Cannabis indica is a psychoactive plant of the genus Cannabis in the family Cannabaceae. The true origin of the cannabis indica species is presumed to have stemmed from the genetics of cannabis sativa plants, however researchers and taxonomists are still unsure of the true separation between cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. For general purposes the two are considered closely-related species under the same genus that display noticeably different traits when cultivated from seedling or clone.
Appearance
Cannabis indica plants show a distinct stout, thick and full-bodied appearance compared the the taller and lankier cannabis sativa species. The leaves of cannabis indica plants are often deep green in color to almost blueish tones. The stems, stalks and petioles of indica plants are enlarged. The buds are extremely resinous and dense.
Origin
The French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785 first wrote his observations of a new species of cannabis he collected in India. At the time only cannabis sativa was recognized. On a trip to India Lamarck encountered the new species which he then named “cannabis indica”.
Cannabis indica is noted for the plant’s distinctive short and dense growing structure along with deep green broad leaves.
Cannabis indica originated from South Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan) from the Hindu Kush to the Himilayas according to historians.
Cannabis indica plants are traditionally used for “charas” hashish production in the Himilayas along with “bhang”, an Indian drink made from the buds and leaves of wild cannabis indica plants.
Cultivation
During the early growth cycles, cannabis indica may grow into a bush-type structured plant that responds well to various cropping techniques such as Sea of Green (SoG) or Screen of Green (SCROG). Cannabis cultivators frequently grow indica plants in pruned bushes to maximize the yield of buds per light meter squared.
As the female indica plant gets ready to enter its flowering cycle, the buds develop tightly and with loads of bud sites. Closely-spaced internodes are common on cannabis indica plants, which is one reason why indoor growers in limited grow areas prefer to cultivate cannabis indica seeds.
Flowering cannabis indica plants are typically ready for harvest within 2-3 months time. Cannabis indica is a known heavy feeder of nutrients, which comprise a major portion of the plant’s material.
The buds of cannabis indica plants are known culturally as the word “dank”. Dank, describing the uncomfortably moist, super resinous qualities of the dense indica buds.
Effects
Cannabis indica affects users with a typically narcotic, relaxing high. The effects of smoking cannabis indica is commonly described as “stoney”, “couch lock”, “baked” and “cotton-mouth”.