offers a moderate THC level of 13% and a substantial cannabidiol (CBD) content of 2.5%, giving it a unique composition. Moreover, its terpene profile featuring Delta 3 Carene, Pinene, and Myrcene adds to its potency and aroma.
This strain is named after its damp appearance and heavy high, allowing you to relax without feeling too overpowered. That way, you can enjoy the calming Indica effect while maintaining sociability and interaction with friends. Many users claim that it offers incredible relaxing and psychedelic properties that may stimulate the brain and improve creativity.
Black Indica’s nature-infused aroma also contributes to it, combining spicy, herbal, pine, and woody elements with subtle undertones of pear and earthiness. As for its cultivation, the strain
thrives in well-ventilated environments with regulated temperature levels, ensuring optimal growth and potency.
Where To Buy Black Indica
All cannabis seeds at Crop King Seeds are created with a keen focus on quality and safety. This Canadian seed bank carefully breeds and selects highly potent, high-yielding strains so you can get your money’s worth while enjoying the strongest indica strains on the market.
>>Check the best price for Black Indica
5. Blue Haze - Best for Energy
Blue Haze offers the best of both worlds, from a burst of flavor to a major energy boost. With its elaborate terpene profile, 0.60% CBD and 23% THC level, it offers a unique experience for any beginner or seasoned cannabis enthusiasts.
One of the most delicious indica strains, it offers a fusion of flavors with cream cheese and earthy undertones rounded up with spice. The sweet, berry fragrance, complemented by herbal notes, further revives your senses.
As for Blue Haze’s effects, prepare for a surge of energy, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on the day. Users report its euphoric and energetic effects can be a major mood booster, bringing out their social side and helping them engage in lively conversations.
Blue Haze plants can grow up to 5 feet in height, flourishing in various growing conditions, making them easy to cultivate for people with any skill level. Thriving in warm, dry climates, this strain can yield 18-19 ounces per plant outdoors and between 16-21 ounces per square meter indoors, making it an excellent choice for indoor cultivation.
Where To Buy Blue Haze
Founded in 2018, Rocket Seeds is a relatively new seed bank compared to its competitors but has grown remarkably quickly to be a reliable strain source highly recommended by its customers.
It also offers 600+ top-notch strains from other reputable breeders, making it the one-stop platform for buying the best indica strains.
>>Check the best price for Blue Haze
6. Diamond Kush - Best for High Yields
Diamond Kush is a modern variety, carefully crafted indica strain with a medium level of 17% to 22% THC. It offers a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors while tingling your senses with a fruity pine aftertaste.
This strain may have long-lasting energetic effects that induce a blissful state for up to many hours. It is also ideal for social gatherings, ensuring you stay lively and chatty having endless enjoyable conversations with your friends.
Moreover, this strain doesn't need excessive attention during cultivation. When planted outdoors, it thrives in a warm, dry area with direct sunlight without minimal trimming.
Indoors, you might need to use techniques such as SCROG to manage the plants’ vertical growth. Known for being one of the highest-yielding indica strains, Diamond Kush plants produce a staggering 400 to 600g weed in 9-10 weeks.
Where To Buy Diamond Kush
Mary Jane’s Garden has nearly a decade-long experience in the cannabis industry, offering a wide variety of indica strains both for medicinal and recreational purposes. You can find premium indoor and outdoor seeds with a high germination rate and resistance to mold and pests.
>>Check the best price for Diamond Kush
7. Grape Ape - Best for Pain Management
Grape Ape, the Best Concentrate winner at the High Times Medical Colorado Cup in 2011, is made from a combination of Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Original Afghani indica strains. True to its name, its flavor profile has mostly grape notes, with hints of candy and strawberry.
As for its fragrance, it offers a pleasant blend of sweet, earthy, and skunky tones derived from its parent strains. Like all pure indica strains, Grape Ape delivers a cerebral high, paired with a touch of relaxation with a 14-19%THC content. More importantly, its rich terpene content may offer several therapeutic and medical benefits.
However, it's important to note that new growers may find Grape Ape challenging, due to the increased risk of bud rot in highly humid and poorly ventilated conditions. So, keep humidity levels around 50% during growth and 30% to 40% during flowering.
The plant typically reaches a modest height of around 3 feet and can thrive more through hydroponics, rich soil compost indoors, or the SOG technique to maximize space.
Where To Buy Grape Ape
Sunwest Genetics is one of the best seed banks committed to advancing and preserving cannabis genetics. It regularly maintains and crosses strains to preserve a diverse gene pool and present its customers with the newest and strongest indica strains.
>>Check the best price for Grape Ape
8. Blueberry OG - Best Flavor
Blueberry OG can be the best choice if you’re a fan of berry-flavored indica strains. Derived from the renowned and award-winning Blueberry strain, it has a relatively high CBD content compared to other strains, reaching up to 2.4%, alongside a THC content of 20%.
The strain’s dreamy effect offers a potent yet euphoric high and potentially promotes feelings of happiness. Users can’t get enough of its delicious sweet, citrus and blueberry taste, which provides a satisfying and flavorful smoking experience.
This strain is well-suited for outdoor and indoor cultivation, with an average growing difficulty level. The mature plants typically require 8 to 10 weeks to complete the flowering process. It offers impressive yields, reaching 400 grams when grown indoors and 600 grams when cultivated outdoors.
Where To Buy Blueberry OG
Sonoma Seeds comes highly recommended by over 30,000 customers who rave about its premium indica strains and quality of service.
This seed bank boasts an extensive selection of more than 500 strains, backed by an impressive 80% Germination Guarantee, ensuring customer satisfaction and successful cultivation experiences.
>>Check the best price for Blueberry OG
9. Glue Gelato - Best Mold Resistant Strain
Glue Gelato, also known as "Gelato Glue '' or Gorilla Glue Gelato, results from crossbreeding two strongest indica strains, Gorilla Glue and Gelato. With a strong THC content of up to 23%, Glue Gelato is one of the strongest strains of weed that grows yellowish-green leaves with red and purple touches.
On top of its beautiful appearance, users can’t stop raving about its fragrance. Once you open its buds, you will be welcomed by a unique fusion of spicy, floral, and citrus aromas.
From the first inhale, Glue Gelato gives you a nice, balanced feeling in your body, making you happy and completely relaxed. Its long-lasting and stress-free high makes it one of the best indica strains for evening use after a tiring day. Moreover, delightful hints of fruity, chocolate, berry, and earthy undertones add to its flavor profile.
The most important thing about growing Glue Gelato is that it's one of the most resilient and adaptable indica strains. It can thrive in any weather condition and is resistant to molds and pests, making it a beginner-friendly strain.
Where To Buy Glue Gelato
Since 2013, Quebec Cannabis Seeds has been manually selecting the healthiest plants to derive the best indica strains with optimum CBD and THC levels, catering to private or commercial use.
With its cost-effective bulk seed options, you can build a long-lasting collection of indica strains without frequent shopping.
>>Check the best price for Glue Gelato
10. Cali Kush - High CBD Content (20%)
Cali Kush, or California Kush, stands out of all indica strains for its remarkable 20% CBD content and low THC content of just 1%. So, it is the go-to choice for all folks wanting to enjoy weed without the overwhelming high.
Users report that it can deliver a calming experience and may induce sleepiness so you can relax and have a cozy night. With its distinctive spicy kick complemented by a subtle skunky undertone, many users say Cali Kush’s aroma reminds them of coffee. As for its taste, you’ll notice a sweet berry flavor with hints of sour citrus.
Like most indica strains, Cali Kush thrives best in continental, sunny, and Mediterranean climates but requires extra care. While it has a relatively short growing period of 7-10 weeks, the strain is sensitive to humidity, making it prone to mold and pests.
Where To Buy Cali Kush
Whether you're a beginner at growing indica strains or an expert, MJ Seeds is the ideal choice for any growing-level experience. It offers regular and fast versions, the strongest indica strains that can thrive indoors and outdoors, delivering top-quality cannabis yields.
>>Check the best price for Cali Kush
What Is an Indica Strain?
An indica strain is a type of cannabis that is said to have relaxing and sedating effects on the body and mind. Indica strains come from the cannabis indica plant, which has a shorter and bushier appearance than the cannabis sativa plant.
Indica strains are often used by people who want to relieve pain, insomnia, nausea, or poor appetite. Some examples of popular indica strains are Granddaddy Purple, Purple Kush, and Cali Kush.
Indica strains are also known for having higher levels of CBD, a cannabinoid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
>>Check the best price for Pure Indica
How to Choose the Right Indica Strain for You
Choosing the right indica strain for you depends on several factors, such as your tolerance, your desired effects, your preferred aroma and flavor, and your personal preference.
Here are some tips to help you find the best indica strain for your needs:
Gauge Your Tolerance
The strongest Indica strains tend to have higher levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that causes the high.
If you are new to cannabis or have a low tolerance, you may want to start with a low-THC indica strain or a balanced indica-dominant hybrid that also contains CBD, the non-intoxicating compound that has medical benefits.
Define Your Desired Effects
Indica strains are generally associated with relaxing and sedating effects, but they can also vary in their intensity and duration. Some of the strongest indica strains may make you feel sleepy and couch-locked, while others may make you feel calm and euphoric.
Think about what kind of experience you are looking for and how it fits with your lifestyle and schedule.
Consider Aroma and Flavor
Indica strains tend to have earthy, sweet, fruity, or spicy aromas and flavors, which can enhance or detract from your enjoyment of cannabis. Some people may prefer a mild or subtle scent and taste, while others may like a strong or complex one.
You can use your nose and palate to guide you in choosing an indica strain that appeals to you.
Growing Difficulty
If you plan to grow your own cannabis, you should consider how easy or hard it is to cultivate a certain strain. Some indica strains are more resistant to pests, mold, and diseases than others, and some may require more care and attention than others.
Germination Guarantee
Another factor to consider when growing your own cannabis is the germination rate of the seeds. Some seed banks like Seed Supreme offer a germination guarantee, which means they will replace any seeds that fail to sprout.
This can save you time and money in the long run. You can check the germination guarantee of different seed banks on their websites or by contacting their customer service.
Practice Some Trial and Error
The best way to find the right indica strain for you is to try different ones and see how they affect you. You can use online reviews, recommendations from friends or budtenders, or your own intuition to narrow down your choices.
However, keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for someone else may not work for you. Start low and go slow when trying a new strain, and keep track of your dosage, consumption method, setting, mood, and effects. This will help you find your optimal strain and dose over time.
>>Check the best price for Pure Indica
How Indica Strains Differ From Other Cannabis Varieties in Terms of Effects?
Indica strains are a type of marijuana seeds that differ from other varieties in terms of their effects, appearance, and origin. Here are some of the main differences:
Effects
Indica strains are known for their relaxing, sedating, and pain-relieving effects. They can also help with sleep, appetite, and nausea. Indica strains are often recommended for people who suffer from stress, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and other conditions.
Indica strains tend to have a higher CBD content than sativa strains, which may contribute to their therapeutic benefits.
Appearance
Indica plants are usually shorter and bushier than sativa plants, with broad and dark green leaves. Indica buds are often dense, sticky, and purple in color.
Origin
Indica strains originate from regions with cold, mountainous, and harsh climates, such as the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Indica plants have adapted to these environments by developing a thick coat of resin to protect them from the cold and pests.
>>Check the best price for Pure Indica
What Are the Different Types of Indica Strains?
There are two main types of indica strains: pure indica and indica-dominant hybrids.
Pure Indica Strains
Pure indica strains are cannabis plants that have only indica genes and traits. They are usually short, bushy, and produce dense buds with a high amount of resin. They tend to have a relaxing, sedating, and pain-relieving effect on the body.
They are often used for medical purposes, such as treating insomnia, nausea, appetite loss, and muscle spasms. Some examples of pure indica strains are Hindu Kush, Afghan Kush, Northern Lights, and Granddaddy Purple.
Indica-Dominant Hybrids
Indica-dominant hybrids are crosses between indica and sativa strains of cannabis, but they have more indica genes and traits. They can vary in their effects, but they are often used for medicinal purposes and produce a 'body high' that can relieve pain, insomnia, anxiety, and muscle tension.
They are also characterized by their short flowering period, easy cultivation, and increased production. Some examples of indica-dominant hybrids are Blueberry Kush, Kosher Kush, White Widow, OG Kush, and Pineapple Express.
Benefits of Indica Strains
Indica strains are a type of cannabis that have many potential benefits for medical and recreational users. Some of the benefits of indica strains are:
The strongest indica strains can help you relax and calm your mind and body. Indica strains are reportedly known for their sedating and soothing effects, which can be useful for people who suffer from stress, anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain.
They can reduce inflammation and pain. Indica strains have a higher CBD content than sativa strains, which means they have more anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. CBD can also modulate the effects of THC, which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
They can stimulate your appetite and relieve nausea. Indica strains can induce "the munchies", which can be helpful for people who have a low appetite due to a medical condition or treatment. Users report that they can also help with nausea and vomiting, which can be caused by chemotherapy, motion sickness, or other factors.
They can potentially manage seizures and spasms. Indica strains can help relax the muscles and reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures and spasms. This can be beneficial for people who have epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological disorders⁴.
>>Check the best price for Pure Indica
Tips of Growing Indica Strains
Growing indica strains can be rewarding and enjoyable, but it also requires some knowledge and skills. Here are some tips to help you grow the best indica plants possible:
Choose the Right Strain
Indica strains vary in their effects, flavors, aromas, and growth patterns. You should pick a strain that suits your preferences and needs, as well as your growing environment and experience level. Some of the best indica strains to try are Granddaddy Purple, Blueberry Kush, White Widow, and OG Kush.
Control the Size of Your Plants
Indica plants tend to be short, bushy, and compact, which makes them ideal for indoor or stealth growing. However, they can also become too dense and crowded, which can lead to mold and pests.
To avoid this, you should prune and train your plants regularly, using techniques such as topping, low stress training (LST), sea of green (SOG), or screen of green (SCROG).
Adjust the Light Schedule
Indica plants have a shorter flowering period than sativa plants, usually around 8 to 10 weeks. To trigger flowering, you need to switch the light cycle from 18/6 (18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness) to 12/12 (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness).
You should also use a high-intensity discharge (HID) light source, such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH), to provide enough light intensity and spectrum for your plants.
Maintain optimal temperature and humidity
Indica plants are adapted to cooler and drier climates than sativa plants, so you should keep the temperature between 65°F and 80°F and the humidity between 40% and 50%.
You should also ensure good ventilation and air circulation in your grow room, using fans, filters, and exhaust systems.
Feed your plants properly
Indica plants need a balanced diet of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.) to grow healthy and produce potent buds.
You should use organic or synthetic fertilizers that are designed for cannabis plants, and follow the instructions on the label. You should also monitor the pH level of your soil or water, and keep it between 6.0 and 7.0 for soil or 5.5 and 6.5 for hydroponics.
Harvest at the Right Time
Indica plants are ready to harvest when most of the pistils (the white hairs on the buds) have turned brown or red, and when the trichomes (the resin glands on the buds) have turned milky or amber.
You can use a magnifying glass or a microscope to check the trichomes more closely. You should harvest your plants in stages, starting from the top buds that mature faster than the lower ones.
Dry and Cure Your Buds
After harvesting, you need to dry and cure your buds properly to preserve their quality and potency. You should hang your buds upside down in a dark, cool, and dry place with good ventilation for about a week or until they snap when bent.
Then, you should trim off any excess leaves and put your buds in glass jars with airtight lids. You should open the jars once or twice a day for about two weeks to let some air in and release any moisture. This process will enhance the flavor, aroma, and effect of your buds.
>>Check the best price for Pure Indica
Best Indica Strains: FAQs
Here, we answer a few frequently asked questions about the best Indica strains.
Which Indica Strains Are Considered the Strongest and Most Potent?
Some of the strongest and most potent Indica strains include Pure Indica and Granddaddy Purple. These strains are known for their high THC content and relaxing effects.
Does Indica Give You the Munchies?
Yes, Indica strains are often associated with causing the "munchies." They can increase your appetite, making you feel hungry and inclined to snack.
How Many Indica Strains Are There?
There are numerous Indica strains available, and it's challenging to provide an exact number, as new strains are continually being developed. Hundreds of Indica-dominant strains exist in the cannabis market.
Are There Any Specific Indica Strains Known for Their Exceptionally High THC Levels?
Yes, there are specific Indica strains known for their exceptionally high THC levels. Some examples include Blue Haze, Strawberry Banana, and 9 Pound Hammer, which are famous for their potency.
What Is Stronger, Sativa, or Indica Plants?
The strength of a cannabis plant is primarily determined by its THC content and individual strain characteristics. Both Sativa and Indica strains can have high THC levels, so it's not accurate to say that one is inherently stronger than the other. The effects and potency can vary widely between strains.
How Does Indica Make You Feel?
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. They typically make users feel physically relaxed, calm, and often produce a "body high." These strains are commonly chosen for evening or nighttime use to promote relaxation and sleep.
Is Indica an Upper or a Downer?
Indica strains are typically considered "downers" or "relaxants." They tend to have sedative effects and are more likely to make you feel relaxed and calm, rather than energized or "up."
Which Indica Strain Is Right for Me? Our Verdict
From the timeless classics like Pure Indica and Granddaddy Purple to the newer, potent varieties like Blueberry OG and Glue Gelato, the array of Indica strain choices is nothing short of impressive.
Remember that personal preferences and needs vary, so finding the best Indica strain for you may involve some experimentation. Whether you seek relief from chronic pain, a good night's sleep, or simply a peaceful evening, the best Indica strains are there to cater to your desires.
As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, exploring and enjoying these strains responsibly, in accordance with local laws, can be a source of solace. Your path to relaxation and relief is just a puff or a vape away!
