Food & Drink /Cannabis

Highs for Better Beddy-Byes

Wake up to which indica is best for in-da-couch snoozing.

By: Nicole Richie

Indica is the chamomile tea to sativa’s coffee, which is appropriate given indica’s legendary “IN-DA” couch qualities. Sometimes it’s not just the strain of cannabis that delivers the most effective lights-out for those looking to catch some Zs—there are a ton of factors that contribute to getting that sedative high that carries us off to hours of sleep.

Terpene (aroma) levels, THC content and CBD balance can all help make cannabis a powerful sleep aid. It’s not a one-size-fits-all experience, however, and it’s important to take a look at why you may have trouble sleeping before you start experimenting with THC. If you have anxiety- or pain-induced insomnia, a balanced THC and CBD strain will help to relax your body while easing your mind into a long night’s sleep. If you’re a less experienced toker looking to be K-O’d for the evening, a high THC indica is where it’s at. The six strains here all can act as bedtime’s little helper.

Riff Subway Scientist (Grandaddy Purp)

Potency: .99% CBD, 16-26% THC

This indica dominant is one of the most faithful strains for a good night’s sleep. Subway Scientist from Riff is essentially Grandaddy Purple, a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud. With caryophyllene and myrcene as the dominant terpenes, this bud can act as a strong sedative while also working as an anti-inflammatory and an anxiety reliever. Subway Scientist is also pretty high in THC, so make sure to consume with care and in small quantities to start ensuring better REM sleep.

Robinsons Cannabis Purple Kush

Potency: 0-0.1% CBD, 18-25% THC

Robinsons Cannabis is one of Nova Scotia’s finest grow-ops, operating in the heart of the Annapolis Valley. Their Purple Kush strain is grown on small-batch and hand-tended farms. A cross of Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, both known for their sleep-inducing effects, Purple Kush is one of the best-known indica-dominant strains today. Purple Kush may not knock you out right away, but the high THC mixed with linalool terpenes will set users stress-free, relaxing their muscles and sending them into a state of bliss.

Top Leaf Northern Lights

Potency: 0-1% CBD, 20-26% THC

The legendary Northern Lights is a true indica, a cross of Afghani and Thai, that can have euphoric effects on both the body and mind. Known as a medicinal strain and consumed by many medical marijuana users, Northern Lights can relieve depression, insomnia, and pain due to its high levels of myrcene terpenes. Northern Lights is one of the oldest and most trusted buds available, providing an intense high sure to send you straight to bed.

Canna Farms Pink Kush

Potency: 0-5% CBD, 22-27% THC

Pink Kush is one of the more balanced sleep aids on this list. With a CBD percentage of 5%, this strain is great for a body buzz that relieves tension and stress to get you ready for a good night’s sleep. A coastal relative of OG Kush, this powerful indica from Canna Farms in Alberta is a great option for users with anxiety who are looking for a less cerebral high.

Aaron's BC Bud MK Ultra

Potency: 0-1% CBD, 20-26% THC

The found of Aaron’s BC Bud, William Marshall, calls their MK ULTRA “a sleep aid extraordinaire”— and he consumes this strain nightly, so, it’s legit. Aaron’s BC Bud only grows indica on their farm near Nanaimo, B.C., and MK ULTRA is a pure indica that’s a cross of G-13, a powerful strain with sedative properties, and OG Kush, well known for its mixed head and body buzz. This strain is perfect for a night of pure couch-locked pleasure.

Stephen Hawking Kush (SHK)

Potency: 13% CBD, 12-15% THC

This 5:1 high CBD strain is the second release of seeds in the Great Minds series from Alphakronik Genes. This strain is a cross between 20:1 CBD strain Harlitsu and Sin City Kush, and is one of the best indica-dominant hybrids. Stephen Hawking Kush’s soothing and relaxing effects help to keep pain at bay while stimulating your stomach, which helps to suppress nausea. This strain is best for regular smokers who want a powerful strain that’s sedating without inducing serious cerebral effects.