Indica strains – calmness for the mind, pain relief for the body, and tranquility for the soul. But despite their unbeatable benefits, you may find even the best Indica strains unsuitable for yourself.
Some might be too sour, while others may taste way too sweet. And then there’s the strength factor to consider – is it too strong or too weak for you to enjoy the experience?
And to make things worse, there are hundreds (yeah.. hundreds!) of strains to choose from. Which one do you pick? Seems like way too much trouble for something that’s supposed to calm you, huh?Don’t worry, though. I’ve picked the best Indica strains out of the hundreds out there, so you don’t have to waste a single penny on the wrong one.
This Indica strains list has the 22 best Indica strains of all time. I’ll also discuss what you can expect in terms of their flavors and effects. Read on!
Selection of Top Indica Weed Strains
What Is Pure Indica Strain?
If you have just set foot in the vast cannabis world, you must be wondering what Indica is? Why should I go for an Indica strain and not for any other?
To begin with, cannabis Indica strains are the most widely found, hence are easily accessible. The plants are easy to grow and do not need extra heat. Their buds grow in lesser time than the Sativa plants.
The primary reason for its fame among marijuana enthusiasts is its short plant growth and dense buds. Consequently, the strain produces an overwhelming high with super relaxing effects.
The THC level is different in different indica strains. However, most of them are excellent for treating chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, depression, and loss of appetite, all of which include a body high.
Effects of Indica Strains
By and large, each cannabis strain acts differently on different persons. However, the general effects of the Indica strains include as following:
- Indica strains are highly relaxing and induce calmness in the brain and body. Moreover, they also reduce stress and anxiety.
- The high THC contents in some strains make them an excellent treatment for insomnia. They make a person sleepy immediately after their administration.
- Individuals with chronic or acute pains also find these strains beneficial.
- Apart from mental and physical benefits, marijuana strains are excellent appetite boosters too.
- By helping food digest, these strains help with nausea and other digestive issues.
Indica Dominant Strains Reviews
Since you are now aware of the basics of the cannabis indica strains, now let’s move on to know some of the best indica strain names.
Here’s my list of Indica weed strains that you’ll love:
1. 9-pound Hammer
Do you know how people get knocked out when someone hits them with a hammer? That’s precisely what this strain does – put you to sleep.
Being one of the strongest Indica strains with powerful sedative effects, a 9-pound hammer can give you relief from pain, stress, and anxiety in a matter of minutes. It’s a cross between Jack the Ripper, Hell’s Angel OG, and fruity Gooberry; hence, it has high THC levels (17-23%).
And as far as the taste is concerned, these thick, green-purple buds taste earthy, sweet, and limey – all at the same time. For the best Indica strain for sleep, nothing beats a 9-pound hammer.
2. Zkittlez
Having low THC levels, Zkittlez is usually ideal for new cannabis users. This indica strain is a hybrid of two fruity parents, i.e., Grape Ape and Sativa Grapefruit. The combination is the reason Zkittlez has a fruity taste with a sweet fragrance.
Since the strain has a limited concentration of THC, its effects are not so overpowering. Therefore, it makes you feel happy and giggly by taking away the stress and vibes surrounding you. So, you can feel relaxed and calm at the end of the day.
Moreover, it is one of those indica strains that help increase your appetite too.
On average, the CBD and THC content present in Zkittlez are:
- THC: 15%-23%
- CBD: Less than 1%
3. Ice Cream Cake
If you’re a sucker for sweets, the ice cream cake strain will please your sweet tooth. It’s got a rich, creamy, and sweet flavor with a nutty after-taste that melts in your mouth, just like an ice cream cake.
With its parent strains being Gelato and Wedding Cake, it has 20-25% THC levels. Smoking this sweet baby initially gives you a high, euphoric feeling, serving as an escape from all worries.
However, you’ll go into a deeply relaxed state pretty soon, eventually falling asleep. It’s like drinking your favorite alcohol. Only, this one tastes like a million bucks.
4. Granddaddy Purple
One of the strongest Indica strains, Granddaddy Purple, can help you with several medical issues. Chronic pain, anxiety, muscle spasms, and appetite loss are some of the things it can fix with just a few tokes. It has around 20-25% THC content and is 80% indica.
Since it’s a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, this strain tastes like a berry-flavored candy and has purple buds. Yum! But try not to smoke too much at a time just because it tastes so good – the thing is powerful enough to disorient you!
5. Death Star
Death Star has arguably one of the most interesting Indica names, inspired by Star Wars of course. It’s quite a strong strain, made by combining Sensi Star and Sour Diesel.
If you don’t mind highly pungent aromas that somewhat smell like a sweet jet fruit, you’ll like the potent aroma it has and the potent effects it produces. As an indica dominant, it has a strong buzz that may arrive slowly but once it does, you feel it strongly.
Its potency comes from the best of both of its parent strains. When crushing it with bare hands, you’ll notice that it’s quite sticky. This is one of those indica weed strains you can use both during the day and night.
6. Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is an indica dominant hybrid between a couple of strongest Indica strains, namely the UK Cheese strain and Blueberry Indica strain. This marijuana strain offers around 2% CBD and 15%-20% THC content.
Overall, the effects of Blue Cheese are not as lethal and strong as other Indica strains. However, it produces a mental euphoria with appreciable physical relaxation, an impeccable combination that takes some users by surprise. Its high is typically long-lasting, which is another exciting feature of this indica hybrid strain.
Largely, it reduces stress, calms anxiety and depression, along with imparting benefits for physical pain. In addition, it can stimulate appetite too.
7. Northern Lights
A pure Indica strain, Northern Lights, is one of the most popular weed strains and is as old as the Hindu Kush strain. These buds are not only easy to grow but have wonderfully numbing effects on the body.
Sought-after by people suffering from stress, depression, and chronic pain, Northern Lights can leave you as happy as being in Alaska under the green night sky. While it may not induce euphoria effectively, it puts you in a highly relaxed state with a big fat smile on your face, relieving any stress or bodily pain.
Northern Lights are your best bet for pain and stress relief with a piney, earthy, and sometimes sweet taste.
8. Purple Punch
If you are a sweet and cannabis lover, Purple Punch is going to be your next favorite after-dinner dessert. It is another Indica hybrid cross between Grandaddy Purple and Larry OG. Most nighttime users are in love with its sweet taste and candy-like aroma.
The delectable flavors of GDP and the high mental uplifting properties of Larry OG are highly visible in this cannabis strain. The aroma also further ascertains the fact that this indica is a descendant of Grandaddy Purple.
Its THC content is between 17% to 27%, whereas CBD content is nearly 1 percent. Purple Punch offers a combination of both medical and recreational benefits. It is one of those marijuana strains that ease stress, anxiety, depression, and aid in sleeping well almost immediately.
9. Hindu Kush
If you’ve been smoking weed for a while, Hindu Kush hardly needs an introduction as it’s one of the top indica strains. It actually originated in the Hindu Kush mountain region in South Asia, which is why this strain can withstand harsh conditions as well.
Protected by a layer of trichomes, this strain has an earthy yet sweet sandalwood aroma. This one is particularly popular for medicinal use, thanks to its pain and stress-relieving properties. You can relax for quite some time even with a little bit of this indica strain.
With a high level of THC, it’s better for use at night time.
10. Bubba Kush
As interesting as these Indica names get, then Bubba Kush is another highly popular strain. If you’re looking for a relaxing high that doesn’t leave you couch-locked for hours, go for this strain.
With 15-19% (but sometimes even higher) THC levels, it gives you a strong enough high for some wonderfully happy and numb hours. It’s also incredibly helpful with easing nausea and inducing appetite.
Beware of the taste, though. Your Bubba Kush might taste either earthy and chocolatey or harsh and chemically depending on the phenotype you buy. These strains are resin producers with resinous and compact buds.
Regardless of that, it’s an excellent strain for day use, especially for people suffering from certain medical and psychological conditions.
11. Grandmas Sugar Cookies
This is another one of food-inspired Indica names that also carry an emotional element. Grandma’s Sugar Cookies is a cross between the ubiquitous Girl Scout Cookies and Black Sugar Berry.
As a result, it balances the dominant indica effects of Black Sugar Berry with the happy vibes of the GSC strain. The terpenes of this strain give off an eclectic aroma of dough, anise, tart cherries, and earth.
This is the best indica strain for sleep, as its relaxing effects slowly lead you to a deep slumber. It’s a good choice to end the day on a positive note.
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12. Galactica OG
Those looking for something powerful in an indica can go for Palomar Craft Cannabis’s Galactica OG. With indica dominant properties, it’s a mix of Saturn OG and Jedi Kush.
What makes this so potent is that the buzz straight goes to the head before going through the rest of the body. So it hits fast and it hits intensely, which is why it may be a good choice for the pros who have some experience smoking a pure indica strain.
The terpene profile is marked by pine and earthy aromas, which represent its deep effects well. It can be used for sleep issues like insomnia as well as minor physical pain.
13. Dolato
Dolato is your perfect Indica if you are looking for a premium relaxing high without completely knocking yourself off. This Indica dominant hybrid is made after crossing two sweet and potent Indica strains, including Dosido and Gelato.
Overall, Dolato is a sweet, multicolored, and delicious bud that keeps you relaxed for hours. One of the most potent indica strains, the THC contents in this cannabis strain are considerably high, ranging from 20% to 35%. Therefore, its hard high and super mental relaxation properties are pretty much justified.
In addition, the medicinal benefits of Dolato are worth noticing too. Its high THC level makes it ideal for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pains, and fatigue.
14. Do-si-dos
If you want to max out on THCs, Do-si-dos is one of the strongest Indica strains for that. It has THC levels reaching up to an exhilarating 30%, which initially gives you an uplifting, high-energy euphoria. In fact, it often gets people creative and super social.
But that only lasts a short while, as the effect slowly fades into intense, numbing bliss that lasts quite a while. As a child of the Girl Scout Cookies and Face Off OG, it tastes deliciously sweet, with a soil-like, flowery exhale. It might leave a pungent smell that lingers for a long while, though.
15. God’s Gift
God’s Gift indica is aptly named because its happy and dreamy effects are nothing short of a gift from heaven above. As a cross of Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush, it takes the best of each to deliver that often much-needed happy vibe.
It originated in California and became a common name as early as 2005. However, its fans still rave about it. It carries a skunky aroma with sweet notes of grapes. It starts off with euphoric cerebral effects that gradually turn into a relaxing buzz.
You can consider it the best indica strain for sleep if you like a slow and satisfying slumber.
16. Grape Ape
An Indica dominant crossbreed of Mendocino, Purps, Skunk, and Afghani landrace strain, Grape Ape has a delicious taste and robust psychoactive effects. It is one of the strongest Indica strains that any cannabis enthusiast will go mad over.
This cannabis strain has a multicolored look with a sweet, fruity aroma. It is considered a potent Indica strain, having 18%-21% THC content.
Prominently, Grape Ape will not completely melt your mind. You will feel present but with a feeling of walking over sunshine. In addition, the high gradually takes control of your body, starting from the head and limbs.
Apart from mental effects, the medical application of this indica dominant strain is also noticeable. It is beneficial in the treatment of migraines, arthritis pain, depression, anxiety, and stress.
17. Kosher Kush
Kosher Kush or Kosher OG is an award-winning pure indica strain that was originated in Los Angeles, California. It’s a highly potent strain with a generous THC content. But what really sets it apart is its unique odor, which has earthy and fruity profiles but is still distinctly different from other such strains.
Kosher OG is hands down the most delicious indica and one that anyone would like. The flow of its effects is also ideal starting off with a relaxing and pain-relieving high, followed by a sleep-inducing effect.
This can serve well for both medicinal and recreational use.
18. Forbidden Fruit
Do you love your fruits as much as you love your weed? Then try Forbidden Fruit. A cross between Cherry Pie and Tangie, this indica weed strain has a sweet cherry, mango, and tropical fruit mix flavor. Take my word for it – it’s a wholesome treat for your taste buds.
It gives you a euphoric effect with high THCs, but that lasts a very short while. The real fun begins when it hits your mind and your entire body with tranquility and sleepiness that’s unbeatable. Undoubtedly, it’s the best Indica strain for sleep.
19. Platinum OG
Being one of the potent cannabis indica strains, Platinum OG is a real treat for marijuana enthusiasts. This Indica hybrid strain is obtained after a cross between Master Kush, OG Kush, and a Purps variety strain, reportedly Mendocino Purps.
The Platinum OG imparts feelings of relaxation, slows your thoughts, and takes your mind on a tour out of this world. In addition, it is effective against insomnia, inflammation, mood swings, depression, anxiety, and stress.
On average, the THC level in this potent strain is nearly 20% which is greatly depicted in body high. Ideally, you should take a low dose if you want to relish its super comforting and euphoric effects completely.
20. Government 13 or G-13
As mysterious as it sounds, the G-13’s origins are unknown. But what I do know is that it’s a super-powerful pure Indica strain – except for being lulled into a stoned, relaxed state of mind for hours.
This is why it’s best suited for relieving pain, depression, and muscle spasms. However, many people use it for its initial, high-energy euphoria that induces creativity. Whatever you use it for, don’t consume too much of it – it’s very potent. Oh and, if you’re into that earthy, soil-like aroma and taste, G13 will prove to be a real treat.
21. Critical Kush
The Critical Kush is one of the top indica strains when it comes to a blend of popular strains. Made by combining OG Kush and Critical Mass (hence the name), it’s a potent strain with spicy and earthy notes.
It doesn’t just relax the whole body and that too pretty quickly. This is why its use is popular for quick pain relief especially muscle aches.
Although its flowering cycle takes its sweet time, the end product contains a relatively higher THC content (up to a whopping 29 percent). This strain also has small content of CBD, which gives it its relaxing properties.
22. Black Diamond
Alternatively known as Black Diamond OG Kush, Black diamond falls in the most potent indica strains list. It is an indica hybrid strain that is dominant as well as rare.
Overall, the THC level in this one varies between 18% and 24%. The aroma emanating from this marijuana strain has an earthy feel. Moreover, it tastes like a juicy blackberry.
It is one of those marijuana plants that make you feel elated soon after they’re smoked. In addition, its results for medical purposes are overwhelming too. Largely, it can help insomniacs sleep better due to its highly sedative effects. Also, you may consume it for treating pain, anxiety, depression, and appetite loss.
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Before Buying the Best Indica Strains
Today, there are a lot of companies manufacturing these cannabis strains. Therefore, the possibility of a difference in the same strain from different brands is pretty much there.
So, to bag an ideal strain for yourself, try and research the product thoroughly before buying it.
Purpose
Before everything else, you must be clear about the purpose you want to buy cannabis Indica for. It will help you a lot in choosing an indica. Since every indica strain has various medical and recreational benefits, you can choose a particular strain for a particular application.
For instance, an indica rich in cannabinoids will be ideal if you are looking to treat chronic pain. Whereas, for treating anxiety or seizures, you should go for a strain that has a high CBD and low THC level. Using a strain with very high THC contents may result in worsening anxiety.
Aroma
Another essential factor to keep in mind before shopping for an Indica strain is its smell. A high-quality strain will have a strong smell that is not easy to forget.
Smelling the marijuana strain will immediately tell you what compounds are present in it. These compounds, known as terpenes, are present in almost every strain add an extra scent to the original odor of the strain. You can even get a hint of the taste of the weed just by the smell of it.
Moreover, since every strain has a specific aroma, you’ll know a particular strain by its odor. If the smell of a strain does not seem as it should be, consider it a red flag and move away.
Lab Tests
Make sure the weed strain you’re buying has undergone rigorous lab testing. Lab testing makes the characteristics of the strain more clear. Moreover, the terpenes and CBD contents in it are also determined by lab tests.
Above all, lab tests will ensure no chemicals, including fungicides and pesticides, are in the product.
Indica vs Sativa Content
Most of the strains today are a combination of both Indica and Sativa. Therefore, if you want a pure Indica or an Indica dominant strain, you will need to research the product deeply. Most hybrid strains contain 60% Indica and 40% Sativa.
Wrapping up with the Strongest Indica Strains
Not all Indica strains are for everyone. The Ice Cream Cake and Forbidden Fruit are some of the best Indica strains of all time for people who go for taste. But if you love the harsher, earthy, and skunky flavors, the G13 and Northern Lights will give you a good dose of that.
Regardless of your preferred flavors, there’s one thing all of these strains have in common – the ability to induce relaxation. With most of them having high THCs, these are the best Indica strains for relieving pain, stress, and depression.
With that being said, be sure to check the THC content in your buds before purchasing them. This is because high THCs are usually better for nighttime use, as most Indicas. Meanwhile, low THCs will give you just enough relief to spend a happy, peaceful day.
Either way, indica will be there to save your soul and leave you high and stoned – what a blessing, aren’t they?