Originally, a cannabis indica THC to CBD content has a balanced ratio that is enough to make you high and at the same time relieve you from certain health issues. But there are also numerous indica-dominant hybrids that may have different ratios. But what are these components and why do they matter? First, let’s understand what cannabis indica is.
WHAT IS CANNABIS INDICA?
In 1785, French biologist Jean Baptiste distinguished the Indian Cannabis indica from other varieties such as the European ones. The morphology of Cannabis indica and the usual effects it produces to make the distinction from other varieties.
Cannabis indica has higher CBD components compared to the Cannabis sativa. But most sativa have higher THC contents compared to indica. This is why these two varieties have different effects and when combined together to produce a balanced hybrid can satisfy any pothead. Indica’s effects tend to give more of that body buzz with a sense of deep relaxation and tranquility. It is that soothing sedation that is distinct to this variety that makes indica a good quality for medicinal purposes that helps relieve stress, fatigue, and even insomnia.
Usually, indica strains are used during the end part of a consumer’s day like before bedtime or when one does not have to do anything else for the rest of the day. This is another distinct attribute of indica compared to a sativa who leans towards producing great energy levels. In fact, overindulging indica strains can immobilize or lead to a couch-lock effect. But this is a good notion for people with sleep disorders.
THE INDICA PLANT MORPHOLOGY
Experts argue that it is not the effects that these varieties produce that make the clear distinctions among strains, even though it can still be a touchstone to consumers. For growers, it is in the plant’s structure and growth patterns that distinguish one variety from another.
For instance, indica strains tend to grow short and bushy while sativa strains are slender and can grow to taller heights. The crops are also discernible through its short yet wide blade leaves and dense branches. For this structure, indica strains grow well in cool climates. It produces wide buds but shorter flowers.
Because of this morphology, indica plants are a better choice for indoor cultivation.
THE CANNABINOIDS COMPOSITION OF INDICA STRAINS
As mentioned, cannabis indica’s THC to CBD has almost a balanced ratio. But what exactly are this THC and CBD
and why is it important information in the cannabis community?
Whether you are an amateur or considered as a connoisseur, it is impossible if you have not heard about such acronyms. For starters, the difference of the two cannabinoids determines its medicinal and recreational quality.
These active chemicals in marijuana are collectively known as cannabinoids. Our human bodies have this system known as the endocannabinoid system. These are a series of receptors that bind with cannabinoids to produce the effects.
There are other cannabidiol factors, at least about 85 types of them, which can be traced in cannabis. For example, the terpene profile of a strain, which is another form of cannabidiol, will help you determine its flavor profile
But since we are referring to the psychoactive and therapeutic compounds of the weed, the primary focus is on both THC and CBD elements.
The purpose of learning this knowledge is for consumers to be able to make the right choice upon trying on strains. THC and CBD levels help you predict the effects a strain may produce once consumed.
WHAT IS THC?
The resin of a marijuana plant is enriched with this type of cannabinoid. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid that cannabis may have. THC is the acronym of Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the active compound responsible for producing cerebral effects. In indica, the THC level is a gauge of its psychoactive property, even hallucinogenic effect.
The THC produces stimulation to the brain cells prompting the release of a happy hormone called dopamine. This hormone is responsible for creating a euphoric feeling. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC activates the brain receptors that result in affecting the consumer’s memory, stimulating pleasure, and altering the perception and movements.
WHAT IS CBD?
For so many years in the past, people viewed marijuana as just another form of recreation; what mattered to most is its ability to make people high. Meaning, it was sought after only because of its psychoactive properties.
But as people learned more about cannabis, its medicinal quality has been recognized as well. It has earned a new reputation that helps people with health-related needs. Thanks to its second cannabinoid that is also abundant in almost all strains of cannabis – cannabidiol or CBD.
Not all cannabis strains though have a significant amount of CBD in it. Some only have a few traces in it, enough to experience relief to some health issues. Most cannabis indica strains have a balanced CBD to THC ratio.
This means there is enough THC to make potheads high, but also enough CBD to make medicinal users rejoice. CBD neutralizes the psychoactive effects of THC.
There are people who extract CBD only from cannabis to use it as a medicine. This is because CBD does not have the ability to alter cognitive function. People who are easily susceptible to paranoia, dizziness, or anxiety prefer the CBD only or a cannabis strain with high CBD and low THC content. Cannabidiol as an active compound also helps heal and control pain, inflammation.
WHAT IF I AM ONLY AFTER THE CBD?
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