If you are in need of help with stress and unwinding after long and busy days, then your best bet is potent Indica strains.

We dug deep to find the best Indica strains in the cannabis market, and our top choices are guaranteed to offer fast-acting and flavorful experiences, with natural relief when you need it the most. 

Among the strongest strains, Granddaddy Purple from Seed Supreme is a standout choice. Not only is it known for providing full body and mind calmness, but it also offers stress relief and a gentle euphoria. It is the perfect strain to relax after a demanding day.

Keep reading as we cover five more powerful and flavorful strains, each offering profoundly relaxing effects.

Where To Buy the Best Indica Strains

First Look

When discussing the best indica strains we focused on modern strains that are popular among cannabis users and weed strains that are famed for their potent effects and delightful aroma and scent.

Our selection of 6 top indica strains is sourced from the most reputable seed banks in the industry, which offer premium products, satisfaction guarantees and affordable prices. 

1. Granddaddy Purple – Best Indica Strain Overall

Pros:

  • Pure 100% Indica strain

  • High THC potency up to 25%

  • Beginner-friendly cultivation,

  • Sweet and complex grape and berry flavor profile

Cons:

  • Requires careful humidity management

The Granddaddy Purple strain offers deeply calming sensations on the body and mind, and it is the perfect companion for a relaxing bedtime routine. Many cannabis users favor this strain for its ability to help with anxiety relief, pain management, and sleep disturbances.

It also offers a gentle sense of euphoria to help create a good mood and sense of contentment just before you fall asleep

The reason that Granddaddy Purple packs such a powerful punch is that it contains high concentrations of THC, between 17% and 23%. This makes it the ideal choice for deep relaxation and sleep.

These plants typically reach maturity at between 8 to 10 weeks, with flowering plants yielding up to 500 grams per plant indoors, while outdoor varieties can produce 600 grams per plant outdoors under the right environmental conditions.

This is a great strain for newbies to the world of cannabis strains and cultivation. It can yield good harvests both indoors and outdoors. However, indoor varieties usually reach a maximum height of 60 inches.

This plant thrives in carefully controlled humidity levels of around 50% and boasts an inherent resistance to mold, insects, and diseases.

This strain also boasts a delicious, distinctly grape and berry flavor profile that is sweet and fruity, with subtle notes of pine and pepper.

If you want to enjoy all the benefits and the amazing aromas of the Granddaddy Purple Strain, then we suggest you try the ItsPurpl Granddaddy Purple THCA Vape Pen.

This rechargeable disposable vape is prepared using a live rosin blend to preserve its unique terpenes and aromas.

It offers 800 puffs and features 2 grams of live rosin THCA combined with delta 8, delta 9, and THC-P for a convenient and fast-acting way to smoke this Indica-dominant strain.

Granddaddy Purple seeds are available at Seed Supreme. They provide customers with free shipping, a germination guarantee and complimentary seeds with purchases over $50.

>>Check the best price for Granddaddy Purple at Seed Supreme

2. Ice Cream Cake – Ideal for Outdoor Growing

Pros:

  • Unusual creamy vanilla aroma

  • THC levels between 23% and 25%

  • Yields up to 1.5kg per plant

  • Relatively easy to grow

Cons:

  • Does not do well in colder climates

The Ice Cream Cake cannabis strain was one of our top picks due to its potent effects, which start off with gentle euphoria that takes effect gradually and transitions to a soothing, deep body relaxation.

It is a popular choice among medical marijuana patients who need effective help easing stress, chronic pain, and sleep issues. In addition, this relaxing indica strain is great for reducing anxiety.

This strain’s high THC levels of more than 25% guarantee a powerful and potent experience. This Indica dominant strain is a hybrid of two well-known options, the Gelato #33 and Wedding Cake cannabis strains, which results in a 75% Indica hybrid.

This marijuana strain flowers quickly within just eight to nine weeks. When grown outdoors in their ideal conditions, you can expect significantly large yields of 1.5kg per plant, while indoor varieties typically produce 550 grams of dense buds.

This strain is relatively easy to grow because of its strong resistance to pests and diseases. It can be grown indoors and outdoors. 

But if you decide to grow them inside, you will need to keep the humidity and temperature levels slightly higher than usual. When grown outside, they thrive in warm sunny conditions.

With a name like Ice Cream Cake, you can expect a delicious vanilla dessert-like flavor with subtle hints of fruitiness and spice.

Now that we have sold you on this strain, let’s take a look at how you can enjoy all of its potent effects. We suggest you try the bestselling THCA Ice Cream Cake flower from DiamondCBD. 

You can enjoy the signature sweet and creamy vanilla flavor and intense highs thanks to this blend’s high THC levels of 23.6%

Ice Cream Cake seeds are available from Homegrown Cannabis Co., which provides an extensive range of premium quality seeds and highly informative cannabis cultivation resources.

You can also avail up to 37% off when you buy this product, with bulk options receiving the highest discount, apart from that this company also offers free shipping on orders greater than $50 and a valuable seed germination guarantee.

>>Check the best price for Ice Cream Cake seeds at Homegrown Cannabis Co.

3. Northern Lights – Great for Stress Relief

Pros:

  • Ideal strain for new cannabis growers

  • Induces body and mind relaxation

  • THC levels between 16% and 21%

  • Yields around 500 grams per square meter

Cons:

  • Takes around 9 weeks to flower

The Northern Lights cannabis strain is a potent option that offers exciting, euphoric effects followed by deeply soothing properties of calmness, contentment, and relaxation. If you need to feel peace and tranquility, then this is one of the best cannabis strains to achieve these effects.

Many users swear that it is the most effective option to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and even manage chronic pain.

These seeds produce cannabis flower with a potency level of around 20% THC, which is a perfectly moderate amount that is perfect for those who are new to TCH usage.

These seeds offer a quick flowering time of between 8 to 10 weeks and produce 500 g per square meter indoors and a maximum of 625 g per plant when grown outdoors.

These seeds are another easy option for beginners, with a natural resistance to disease and mold. They grow well in sunny and warm climates, and you can mimic these ideal conditions indoors with grow lights.

The Northern Lights strain has a truly knockout flavor profile, with an unmistakable earthy and piney aroma, along with spicy and sweet musky undertones.

If you want all the benefits of the Northern Lights strain, then we recommend you try out Binoid’s Live Sugar THCA disposable vape. 

Which contains a potent combination of 3g of THCA and THC-P with Live Rosin Terpenes for a sophisticated and flavorful aroma and intense calming effects.

You can buy these seeds and more at Royal Queen Seeds. They offer a wide variety of indica and sativa strains, as well as hybrid strain options. They also prioritize fast delivery, and orders over $30 come with free seeds and gifts, such as stickers and t-shirts.

>>Check the best price for Northern Lights at Royal Queen Seeds

4. Wedding Cake – Incredibly Fast Flowering Time

Pros:

  • THC levels around 25%

  • Yields around 500 gr/square meter

  • Calming Indica effects

  • Flowers in around eight weeks

Cons:

  • It may be too potent for new consumers

The next option on our list of the best Indica marijuana strains is the Wedding Cake strain. This variety offers a number of therapeutic effects and can effectively combat pain and depression. 

It also offers anxiety relief, which many users swear is more effective than prescription drugs. It has also been known to have psychoactive properties and produce a calming and sedative effect, which is ideal and can also aid those struggling with insomnia.

This strain has high levels of THC, which can reach up to 27 % under the ideal growing conditions.

These seeds have an extremely fast flowering time, and can go from seedling to mature plants in just seven to eight weeks, and yield above 750 grams per plant outdoors and around 500 grams per square meter indoors.

Wedding Cake seeds are extremely resistant to common pests and diseases, which makes them another great option for beginner growers.

However, indoor growers will have to keep a check on their height, as they tend to grow quite tall. They also require increased air circulation to prevent mold and higher humidity levels.

As the name suggests, Wedding Cake offers a sweet dessert-like taste, with strong hits of vanilla and more subtle notes of piney, herbal earthiness.

If you are curious to try the Wedding Cake strain in an edible form, you cannot go wrong with the delicious Diamond CBD 150mg Delta 8 + Live Resin Gummies. 

This an excellent and flavorful option for cannabis users, which combines Delta 8 THC and Live Resin for a powerful effect. You can expect the signature aroma of Wedding Cake, with a flavor that is both sweet and mildly herbal.

You can buy autoflowering seeds like Wedding Cake from Seedsman, which is one of our top choices for high-quality feminized cannabis strains.

They frequently offer generous discounts and provide a 100% Germination guarantee, which covers all cannabis seeds, including indica, sativa dominant strain and hybrid strain seeds.

>>Check the best price for Wedding Cake at Seedsman

5. White Widow – Ideal for Beginner Growers

Pros:

  • Hybrid with balanced Indica and Sativa traits

  • High THC content of between 16-24%

  • Easy to grow with substantial yields

  • Induces a creative and euphoric high

Cons:

  • Best suited for those familiar with potent strains

The White Widow cannabis strain is a well-known indica strain hybrid with 60% indica genetics. It is a popular option with psychoactive effects that provide a long-lasting, uplifting high, as well as both mental and physical relaxation.

It is used by many to promote relaxation and unwind after a stressful day or to manage chronic pain and tense muscles. Its strong mental buzz also makes it a great choice when you need a boost of confidence or feel anxious during social gatherings.

The White Widow strain offers moderate potency, with THC levels of around 16 to 19%, but it can reach as much as 24% with the right phenotype and optimal growing conditions.

This strain flowers within 8 to 10 weeks, producing about 500 grams per plant when grown in the right outdoor conditions and high yields of between 450 and 500g/m² when grown indoors.

This is another option that is easy to cultivate and perfect for novices. It can adapt easily to a number of environmental factors and requires less maintenance than most other cannabis strains. You mainly need to be concerned about temperature and humidity levels.

The White Widow strain offers a delightful symphony of flavors, including earthy, herbal, and spicy notes with a sweet, floral finish.

If you want to experience the effects of the White Widow strain, then look no further than Delta Extrax, which sells a potent White Widow THCa Live Sugar 7G Disposable.

This rechargeable vape offers a unique blend of cannabinoids, including Delta 9 THC, Delta-8 THC, THCP, and THCA, as well as a variety of flavorful terpenes to provide a pleasant and relaxing mood-lifting experience, as well as a fast-acting head buzz.

You can find this cannabis seed option at ILGM, which is a renowned marijuana seed bank with various indica strains, including feminized and autoflower White Widow seeds.

If you decide to shop at ILGM, you can get $10 off your first order, while Buy 1 Get 1 promo deals are also frequently offered here.

>>Check the best price for White Widow at ILGM

6. DNA Cake – Most Authentic Genetic Strain

Pros:

  • THC levels around 20%

  • Flowering time around 9 weeks

  • Straightforward cultivation process

  • Lava Cake and Gelato Sorbet cross

Cons:

  • Relatively smaller yields

DNA Genetics, DNA Cake strain was designed specifically to offer deep relaxation and mild sedation. This popular indica strain helps many users who suffer from insomnia to get a good night’s rest.

The unique DNA Cake seed produces authentic and genetically pure buds with a moderately potent THC concentration of around 20%, and it is ideal for new users who wish not to be overwhelmed or heavily sedated.

These marijuana seeds flower quite quickly, with growth cycles of between eight to nine weeks. With the right growing conditions, you can expect to yield up to 400 grams per square meter indoors.  

DNA Cake autoflower seeds are known for being easy to grow, as they resist most pests, fungi, and common diseases. They require little upkeep and can flourish under standard growing conditions.

To achieve the best yields, you should trim the plants regularly and keep humidity levels moderate throughout the growth cycle.

DNA Cake stands out for its unique flavor profile. As a delightful blend of Lava Cake and Gelato Sorbet, it delivers a sweet, creamy taste complemented by hints of apricot, vanilla, and butter for a well-rounded experience.

DNA Cake and other popular strains of cannabis seeds are readily available at DNA Genetics, a reputable seed bank that has been on the market for over two decades.

They offer an extensive collection of feminized and auto-flowering cannabis strains and cannabis products, and first-time shoppers instantly qualify for a 10% discount.

>>Check the best price for DNA Cake seeds at DNA Genetics

What Is an Indica Strain?

Indica strains are well-known cannabis varieties with unique qualities compared to other cannabis strains. Indica strain varieties are the perfect options for cannabis use if you require calming and relaxing qualities. They offer relief from stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort.

The main reason for their therapeutic properties is the fact that they possess a higher ratio of CBD to THC, which results in a more calming, peaceful feeling

Types of Indica Strains

There are two main types of Indica strain options in the cannabis industry.

Pure Indica Strains

Pure Indica strains are quite rare to find these days as most options are hybrid strains that lean heavily toward Indica genetics. Examples of these include Hindu Kush, Grape Ape, and OG Kush.

These strains are known for their deeply sedative and calming qualities. They offer soothing relaxation without the energizing effects or euphoric sensations often linked to Sativa dominant strains.

Indica-Dominant Hybrids

Indica-dominant hybrids are created by crossing Sativa and Indica plants, with Indica traits being more prominent. 

These hybrids combine the uplifting and stimulating effects of different strains of sativa, such as Sour Diesel or Blue Dream, with the relaxing and soothing properties of Indica, offering a balance of benefits.

Some well-known examples of these hybrids include Girl Scout Cookies and certain strains of Blue Cheese and White Runtz, which are specifically bred for their Indica-dominant effects.

>>Check the best price for Granddaddy Purple at Seed Supreme

What Are the Characteristics of Indica?

There are a few defining characteristics of Indica strain varieties that set them apart from other cannabis strains.

Appearance

Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier than other cannabis varieties, which makes them a better and more practical choice for indoor growing. Their leaves are broad and dark green compared to the thinner leaves of sativa strains.

These plants also have a faster flowering cycle, allowing for multiple harvests in less time, even when grown in a low dose of light.

Taste and Aroma

Indica strains often feature earthy, skunky, or spicy scents, with occasional sweet or herbal undertones. Their aroma and flavor profiles include rich and complex notes like chocolate or coffee. They usually produce full-bodied and dense smoke.

Terpenes Profile

Indica strains are abundant in terpenes such as myrcene, which is what provides the earthy musky, herbal fragrance that Indicas are known for, and this also contributes to their sedative properties. 

Other common terpenes, like limonene and beta-caryophyllene, also promote relaxation. These natural terpenes greatly affect the aroma and flavor profiles of indica strains.

Potency and Effects

Indica strains are recognized for delivering a strong “body high,” often resulting in deep relaxation and changes to sensory perception. 

These effects, noticeable even at lower doses, become more intense with high doses, creating stronger intoxicating effects that relax the entire body.

The main reason for these effects is due to the actions of the cannabinoids present in these strains, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and serotonin receptors.

While there have been a lot of positive studies, there is still a need for more research to fully understand how these compounds affect mood and body chemistry.

Benefits of Using Indica Weed Strains

There have been many scientific studies documenting the benefits and potential medicinal purposes of Indica cannabis strains, and in this section, we take a look at some of their most promising findings.

Relaxation

Indica strains are well-known for their calming and soothing effects, helping users relax both physically and mentally. They target the nervous system, reducing muscle tension and promoting a sense of calm, making them particularly useful for addressing anxiety disorders [1].

Pain Relief

Indica strains are effective in managing pain, particularly for those with chronic conditions or acute injuries. Their natural terpenes and active cannabinoids have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, contributing to pain relief [2].

Sleep Aid

For individuals dealing with insomnia, indica strains offer potent sedative qualities that promote sweet dreams and uninterrupted rest. These options are especially effective because they relax both the mind and body, which helps users to sleep soundly.

Even low-THC strain options can help with sleep issues and are a great option for relaxation without overwhelming effects [3].

Stress Relief

Indica cannabis strains help reduce stress by calming an overactive mind and relaxing the body [4].

For people prone to anxiety or stress, these strains can lead to less anxiety by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Which helps regulate stress levels and provide anxiety relief.

>>Check the best price for Granddaddy Purple at Seed Supreme

Factors to Consider When Choosing Indica Strains

If you have reached this part of our guide, then you are probably seriously considering cultivating your own indica cannabis strains. Here are a few factors that you need to think about before you start your journey.

Effects and Potency

When choosing an Indica cannabis strain, you need to pay careful attention to its specific effects and potency. Each strain possesses unique properties and effects. Always choose strains that meet your THC tolerance and provide the level of sedation or relaxation you need.

Aroma and Flavor Profiles

Aroma and flavor are also aspects that can greatly affect your overall enjoyment of a strain. There are many flavor profiles to choose from, ranging from sweet and fruity to bold and earthy, and you need to choose options that suit your palate.

Medical and Therapeutic Needs

Indica strains are widely recognized for their ability to address various medical concerns, such as chronic pain or insomnia. 

However, some indica varieties might be better suited to addressing a particular medical issue. It is important to do research about such therapeutic benefits before you purchase any seeds.

Growing Considerations and Availability

The kind of yields you can expect depends heavily on the environmental conditions that you can provide to seedlings. 

You need to be aware of a strain’s specific growing needs, such as temperature, humidity and airflow, as well as whether or not they are more suited to growing indoors or outdoors.

Another issue is that certain strains are not easily available in the market. This is another reason why choosing reputable seed banks with extensive collections is important.

User Testimonials and Reviews

Reading user reviews can also offer valuable insights into how a strain performs for others. You can use this feedback to understand what to expect and find a strain that matches your requirements.

Tips for Growing Indica Strains

The main tip to successfully grow indica strains is to try to recreate conditions similar to their natural environment. These plants are more compact and have a shorter growth cycle than sativa strains, which makes them ideal for growers with limited time or space.

During the vegetative phase these plants need to be trained to remain small and densely packed, as this results in a quicker transition to the flowering stage for higher yields.

A controlled environment with proper air circulation and low humidity is needed to reduce the risk of moisture and mold-related issues.

You should also reduce the temperature at night by 10–15 degrees, mimicking the cooler conditions these plants are accustomed to. These tricks will improve the resinous bud quality and terpene concentration.

FAQs

If you are interested in learning more about Indica cannabis strains, then read our detailed FAQ section

What Is the Best Strain of Indica?

The best indica variety depends on individual needs, but Northern Lights and Granddaddy Purple are commonly considered the best cannabis strains due to their effectiveness in combating pain and insomnia, as well as offering anxiety relief.

What Is a 100% Indica Strain?

A 100% Indica strain refers to a cannabis strain with completely pure Indica genetics, typically originating from regions like Afghanistan or Pakistan. Hindu Kush and Afghan Kush are classic examples, both known for quick flowering, high resin production, and potent effects.

What Is the Best Indica for Relaxing?

For deep relaxation, Granddaddy Purple is a top choice with sweet grape and blueberry flavors combined with physically calming effects. This strain is a common part of users’ evening routine to achieve relaxation with just a low dose.

Which Is the Strongest Indica?

Garlic Juice stands out as one of the strongest indica options, with THC levels reaching up to 35%, delivering significant body relaxation and prolonged euphoria. 

Skywalker OG, with THC concentrations around 25%, is another potent indica that provides relief from stress and a heavy, calming experience.

Is Indica an Upper or a Downer?

Indica falls under the category of a downer due to its deeply calming and sedative effects. These effects stem from its unique cannabinoid and terpene profile, which provide more of a physical high compared to the uplifting qualities and energizing effects of sativa varieties.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have come to the end of our guide, you will realize that exploring top Indica strains is a rewarding and calming experience for both experienced and new cannabis users. 

Among the many choices available, Granddaddy Purple stands out above the rest as the ultimate option for relaxation, with the Northern Lights Strain following closely on its heel. 

However, all the other excellent strains on our list are worth considering.

Remember, whichever option you choose, always use cannabis responsibly, and finally, let the good times roll!

References:

  1. Webb CW, Webb SM. Therapeutic benefits of cannabis: a patient survey. Hawaii J Med Public Health. 2014 Apr;73(4):109-11. PMID: 24765558; PMCID: PMC3998228.

  2. Romero-Sandoval EA, Kolano AL, Alvarado-Vázquez PA. Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Chronic Pain. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2017 Oct 5;19(11):67. doi: 10.1007/s11926-017-0693-1. PMID: 28983880.

  3. Kuhathasan N, Minuzzi L, MacKillop J, Frey BN. The Use of Cannabinoids for Insomnia in Daily Life: Naturalistic Study. J Med Internet Res. 2021 Oct 27;23(10):e25730. doi: 10.2196/25730. PMID: 34704957; PMCID: PMC8581757.

  4. Lookfong NA, Raup-Konsavage WM, Silberman Y. Potential Utility of Cannabidiol in Stress-Related Disorders. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Apr;8(2):230-240. doi: 10.1089/can.2022.0130. Epub 2022 Nov 21. PMID: 36409719; PMCID: PMC10061337.