Five Best Indica Strains for Sleep

Insomnia is exhausting. No one loves tossing and turning all night only to feel exhausted in the morning. For many people with insomnia, marijuana has been the only form of relief that works. The right strain can reduce anxiety that keeps you up at night or soothe chronic pain that makes it hard to lay still. 

Cannabis users have many options if they want to bring marijuana into their nightly routine. Of course, you can smoke it, vape it, or dab it. If you want to eat something sweet, enjoy an edible. (Remember to eat it an hour before bed.) We also recommend decarbing your flower and adding it to loose-leaf tea. 

If you find yourself waiting to go to bed at night, roll over and smoke a joint of these indicas. You’ll immediately start to feel stress relief and be asleep before you know it. 

What is an Indica? 

There are two “species” of cannabis that we smoke: cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Sativas and indicas look different, require different climates for growth, and produce different effects when smoked. 

In general, sativas are more uplifting. Indicas are more sedative. Users are more likely to experience a body high that locks them to the couch for the day (or night.) Every strain in the indica family is different, but expect most to be more relaxing. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that the best strain for your insomnia isn’t a sativa. These five indicas (okay, four indicas and one indica-heavy hybrid) are merely suggestions to get you started. But don’t be afraid to branch out and try different strains throughout the day. Experiment, record your experiences, and do what works best for you. 

Five Best Indicas for Sleep

• Critical Kush
• Afghani
• Skywalker OG 
• Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
• God’s Gift 

Critical Kush

(Hot tip: if you see “Kush” in the name of a strain, it’s probably an indica. If you see “Haze,” it’s probably a sativa.) 

Who doesn’t love going to bed in a good mood? Indicas don’t have to be depressing, even when they lock the body down to the couch. Critical Kush is a great indica that calms the body and mind and brings on the smiles. Patients with chronic pain should consider using this strain. It has a spicy and herbal aroma, so if you’re making cannabis tea, consider using Critical Kush. 

(Learn more about how to make cannabis tea.)

Critical Kush is the lovechild of Critical Mass and OG Kush. OG Kush is another great option if you want to head off to dreamland after your joint. It’s the parent strain for some of the best indicas on the market (including one or two that is on our list!) 

Afghani

Afghani is a classic indica strain. Growers named this strain for the region it comes from; Afghani farmers have been producing marijuana longer than anyone in North America. This strain is the parent and grandparent to some of the most popular strains on the market, including Northern Lights and Blackberry. It stands the test of time and will help tokers tuck in for the night for generations to come. 

Expect a skunky and earthy aroma with a hint of sweetness. Afghani doesn’t have the highest THC content on the block, which is a great choice for people who experience anxiety from getting too high. Just light up, take a few hits, and let the couch-lock transition you into sleep. 

Skywalker OG 

You might also see this strain listed as “Skywalker OG Kush,” which fully acknowledges the strain’s lineage. Skywalker OG is actually a hybrid strain, but very indica-heavy. (Expect an 85% indica/15% sativa mix as you puff away.) Expect some diesel and hash flavours when you pack this guy into a bowl or a blunt. It gets pretty dank. 

You won’t want to do much walking after smoking Skywalker OG. Keep some snacks nearby – many users report having an epic case of the munchies. People with chronic pain, depression, and migraines also use Skywalker OG for its euphoric and relaxing effects. 

Want to dab before bed? Skywalker OG also comes in budder form. 

Granddaddy Purple (GDP)

Granddaddy Purple is a relatively new indica in the game. In 2003, a grower named Ken Estes combined Purple Urkle and Big Bud to produce this calming, mood-boosting strain. It’s another strain that will make you feel good after a long day at work. 

If skunky or diesel indicas are not your cup of tea, you might like Granddaddy Purple instead. Users report a more fruity smell and taste from this strain. (Pair it with ice cream or a fruity dessert.) The high from Granddaddy Purple doesn’t hit you immediately, but when you feel it, you feel it. GDP primarily affects the physical body. You’ll feel like someone put a weighted blanket on you. 

God’s Gift

Not sure which strain to choose? Go for one that combines the DNA of all the best indicas for sleep. God’s Gift is the child of Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush. Talk about great parenting! 

God’s Gift is a great choice if you want to enjoy your weed with a movie or quiet activity before bed. After a few puffs, you’ll feel pleasantly relaxed and notice that your worries have gone out the window. The flavours in God’s Gift are not as obvious as say, Blackberry or GSC, so you can pair it with many different foods and create a great night in. God’s gift to you, whether you believe in a God or not, is a good night’s sleep and a few giggles beforehand. 

Talk To Your Doctor About Insomnia

Marijuana is a great sleep aid, but it’s not the only solution to insomnia. If you can only go to sleep after smoking a joint, you risk becoming dependent. What are you going to do when you take a vacation outside of Canada? 

Talk to a healthcare professional about additional treatments for insomnia. Marijuana can help lull you to sleep, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that helps you.