What Are the Strongest Indica Strains?

Indica strains are famous for their body high, sense of deep relaxation, and tendency to put you to sleep, but if you really want something to knock you out, it makes sense to go for the strongest indica strain. 

While the most potent indica strains don't all have insanely-high THC levels (often used as a measure of potency), make no mistake—these are STRONG indica strains and should be consumed with caution, especially if you're new to cannabis. 

Ready for an afternoon of couchlock or the best sleep you've ever had? This list of potent indica and indica-dominant hybrid strains will get you off to a “high” start!

Kush Marijuana Strains

Named after one of the mountain ranges in Central Asia where cannabis has grown in the wild for millennia, kush varieties are some of the strongest indica strains on the market. Popular in our Seattle pre-rolls, Seattle concentrates, premium flower, and vape carts, these pure indica strains and indica-dominant strains can be found in most west-coast dispensaries:

• Hindu Kush. A 100% pure indica that’s popular with fans of high THC strains. After smoking or vaping Hindu Kush, expect mental calm and unfocused haziness followed by hours of couchlock and deep relaxation. Pure indica; landrace strain; 22-32% THC.

• Afghan Kush. A potent indica strain that's most likely to put you to sleep. The fruity aroma accompanies a lazy, sleepy sensation. 100% indica; landrace strain from the Hindu Kush mountain range; 21% THC, 6% CBD, 1% CBN.

• Purple Kush. This pure indica was named one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Strains in the World by High Times magazine. An aroma of earthy sweet grapes and red wine precedes a quick euphoric head high and deep body numbness, eventually leading to sleep. 100% indica; Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani; 22% THC.

• Master Kush. Two-time Cannabis Cup award winner and a favorite of Snoop Dogg, this is a powerful strain that boasts euphoria, total relaxation, and sleepiness. Aromas of sweet earth and citrus. 90% indica/10% sativa; Hindu Kush x a pure skunk strain; 20-24% THC, 1% CBD, 1% CBN.

• Banana Kush. A delicious, fruity-flavored kush that's often used for sleeping. Best taken one hour before bed. 60% indica/40% sativa; OG Kush x Skunk Haze; 18-25% THC, 1% CBN.

• Kosher Kush. Kosher Kush is a blissfully sleepy hybrid strain with long-lasting effects that calm the mind. This strain won the High Times Indica Cup twice and is the only cannabis strain to have been blessed by a rabbi! Warning: Go easy on this strain as an overdose could lead to blurred vision. 80-100% indica; unknown lineage; 22-25% THC.

Strong Purple Indica Strains

Potent indica marijuana strains also feature among the bright purple cannabis varieties, including some of the highest THC strains—Grandmommy Purple and Gorilla Glue. Anyone looking for a potent strain should find a new favorite in this list.

• Granddaddy Purple. “Granddaddy Purps” is one of the most famous purple cannabis strains and also one of the most potent indicas. Expect powerful full-bodied relaxing effects and a euphoric numbness, potentially with trippy visions and always a profound sense of peace. 70% indica/30% sativa (indica-dominant hybrid); Big Bud x Purple Urkle; 20-27% THC, 1% CBD.

• Grandmommy Purple. A high-THC twist on Granddaddy Purple that will wrap you in a warm physical buzz. The cannabis seeds were developed by Spanish breeders and officially released by Herbies Seed Bank. 80% indica; Big Bud x Purple Urkle; 28-33% THC.

• Purple Punch. Feel a strong punch of euphoria while your body drifts away and into a deep and relaxing sleep. 80% indica; Larry OG x Granddaddy Purps; 18-20% THC; 1% CBD.

Other Potent Indica Strains

The list of strong indicas is really endless as potent indica strains are mixed and remixed into different and delightful combinations. However, these strains are some of the stand-outs in terms of flavor and relaxing effects:

• Northern Lights. A pure indica strain that was produced by inbreeding Afghani landrace strains. Enter into the bliss of euphoria coupled with physical relaxation with this fruity, citrusy strain. 100% indica; inbred Afghani landrace strains; 16-21% THC.

• Skywalker OG. Your head will be in the clouds with this stoney, euphoric indica-leaning hybrid strain. Deep physical relaxation and strong munchies are characteristic of the high with sleep almost inevitable on the come-down. 85% indica/15% sativa; Skywalker x OG Kush; 20-25% THC, 2% CBD.

• Strawberry Banana. A mild head buzz builds into euphoria, accompanied by full-body relief and moderate munchies. This potent marijuana strain has a sweet strawberry taste with sweet banana on the exhale. 70% Indica/30% sativa; Strawberry Bubblegum x Crocket's Banana Kush; 22-26% THC.

• Wedding Cake. A sweet and fruity strain that calms the nerves and the mind and stimulates the appetite. This strain is also known as Pink Cookies. 60% indica/40% sativa; Triangle Kush x Animal Mints; 25-27% THC.

• Gorilla Glue. This is one of the strongest indica varieties and one that’s known for its funny cannabis strain name. After a creative lift, your mind will become stuck in a blissful, carefree state as your body becomes glued to the couch for hours on end. 60% indica/40% sativa; Chem's Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel; 18-32% THC.

• Death Star. Named for the Star Wars movies, this indica-dominant strain is known for its lemon-rubber taste and happy, calming, nausea-relieving effects. 75% indica/25% sativa; Sensi Star x Sour Diesel; 18-27% THC.

A Potent, Relaxing Indica Strain Isn't Far Away

After reviewing 15 potent indica strains, it's hard to say that any particular variety is the strongest indica strain or will be more effective for a given individual. 

However, if you're looking for the best weed in Seattle or the West Coast for blissful relaxation, physical relief, calming effects, or sleep, any of these popular indicas should get the job done!