Written by Joshua Sosin

If you’re new to cannabis, you might have some big questions about terms like Indica, Sativa, and many more. We’re here to help you figure it all out.

At Mood, we lovingly craft products like gummies, vapes, concentrates, and more using American-grown Indica and Sativa strains. Finding the right product for you in the Mood Shop starts with a bit of knowledge about the differences between cannabis strains and their unique effects.

Today, let’s focus on Indica, one of the two main varieties of cannabis plants. Below, we’ll go over its effects, potential benefits, and how Indica strains compare to Sativa and hybrid strains.

Visit the Mood Shop to browse our full selection of Indica, Sativa, and hybrid flower. Subscribe for recurring orders to save 15%.

What Is Indica Weed?

Indica strains grow in colder, more mountainous parts of the world — in the US, they’re commonly grown in states like Oregon and Washington.

Originally, Indica was cultivated in the mountains of North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tibet, and India. Over time, the cannabis plants grown in these areas became more resistant to cold and took on unique characteristics.

How Does Indica Get You High?

All cannabis plants contain cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring chemical compounds that have a wide range of different effects. You’ll feel these effects when you smoke cannabis flower or enjoy an edible.

Specific strains have different levels of cannabinoids, but all of them contain tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa), which turns into Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when it’s heated or smoked. THC is primarily what gives Indica weed its psychoactive effects.

In addition to THCa, Indica strains also include a unique mix of other cannabinoids. Some are psychoactive, while others, like cannabidiol (CBD), are not.

All of these cannabinoids balance out Indica’s THC ratio and make the effects of cannabis even more dynamic.

Learn more about how it feels to be high from the Mood Blog.

Indica’s Appearance

Cannabis Indica plants are short and bushy, growing between three to six feet tall in most cases. Their smaller size makes them easier to grow inside than Cannabis Sativa plants.

In addition, Indica plants have wide, dark green leaves, while Sativa plants are lighter-colored and have narrower leaves. The buds of the Indica plant — what’s turned into cannabis flower later — grow closer together than Sativa buds, which leads to a higher yield per plant.

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Indica’s Effects

In general, Cannabis Indica strains are more relaxing and sedating than their Sativa counterparts. They’re known for producing what’s called a body high, which is characterized by deeply soothing physical sensations and a calm mind.

Since Indica is so calming, many cannabis enthusiasts reach for this type of cannabis later in the day. However, cannabis products made with Indica weed can make you feel amazing at any time, AM or PM.

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid Strains: How They Differ

Sativa strains of cannabis tend to be more uplifting and energizing than Indica strains, which makes Sativa more popular for AM use. However, Sativa flower can still have a calming effect, especially if it has high CBD content alongside THC.

Hybrid strains — crossbreeds of Sativa and Indica plants — are usually created with certain effects in mind. These strains are becoming the gold standard in the cannabis industry because growers can cultivate them to promote specific moods.

The Mood Shop primarily features hybrid strains, all grown in the USA. Each of these strains has its own unique effects and levels of THC content, and you can find the right one for you by shopping for flower based on your mood.

Is Indica Weed Legal?

The Farm Bill changed the way that different strains of cannabis are labeled and regulated. Under this bill, any cannabis product that contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight is considered hemp, which you can order online or pick up from a dispensary or other retailer in some states.

Some Indica strains contain a higher concentration of Delta-9 THC than the Farm Bill’s limit for hemp. Anything over this level is legally considered a marijuana strain.

All of the cannabis flower in the Mood Shop meet the Farm Bill’s standards for hemp, but also provide you with a high amount of THC and other powerful cannabinoids.

Before you order, make sure you check your state’s specific regulations for cannabis use.

Indica Products: What To Try

If you’re interested in trying Indica weed for the first time, we have some helpful recommendations to send your way.

These are some of our favorite types of Indica products:

Edibles

Edibles made with Indica flower are soothing, relaxing, and perfect for satisfying your nighttime cravings. The edibles in the Mood Shop vary in potency, so you can find tasty snacks with mild, medium, or high THC content — whatever works best for you.

You have plenty of different options when it comes to edibles. Gummies and baked goods like brownies are some of the most popular, but there’s much more out there. In the Mood Shop, you can find everything from THC-infused caramel popcorn to highly concentrated THC tinctures.

Try a 10-count of Delta-9 THC Sour Rainbow Belts for just $35. Subscribe to save 15%.

Flower

Smoking cannabis flower is a fantastic way to experience all that Indica has to offer. You’ll feel the relaxing effects of a hit from a pipe or bong within a few minutes, and you can tailor your experience to your mood by choosing a specialized hybrid strain.

The Mood Shop is home to a wide range of Indica-dominant hybrids created with different moods in mind. Whether you want to feel calm and relaxed, focused and inspired, or happy and social, there’s flower for you in the Mood Shop.

Snag 3.5g of Dark Rainbow THCa flower for just $54. Subscribe and save 15%.

Concentrates

Concentrates like hash, moonrocks, and dab badders are loaded with cannabinoids and flavorful, aromatic cannabis terpenes. You can enjoy these unique cannabis products using a specialized pipe called a dab rig.

When you use concentrates, a little bit goes a long way. These products are highly potent and not necessarily the best picks for beginners. However, if you’re a longtime cannabis enthusiast, an Indica-derived concentrate can get you one of the best body and head highs of your life.

Pick up 3.5g of Delta-8 THC Moonrocks for just $40. Subscribe to save 15%.

Vapes

Disposable, rechargeable vapes are some of the most convenient cannabis products in the world right now. Equipped with THCa cartridges that create THC when heated, these vapes come with a variety of different flavors and cannabinoid levels.

Vaping can give you a fun, low-maintenance introduction to Indica. It’s an easy way to get high that you can carry around with you in a bag for whenever you want a nice buzz.

Grab a Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape for just $46. Subscribe to save 15%.

FAQs About Indica Weed

Q: Will THCa flower make me fail a drug test?

A: THCa isn’t psychoactive on its own, but it turns into highly psychoactive THC when heated or smoked. That means that unless you’re eating raw cannabis plant material, you’ll get high from THCa — and potentially fail a drug test.

Urinalysis drug tests, which are the standard for most employers, can pick up traces of THC and other cannabinoids for up to 90 days after use. In other words, if you have a drug test coming up, skip all weed strains, including Indica, for at least three months.

Q: Can I grow Indica at home?

A: Indica weed thrives in colder or more temperate climates and at higher elevations — that’s why it was originally grown throughout Asia and the Middle East. In general, it can grow throughout the US in areas with a relatively lower temperature and moderate humidity levels.

However, growing your own weed at home can be a complicated process, and it can put you at risk of getting in legal trouble in certain parts of the country. We recommend ordering your Indica flower online instead of growing it at home for the sake of your peace of mind.

Q: How big is the difference between Indica and Sativa weed?

A: Everyone has their own unique experience with cannabis, and that means it’s possible that you might not take a specific side in the Cannabis Sativa versus Cannabis Indica debate. However, you probably will notice some different effects when you smoke Sativa as opposed to Indica.

In general, Sativa strains are more uplifting and invigorating, while Indica tends to be more sedating and relaxing. The specific effects that you experience can vary by strain.

Q: Why does Indica give me the munchies?

A: Getting the munchies is a common side effect of cannabis use, and it’s something many Indica fans experience every time they get high. There’s nothing wrong with it — some of the cannabinoids in Indica have appetite-stimulating effects.

If you’re looking for a strain that doesn’t give you the munchies, opt for something with a high concentration of THCv. This cannabinoid is sometimes called “diet weed” because of its appetite-suppressing effects.

Indica Hybrid Flower From Mood

The Mood Shop features a wide selection of premium flower, including some of the USA’s best Indica hybrids. grown with love on the west coast, these strains are carefully cultivated to produce specific moods.

Here’s a quick look at some of our top picks:

Gushers Strain

This Indica-dominant hybrid has 22.30% THCa content and a sweet and citrusy scent. Grown in California as a crossbreed of Gelato #41 and Triangle Kush plants, it’s one of our favorite strains for a distinctly happy high.

Whether you’re hanging out with friends or powering through some deadlines, Gushers is the strain to reach for. It’ll help you embrace whatever comes your way with its high THCa content and soothing mix of cannabinoids.

Grab 1g of Gushers for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

Pluto Strain

Pluto is an Indica hybrid with 27.02% THCa content. It’s our top recommendation for creative inspiration, increased focus, and full-body comfort.

Grown in California as a crossbreed of Gelato #33 and 1991 Triangle Kush, Pluto has a scent like sour lemon, fresh pine, and spicy diesel thanks to terpenes like myrcene and pinene. It’s a high-potency strain that will help you get ready for your next eureka moment.

Save $25 or more when you pick up 7g of Pluto for just $93. Subscribe to save 15%.

Dante’s Inferno Strain

This Indica hybrid produces a powerful high that promotes focus and concentration. At 27.77% THCa content, it’s an ideal strain for longtime cannabis enthusiasts with a high tolerance.

With a flavor and scent like strawberries and cream, this Washington-grown strain is the lovechild of Oreoz and Devil Driver plants. It’s premium flower for the moments when you need to get things done and want to feel your best.

Snag 1g of Dante’s Inferno for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

Visit the Mood Shop for additional information about our premium cannabis products.

Prices subject to change.