Indica strains
Strains sold under the indica label, ranked by popularity in the guide, with typical THC ranges, dominant terpenes and the effects people report.
3 indica strains
Ranked by popularity in the guide
indica#1Northern Lights
Afghani × Thai (reported; the original cross is undocumented)
THC16–21%Myrcene · Beta-Caryophyllene · Limonene
- Sleepy
- Relaxed
- Hungry
indica#2Afghan Kush
Afghan landrace indica from the Hindu Kush range (selected seed lines rather than a single cross)
THC15–21%Myrcene · Beta-Caryophyllene · Alpha-Pinene
- Sleepy
- Hungry
- Relaxed
indica#3Hindu Kush
Pure indica landrace from the Hindu Kush mountains, maintained as an inbred seed line
THC18–20%Limonene · Beta-Caryophyllene · Alpha-Pinene
- Sleepy
- Relaxed
- Hungry
What “indica” does and doesn’t tell you
“Indica” originally described short, bushy, broad-leaved cannabis plants associated with the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In stores it is used as shorthand for strains that people expect to feel relaxing or sleepy.
That shorthand is rough. Genetic and chemical studies of retail cannabis have found the label often doesn’t line up with what is in the plant. Many strains sold as indica are hybrids, and a myrcene-heavy sativa can feel heavier than a limonene-forward indica. Use the terpene profile, THC range and reported effects on each profile as a better guide — and start low.
Studies: Sawler et al., PLOS ONE (2015); Smith et al., PLOS ONE (2022).