Indica strains make up one-third of the cannabis genetic family, and while this system of classification is starting to slowly become somewhat outdated, its legacy lives on for a reason.
Indica-dominant cultivars originate mostly from colder climate regions - think Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and Morocco. Their shorter stature and broader leaves allowed them to survive in harsher conditions, making them highly resilient plants with a shorter flowering time than their Sativa kin.
So, what makes Indica strains so popular?
Indica strains are celebrated for their relaxing and sedative effects, making them ideal for evening or nighttime use. They are also known to have slightly higher natural levels of CBD compared to Sativa strains, making them popular among medical cannabis users seeking relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
So, without any more fanfare or delay, let’s dive into our top picks for the best Indica strains currently on the menu!
- OG Kush
- GMO Cookies
- Purple Punch
- Forbidden Fruit
- Hindu Kush (100% Indica)
- Strawberry Banana
- Kushberry Moonrocks
- Godfather OG
- Bubba Kush
- London Pound Cake
- What are the effects of Cannabis Indica strains?
- Are Indica strains an upper or a downer?
- Do Indica strains make you sleepy?
- Do Indica strains make you laugh?
- What is the strongest Indica strain?
- What are the best growing conditions for Indica-dominant strains?
OG Kush
OG Kush. Is there a strain more synonymous with modern cannabis culture?
This 'Hall of Fame' cultivar has won more awards than we can even list here, but it's safe to say that OG Kush is one of the most important offerings ever to hit breeding rooms and rolling trays.
With a signature diesel and lemon aroma, this powerful Indica-dominant hybrid offers a strong body high coupled with a light sprinkling of Sativa euphoria. Perfect for relaxing after a long day or easing into a good night's sleep. OG Kush was one of the first strains that was able to push the 25% THC mark, and with yields that eclipse most other strains, it's a sure-fire hit.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | Early October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Tropical, Sub Tropical, Warm |
| Medical Conditions | Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Regular, Feminized |
| Genetics | Chemdawg x Hindu Kush |
| Effects | Relaxing |
| Taste | Pine, Woody, Earthy |
| Terpene | Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
GMO Cookies
Also known as Garlic Cookies, GMO Cookies is a relatively new, almost pure Indica (90%) that has taken the weed world by storm. Unsurprisingly, the scent reminiscent of garlic coupled with an earthy flavor profile, this Indica-dominant cultivar packs a punch with most phenos easily hitting 24% THC.
This strain is about as loud as they come, and with the potential to top the golden 600 grams per square meter limbo line, it's a veritable Indica monster hybrid.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | October |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Warm |
| Medical Conditions | Arthritis, Depression, Insomnia, Nausea |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Chemdawg x Girl Scout Cookies |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Sweet, Earthy, Diesel |
| Terpene | Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
Purple Punch
Talk about a genetic lineage that would rule the seven kingdoms. Purple Punch is a cross between two of the most famous Indica strains ever to grace this big blue marble - Granddaddy Purple and Larry OG.
Purple Punch has an unbelievably sweet aroma and taste, like sipping a tropical cocktail while gorging on blackberry pie like the Queens of old. This strain has it all; great flavor, potency that borders on the ridiculous (+27% THC), and a level of bag appeal we only ever see with consistently purple strains.
This award-winning strain has been slightly clouded by some of the new kids on the block, but we thought it was high time for her to come back out of the shadows and steal some of that limelight once again.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of October |
| Yield | Over 600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Temperate, Warm, Cool, Mould Resistant |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Larry OG x Grandaddy Purple |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Berry, Sweet, Grape |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene |
Forbidden Fruit
Coming in hot off the breeding tables less than a year ago, Forbidden Fruit is one of our favorite new Indica strains.
This cultivar boasts some serious parents; Cherry Pie, Tangie, and Granddaddy Purple (again!). Despite being over 80% Indica-dominant, Forbidden Fruit has a surprisingly balanced, uplifting, calming effect. The aroma is a fruity mix of cherry, grape, and citrus, with a slight hint of pine.
The yields on this strain are nothing short of amazing, sometimes reaching 700 grams per square meter indoors, but you'll need a bit of space as she likes to stretch her legs.
| THC % | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Warm, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Cherry Pie x Tangie |
| Effects | Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Fruity, Lemon, Sweet, Pine |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene |
Hindu Kush (100% Indica)
Hindu Kush is where it all began when it comes to the modern Indica scene. One of the very last pure Indica landrace options still kicking about, this historic cultivar is one that all self-resecting growers just need to try at least once.
Hailing from the Hindu Kush mountains that run between Afghanistan and Pakistan, this is your opportunity to take a step back in time and grow the ancestor to almost every Indica hybrid that's been pumped out over the last few decades.
True Hindu Kush is as close to 100% pure Indica as you can get, with some phenos testing at almost 20% THC. The taste is exactly what you'd expect from an old-school Indica; hashy, earthy, and pungent to a tee.
| THC % | 16%-19% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of September |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Pure Indica |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Sub Tropical, Temperate, Warm, Cool, High Altitude |
| Medical Conditions | Insomnia, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Landrace |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing |
| Taste | Herbal, Lemon, Pine |
| Terpene | Limonene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene |
Strawberry Banana
Taking out the top spot for Best Outdoor Hybrid at the 2018 Santa Cruz Cup is what really skyrocketed Strawberry Banana to the stratosphere when it comes to Indica-dominant hybrids, and she has been a mainstay in dispensaries and grow rooms globally ever since.
A cross of Banana Kush and Bubblegum and with a THC level (around 24%) is what makes Strawberry Banana a really versatile strain - smoke too much, and those expected Indica couchlock effects will kick in, but hit that sweet spot, and you'll have the perfect blend of relaxation and euphoria.
You guessed it, strawberries and bananas dominate the taste profile, but with a creamy finish that makes this strain one of our all-time favorites.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Temperate, Warm, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Depression, Insomnia, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Banana Kush x Bubblegum |
| Effects | Creative, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Sweet, Strawberry, Earthy |
| Terpene | Myrcene , Caryophyllene , Limonene |
Kushberry Moonrocks
80% Indica with the potential to push above 33% THC, and with a flowering time of just 8 to 10 weeks?
Holy moley Weedman, we're not even sure where to start with this bud, so how about a bowl (or two) first? Kushberry Moonrocks is an insanely potent creation, and that's not even mentioning the crazy purple hues that hide behind a truly insane covering of the frostiest trichomes we have ever seen.
Light her up, and you'll be transported to your happy place, filled with tastes of mouth-watering berries, while your body sinks into a sea of blissful relaxation. This strain is a big hit with medical users and commercial growers alike, so why not take her for a spin around the block to see what all of the fuss is about?
| THC % | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of September |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Temperate, Warm, Arid, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Arthritis, Depression, Migraine |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Blue Moonrock x Blackberry Kush |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Berry, Blueberry, Floral |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene |
Godfather OG
Why Godfather OG?
Easy, this strain lays claim to being the most potent Indica available on the planet, and we think she just might be.
Through some form of ancient wizardry and alchemy, these guys have managed to cross XXX OG, Alpha OG, and (wait for it) OG Kush into one strain that can push above 34% THC.
If you need more than that from us, you're probably looking in the wrong place. Just know Godfather OG is up there with the very best genetics we offer.
| THC % | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of September, Early October |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Temperate, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Insomnia, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | XXX OG x Alpha OG |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Fruity, Sweet, Woody |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene |
Bubba Kush
This mysterious Cali born banger is another OG Kush descendant, but Bubba Kush's exact genetics are a bit of an enigma. What isn't open to debate is how good this lady is at dealing with insomnia and other sleep-anxiety-related issues.
With an Indica-dominant ratio of 70%, she's heavy-hitting in the THC department, too (riding around the 20% mark) without being overwhelming, making her perfect for those among us needing a little R&R.
The flavor profile is all sorts of amazing, with notes of chocolate and coffee that have a real high-end perfume to them.
| THC % | 16%-19% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | Mid October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | 1-2% |
| Climate | Warm |
| Medical Conditions | Depression, Insomnia, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | OG Kush x Afghani |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Sweet Hashish, Coffee, Chocolate |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Alpha-Pinene |
London Pound Cake
Rounding out proceedings is one of the newest kids on the block, London Pound Cake.
This brand-new hybrid has already gained a bit of a reputation for being one of the tastiest (and strongest) strains around. We are talking 29%+ THC when grown right, and boy, do you know about it.
Think sweet lemon and berries with a creamy aftertaste, so delicious she'll have you running back for more, time after time.
| THC % | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | Mid October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Indica Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Warm, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Sunset Sherbet x Unknown Indica |
| Effects | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Citrus, Berry, Fruity |
| Terpene | Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
What are the effects of Cannabis Indica strains?
When compared with sativas, Indica-dominant strains are known to have more relaxing, sedative effects. They are the perfect choice for those looking to unwind after a long day or alleviate stress and anxiety. Indica strains can also produce a "couchlock" feeling, making them perfect for nights at home with your favorite somebody!
Are Indica strains an upper or a downer?
The heavier the Indica dominance, the more of that classic Indica "stoned" feeling you will experience. This tends to be a calming and sedative effect, making them perfect for people looking to unwind and chill.
Do Indica strains make you sleepy?
Yes, Indica strains are known to make you feel sleepy. The effects often induce a sense of relaxation and can often lead to drowsiness, making them popular among those seeking help with sleep issues.
Do Indica strains make you laugh?
They can, and they will, but the more you indulge in, the more likely you are to feel relaxed and sedated rather than bursting into fits of uncontrollable laughter.
What is the strongest Indica strain?
Right now, clocking in at a massive 34% THC, Godfather OG is the strongest Indica-dominant strain we have on record. Other notable mentions include THC Bomb which was recently tested at 32% and Kushberry Moonrocks which can produce over 25% THC.
What are the best growing conditions for Indica-dominant strains?
Indica cultivars come from regions with harsher climates, so they are quite resilient and can handle colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons. They also tend to stay short and bushy, making them perfect for indoor grows with limited space.
They can also thrive outdoors as long as the climate is not too hot or humid. Just be sure to give them plenty of nutrients and watch out for mold in the later stages, as Indica buds are dense as the day is long.
