Best Indica Strain for Sleep

Now more than ever, cannabis and CBD products are being praised and used for their natural, healing abilities. In fact, medical marijuana is on the rise in most states across the USA. Although some people are still hesitant, misinformed, or confused about how cannabis works and the benefits it offers, the more we know, the better able we are to find the best strains to address certain medical conditions. These include everything from stress and anxiety to pain, upset stomach, and yes, insomnia!

In this article, we’ll explore the best indica strains for sleep, plus share information on what it is, how it works, and tips for adding it to your current sleep routine. Whether you’ve been wanting to try indica for sleep or no nothing about the phenomenon, we’ll cover all the bases here, so keep reading!

What is Indica?

Before we get into the best indica strains for sleep, let’s talk about what it is and what it isn’t. Indica is a species of cannabis, also known as marijuana. The cannabis plant has two different species – indica and sativa. Both species offer their own unique compounds, benefits, and side effects.

Cannabis indica plants generally contain higher levels of CBD than THC, whereas sativa contains more THC than CBD. Indica is also believed to provide more calming and relaxing effects, whereas sativa provides a more uplifting feeling. It’s also important to know the difference between CBD and THC.

CBD and THC affect the receptors in your brain differently. THC has psychoactive effects, which cause the feeling of being “high” that’s often associated with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, only contains trace amounts of THC and therefore doesn’t have psychoactive effects. For this reason, CBD is often used to treat or ease symptoms associated with certain medical issues in a gentle way. Users of CBD and indica strains can experience all the benefits of the cannabis plant without the mood-altering effects of THC.

How Does Indica Work?

Indica helps elicit feelings of relaxation and calm by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine also helps boost motivation, satisfaction, and pleasure. Once ingested, indica interacts with neurotransmitters that control certain motor functions in the body. These same neurotransmitters also regulate your brain’s reward center and pleasure sensors. By triggering increased feelings of relaxation, calm, and happiness, most users find it easier to fall and stay asleep at night. This is especially true if stress, anxiety, depression, or racing thoughts are the cause of your sleep troubles.

The Best Indica Strains for Sleep

If you’re interested in trying indica for sleep, there are a variety of different strains to choose from. Each strain contains different compounds, levels of CBD and THC, and even flavors. It’s important to do your research and speak with a medical professional before turning to indica as a form of insomnia relief.

You can use the descriptions and information below as part of your research and information gathering. 

Hindu Kush

Hindu Kush is designed for moderate to experienced users, so if this is your first time trying indica for sleep, you may want to experiment with a different strain. Hindu Kush is a potent strain of indica widely recognized for its sleep inducing benefits. The product contains less than 1% CBD and between 15% and 32% THC. These levels are significantly higher than other forms of CBD that only contain .03% of THC or less.

Consumers describe the effects of Hindu Kush as a “slow mounting high that starts with physical relaxation”. Some users also experience a state of mental fogginess and a heavy sensation in the head and limbs. It’s this deep physical and mental state of inactivity that makes Hindu Kush a strong indica strain for sleep.

Bubba Kush

Another fairly strong and potent strain of indica for sleep is Bubba Kush. It’s recommended that you only consume this product when you’re at home and prepared for sleep. Some users go as far as to compare Bubba Kush to a mild tranquilizer, describing the effects as “feeling like you’re melting into your couch.” Similar to Hindu Kush, Bubba Kush contains fairly high levels of THC – as much as 17% to 27% and under 1% CBD. And for this reason, Bubba Kush is recommended for more experienced users.

Pink Kush

Pink Kush is one of the more well-known and classic indica strains for sleep. Many nighttime consumers turn to Pink Kush for its body-focused relaxing effects. The green bud sprouts pink hairs, which is what gives this product its name. Pink Kush is also known for its sweet, candy and vanilla aroma. With less than 1% CBD and between 12% and 35% THC contents, this indica strain is recommended for experienced users but is reliable and mild enough for beginners as well.

Grandaddy Purple

With a fun name like Grandaddy Purple, this strain of indica sounds more like a party than a sleep remedy. But, contrary to the playful name, Grandaddy Purple is best known for its muscle-relaxing and sedating properties. Its beautiful purple coloring also adds to its appeal and intrigue. If you’re sleep-challenged and experienced with using products containing CBD and THC, this indica strain for sleep may just be the answer to your sleepless nights. Most strains contain between 12% and 32% THC and less than 1% CBD, so be sure to check these levels before ingesting Grandaddy Purple.

Harlequin

Another indica strain for sleep that comes with a fun name is Harlequin. This indica strain for sleep is best for beginners who are hesitant about or inexperienced with the psychoactive effects of THC. Studies show that ingesting indica with higher levels of CBD than THC or fairly balanced levels, can help lessen the psychoactive effects and offer a more mellow experience?

Harlequin is considered a 1:1 strain which means it contains almost equal levels of both CBD and THC. This indica strain for sleep is suitable for anyone that feels paranoid or anxious when consuming high levels of THC (which is a common side effect for many users). If your insomnia or sleep issues are caused by pain, Harlequin and other indica strains with higher levels of CBD may help address pain-related sleep issues by reducing pain and inflammation. Harlequin products contain anywhere from 7% to 15% THC and between 8% and 10% CBD.

Girl Scout Cookies

While the name might sound innocent, this indica strain for sleep is actually quite potent. With between 25% and 30% THC, Girl Scout Cookies is reserved for experienced users in search of a powerful sleep aid. The high THC contents of this hybrid indica strain plus added terpene and caryophyllene deliver a powerful sedative punch. 

Grape Ape 

Different strains of indica for sleep contain different components that help facilitate a deep slumber. One such element is myrcene. Myrcene is known for its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, so if stress or pain are your issues, Grape Ape might help. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this indica strain is relatively rich in THC and contains between 15% and 25% of the compound. For this reason, Grape Ape is reserved for more experienced users.

ACDC

No, we’re not talking about the heavy metal band. ACDC is an indica strain for sleep that is surprisingly low in THC and high in CBD, making it a good choice for beginners and less experienced consumers. ACDC contains between 14% and 20% CBD and just 1% to 6% THC. Some consumers report feeling more mentally alert but physically relaxed when taking ACDC. When choosing the best indica strain for sleep, it’s all about your individual needs, what issues you’re facing, and how your body reacts to each product.

Gelato

If you love ice cream, you’ll love this indica strain for sleep that is named after the smooth and creamy Italian dessert. Known for its warm and comforting effects, Gelato can help you wind down at the end of a long day or enjoy the company of mellow friends and family. Gelato is a hybrid strain of indica that offers a combination of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbert strains (see this one below). Although Gelato contains equal parts indica and sativa, it is considered more indica-dominant. These levels can range from less than 1% CBD and between 17% and 25% THC.

Wedding Cake

From gelato to cake. Wedding Cake indica is another hybrid strain that contains both Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie. Ironically enough, this strain of indica for sleep doesn’t just sound delicious. It actually contains appetite-stimulating properties. You’ve likely heard of people getting “the munchies” after smoking marijuana. Although Wedding Cake does offer relaxing, calming effects, it may also have you reaching for the snack cabinet.

One reason is that THC doesn’t just stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for regulating your mood and energy balance, but also your feeding behaviors. These areas are responsible for controlling your appetite and emotions and could lead to feelings of increased hunger. Most forms of Wedding Cake contain only trace amounts of CBD and between 16% and 25% THC.

Sunset Sherbert 

Another sweet treat on the list of the best indica strains for sleep is Sunset Sherbert. As the name suggests, Sunset Sherbert delivers warm, soothing effects that are a perfect addition to your nighttime routine or a social gathering among good friends. Sunset Sherbert is a hybrid strain but considered indica-dominant with a ratio of 85% indica to 15% sativa. It also takes inspiration from the Girl Scout Cookies and Pink Panties strain to create a subtle, mellow effect that contains between 15% and 24% THC with less than 1% CBD.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights, also known as NL, is a cross between Afghani and Thai indica strains. This indica strain for sleep creates a euphoric high that helps relax the mind, body, and muscles, facilitating deep sleep. Consumers describe the flavor as sweet and spicy. Most strains contain less than 1% of CBD and between 16% and 22% THC.

Tips for Incorporating Indica for Sleep Into Your Sleep Routine

Armed with the knowledge of which indica strains are best for sleep, now you can start making plans to incorporate these medicinal herbs into your current lifestyle. If you’ve never used THC or CBD products before, speak with a medical professional before doing so. You may also want to choose an indica strain lower in THC and higher in CBD to prevent increased anxiety, paranoia, or other psychoactive effects.

If you’re ready to start incorporating indica into your sleep routine, here are a few things to consider.

Timing is Everything

The onset times of different indica products vary depending on the form. For example, edibles take longer to digest and make their way through your system, whereas smoking indica and other forms of cannabis take effect much sooner. It’s important to know these onset times so you can take indica at the right time before bed to enjoy the greatest benefits.

Smoking indica products will give you instant results. Indica oils also take effect relatively quickly, with some consumers feeling the effects within 15 to 20 minutes. Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully enter your system and take effect, which means you’ll need to ingest them at least one hour before going to bed.

Dosage and half-life may also play a part in when to take the best indica strains for sleep. CBD drops and sprays have a half-life of between 1.4 and 11 hours. Oral CBD products including edibles have a half-life of between 2 and 5 days, where CBD that’s smoked carries a half-life of just 31 hours.

Consider the Side Effects

Along with the positive effects of indica for sleep come potential negative side effects. While everyone will react differently depending on the type of indica strain, its CBD to THC ratio, and other underlying factors, here are some of the most commonly reported side effects.

• Feelings of paranoia and anxiety
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth or eyes
• Drowsiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Delayed reaction times
• Issues with coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Increased appetite

If you exhibit any of these side effects or are concerned you might, choose an indica strain for sleep with lower levels of THC. Once your body adjusts, you can experiment with different strains that contain higher levels or a different indica to sativa ratios.

Consider Adding the Best Indica Strains for Sleep to Your Daily Routine

When insomnia has you feeling frustrated, sleep deprived, and defeated, you’re likely to try anything to finally catch some much-needed Zs. If you’ve tried over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids but don’t like how they make you feel or are just looking for something to help you relax at night, these indica strains might help.

Be sure to do plenty of research before consuming the abovementioned strains or any other forms of CBD and THC. Inexperienced users should start with a very low dose of indica with low levels of THC. You should also discuss other options and alternatives with your doctor.

If you’re searching for other natural ways to improve your sleep habits, click here now!