What is Indica

    Indica marijuana is those cannabis strains originally from countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and some parts of Near East and Eastern Europe. Most of the pure indica genetics have strong roots in the Himalayan region and there were introduced to the western countries by the hippies who made trips between the regions back in the 60’s and 70’s.

    Traits of the Indica plant

    Indica marijuana strains are known to exhibit the following characteristics:

    • they are short and compact plants, normally doesn’t grow beyond six feet
    • the distance between one node and another, the intermodal is also usually very short
    • the leaves are thick with broad leaflets
    • they have a short flowering period, usually between 45 – 65 days

    The effects of indica marijuana

    Indica strains are sedative in nature. Due to this, they are ideal for treating medical symptoms such as muscle sperms and tremors, insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety. Additionally, they are highly recommended for night use as they can really slow you down during the day. For instance, the use of these strains is highly discouraged if the nature of your activity requires deep concentration such as operating heavy machinery or driving.

    Popular strains of cannabis indica

    The following are some of the popular strains of cannabis indica:

    Northern Light

    The northern light strain has been a favorite strain for growers all over the world. It’s exact genetic remains unclear, but it is hugely believed that it is a hybrid of 11 different varieties which are all indica-dominant. Some of its most pronounced characteristics include a smooth and distinct flavor with a coch-lock high.

    Purple Kush

    It is a hard-hitting favorite strain for millions of growers around the globe and it is one of the most powerful strains of indica marijuana you will ever come across. It is a hybrid between Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, 100% indica strain. It is known for its deep sedation and pain relief features.

    Granddaddy Purple

    Granddaddy Purple is a cross between Big Bud and Purple Urkle. It has fat and lush green buds and the nugs are full of the delicious purple color.

    Ice Wreck

    Ice Wreck is another highly potent indica breed boasting of 27.7% THC levels. With it comes a full body stone and it is the strain to go for if you have nothing else to do and all you desire is lazy around for hours. It cultivated well, the plant can yield up to 450grams of leaves per plant at maturity.

    Aurora Indica

    This is a cross between Afghan and Northern lights and its THC content stands between 15- 20%. The buds are full of flavor and very ideal for patients who desire good intake of the CBD.

    Blue Mystic

    Also known as fruity-licious, the Blue Mystic is a breed between the Northern Lights and Blueberry. It is not only sweet and fruity, but also it is stony and has always been a top choice indica for many indica variety lovers since no other variety matches it in terms of flavor.

    History of Marijuana in the United States

    The history of marijuana in the United States is long and winded. To understand it better and know how we got to where we are now with regard to the use and all the restriction surrounding the use of marijuana, you should understand that there are basically two forms of cannabis – when used as a drug for medical purposes or recreation, it is referred to us marijuana and when used for rope, paper or cloth, it is called hemp. Our focus in on marijuana and below is its brief history in the United States:

    Domestic production of hemp encouraged – 1600 – 1890s

    During the 17th century, the production of hemp was encouraged by the government due to the increase in the demand for rope, clothing and sails. In 1619, the Assembly in Virginia passed laws which compelled every farmer to produce hemp, a material that was later to become a legal tender in Penn.

    However, domestic production saw reduction after the Civil War since a lot of imports replace hemp in the domestic markets. Towards the end of the 19th century, people started to use marijuana in quite a number of medicinal products, some of which were sold openly in the pharmacies. This is also the time when hashish as the trend in France and it soon found its way into the United States.

    Recreational use introduced by Mexican Immigrants – 1900 1920s

    Following the influx of Mexican immigrants into the United States, recreational use of the marijuana leaves started in the United States. It then became associated with the Mexicans and there were a lot of warning about the marijuana menace since a lot of crimes became associated to it and the Mexicans who smoked it in their large numbers.

    Uniform State Narcotic Act – 1932

    Due to the rising use of marijuana and its association with lots of crimes and other social evils in America, the Uniform State Narcotic Act was passed and this compelled the state governments to be responsible for controlling the marijuana related problems within their jurisdictions.

    Marijuana Tax Act – 1937

    Following concerted campaigns against marijuana, which was now referred to as the “evil weed”, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed by Congress and this effectively criminalized marijuana in the United States. The tax restricted its possession to only individuals who paid excise tax particular industrial and medical uses.

    Stricter Sentence Laws -1960s

    The Narcotics Control Act was passed and this stipulated mandatory sentences for drug offenses, with marijuana being one of them. However, the bulk of these laws were later repealed in 1970 and marijuana was effectively differentiated from other drugs. The mandatory sentences for possession of small amounts of marijuana were also removed.

    Medical use of marijuana legalized in California

    California was the first state to legalize the medical use of marijuana in 1996 after the voters passed proposition 215 which allowed marijuana to be sold to and used by AIDS and cancer patients as well as other serious and painful conditions. Though the law was in contradiction with the federal laws that regulated the use and possession of marijuana, it set the pace to what is currently being witnessed where several states are legalizing the use of medical marijuana seeds, cannabis flowers and licensed production.