6 Most Popular Indica Strains of 2025: Here’s What to Know

Bala A.

If you’ve ever turned to weed strains for winding down after a long day, chances are you’ve heard about the calming power of indica. Known for their deep relaxation and body-focused effects, indica strains have become a go-to for those seeking relief from stress, pain, or sleepless nights.

As 2025 brings new favorites alongside timeless classics, here’s a look at the most popular indica strains you’ll want to know about.

Key Takeaways

  • Northern Lights, GDP, Pink Kush, Hindu Kush, OG Kush, and Purple Punch are the most popular indica strains in 2025
  • Known for deep relaxation, pain relief, stress reduction, and sleep support
  • Flavor profiles range from earthy and piney to fruity, grape, and dessert-like notes
  • THC levels generally sit between 16–27%, with most strains offering strong body highs and sedative effects
  • Indica strains are best for evening use, but some lower-potency options can work during the day for pain or stress
  • Beginners should start with moderate THC strains to avoid overwhelming sedation

Best Indica Strains Today

Here are several of the top cannabis indica / indica-dominant strains that buyers prefer in 2025. These are popular for their relaxing effects, pain management, strong body high, and calming features.

1. Northern Lights

Indica strains Northern Lights cannabis bud with dense green leaves frosty trichomes and orange pistils on dark background

A pure indica classic known for its couch-locking relaxation. Many people turn to Northern Lights for chronic pain, insomnia, or when they want deep relaxation without sativa’s uplifting buzz.

Cannabinoid Levels

  • THC: ~ 16-22%
  • CBD: less than 1%

Best Features

  • Dense, resinous buds and relatively easy to grow
  • Sweet pine, earthy aroma with subtle floral notes
  • Strong lineage from Hindu Kush / pure indica plants

Effects

  • Deep physical relaxation / body high
  • Helps relieve stress, anxiety, and muscle spasms
  • Good for sleep, helps with insomnia

2. Granddaddy Purple (GDP)

This indica-dominant strain is beloved for its striking purple colours, grape/berry flavour, and strong relaxing effects. A favorite for evening use, and especially popular among those looking for both flavour and potency.

Cannabinoid Levels

  • THC: ~ 17-27%
  • CBD: very low (often under 1%)

Best Features

  • Rich terpene profile with myrcene, which boosts calming effects
  • Vibrant visual appeal (purple hues, heavy trichomes)
  • Flavor profile: sweet grape, berry, earthy tone

Effects

  • Deep body high; helps with chronic pain and muscle tension
  • Sedating — often used for relaxation or as a sleep aid
  • May increase appetite

3. Pink Kush

Pink Kush is a high-potency indica that offers sweet vanilla and floral aromas. Buyers like it for its strong full-body sedation, making it ideal for stress relief or when you really need to shut off.

Cannabinoid Levels

  • THC: often over 20% (some phenotypes 20-25%)
  • CBD: low, less than 1%

Best Features

  • Dessert-like flavor and aroma (vanilla, sweet floral)
  • Strong physical calming effects
  • Good reputation in both recreational and medicinal use

Effects

  • Heavy body high, strong relaxing effects
  • Helps with severe stress, anxiety, chronic pain
  • Sedation; may lead to couch lock and drowsiness

4. Hindu Kush

A landrace pure indica strain from the Hindu Kush region. Known for its deep, earthy aroma and strong relaxing effects. Many prefer it for its traditional indica traits: broad leaves, shorter/denser plants, powerful body relaxation.

Cannabinoid Levels

  • THC: moderate to high, often in the 15-20%+ range depending on grow conditions
  • CBD: low (typically under 1%)

Best Features

  • Real pure indica genetics; heavy influence from the Hindu Kush region
  • Strong earthy, sometimes spicy or pine aroma
  • Reliable relaxing effects; less risk of overstimulation

Effects

  • Deep calm, physical relaxation, often used to relieve chronic pain or tension
  • Sleepy; helps with insomnia
  • May reduce anxiety and promote a restful state

5. OG Kush

Although often thought of in hybrid contexts, OG Kush is frequently used as an indica-dominant strain. It’s prized for its complex aroma (earth, pine, citrus notes), strong THC content, and its ability to deliver both relaxation and mental euphoria.

Cannabinoid Levels

  • THC: tends to be high, commonly 20-25% or more depending on batch
  • CBD: low, under 1%

Best Features

  • Aroma: earthy, citrus, pine – a sophisticated terpene profile
  • Well-balanced indica dominant hybrid, giving both mental and physical effects
  • Widely available and many cultivars / phenotypes

Effects

  • Relaxation of body & mild uplift in mind (relaxed euphoria)
  • Good for stress, pain, and anxiety
  • May help with muscle spasms and as an evening winding-down strain

6. Purple Punch

Purple Punch is an indica-dominant hybrid celebrated for its dessert-like flavours (grape, berry, vanilla), strong relaxing effects, and strong body high. Many users favor it for stress relief, pain management, or when they want to drift off.

Cannabinoid Levels

  • THC: ~ 18-24%
  • CBD: very low (less than 1%)

Best Features

  • Sweet, fruity, dessert profile with grape/blueberry/vanilla undercurrents
  • Visually appealing: purple hues, thick trichomes
  • Excellent for relaxing evenings, pre-sleep routines

Effects

  • Powerful body high, sedation
  • Helps with pain, insomnia, muscle spasms
  • Deep relaxation, sometimes couch-locking

Choosing Between Indica Strains

Close-up image of multiple cannabis indica strains with detailed buds and leaves, showcasing their unique colors and textures for choosing the best indica strains.

 

When it comes to cannabis indica strains, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each variety has unique characteristics, effects, and flavors, so knowing what to look for can help you find the best match for your needs. Here are a few tips to guide your choice:

  • Desired Effects – Some indica strains emphasize deep relaxation and sleepiness (like Northern Lights), while others balance calming effects with a touch of euphoria (like OG Kush). Think about whether you need pain management, stress relief, or a sleep aid.
  • THC and CBD Content – Check the cannabinoid profile. High THC strains may bring on strong sedation or couch lock, while those with a bit more CBD can provide relaxation without overwhelming psychoactive effects.
  • Terpene Profile – Terpenes like myrcene often enhance relaxing effects, while citrus notes from limonene can add a more uplifting edge. Understanding the terpene mix can help predict flavor and effect.
  • Medical Needs – For chronic pain, migraines, or muscle spasms, strains known for strong body highs may work best. For insomnia or anxiety, choose indica dominant hybrids with calming, sleep-inducing qualities.
  • Flavor and Aroma Preferences – Some people love dessert-like strains such as Wedding Cake or Purple Punch, while others prefer earthy, spicy flavors from classic Hindu Kush cultivars. Taste and smell play a big role in enjoyment.
  • Tolerance and Experience – Beginners might want to start with moderate THC content (16–20%) and avoid heavy hitters until they know how their body reacts. Experienced patients may prefer potent strains like Granddaddy Purple or Ice Cream Cake.
  • Other Factors – Consider how you plan to consume (flower, edibles, concentrates) and whether you want a pure indica strain or an indica dominant hybrid. Growing conditions, availability, and even budget can also affect your choice.

Final Thoughts

Indica strains continue to stand out in 2025 for their calming effects, rich flavors, and reliable support for rest, relaxation, and pain management. Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics like Northern Lights or newer favorites like Purple Punch, choosing the right strain comes down to your needs, preferences, and tolerance.

Taking time to learn different strains can help you find out what works best for your body and lifestyle. If you’re ready to learn more or want recommendations tailored to your goals, learn our full guide to indica strains here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are indica strains good for beginners?

Yes, many indica strains can be beginner-friendly, but it depends on THC content. New users may want to start with strains in the moderate range (around 16–20% THC) to avoid overwhelming effects.

Can indica strains be used during the day?

While they’re most popular at night due to their relaxing effects, some people use lower-dose indica strains in the daytime for pain relief or stress management without heavy sedation.

Do indica strains always cause couch lock?

Not always. While some pure indica strains are known for strong sedating effects, others—especially indica dominant hybrids—offer a balance of relaxation and mild euphoria without full couch lock.

How long do the effects of indica strains last?

Typically, the effects last between 2–4 hours depending on the strain, your tolerance, and how you consume (smoking, vaping, or edibles).

Are indica strains better for medical use than sativa strains?

Indica strains are often chosen for conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms, and anxiety. However, whether they’re “better” depends on the patient’s specific needs and how their body responds.

Can indica strains affect creativity?

Indicas are more associated with relaxation than creativity, but some indica dominant hybrids can still provide a mild mental uplift while calming the body.