13 Best Indica Strains [2021 Smoker's Guide]
Updated: Dec 30, 2022

13 BEST INDICA STRAINS [SMOKER'S GUIDE]
Considering the fact that there are over 700 strains of cannabis out there in the world today, finding the best Indica strains in the market is near impossible. Think of it! The numerous breeds, crossbreeds, and similar naming systems often leave weed lovers confused on which sativa or indica strains will best suit their needs the most.
Luckily, experts in the field of cannabis have carried out various studies listing out effects of numerous strains and their composition. Today, we have narrowed down the list and selected the best Indica strains in demand around the cannabis market.
But before we discuss these strains in detail, let's take a look at what makes up an Indica strain.
What is an Indica Marijuana Strain?
Indica is a type of cannabis strain that provides soothing and relaxing effects. According to consumers, Indica produces noticeable physical effects that exceed a typical cerebral high. It has also been known to induce hazy memories.
The Indica strain possesses botanical features such as broad leaves and short growing cycles. This strain also grows in both hot and cold climates.
Indica vs. Sativa

The differences between Indica and Sativa were noted almost 250 years ago. In 1785, French biologist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, identified cannabis Indica as a separate species from cannabis Sativa as classified by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus 32 years earlier. According to Lamarck, the classification and differences between Indica and Sativa plants were that Indica was more potent(Hard-hitting) than Sativa.
Later in 1974, an American biologist named Richard Evans Schultes applied Lamarck's term for some cannabis plants found in Afghanistan. These plants looked quite different from Lamarck's Indian plants, having shorter stalks and broader leaves.
This classification ended up having a massive impact on the development of modern-day cannabis taxonomy, tying the Indica variety to a particular geographic region. Now, we recognize Indica as having an Afgan heritage.
The basic difference between these strains is their traits during the cultivation cycle. For Indica strains, they grow into short plants that have thick stems. Also, the leaves they produce are usually broader and possess deep green colors. The Indica plants grow and mature faster than their Sativa counterparts. Also, Indica's flowering ranges from 35 to 65 days, and they do well in cold climate conditions with shorter seasons. Summarily, the Indica strain possesses more compact and denser buds.
On the other hand, Sativa strains have a longer cultivation cycle that grows in a warm climate. These strains are usually longer and possess a lighter green color. And unlike its more potent cousin Indica, Sativa strains have lower THC levels. The Sativa strain produces the uplifting effects of a "head high", as opposed to Indica that produces a body high.
Does Indica Work for Chronic Pain?
According to a recent online survey, Indica does work for chronic pain relief! Cannabis boasts various health benefits, as it eases certain types of chronic pain, especially those caused by nerve damage and inflammation.
The Indica strain contains some components and compounds that are effective against nausea.
How does a "Body High" Work?
Marijuana is a psychoactive compound, and it contains some mind-altering ingredients. As a psychoactive drug, marijuana affects neurological functioning.
We know that both Indica and Sativa produce different effects on the body. The former causes a body high while the latter, a head high.
A body high makes your body experience a pleasurable and relaxing feeling after taking cannabis. Some of the long and short effects of marijuana in the body include feelings of euphoria, an altered perception of time, color, and space.
13 Best Indica Strains in 2021
Finally! This is the part you've been waiting for—the best Indica strains in 2021. Let's get right to it.
Billy Kimber
This is a critically acclaimed OG Kush phenotype from Garrison Lane, California. It has quite an odd name for a weed strain. Well, here is a quick fact; this strain was named after a character on the TV show Peaky Blinders. Billy Kimber Strain comprises dark and light green buds with a piney aroma.
Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush is named after an 800-kilometer mountain range that stretches through Afghanistan into Tajikstan. Hindu Kush is an Indica strain with high levels of THC. It possesses a sweet aroma and is known to bring a sense of relief to its users.
Granddaddy Purple
The names just keep getting weirder, don't they? GDP, as it's commonly called, is a cross of Afghanistan, Skunk, and Mendocino Purps. It possesses a sweet grape or berrylike aroma and gives a dose of euphoria and relaxation.
Girl Scout Cookies
GSC is a cannabis strain made by crossing OG Kush with Durban Poison. It is an Indica based strain that radiates a dessert-like aroma. This strain is super popular and is known to ease symptoms associated with chronic pain and nausea.
Northern Lights
This is an Indica strain created by crossing Afghanistan with Thai. It possesses a sweet and spicy flavor and can ease the mind. Northern Lights have become popular over the years, presumably because of their relaxing effects on the muscles.
Blueberry
Probably one of the most loved Indica strains in the market. This popular strain is made by crossing Purple Thai with Thai. Consumers have described it as a sweet strain possessing euphoric and relaxing effects.
GMO
GMO, also known as "Garlic Cookies", is an Indica marijuana strain created from crossing Chemdawg and Girl Stout Cookies. It possesses a garlicky taste and is best known for its intense aroma. GMO has a long-lasting high effect that lasts for hours and causes deep sleep.
Carol B
It is an Indica strain made by crossing pungent Cookies and cream with Grape pie. Carol B gives off a grapelike taste; some consider it sweet. This strain is best used to wind down after work.
Ice Cream Cake
This is an Indica strain made by crossing wedding cake with Gelato 33. It offers a sedating and relaxing effect. The Ice Cream Cake features a creamy flavor profile with vanilla and doughy taste.
Motorbreath
Motorbreath is an Indica hybrid strain that results from crossing Chem D and SFV OG Kush strains. It possesses the famous diesel essence that is accented by sharp citrus and earthly exhales. It is best suited for cool nights because of its calming effects. Motherbreath also treats weight loss, nausea, insomnia, depression, and other chronic pains.
Platinum Bubba
Platinum Bubba is an Indica dominant strain. It's known for its potent high, which sets in only a few minutes after consumption. Use this for relaxation, pain relief, and appetite stimulation.
Glue Tech
Glue Tech is a rare Indica strain created from crossing Gorilla Glue and Alien Tech strains. Once you toke up this bad boy, you will feel slight heaviness at the back of your head, followed by sleepiness. It is a sedative and relaxing marijuana strain that can help treat inflammation, cramps, gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety.
Grape Bubba
This is an Indica-dominant strain that is created by crossing Purple Urkle and Bubba Kush. It radiates a sweet aroma and possessive sedative effects that will definitely knock you out.
Where to Get the Best Indica Flower in DC
You can find Indica strains in smoke shops across the Washington DC area. However, the problem is finding a smoke shop that operates legally and provides government-approved weed. In DC, smoke shops are mandated to operate under the laws set by Initiative 71. So it is highly recommended you find an i71 complaint shop.
If you're not sure which shop to get weed from, why not try Top Level DC?
Top Level DC
Top Level is a premier holistic smoke shop located in Tenleytown; we comply with the provisions of the Initiative 71 Laws and gift our customers premium quality Indica strains as well as a large variety of products.
Shop online or call us today at (202) 740-6670 to place your order. Check out the Top Level online menu here. Enjoy in-store shopping or preorder online & skip the line! For Top Level DC hours, please check our website. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about buying art prints for free weed gifts in Washington DC with our 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant gifts.
* All our marijuana gifts are subject to availability. To see what products and strains we currently have in stock, please check our website *