Cannabis Indica

Marijuana Horticulture

by Jorge Cervantes

Cananbis indica (= C. sativa var. indica) originated in Pakistan and India. Indica is prized by indoor growers and breeders for its squat, bushy growth; condensed root system; stout stems; broad eaves; and dense, THC-laden, fat heavy flowers. Foliage is very dark green, and in some strains, leaves around buds turn reddish to purple. Shirt, whitish pistils turn reddish to purplish in hue.

A few indicas from this part of the world have narrower leaves, long white pistils, and pale green foliage. Indica strains generally contain a higher ratio of CBD to THC which causes an effect often described as a heavy, incapacitating “sit-on-your-head” stone. Potency of the high ranges from fair to stupefying. Some indicas have a distinctive odor similar to that of a skunk or cat urine, while others smell sweet and exotic. Heavily resin-laden plants tend to be the most fungus and pest resistant. Few indicas with heavy, dense, compact buds are resistant to gray (bud) mold.