Table of Contents
The Origins of Pure Indica Strains
Browse the current collection of Pure Indica strains ✨
Pure Indica strains hold a special significance in the world of cannabis cultivation and culture. With their compact size, wide leaves, and chilled effects, these strains can be traced back to specific regions where cannabis has been grown for centuries.
In the 18th century, biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck classified Cannabis indica as a separate species from Cannabis sativa due to its unique features. But with new understanding of cannabis taxonomy, this classification is being challenged, especially in regards to heirloom cultivars from Asia that were previously labeled as indica. Recent research shows that characteristics like bushy structure and trichome-rich buds are not exclusive to indica species, but are influenced by growing conditions and cultivation methods. This means these regional landraces should be preserved as distinct varieties with their own genetics and biochemical profiles, rather than grouped under outdated taxonomy. Focusing on biochemical composition and genetic lineage provides a more accurate understanding of traditional varieties.
It is in this context that we use the term "Pure Indica Strains", referring to cannabis plants historically found in the mountainous regions from Iran to China, and the modern 100% Indica hybrids based on these genetics. The major regions include:
Afghanistan: Home to some of the most famous landrace Indica strains such as Afghani and Mazar-i-Sharif. These strains are known for their dense buds, high resin production, and earthy aromas reminiscent of hash.
Pakistan: Particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range where strains like Chitral and Hindu Kush originated. These plants have been cultivated for generations for their use in producing hashish.
India: The northern Himalayan region, specifically areas like Kashmir, are renowned for producing resin-rich cannabis used to make traditional charas (hand-rolled hashish).
These regions have short growing seasons, cool temperatures, and rocky soils contributing to the resilient nature of the cannabis varieties. Despite a lot of risks there are still traditional farmers that breed and harvest heirloom Indica strains for hashish production.
In Afghanistan the traditional sieving and pressing techniques produce high-quality hashish since countless generations, but the recent ban on marijuana cultivation by the Taliban poses a new threat to this tradition.
Pakistan's Chitral region, the Hindu Kush, and province of Balochistan are known for their classic hashish made from local Indica varieties. Business is currently in an uptrend since the exports from neighbouring Afghanistan have dwindled. Climate change, drug laws, corruption, and political conflicts make life difficult for farmers. All of these regions are also extremely dangerous for travellers. Tourists can only travel through Balochistan with armed police escort.
The spiritual and medical (ayurveda) tradition of cannabis use goes back thousands of years in India and Nepal. Nevertheless, in India the drug war on cannabis cultivation continues to grind on. The police seem to have nothing better to do than rip marijuana plants out of the soil. This does not stop traditional charas production in the Himalayas and wild pockets of weed will always flourish in remote areas. Another major problem for Indian landrace genetics in the past 20 years are imported modern hybrids.
Cannabis Indica in the West
Cannabis was introduced to the West during the 1800s by European explorers and botanists, who brought back seeds and specimens from India and nearby countries. Extracts from "Indica" strains were popular for their sedative and pain-relieving properties in Western medicine, commonly used in tinctures, oils, and other forms to treat ailments such as insomnia, migraines, and digestive issues. Irish physician William Brooke O'Shaughnessy played a key role in introducing cannabis into British medicine after studying its therapeutic benefits in India. It became a staple of Western pharmacology during this period.
In the 1960s-70s Indica genetics were popularized in the USA with the rise of counterculture movements. Many western travellers headed out on the overland "hippie trail" to India - bringing seeds back home from their journeys throughout the Himalaya's.
Indica plants caught the attention of American growers due to their short flowering periods and high resin production, making them more suitable for indoor and commercial cultivation compared to the South American and South Asian Sativa's. Eventually they served as foundational genetics in countless hybrids, such as Afghani #1 which was the basis for many iconic strains like Northern Lights. In Europe, pure Indica strains and hybrids were popularized by the first seed banks. Again, the compact size and resinous buds made them very popular for indoor growing in the rainy climate of central and northern Europe.
The Benefits of Pure Indica Strains
Browse the current collection of Pure Indica strains ✨
Heirloom Indica's are known for their therapeutic properties and ease of cultivation. Contrary to popular opinion, they are not necessarily heavily sedative and immobilizing. The narcotic effects of strains are primarily dependant on their terpene profile and this can range from a calming yet functional high, to spaced out effects, or an intense couch-lock stone.
Pure Indica Strains are generally easy to grow and beginner friendly. They are ideal for indoor spaces and can be used for growing or breeding fast flowering 'cash crop' strains. Their natural resilience against pests and diseases is usually preserved in quality landraces and hybrids. Another highlight are the attractive colours on leaves and buds featuring different shades of red, purple, and even black.
With a diverse spectrum of chemotypes, many heirloom Indica strains offer valuable benefits that are less prominent in Sativa strains. These include higher levels of cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, along with a wide range of unique terpenes that contribute to distinct aromas, flavours, and therapeutic effects. For medicinal purposes such as pain relief, stress reduction, and sleep support, the rich cannabinoid and terpene profiles make them an invaluable resource for specialized uses. This highlights the importance of heirloom Indica's for breeders, medical users and enthusiasts seeking a wider range of effects and benefits.
Growing Indica Strains In Wet & Cold Climates
Most of the traditional heirloom cultivars we've been describing grow in dry high-altitude regions. These plants are not adapted to rainy and foggy conditions, soggy soil, and gloomy skies. The good news is that there are always exceptions due to genetic diversity and subtropical highland climates in the Himalaya's. Dedicated breeders have also picked up on the necessity of isolating mold resistant plants to create hardy outdoor strains for the rainy north. ❄
These are our top picks:
Eleven Roses
€33.00
Genetics Appalachian Kush x Sugar Black Rose Type indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 25% High relaxing, body stone, sedative Aroma Kush, sweet, fruity, pine, rose, earthy, lavender Flowering time (indoor) 55-60 days Harvest time (outdoor) end September (north) Yield dry 600… Read More
Kashmir
€35.00
Genetics Kashmir (P3) Type indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 0.03-15.7% CBD 0.03-15% CBG 0.45-1.36% High cerebral, euphoric, motivating, relaxing, calming Aroma hash, lemon, floral, diesel, minty, earthy, leather Flowering time (indoor) 9 weeks Harvest time (outdoor) early October Yield average Plant… Read More
ErdPurt
€40.00
Genetics Erdbeer x Purpuera Ticinensis Type indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC >8% CBD 6-12% High relaxed, body stone Aroma coffee, strawberry, pine, earthy, hashy Flowering time (indoor) 7-8 weeks Harvest time (outdoor) August-September Yield medium-high Plant height medium Description Erdpurt is an… Read More
Pakistan Chitral Kush
€40.00
Genetics Chitral, Pakistan Type indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 15-18% High calming, relaxing, body stone Aroma sweet, caramel, bubblegum, cherry, grape, strawberry, berry Flowering time (indoor) 8-9 weeks Harvest time (outdoor) end of September, October Yield medium Plant height medium Description… Read More
Best Hash Plants 👑
If you're not fussy about "sativa/indica" labels and just want a great strain for extractions, or buds with funky "bag appeal", have a look at the Best Hash Strains collection in our shop. Use the Sidebar Menu on the collection page to filter strains according to tags like fem or reg seeds, indica/sativa, flowering time, aroma, etc. This makes it easier to narrow down your selection.
Here are some top picks for you!
Afghan Lemon
€39.50
Genetics Balkh Hashplant IBL Type indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 15% High happy, relaxing, body stone Aroma lemon, lime, hashy, minty Flowering time (indoor) 10 weeks Harvest time (outdoor) end of September Yield medium-high Plant height medium Description Afghan Lemon is… Read More
Hashberry
€22.00
Genetics North India (Kashmir) Type indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 18.5% CBD 0,35% High classic chill-out weed, expansive, functional, relaxing Aroma fruity, berry, blackcurrant jam, hashy Harvest time (outdoor) September (warm region); early-mid October (north) Flowering time (indoor) 60-65 days Yield… Read More
Ganesh Berry (Limited Edition)
€23.00
Genetics Ganesh x TGA's Plushberry Type indica-sativa Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 19-25% High uplifting, happy, creative, focused, relaxing, calming Aroma sweet, fruity, berry, earthy, moschus Harvest time (outdoor) September (warm region); mid October (north) Flowering time (indoor) 60-65 days Yield dry… Read More
Flashberry
€22.00
Genetics White Berry x Mandala #1 Type indica-sativa Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 18.5-23% High euphoric, uplifting, joyful, creative, focused, relaxing Aroma sweet, fruity, blueberry, minty Flowering time (indoor) 55-62 days Harvest time (outdoor) end of September-start of October (north) Yield dry… Read More
Lord Kush
€33.00
Genetics Unknown Kush x Death Star x Headband Type mainly indica Cultivation indoor/outdoor/greenhouse THC 25% High body stone, relaxing, calming, sedative Aroma sweet, citrus, diesel, Kush, woody Harvest time (outdoor) end of September Flowering time (indoor) 50-55 days Yield 500-700 gr/m2; 1200 gr.… Read More
Black Indica Strains 😈
Our specially curated collection of Black Indica Strains has been newly updated for the 2025 season. You can browse some of the latest additions, with more to be added as they become available. Due to space restrictions not all of the new arrivals can be featured in the blog post. Please go the the Black Indica Strains collection page to view all products. The very latest addition is Grandaddy Black .
References
Clarke, Robert Connell, and Mark D. Merlin. Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany. University of California Press, 2016.
Holland, Julie. The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis. Park Street Press, 2010.
Booth, Martin. Cannabis: A History. St. Martin’s Press, 2005.
Rosenthal, Ed. Marijuana Grower’s Handbook. Quick American Publishing, 2010.
O'Shaughnessy, William Brooke. "On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah." The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 1843.
Pollan, Michael. The Botany of Desire. Random House, 2001.
Sensi Seeds. "A History of Cannabis Indica."
