cannabis Indica

What is cannabis Indica in USA?

In the USA, the term “cannabis Indica” is often used to characterize the effects of specific cannabis strains. Cannabis Indica strains are typically associated with producing a calming and sedating body high, making them well-suited for evening or nighttime use in USA. However, it’s crucial to not overly rely on the Indica label when selecting a particular cannabis strain, as the terms “indica” and “sativa” are not definitive descriptors of the effects of cannabis. In reality, these terms primarily refer to the structure of the cannabis plants rather than their specific effects.

Cannabis Indica plants are typically short, bushy plants that originated in dry, warm regions such as India and Afghanistan. They are recognizable by their broad leaves and short stems, which are often depicted in cannabis imagery in USA. These plants also tend to grow quickly and yield a significant amount of buds.

To truly understand how specific Indica strains will affect you, it’s important to consider the specific compounds present in the strain.

Indica vs Sativa

When comparing indica and sativa strains of cannabis, it’s important to understand the distinct characteristics of each. Sativas are often viewed as the polar opposite of indicas. Unlike the calming effects of indicas, sativas are known for their stimulating and creative properties. However, it’s crucial to note that individual strain experiences are influenced by their unique chemical compositions rather than simply being classified as sativa or indica.

From a physical standpoint, sativa plants differ significantly from indica plants. Sativas typically feature long, slender leaves and have a longer growth cycle, resulting in a smaller bud yield compared to indicas. Their preference for longer daylight hours can be attributed to their origins in USA.

Whether you are considering using sativa for decoration or for consumption, it’s important to understand that the traditional sativa strains are often morphologically indicas. Therefore, focusing solely on the name might be misleading. Instead, pay attention to the THC and CBD content in the specific strain.

The primary distinction between indica and sativa lies in their cannabinoid content. Indica plants are generally high in CBD and low in THC, while sativa plants typically contain higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD. As a result, strains traditionally labeled as sativas are likely to produce a more potent psychoactive effect.

Modern cannabis history

In 2005, Karl Hillig, a doctoral student at Indiana University, made a groundbreaking discovery that revolutionized the understanding of cannabis Indica. His research revealed that the traditional classification of cannabis indica and cannabis sativa was flawed, and that the effects attributed to these classifications were accurate, but the names were incorrect.

Hillig found that cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are part of a larger plant family, which includes not only these two varieties but also 70 kinds of hackberries and two kinds of hops in USA. Additionally, he noted an interesting tidbit about a beer in Germany that is brewed with cannabis flowers instead of hop flowers, which can surprise unsuspecting beer drinkers in a small German town.

Hillig’s research unveiled that the genetic variances in cannabis were not solely related to physical attributes such as height, but rather delineated whether a plant was fibrous or non-fibrous. This crucial distinction determined whether the plant could be used to produce items such as ropes. As a result, Hillig reclassified all hemp varieties of cannabis as sativa, while labeling the drug varieties as indica. Furthermore, he divided the drug varieties into broad-leaved drug (BLD) and narrow-leaved drug (NLD) subtypes based on genetic profiles associated with THC and CBD production.

Cannabis varieties

Despite the prevalence of hybrid cannabis varieties, Hillig’s classification proved valuable in predicting the effects of a particular plant. He emphasized that modern drug varieties of cannabis tend to be indicas, predominantly leaning toward BLD types but often exhibiting a mix of BLD and NLD characteristics. Pure BLD strains like Bubba Kush were found to induce a more calming and cerebral experience, whereas strains with greater NLD characteristics were associated with heightened psychoactive effects.

Importantly, Hillig highlighted that the indica or sativa classification should not be the primary concern when evaluating cannabis. Instead, attention should be directed towards understanding the THC and CBD content of a particular strain. This distinction challenges the traditional belief that indicas are calming while sativas are stimulating, as genetic analysis suggests the opposite to be true.

Ultimately, Hillig’s research illuminates that it is the chemical composition of cannabis that truly determines its effects, rather than whether it is labeled as indica or sativa.