Why Does Indica Make You Sleepy?

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Why Does Indica Make You Sleepy?

Categories: All Articles, Cannabis Education

Indica plants originated on the Indian subcontinent, and were first brought to the United States in the 1970’s. They can be identified visually because they grow short and wide relative to sativa (more “stubby” looking). They result in a very relaxing and strong body high that is helpful in treating general anxiety, body pain, and sleeping disorders.

Seasoned cannabis enthusiasts know that indica tends to make you sleepy, sometimes even causing “couch lock” – making it your best friend for any (Netflix) Marathon Sunday. But why is this the case? In this article we dive into strains and terpenes, and the different effects they have on your body.

Indica, A Brief Introduction

Today, with the proliferation of plant geneticists, there are thousands of strains (according to Leafly, here are the 100 you need to try before you die). These are generally classified into indica, sativa and hybrids of the two.

What makes a strain unique? While "it's complicated," the MAIN factors that dictate this are a) its cannabinoid profile (how much THC, CBD, CBN etc. are in the plant) and b) the terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic oils that are secreted by the same glands that produce THC and CBD. Over 100 terpenes have been identified, and every strain has a unique blend of them.

Benefits of Indica

Relieves body pain
Relaxes muscles
Relieves spasms
Relieves headaches and migraines
Relieves anxiety or stress

So Why Am I Stuck To My Couch?

First - terpenes. Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in indica plants, and has sedative and motor relaxant effects. In a 2002 study, researchers found that mice who were treated with 200 mg/kg of myrcene slept an average of 2.6 times longer than untreated mice. Some evidence also suggests that myrcene may also boost the potency of THC by helping it cross the blood-brain barrier more easily.

Linalool, a terpene with a lavender, floral scent, also has been shown to produce relaxing and anti-anxiety effects. The third most common terpene in indica strains that cause sedation is Terpinolene, a piney, herbal smelling terpene.

Second - CBN. CBN is another cannabinoid (such as THC and CBD) present in the plant. While CBN induces little to no psychoactive effects, its characterizing attribute is its sedative effect. According to Steep Hill Labs, 5mg of CBN is as effective as 10mg dose of diazepam, a mild pharmaceutical sedative. There is not a lot of CBN in dried flower - where THC contents can hit a high watermark of over 30%, CBN rarely exceeds 1% in dried flower - which is fine, because a little bit goes a long way. One indica strain with a particularly high level of CBN is Ace of Spades.

So if you find a strain that is high in THC, CBN and sleepy terpenes, prepare for the best night of sleep you've ever had.