If you are new to the world of cannabis, you might not know the differences between various types. There are two main varieties of marijuana, indica, and sativa. Both types produce significant highs and are psychoactive, although the effects they have on the human body and mind can be somewhat different.
One of the effects that many people look for is sedation. The supposed benefits of cannabis are that it can help you get a good night’s sleep by calming you down and acting as a sedative. Many people choose to use cannabis as a sleep aid. That said, the distinction between indica and sativa might make a difference here.
As mentioned above, indica and sativa have slightly different effects, and this applies to the world of sleep as well. Indica often has a reputation for inducing a state of tiredness and couch lock, with sativa often being associated more with feeling uplifted and energetic. So, is indica sleepy, or does it make you active?
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Key Takeaways
- Indica strains of cannabis are often associated with being more sedative in nature, whereas sativa strains are regarded as being more energetic in nature.
- Indica strains may be more sedative than sativa due to higher CBD and CBN levels, as well as due to the terpene profiles.
- Both THC indica strains and CBD indica strains may be ideal for helping you get some sleep.
What is Indica Weed?
Indica is a specific classification of marijuana that is often regarded as having great therapeutic qualities and relaxing effects. The scientific name here is cannabis indica, with the other main type of cannabis being sativa or cannabis sativa.
Indica strains of cannabis are often associated with being fairly sleepy and sedative in nature, whereas sativa strains are usually regarded as being more energizing and uplifting.
One important distinction here is that although indica strains generally do not have lower doses of THC than sativa strains, they usually have much higher levels of CBD or cannabidiol. Due to high THC and CBD levels, cannabis indica strains are often great for nighttime use as they can help you rest much better.
As far as growing these plants are concerned, indica plants tend to be lower to the ground and much bushier, whereas sativa plants are usually much taller and skinnier.
back to menu ↑How Does Indica Make You Feel?
Indica strains of cannabis are generally regarded as being much more sedative and tiring in nature, especially when compared to sativa strains. Marijuana, in general, is known for producing two main types of highs, which include a cerebral or head high and a body high. For instance, sativa strains are generally more uplifting and energetic in nature, and they usually hit your head a lot more.
Yes, indica strains should also make you feel happy, euphoric, and elated and put you in a good mood, but more so in terms of total relaxation than stimulation. Indica strains are usually also associated with a heavy body high, which means that these strains can make your limbs feel very heavy, they can relax your muscles, and make you feel like you are sinking into the couch. Indica strains make you feel tired.
back to menu ↑Does Indica Make You Sleepy or Hyper?
Indica strains are associated more with a strong body high and a sense of relaxation, along with tiredness and sedation. And because strains make you sleepy, not hyper.
This may depend on who you ask, as some people find that low doses of THC may be energizing, even if the strain is an indica. However, in the grand scheme of things, you can expect indica strains with high levels of THC and CBD to make you sleepy.
back to menu ↑Why Does Indica Make You Sleepy?
Exactly why indica strains make you sleepy, especially more sleepy than sativa strains, is not exactly known. However, one assumption here is that indica strains generally contain more CBD than sativa strains.
CBD is thought to act as a sleep aid because it may be able to help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, and depression. It’s a mood regulator that makes it easier to fall asleep because it could help put you in a better state of mind.
Interestingly enough, even though it is thought that indica is the better sleep aid due to containing higher levels of CBD, CBD, as a cannabinoid itself, is generally not regarded as being sedative in nature. In fact, it is the THC that is regarded as being a sedative substance that makes you feel tired. Therefore, it may not be just the higher CBD content in indica strains that result in indica making you feel sleepy.
It could also have something to do with the terpene profiles. Indica strains often contain higher levels of certain terpenes, including caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, myrcene, and humulene. These are all terpenes that are thought to be relaxing or sedating in nature, specifically myrcene.
Another reason why indica strains could make you feel sleepy is that they often contain higher levels of CBN. CBN is a minor cannabinoid often present in very small quantities. However, it is usually present more in indica strains than in sativa strains. CBN is thought to be a powerful sedative and calming agent, which should therefore help put you to sleep.
back to menu ↑Does Indica CBD Flower Make You Sleepy?
Because indica flower tends to have sedative effects, which may be because of those terpenes, CBD flower should still help make you feel sleepy. Remember that CBD itself has the potential to help regulate your mood, make you feel calmer, and therefore act as a sleep aid because it may regulate your mood.
Technically speaking, CBD is not regarded as a sedative. This means that CBD itself should not automatically make you feel tired. However, it could help you get a good night’s sleep because it may help reduce anxiety and stress. It is THC that is generally regarded as being a sedative cannabinoid.
Therefore, CBD indica flowers may help you get a good night’s rest by putting you in a better state of mind. Although the CBD itself may not be sedative in nature, the various terpenes contained in CBD indica flowers, such as myrcene, may also produce sedative effects. Therefore, indica CBD flower should still make you a little bit sleepy.
back to menu ↑Indica CBD Flower vs. Indica THC Flower: Which Makes You Sleepier?
Based on everything that has been said so far, it is safe to assume that indica THC flower is likely the better option for sleep than indica CBD flower. Once again, THC is considered a sedative, which means that it directly makes you tired. THC is also considered to have great potential in terms of relieving stress, anxiety, and depression.
CBD also has the potential to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, which is why it can help you sleep, although it is generally not regarded as being sedative in nature. Based on this, you can assume that THC flower is the better choice in terms of sleep, as it can be both sedating and mood-regulating.
Remember that many types of THC flowers still contain high levels of CBD as well, therefore providing you with the best of both worlds.
The caveat here, of course, is that THC is a psychoactive and intoxicating substance, whereas CBD is generally seen as not being intoxicating or psychoactive. THC gets you high, whereas CBD should not. For anybody who wants to reap the benefits of hemp or cannabis, but does not want to get high, then the only viable option is CBD.
back to menu ↑CBD Flower vs. THC Flower: Which is Better for Sleep?
CBD is perfectly fine to help you sleep, particularly due to its potential mood-regulating benefits. CBD flowers can still contain a lot of sleep-inducing terpenes as well. However, in the grand scheme of things, it is likely that THC flower is better for sleep.
THC flower is known as a sedative, and this appears to be the most important aspect of all. THC flowers can still contain all of those sedating terpenes with the added sedative benefits of THC itself.
back to menu ↑How Can You Tell the Difference Between Sativa and Indica?
When you consume these types of cannabis, you should be able to notice a difference in effect. Sativa strain should hit your head and make you feel very euphoric, happy, elevated, giggly, talkative, social, and energetic. Sativa strains tend to produce a head high or cerebral high, accompanied by a light body high.
Indica strains, on the other hand, make your mind feel much more relaxed rather than energetic, and the high is generally characterized more by a body high. Indica strains do make you feel a bit happy and euphoric, although much more relaxed and sedated, plus, they can make your body feel very heavy and tingly.
In terms of appearance, indica strains tend to have buds that are more round in shape. Indica buds and plants, in general, tend to be shorter and fatter, whereas sativa plants are much skinnier and taller, with leaves being thinner and more pointed.
back to menu ↑How Does the Indica Terpene Profile Affect Sleep?
Terpenes are the substances contained in plants, such as marijuana that give them their aroma and flavor. Terpenes themselves are meant to offer the plant protection, but as far as humans are concerned, not only do terpenes offer flavor and aroma, but may also have other benefits. There are some terpenes that are known for being more energizing in nature, whereas others are more sedative. Indica strains contain a variety of terpenes that are known for being sedating, so let’s move on and take a quick look at the main ones.
back to menu ↑What Terpenes in Indica Are the Most Common?
There are five main terpenes contained in indica strains, which are regarded as being useful on this front.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the number one most important terpene when it comes to the sedative effects of cannabis indica. This is a sedating and calming terpene that features flavors of cloves, fruits, and earthiness. It can also be very pungent.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is another terpene found in indica strains, as well as many other plants such as hops and pepper. This terpene has a very sharp smell of black pepper and cloves, along with spiciness and an earthy flavor profile. It is thought to be sedative and calming in nature.
Linalool
Linalool features a floral aroma combined with a gentle spiciness. This is a very prevalent terpene that is found in hundreds of plants, with lavender and cannabis being two specific ones. Linalool is yet another terpene known for being calming and sedating.
Limonene
As you can probably guess, this terpene has the flavor of citrus. This fruity and citrusy terpene is often present in many indica strains and is known for being relaxing and calming.
Humulene
Humulene features a herbal, spicy, earthy, and woody flavor and aroma. It is also assumed to be calming, relaxing, and sedating in nature.
back to menu ↑What Are the Top 5 Indica CBD Flower Strains?
Let’s take a quick look at some CBD strains that should help you get a good night’s rest.
Blueberry Kush CBD Strain
If you are looking for a potent indica strain that contains upwards of 15% CBD, then this super tasty Blueberry Kush might be right for you. Many people also love the flavor of this Blueberry Kush, as it’s very fruity. This is an organically grown top-shelf bud that people seem to be huge fans of. If you don’t want to roll anything yourself, you can always check out these Botany Farms Blueberry Kush Pre-Rolls.
Godfather OG Strain
With all of the CBD and terpenes you need to get a good night’s sleep, Godfather OG it’s yet another top contender in terms of the best CBD indica strains that can help you get a good night’s sleep. It also has about 14% CBD with other cannabinoids bringing the combined total to 17.2%.
Crystal Candy THCA
The Crystal Candy THCA from Botany Farms offers an electrifying experience. Brimming with high THCA levels, this product induces a potent, euphoric sensation. Its flavor profiles are reminiscent of a candy shop, blending sweet and fruity undertones. Just like their other offerings, it’s organically cultivated with no additives, emanating from the lush soils of Portland, Oregon. Complemented by stringent third-party testing, you’re guaranteed a safe, top-tier product. Truly, a crystalline gem in the cannabis world.
back to menu ↑Final Thoughts: Does Indica Make You Sleepy or Hyper?
The combination of THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes contained in indica plants make it a great option if you need some help getting sleep.
If you are having trouble sleeping, we recommend checking out some of the potent indica strain choices from our top five indica CBD flower strains that we reviewed above.
Looking for more content like this? Check out our review of the White CBG Strain and the Rainbow Sherbet Strain.
