What Does Indica Do to the Brain?
Whether you have tried it yourself or know someone who uses it, you probably have an opinion about weed. Medical cannabis is widely used to treat a lot of common conditions, and the results are immensely positive.
People are having a great sense of physical and mental relaxation, pain reduction, and appetite increase. Some have even reported better sleep.
A Must-Read: What Are the Effects of Sativa?
What does Indica do to the brain? Indica works like a sedative, providing relaxation and sleep. These benefits can be a great help for pain relief and some relaxation purposes. It is mostly recommended for people who are suffering from anxiety and medical marijuana push.
In this article, you will find more information about Cannabis Indica and its ever-changing landscape as a medicine. Here is what happens to your brain and body on Cannabis Indica.
Cannabis Indica
When it comes to cannabis, there is always the question about the Indica variety and the Sativa variety.
If the pot leaf has a short side and is wider, you are looking at an Indica plant. Generally, Cannabis Indica plants are short and bushy, and have a lot of wide leaves.
This is a pretty distinct characteristic of a Cannabis Indica. It also grows faster and has a higher yield than the Sativa variety.
Medicines that are produced from Cannabis Indica have more CBD and less THC.
A major quality of Indica strains is increased mental relaxation, which decreases nausea and acute pain, and increases appetite and dopamine, which is a transmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and other pleasure centers.
Indica Plant
The Indica plant usually shows broader leaves and a shorter stature due to its shorter flowering season. That flowering season can make Indica an even more popular choice for growing.
It is an easier choice if you plan to grow marijuana in a cooler climate. As the seasons change, you will most likely have an in-bloom Cannabis Indica as compared to Cannabis Sativa.
Indica Effects
Legend says that Indica is supposed to be ideal for night-time purposes. It is sold as having the same effect as a sedative, with good relaxation or for people who are trying to sleep.
Indica is said to have higher concentrations of CBD and lower concentrations of THC.
This kind of effect on the body can be a great help for pain relief and some relaxation purposes.
Indica is recommended mostly for people who are suffering from anxiety and medical marijuana push.
It can be utilized as an appetite stimulant, which is why Indica strains are known for giving users more of a body high compared to a head high.
The body high is because of the terpene myrcene, which may have some sedating effects.
Another terpene that is common in strains that are advertised as Indica is linalool. In addition to the sedating effect, it can help relieve anxiety.
This effect is found mostly in Indica strains, but it can also be found in some hybrids.
Indica Effects on the Brain
Before proceeding with the effects, it is important to understand the neuroscience behind them.
As you know, your brain is made up of neurons and neural circuits.
Neurons are long and dangly cells that are social distancing from each other. To bridge the gap or synapse, some chemicals, like neurotransmitters, will deliver messages by traveling from one neuron to another.
There is a special kind of neurotransmitter called an endocannabinoid—and yes, your body makes your version of weed, in a sense.
If you experience pain, inflammation, or stress, your body will release endocannabinoids.
Afterward, it will go to your endocannabinoid systems and then get rid of those unwanted sensations.
Because the cannabinoids found in marijuana look and act the same as the kind your body creates, they can slip by and latch onto the cannabinoid receptors in your brain.
There are two types of this: CB1, which is located mostly in the areas of the brain associated with learning, memory, reward, pain, anxiety, and movement control.
CB2 is associated with your immune system. Cannabinoids will throw your usual system out of whack and then boost different signals and interfere with others.
This is why Indica strains’ effects can range from relaxation and pain relief to clumsiness, anxiety, and even the munchies.
The Difference Between Indica and Sativa
The most common description of Sativa and Indica is that Sativa strains can create a head high while Indica strains can create a body high.
Scientifically speaking, the difference between the two is in terms of their classification.
Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are subspecies of the genus Cannabis.
Cannabis Sativa is indigenous in hotter weather locales that are close to the equator, like East Asia, while Cannabis Indica is indigenous to areas that have colder climates.
Climate plays a significant role when it comes to their appearance. However, despite popular belief, the effects of cannabis are more accurately attributable to the cannabinoid and terpene levels.
These compounds are found in the cannabis plant as opposed to the strains.
While these may be found more commonly in an Indica strain, none are found exclusively in one specific effect.
The reason behind this is the process of crossbreeding Indica and Sativa strains. They are most commonly known to be hybrids, but many strains that are Sativa and Indica have a hybrid nature to them.
Conclusion
Overall, Indica strains show a lot of promise when it comes to treating various mental incapacities. Indica has the potential to do everything from relieving chronic pain to treating cancer symptoms.
Canna-culture seems to be on everyone’s radar these days. It varies from tropical to tinctures, edibles to extracts. If you decide to indulge, do it responsibly and start slow. Get to know the dosage that is right for you.