Indica Side Effects: Things to Know!

We explore some of the most common indica side effects. Here’s what you need to know…

There are three main subspecies of marijuana: Sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Ruderalis strains are rarely seen other than by breeders due to their low THC content. Conversely, sativa and indica strains are familiar to most cannabis aficionados.

Many believe that the two subspecies provide users with a different type of high. Sativas are generally more uplifting and cerebral, and indicas are more relaxing and sedating. As sativa and indica weed provide different effects, each type is suited to addressing specific medical conditions. They are also known for causing different side effects.

Today we will focus on indica strains and what to expect when you use them.

What is Indica Cannabis?

Indica cannabis strains originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. As they evolved in harsh climates, indica strains are hardy plants with a short, stocky structure and broad leaves. Compared with sativas, they have a relatively short flowering time and chunkier buds that produce large amounts of sticky resin. This resin is laden with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD and is ideal for making products such as hash. Some popular indica dominant strains include:

• Afghani
• Northern Lights
• Granddaddy Purple
• Girl Scout Cookies
• G-13

Although there are exceptions to the rule, indica strains tend to have a higher CBD to THC ratio than sativa plants. These high CBD levels are responsible for many of the medicinal benefits of indica strains. They may also be responsible for the difference in effects between indica and sativa weed. However, other factors such as terpene profiles also play a role.

Generally speaking, indica strains produce a heavily sedating, full-body high. Cannabis consumers frequently use indicas for relaxation and stress relief and to address various medical conditions. The most popular medicinal uses of indica strains include:

• Reducing inflammation and pain
• Relaxing the muscles to relieve stiffness and spasms
• Promoting restful sleep
• Stimulating the appetite
• Relieving anxiety
• Managing seizures

Many of the side effects of indica strains are similar to the medical benefits but much more extreme, making them problematic. Let’s take a look at some of the most common indica side effects and why they occur.

Indica Side Effects

You can definitely have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to cannabis. Here are some indica side effects that you may experience if you overindulge in your favorite strain:

Couchlock

Marijuana gets us high because it contains THC. Cannabis compounds (like THC and CBD) are called phytocannabinoids. They are capable of binding with receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) in our body and triggering the release of neurotransmitters.

CB1 receptors are mainly situated in the central nervous system and brain. These receptors interact with THC, the molecule that causes cannabis’s intoxicating effects. CB2 receptors are located throughout the body and are especially concentrated in the immune system. They interact mainly with CBD, and this is the reason that CBD has such powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Since certain indica strains have a higher than average CBD content, they may help to relieve conditions such as chronic pain. CBD is also thought to aid sleep, another reason why many patients choose indicas, especially for night-time use.

These effects are great if you are looking for pain relief or trying to get a good night’s rest. However, they can become an issue if you have things to do. Indica strains are known for producing a ‘full body high.’ This means that your limbs can become heavy, and you may find it challenging to get off the couch.

The best way to avoid this problem? Simply stick to using your indica bud in the evening once you have completed all your chores. If you need relief from medical conditions during the day, try an energizing sativa strain or some non-intoxicating CBD oil instead.

Lack of Coordination

An indica body high can cause a lack of motivation and also lack of coordination. While high on an indica strain, you might find that you become more clumsy than usual or struggle with fiddly tasks. Therefore, never use an indica if you are in a situation where you could potentially cause injury to yourself or someone else.

We would never recommend that anyone drives or operates machinery while under the influence of cannabis. These activities could be even more risky with an indica strain.

The Munchies

While it’s true that any cannabis strain can cause ‘the munchies,’ this phenomenon is especially associated with indica strains. If you are experiencing a loss of appetite, this particular indica side effect could be beneficial.

Cannabis causes the munchies because THC binds with receptors in the area of the brain associated with hunger and satiety. This confuses your nervous system and makes you think you are hungry even if you have just eaten. Marijuana also influences the area of the brain associated with smell and taste. When intoxicated, food becomes even more delicious, and once you start eating, it can be difficult to stop!

To enjoy your indica weed without the ravenous eating, check out our article on how to not get the munchies when high.

Anxiety

One of the interesting things about THC is that it can relieve anxiety in low doses. However, in higher doses, it can cause it. Once again, it’s all to do with how the molecule interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain. In low doses, THC can positively affect neurotransmitters and bring about feelings of calm and relaxation. However, in excess, it can make your mind race, leading to increased anxiety and even paranoia.

Indica strains are less likely to cause this side effect than sativas since they may contain more CBD. Studies show that CBD goes some way toward counteracting the negative effects of THC and also has anti-anxiety effects of its own.

However, any high-THC strain can cause anxiety if you use too much at once or are in an uncomfortable situation. Reduce your risk of being affected by knowing your limits and only using weed in familiar surroundings with trusted friends.

Cottonmouth

Dry mouth, also known as ‘cottonmouth,’ can be a side effect of any strain with a high THC content. It occurs when the cannabinoid affects receptors in the glands that produce saliva, causing production to slow down.

The best way to combat cottonmouth is by staying well-hydrated. Keep a bottle of water handy at all times, or try sucking on lemon-flavored candy to get your saliva flowing.

Long-Term Indica Side Effects

If you use cannabis regularly, you might be wondering about the long-term effects it might have on your health. The good news is that weed may actually benefit you in the long run (check this article out to learn how). However, there are some potential risks, too, especially if you consume your weed by smoking.

Although smoking weed is considered much safer than smoking tobacco, it can still cause respiratory problems such as chronic cough and bronchitis. You can decrease the risk of developing these conditions by using edibles or topical cannabis creams.

There is also the possibility that cannabis could cause psychiatric problems in susceptible people, especially those who start using from a young age. Choosing a high CBD/low THC strain should help to minimize the risk. Although we would recommend that minors wanting to use marijuana, discuss this with a physician first.

Finally, cannabis has the potential to interact with other medications. It is metabolized by the CYP450 pathway in the liver, as are many other drugs. This could mean that you need to increase or decrease the dose of any meds you take to compensate. Be sure to talk to your doctor about whether this could be an issue for you.

Indica Side Effects: Final Thoughts

Indica strains are known for their relaxing, sedating effects. As a result, medicinal patients consume indica strains to address conditions like insomnia and chronic pain. They are also helpful for those trying to increase their appetite either due to eating disorders or the side effects of chemotherapy.

However, these benefits can become problematic in certain situations. If you have things to do, the last thing you want is to be stuck to the couch, bingeing on pizza, after all! The best way to avoid this is to know what to expect and be prepared.

We hope this article has helped you understand some of the most common indica side effects and how to avoid them. Always remember to use marijuana responsibly.