What are The Side Effects of Indica
Marijuana comes in three subspecies; Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. But Ruderalis isn’t that common since it has a low THC content. As such, many breeders tend to avoid it. Sativa and Indica species, on the other hand, are very popular with the cannabis community.
That’s because they offer a higher psychoactive effect compared to Ruderalis. Individuals use Sativa for its mood uplifting and cerebral effects, while Indica is known as a relaxer and sedative. Since these strains offer different effects, people use them to treat different medical conditions. Plus, they also cause different side effects.
This article focuses on the Indica species, its benefits, and its side effects.
What Is Indica Cannabis?
Indica strains were first seen in Central Asia. They are short and hardy plants with stocky structures. Their leaves are broad and have a shorter flowering time compared to Sativas. They have chunky buds producing sticky resin in large amounts.
The resin is where CBD and THC compounds are loaded. It’s why many people use it for manufacturing products like hash. Indica also has strains like Afghani, Northern Lights, G-13, Girl Scout Cookies, and Granddaddy Purple.
Some people say that these strains have a higher THC and CBD content compared to Sativa strains. However, there are some exceptions. But, because of the high CBD amount, individuals use these strains for their medicinal value. Also, note that Indica and Sativa weed may produce different effects as they are different strains. However, other factors like the terpene profile also affect the effects a strain produces.
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedating effects. They give a full-body high. As such, many cannabis users use them as stress relief, as relaxers, and for addressing several medical issues. These strains offer various therapeutic benefits like;
Pain relief
Reduce inflammation
Muscle relaxation as they relieve spasms and stiffness
Appetite stimulation
Anxiety relief
Seizure management
Also, note that while the plant offers medicinal value, it also has some side effects that are more extreme in some cases. For this reason, many people tend to avoid them.
Indica Side Effects
When it comes to cannabis, it’s easy to exceed the recommended daily intake. In that case, you can experience some unpleasant effects. Here are the side effects of taking Indica in high amounts;
- Coordination Problems
Lack of motivation and coordination has been observed with Indica. One can become clumsy and fiddle tasks when high on this strain. Thus, avoid using it and doing tasks that can cause injury to yourself or other people. Drivers or anyone operating a machine should never perform their tasks after using cannabis, especially from Indica strains.
- Anxiety
THC can relieve anxiety in low amounts. But, it can cause it if consumed in high doses. In low doses, this compound has a positive effect on neurotransmitters, which makes a person feel calmer and relaxed. In excess, however, it can make your mind race, causing paranoia and anxiety.
However, Indica strains are less likely to cause this effect since they contain more CBD. Research says that CBD helps relieve anxiety and counteract the adverse effects THC.
But bear in mind that any strain with a high THC amount can cause anxiety when used in high amounts. Therefore, don’t overindulge and use weed only in familiar environments.
- Couchlock
Cannabis contains phytocannabinoids, including THC and CBD. When they bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies, they trigger the release of neurotransmitters. Now, THC is the compound responsible for making a person high.
It usually interacts with CB1 receptors found in the central nervous system and brain. CBD, on the other hand, mainly interacts with CB2 receptors found throughout the body and in high concentration in the immune system. It’s why CBD has great anti-inflammatory effects.
Indica strains have a high CBD content. Thus, individuals use it to relieve chronic pain and treat other conditions like sleep problems. For someone who just wants a good night’s rest, they can take the strains and enjoy the effects. But, they can become problematic if you have errands to run.
Note that Indica produces a full-body high, meaning that it makes your limbs heavy. As such, it may be difficult getting up from your bed or couch. You can however avoid this problem by limiting yourself to evening use after completing all the chores. But if you need energy and relief from other medical conditions during the day, opt for Sativa strains or non-intoxicating CBD oil.
- Cottonmouth
It is a condition where your mouth becomes dry, and it can be caused by any marijuana strain with a high THC content. Cannabinoids affect gland receptors that produce saliva, slowing its production.
To avoid this effect, ensure that you are well hydrated. Always have a bottle of water with you or suck on lemon-flavored candy to keep your saliva flowing.
- Extreme Hunger
All cannabis strains can cause munchies. However, this effect is mostly associated with Indica. But, it’s also possible to experience appetite loss after using this strain. If that is the case, this side effect could benefit you.
Cannabis causes hunger as the THC interacts with CB1 receptors found in the part of the brain that controls satiety and hunger. Thus, making your nervous system send signals that you are hungry, even if you’ve just eaten.
Additionally, cannabis acts on the part of the brain associated with taste and smell. Therefore, you may find food more delicious when eating, while you are high. As such, it can be hard to control your eating.
Indica Long-term Side Effects
Although weed offers various health benefits, it also comes with potential risks, especially when smoked. Smoking weed is safer than smoking tobacco. But, it can still cause respiratory problems like cough and bronchitis. Instead of smoking, it is safer to use edibles or topical cannabis creams.
Also, some research associates cannabis with psychiatric problems among people who start using it at a young age. But you can minimize this risk by using a strain with high CBD and low THC. If you are a minor, please talk to your physician first before using marijuana.
Lastly, cannabis can interact with other medicines. Note that, like many drugs, it is also metabolized by the CYP45O pathway in your liver. Thus, if consuming it with other medicines, you may need to increase or decrease their dosage. Please confirm with your doctor first whether or not this could be an issue.
Conclusion
Indica strains help address chronic pain, insomnia, and other conditions because of their relaxing and sedating effects. They can also increase appetite among those undergoing chemotherapy or with eating disorders.
But the strains can also cause side effects. Therefore, we advise that you avoid high doses and speak to your doctor first.
.png)