When it comes to cannabis strains, there is an extensive range of options to choose from which is why it’s important to identify the effects you’re looking for. This is because the effects can vary from strain to strain but they are often divided into two types – Sativa and indica.
While the classification of these two strains is based on their physical characteristics, with the Sativa strains being taller and thinner than indica strains, the differences between the two are more than that.
The former offers more energizing effects, best suited for daytime use while the latter offers a more mellow and relaxing effect on users, ideal for night-time use.
However, as mentioned, with the extensive range of cannabis strains available these days, it can be difficult to identify which one best suits your needs.
With that said, for those looking for relaxing cannabis strains, here are the top 20 best indica strains available nowadays.
Table of Contents
#1.Blueberry
Blueberry is one of the most popular indica cannabis strains among enthusiasts. This strain was achieved by crossing a Highland Thai strain with an Oregon Purple Thai and Afghani hybrid in the 70s.
Named for its unique fruity blueberry flavor, this cannabis strain is great for those seeking to feel more relaxed and calm. Because of its higher than usual THC content, reaching levels of up to 24%, it offers highly relaxing effects that uplift the mood, inducing euphoria and alleviating symptoms of issues like stress, anxiety, and even pain.
Its ability to induce relaxation and stress relief makes it ideal for night-time use, similar to other indica cannabis strains.
It’s a fairly productive yielder, producing a yield as high as 600 g/m2 when grown in the right conditions. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors although outdoor cultivation requires strictly controlled growing conditions to produce a high yield.
Features
- THC Level: As high as 24%
- Effects: Relaxing and euphoric
- Used for: Stress, anxiety, and pain relief
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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#2.Grand Daddy Purple
The Grand Daddy Purple cannabis strain is among some of the most popular strains available on the market, taking the world by storm with its vibrant purple buds.
The result of crossing Big Bud and Purple Urkle, this cannabis strain offers a high THC content, offering somewhere between 17 to 27% levels of THC.
Its high THC content offers very potent effects, giving users a strong body and mental high that can last longer than others. This strain is considered useful for relieving symptoms of pain, muscle spasms, stress, and even insomnia due to its highly relaxing effects and ability to reduce euphoria and uplift one’s mood.
It’s a strain that’s best grown indoors but outdoors works as well as long as the growing conditions are right.
Features
- THC Level: 17 to 27%
- Effects: Relaxing and euphoric
- Used for: Helping with pain, stress, muscle spasms, and insomnia
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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#3.Purple Kush
Another purple cannabis strain, the Purple Kush was achieved by crossing the strains Purple Afghani and the Hindu Kush, resulting in a highly potent indica strain that induces longer-lasting effects in the user.
With THC levels of up to 27%, this indica strain is potent enough to induce strong feelings of relaxation coupled with euphoria that can help deal with issues like insomnia, pain, and stress.
It’s fairly easy to grow, thriving in almost any growing condition due to its high resistance to mildew and pests. As such, it can be perfect for beginner cultivators as well as more veteran growers.
It’s also a fast-growing and high-yield strain which makes it perfect for those looking for something easy to grow but with high yields.
Features
- THC Level: As high as 27%
- Effects: Relaxing and euphoric
- Used for: Alleviating stress, pain, and insomnia
- Thrives best in cooler climates
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#4.Northern Lights
This legendary strain is known for its role in changing the game for most of today’s modern strains. It has been crossed with several other strains, resulting in popular hybrids like Super Silver Haze and Shiva Skunk.
Although its level of THC content ranges somewhere from 16 to 21%, it still offers very potent effects that leave the user wonderfully relaxed and happy, both physically and mentally. As such, it’s not a strain recommended for novice smokers as it can be overwhelming even in small doses.
It induces euphoria in its users, allowing them to feel relief from conditions like pain and insomnia as well as stress and even depression.
It adapts well to indoor growing conditions but can also be grown outdoors, provided they are given the optimal conditions for higher yields.
Features
- THC Level: 16 to 21%
- Effects: Psychoactive, relaxing, and euphoric
- Used for: Relieving pain, stress, insomnia, and depression
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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#5.Critical Kush
This predominantly indica strain combines two of the most popular strains available, the OG Kush and Critical Mass strains. With a high level of THC content at 25% and moderate amounts of CBD, this indica strain delivers potent relaxing effects that can be felt throughout the body.
Because of this, like most indica strains, it’s best used at night as it can help calm both mind and body, helping deal with things like stress, pain, and insomnia. Aside from these, it’s also used to help alleviate muscle spasms, relaxing them enough to keep still.
Aside from its strong relaxing effects, the Critical Kush strain also induces euphoria and uplifts the mood, perfect after a long day. It’s a strain that grows well indoors but requires a dry environment to thrive outdoors.
Features
- THC Level: 25%
- Effects: Strong relaxing and euphoric effects
- Used for: Stress, pain, insomnia, and muscle spasm relief
- Best grown indoors but can be grown outdoors in a dry environment
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#6.Critical Purple Kush
Crossing the strains Critical, Blueberry, and Peyote Purple resulted in this purple cannabis strain, the Critical Purple Kush. Because it contains lower levels of THC at 18 to 20%, it’s a strain that’s ideal for both novice and veteran cannabis users alike.
Nevertheless, despite its average THC content, it delivers highly relaxing effects when smoked as well as euphoria that allows the user to stay calm and relaxed, making it ideal for dealing with issues like anxiety, pain, and stress.
It’s a great strain for both novice and experienced cultivators as this indica strain thrives in almost any growing media and environment. As such, it can produce high yields when grown either indoors or outdoors.
Features
- THC Level: 18 to 20%
- Effects: Relaxing, calming, and euphoric
- Used for: Relieving stress, anxiety, and pain
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
#7.Early Skunk
The Early Skunk strain was achieved by crossing the genetics of the Early Pearl and Skunk #1 strains, resulting in a moderately potent predominantly indica strain. Similar to its fellow indica strains, the Early Skunk produces a lazy high with calming and relaxing effects that will keep you chill throughout the day.
Aside from the calming effect it induces, this strain also delivers a sedative-like effect to users, perfect for those suffering from sleep issues like insomnia as well as other conditions like chronic pain and muscle spasms.
It has a THC level of about 15 to 22%, making it a moderately potent indica strain that greatly benefits users. It’s an easy to grow strain, requiring a short period to flower and produce high yields.
Features
- THC Level: 15 to 22%
- Effects: Calming, relaxing, and sedative-like
- Used for: Alleviating symptoms of insomnia and pain
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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#8.Hindu Kush
The Hindu Kush is a purely indica strain that originated from the mountains located between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was brought to the Western hemisphere back in the 60s where it solidified a reputation for producing high-quality yields and the cornerstone for several other types of hybrid strains.
Despite being used to the harsh climates of the mountain range where it originated, it’s a strain that grows best indoors under controlled conditions to ensure an optimal environment for its cultivation.
It induces a deep sense of calm and a pleasant high that uplifts one’s mood, bringing relief to those suffering from conditions like stress, pain, and nausea. It typically contains a THC level of around 15 to 20%, making it average in terms of potency.
Features
- THC Level: 15 to 20%
- Effects: Pleasant and relaxing high that induces a deep sense of calm
- Used for: Relieving stress, pain, and nausea
- Best grown indoors under controlled conditions
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#9. Chocolate Mint OG
A popular strain that originated from the “Emerald Triangle” in California, the Chocolate Mint OG is the result of crossing the strains Emerald OG and Grand Daddy Purple. Due to its popularity, it’s available in most markets. However, it contains a high level of THC at 24%, delivering potent effects to its users.
As such, it’s not recommended for beginner smokers as it may prove to be too overwhelming. Best used in the late afternoon to evening, it induces an immediate and potent high that helps relax both mind and body as well as uplifts one’s mood.
Due to its potent and long-lasting effects, it’s used by many to manage their pain, stress, and even depression.
It’s a strain that’s adaptable to both indoor and outdoor growing conditions, making it a good choice for any cannabis cultivator.
Features
- THC Level: 24%
- Effects: Immediate relaxing effects
- Used for: Alleviates pain, stress, and depression
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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10.Afghan Kush
The Afghan Kush is another nearly pure indica strain that traces its roots to the Armu Darya river valley. As such, it offers incredible resilience to outdoor growing conditions, producing moderately high yields with the right conditions. However, this strain is versatile enough that growing it indoors is possible as well.
It contains a THC level of about 21%, making it average in terms of potency and accounts for its ability to induce a highly relaxed state mixed with euphoric feelings. Due to its sedative-like effects, it’s best used at night like other indica strains and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, pain, and insomnia.
Features
- THC Level: 21%
- Effects: Calming, euphoric, and sedative-like
- Used for: Alleviating symptoms of anxiety, pain, and insomnia
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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11. G-13
The original G-13 was a pure indica strain that first appeared sometime in the 60s and 70s. It reached an almost mythical and legendary status amongst cannabis enthusiasts due to its mysterious origins. According to many, this strain was reportedly a result of a government research program.
However, the original plant has long been lost and the current versions are hybrids that were the result of crossing the mother plant with the Skunk strain. The modern versions of this strain induce a potent high that makes users feel relaxed and lethargic.
As such, it’s often used to alleviate anxiety, dizziness, and pain. It has a somewhat high THC content, typically between 22 to 24%, making it a moderately potent strain.
It’s a strain that is best grown indoors as mold can be a real problem when grown outdoors.
Features
- THC Level: 22 to 24%
- Effects: Relaxing and lethargic
- Used for: Relieving pain, anxiety, and dizziness
- Best grown indoors in controlled condition
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12.Aurora Indica
Featuring vibrant purple color, the Aurora Indica is a predominantly indica hybrid strain that was the result of crossing the genetics of an Afghani and Northern Lights. It has a moderate level of THC content, ranging around 12 to 20%.
Nevertheless, it’s potent enough to induce a deep, relaxing high that gradually gets stronger, making it effective for alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It also serves to dull physically felt pain, perfect for those with injuries or chronic pain conditions.
It’s an easy to grow indica strain that’s ideal for both beginner and veteran cultivators alike. Moreover, it’s adaptable enough that it produces moderately high yields when grown indoors as well as outdoors.
Features
- THC Level: 12 to 20%
- Effects: Deeply relaxing effects
- Used for: Alleviates pain, stress, anxiety, and depression
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
#13.Blue Cheese
A cross between the genetics of a Blueberry male plant and a female U.K. Cheese strain, the Blue Cheese indica strain offers a more balanced high as well as a moderate level of THC at around 15 to 20%.
Although it’s not as potent as the others, it still induces a heavy feeling of physical relaxation as well as an altered mental state which can take others by surprise. Nevertheless, it’s perfect for reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression as well as a form of relief from small amounts of physical pain.
Blue Cheese is a fairly easy to grow strain, adapting to both indoor and outdoor cultivation although it tends to thrive more in the latter, offering higher yields in outdoor conditions.
Features
- THC Level: 15 to 20%
- Effects: Heavy relaxing feelings
- Used for: Relieving stress, anxiety, depression, and pain
- Best grown in the outdoors
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#14.Kosher Kush
First known by the name “Jew Gold,” the Kosher Kush indica strain traces its origins to Los Angeles and is a clone-only strain. It’s an award-winning strain that delivers potent effects to smokers which can be too strong for beginner smokers.
Although predominantly an indica strain, it does offer some of the cerebral effects of Sativa, uplifting one’s mood while delivering heavy relaxing effects on users. However, the sedating effects of this strain can be overwhelming but this makes it an effective strain for dealing with sleep issues like insomnia as well as relieving stress and anxiety.
It can contain THC levels of up to 29%, making it one of the most potent strains available these days.
It’s a strain that is best grown indoors but it’s easy enough to cultivate that even novice growers can be successful at producing high yields.
Features
- THC Level: Up to 29%
- Effects: Highly relaxing and sedating
- Used for: Relieving stress, anxiety, and insomnia
- Best grown indoors in controlled conditions
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15.Bubba’s Gift
Bubba’s Gift is a predominantly indica hybrid strain and was achieved by crossing the genetics of the Bubba Kush and God’s Gift strains. Although a nearly pure indica strain, Bubba’s Gift offers uplifting effects that can be great for daytime activities, unlike most indica strains that are best for night-time use.
It has a moderately high THC content of about 17 to 20% and it can stimulate one’s appetite, making it ideal for those who have trouble eating due to a lack of appetite. It also has mildly sedating effects that help deal with mild pain, insomnia, and also anxiety.
It’s a highly adaptable strain that can be grown both indoors and outdoors but it prefers warmer climates in order to thrive.
Features
- THC Level: 17 to 20%
- Effects: Relaxing yet also stimulating
- Used for: Alleviating pain, insomnia, anxiety, and to stimulate appetite
- Thrives in warm indoor climates
16. Afghani
The Afghani is a purely indica landrace strain that traces its roots to its native Afghanistan, and it is known for having a strong genetic make-up as well as potent effects. It has a moderately high level of THC content, ranging between 15 to 20% with a CBD level of about 0.6%.
Due to its purity, it induces a deep body high that allows users to deeply relax which makes it ideal for relieving stress and anxiety. It also has sedative-like effects that help deal with conditions like insomnia and chronic pain.
It’s a good beginner strain due to its ability to thrive both indoors and outdoors, although it prefers climates that are similar to its native Afghanistan. It’s a classic strain that’s considered one of the pillars of modern cannabis.
Features
- THC Level: 15 to 20%
- Effects: Highly relaxing and sedating
- Used for: Alleviating stress, anxiety, and insomnia
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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17.Gorilla Breath
A well-known giant in the cannabis industry, the Gorilla Breath was achieved by breeding the traits of the OG Kush Breath and Original Glue strains. It has an average THC content of 27%, making it an extremely potent strain that can be overwhelming for novice smokers.
Similar to its parent strains, the Gorilla Breath strain has a high that hits hard and fast, inducing euphoric feelings that can bring you out of your shell. However, this doesn’t mean that it comes with a surge of energy. In fact, many have reported feeling deeply relaxed after smoking this strain.
Due to its potent effects that help induce a state of deep relaxation, it can help with issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. It thrives the most in outdoor environments although indoors can be good too.
Features
- THC Level: 27%
- Effects: Euphoric and relaxing
- Used for: Alleviating stress, depression, and anxiety
- Can be grown indoors and outdoors
18. Pakistan Valley Kush
Another pure indica landrace strain, the Pakistan Valley Kush is native to the country of Pakistan and hasn’t been crossed with other genetics to keep the strain pure. It has a higher than average THC content of about 21 to 22% as well as a higher level of CBD content at around 2%.
It’s popular among recreational and medicinal users alike due to its powerful qualities that help alleviate symptoms of several conditions. It starts with a strong and powerful high that gradually takes over, offering sedative-like effects that can make it difficult to move.
Because of its strong effects, it is often used to treat symptoms of insomnia, pain, and stress. It’s fairly resistant to moisture and can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it a good strain for both novice and veteran growers alike.
Features
- THC Level: 21 to 22%
- Effects: Powerful relaxing and sedating effects
- Used for: Relieving pain, insomnia, and stress
- Can be grown in both indoor and outdoor environments
#19.Bubba Kush
A highly popular indica-dominant hybrid strain, the Bubba Kush is said to be the result of crossing an OG Kush strain with an unknown Northern Lights strain that has since been lost. As a predominantly indica strain, it delivers a highly relaxing high that will leave users calm but still functional.
It contains a THC level of around 15 to 22%, making it a higher than average potent indica strain. Aside from the deeply relaxing effects, it can also induce some mental fogginess which gradually melts as the high continues.
Although it doesn’t deliver the same energizing effects as Sativa strains, it does keep one mentally focused enough to continue with tasks should they need to. Its potent effects can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as some chronic pain. In larger doses, it can also help with sleep disorders like insomnia.
It’s relatively easy to cultivate which is why it can be a good starter for beginner growers, and it can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
Features
- THC Level: 15 to 22%
- Effects: Deeply relaxing but without the sedating effects
- Used for: Alleviating depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and sometimes insomnia
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
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#20. Black D.O.G.
This strain was achieved by crossing the strains Blackberry Kush and Emerald Headband, resulting in a somewhat potent strain that offers a complex flavor profile to its users. With a THC level of around 16 to 21%, the Black D.O.G. strain is best for evening use as it can induce deeply relaxing effects.
Although it delivers a surprising mental high at first, it gradually turns into a state of deep relaxation, helping you keep calm as you sit back and relax. Aside from this, it can also induce feelings of euphoria, helping alleviate symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety.
It also serves as a form of pain relief, helping alleviate the pain associated with both temporary and chronic conditions.
It’s a strain that can be grown both indoors and outdoors, preferring a slightly more humid Mediterranean-like environment to thrive.
Features
- THC Level: 16 to 21%
- Effects: Highly relaxing and euphoric effects
- Used for: Relieving pain, anxiety, stress, and depression
- Can be grown both indoors and outdoors
Final Thoughts
Indica strains are best for those looking for more relaxing effects rather than energizing, and they are best used during the evenings when users can sit back and relax. Indica strains are best used to alleviate symptoms of several conditions like pain, anxiety, and stress.