Top 5 Indica Strains 2014

Indica strains are well known for their heavy couch lock and extreme body high. This is a selection of the strongest and purest indica strains for outdoors and indoors cultivation.

As the name „indica“ suggest, this genetic lineage is though to originate from the Hindu Kush mountain range of India. However, landrace strains with similar characteristics are also growing natively in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and neighboring countries. Traditionally, indica strains were cultivated to produce hash with, and indeed, in regions where cannabis indica is native, old hashish traditions can be found. The strong and stoney effect of hand rolled Indian and Nepalese charas hash has gained legendary status, particularly among the early travelers who discovered the hash in the 1960’s.

Indicas also tend to be favored by medical cannabis users, as indicas have the highest pain relieving effects, higher quantities of CBD and produce less anxiety. They also excel in the grow room, where their small stature and fast flowering times are an advantage over tall growing and long flowering sativas.

Due to the harsh natural environment of Afghanistan and the northern parts of India, indica strains are ideal for cultivation in colder climates such as northern Europe. Indicas thrive in colder climates and the fast flowering time makes it possible to grow them in areas where the summers are short.

The following are our top 5 indica strains for 2014, and are perfect for those looking to get going with the current outdoor growing season, or are looking for an addition to the indoor grow room.

1. CRITICAL KUSH

Critical Kush is a 100% indica powerhouse. If you want raw, unbridled indica goodness, then look no further - it’s right here. Critical Kush is the mix of Critical Mass, which itself is a hybrid of the illustrious Skunk #1 and Afghani, with OG Kush, which was made from ChemDawg and Pakistani Kush. It is a heritage to be proud of, and one that does not disappoint.

Critical Kush has a skunky pine taste, and induces a heavy weight body stone. Its power and weight are so extreme that it can easily force a couch lock, pushing you down into the depths of your sofa – lab tests have shown that on average Critical Kush packs a THC content of 25% and a CBD content of 2.1%, so this is no surprise. Although this is a huge boon to many veteran smokers, novices beware! It is very easy to get overwhelmed with this beauty.

As a grower, Critical Kush tends to reach heights of 1m, making it ideal for space constrained grow rooms and gardens where privacy is a concern. Indoors, Critical Kush has a flowering time of 50 – 60 days, and yields around 600 – 750 grams/m2. Outdoors, Critical Kush is usually ready for harvest by the end of September, and can yield in excess of 600 grams per plant in ideal conditions.

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2. L.A. CONFIDENTIAL

Another winner among the top indicas is L.A. Confidential. Having won multiple awards (including the 2006 High Times Strain of the Year), L.A. Confidential is a near pure indica (95%) that comes through with the superior genetics, great flavours and deep stone that any indica lover is sure to fall in love with.

L.A. Confidential has a subtle permeating creamy flavour that weaves through its stronger pine overtones. It’s another indica that can easily couchlock the unwary, but if you can control its might, then its pleasant body stone will seep through your body and relax your soul. This strain is well known for its ability to dispel anxiety, and induce a peaceful mood. The strong cannabinoid content is also effective at easing pain and soothing aches.

If you are a novice grower looking for the right indica strain, then this may be the one for you. Both in the grow room and outdoors, L.A. Confidential is highly mould resistant and very forgiving to less skilled hands - it is an especially excellent strain to hone your skills with. In an indoor setting, L.A. Confidential has a flowering time of roughly 46 – 56 days and will yield around 350 – 450 grams/m2. Outdoors, it will be ready for harvest around the end of September and yield in the region of 400 grams per plant. L.A. Confidential is a highly revered strain that will reward any indica lover.

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3. HINDU KUSH

If you are looking for an indica strain that is a bit more forgiving than the rampant power of Critical Kush, then you may want to consider Hindu Kush. It is an old-school strain, and one of the first ever indica strains ever brought back from the East. Hindu Kush, as the name suggests, originates form the Hindu Kush mountain range between India and Pakistan. It is a 100% indica strain that has become renowned for its strong body stone and uplifting high.

Hindu Kush has an earthy, yet sweet flavour, and the THC content, whilst not as high as Critical Kush, induces a respectably strong body stone that have made it perfect for treating things such as chronic pain, or for simply chilling after a hard day’s work.

Growing to around 1.5m in height, Hindu Kush has a flowering time of roughly 42-49 days and produces a yield in the region of 450-500 grams/m2 in an indoor setting. Outdoors, Hindu Kush is usually ready for harvest around mid-September, and can yield in the region of 500 grams per plant. It’s a solid indica that is sure to please even the most seasoned of growers.

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4. KOSHER KUSH

Coming with an indica content of 80%, Kosher Kush is a strong and popular strain that won the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup in 2012. The commercial refinement of a L.A. street strain known as “Jews Gold”, this powerhouse has both medical and recreational indica enthusiasts hungering for more.

Kosher Kush has a strong and pungent diesel flavour and induces a deep and relaxing body stone, whilst creating a sense of happiness and euphoria. The potency behind this strain has made it extremely popular among medical users, who appreciate it for both pain reduction and sleep aid; however, it is this sheer strength that calls for novice users to be a bit cautious, as it can easily overwhelm.

Although possibly overwhelming for new smokers, Kosher Kush has a lot to offer novice growers. It is not a particularly demanding plant, and as a result even the greenest of cultivators can get good results from it. Kosher Kush takes about 63-70 days to flower indoors and can produce a yield in the region of 450 – 550 grams/m2. Outdoors, Kosher Kush is usually ready for harvest towards the end of September, and can produce yields of 400+ grams per plant. It is worth noting that the average THC content of Kosher Kush is 20%, but lab tests have shown that expert growers have been able to push it all the way to 29%!

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5. NORTHERN LIGHTS

One of the legends, Northern Lights is considered one of the most popular strains of all time by many. It is a shining example of Indica dominance and how old school genetics can persevere – there is no beating a classic!

When smoked, Northern Lights has an earthy, yet citrus sweet flavour that smoothly passes through the mouth as the smoke cascades down into the lungs. Being 90 - 95% indica, this titan has a reputation for its upper-cut strength that both numbs the mind and body. For this reason, Northern Lights has become a favorite amongst medical users looking for relief from such things as insomnia, pain, stress and anxiety. It’s the ultimate end of day smoke for when you just want to zone out on the sofa and listen to music before drifting off to sleep.

Northern Lights’ great qualities do not stop at its use. As a grower, Northern Lights is a dream come true. It has an extremely short indoor flowering time of just 45-50 days, and produces yields in the region of 450 grams/m2. Outdoors Northern Lights takes a little longer, and is usually ready for harvest by mid-October, producing a yield of up to 475 grams per plant. It is an absolute gem that has endured the test of time for over 30 years, and still remains just as popular to this day. Those looking for a bit of cannabis history need look no further!

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