A good sativa is easy to find for a reasonable price. A good indica is a little harder to find. The right indica has the perfect blend of cannabinoids and terpenes to deliver supreme relaxation. If you work hard all week and you need to unwind at night, the right indica will have your back.
There’s a perfect indica for everyone, whether they’re a saver or a splurger.
What is cannabis indica?
Cannabis indica refers to the shorter, stouter indica plant with the thicker, broader leaves. The theory behind indica is that more CBD is present in its flowers, leading to a relaxing body high. When you’re smoking flower, this is usually the case. When you’re using a distillate, all bets are off. Distillates focus on THC to the exclusion of other beneficial cannabinoids.
If you want to experience indica in its purest state, smoke the flower. It’s the most unadulterated form of indica. If you have the opportunity, review lab reports on your favorite strains. You’ll be able to see how much CBD your indica contains before you buy it, allowing you to choose a strain that will offer you significant relaxation benefits.
How is cannabis indica different from cannabis sativa?
Cannabis sativa is known as an energizing weed. Its CBD content is usually low, which means that the head high is stronger. Sativa is better for people who still have stuff to do.
If your goal is to get high and play guitar or work on your sketches, sativa is your best companion. You won’t feel like you need to sit still. Your mind will probably wander, you’ll feel inspired, and mundane things like household chores will be a little more fun.
When to use indica
Indica has earned its reputation as a nighttime weed. The body high relaxes you, and when you feel that relaxed, it’s hard to find the motivation to get off the couch. Indica is a gentle good time. If you’re in for the night and you’ve ordered dinner, spark up some indica.
Affordable indica strains
A few tried and true strains of indica come at really affordable price points. If you’re looking to drop a few bucks on an eighth for the weekend, any of these strains will hit the mark for you.
Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie. It’s usually between 18% and 22% THC, which is rather modest by modern standards. It isn’t as sedating as other indicas because it’s an indica dominant hybrid. It’s balanced, providing relaxation without the couch-lock that usually comes with true indicas.
Wedding Cake has prominent limonene terpenes. This means it tastes and smells a little citrusy, a flavor and aroma that most people find agreeable. It doesn’t have a spicy or skunky kick, which makes it a little more enjoyable to newer smokers who aren’t yet acclimated to strong terpenes.
Ice Cream Cake
Ice Cream Cake is similar to Wedding Cake. In fact, it’s made of Wedding Cake and Gelato. Ice Cream Cake is heavier on the indica than Wedding Cake, pulling more toward the relaxing side of the spectrum. Ice Cream Cake is limonene forward in its terpenes, producing lemony clouds and lending a subtle citrus flavor. Limonene takes the back seat in Ice Cream Cake, with most people reporting a subtle vanilla flavor with a small hint of sweet dough.
Ice Cream Cake runs between 20% and 25% THC. It’s a bit stronger than Wedding Cake, and that’s part of the reason why it’s gained a reputation for being so relaxing. You’re definitely not going anywhere after you smoke a joint of Ice Cream Cake. If you want some real ice cream to go with it, buy it ahead of time or have it delivered.
Super OG
Super OG is a proprietary cross of Skywalker OG, Tahoe Kush, and Larry OG. Super OG is really strong, coming in at over 20% THC. Its flavor is sour with notes of pine, and many people would consider it to be an acquired taste.
The biggest advantage of Super OG is that it’s a very potent indica that isn’t expensive to acquire. If you’re looking for a powerful kick that suits your budget, Super OG is going to play that role really well. The flavor is average, the aroma is average, and the smoking experience is average. The high is going to exceed your expectations.
Mid-range indica strains
Mid-range indica strains give you the best balance between price and quality. These are your staple strains. When you want a reliable indica you can stock your jar with, any one of these strains will do you well. Most of them are a lot more potent than less expensive strains, so you’ll want to keep that in mind before you indulge.
Banana OG
First things first, Banana OG is nuts. It climbs close to 30% THC, and you’re definitely going to feel it. It’s developed a reputation as a creeper. You feel a little high, and a stronger high creeps up on you out of nowhere. You’ll start the night off fine, but there’s the ever-present threat (or promise) that couch lock is right across the corner.
Banana OG is praised for its relaxation potential. Many people use Banana OG to combat symptoms of insomnia or to ease the tension in sore muscles. Banana OG puts you down for the count, and if you desperately need some rest, that’s exactly what you want.
Banana OG’s high is one you need to prepare for. You’re going to get really hungry and really sleepy, and they’re both going to hit at the same time. Put your pajamas on and find a comfortable place to snuggle in. Keep snacks very close to you — preferably within reach. If you haven’t had dinner yet, you might want to eat first to soften the blow of the impending munchies.
Larry OG
Larry OG, also known as Lemon Larry, is an indica dominant hybrid that gives you a “best of both worlds” scenario. You’ll be too energized to get lost in between the couch cushions, but too relaxed to fold the laundry. This peppery, piney strain delivers a powerful kick, but then extends a hand to help you back up.
Larry OG is the indica that won’t batter you with relaxation. You’ll get to enjoy the ride without feeling confined to it. You can make yourself a sandwich if you get the munchies because Larry leaves you with enough energy for a little bit of self-care.
Zkittlez
Zkittlez is a mystery indica. We know it’s a cross of Grapefruit and Grape Ape, but nobody knows what the third strain is. Ever since Zkittles started winning first place awards in cannabis contests, the secrets became closely guarded. No one is eager to give away their secret ingredient.
Zkittlez does something amazing. It gives you a decent body high with an energizing head high. It’s an indica, but it defies all the expectations most people have of indica strains. Zkittlez is functional. It’s an indica you can use during the day with no regrets. Simply put — it’s the indica lover’s indica.
Higher-end indica strains
If you’ve got some cash burning a hole in your pocket and you’re willing to splurge on some premium weed, these higher-end incidas will fit the bill.
Skywalker OG
Skywalker OG is a combination of Skywalker and OG Kush. This indica dominant hybrid is beautifully balanced, giving you a head high and a body high that work together rather than attempting to dominate each other.
This well-rounded high is a little energizing, but not so energizing that you’ll start bursting with weird ideas. You won’t want to recast Law and Order with muppets. You’ll want to daydream productively.
Blueberry
Blueberry is one of the most beloved strains of indica. It’s been a weed pantry staple for decades, and many people feel that nothing compares to the calm that Blueberry imparts. It’s the quintessential sleepy time weed. Medically, this indica is commonly used for pain relief. People swear by its soothing body high for remedying their sore muscles.
The takeaway
Even the most expensive strains of weed are more affordable than a bottle of fancy Scotch or a jar of caviar. Whether you’re looking to spend $20 or $50, you’re going to have a good time if you choose an indica that will work for you.
Did you find something you’re interested in? Emjay can bring it to you in about half an hour. We can have one indica (or a sampling of a few tempting strains) ready for you to try in the same amount of time it takes a pizza to arrive. The sooner you order, the sooner you’ll be relaxing.