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My Name is Fred Herndandez and I am one ot the expert strain writers at Cannabis Training University. In this guide to sativa effects I will go deep into that makes sativa strains tick and which sativa strains are the most popular.

Sativa effects of marijuana are intriguing to say the least. It is no wonder that powerful sativa strains such as Jack Herer managed to take the cannabis space by storm.

In this article, we discuss some of the most common effects of sativa strains and discuss how we can take advantage of them while avoiding their side effects.

What is Sativa?

Strains of Sativa cannabis are native to regions surrounding the equator that are typically hot such as Thailand, Mexico and Africa. These regions tend to have the perfect climate to grow weed, sativa strains often grow tall, reaching heights up to 20 feet.

Sativa plants have narrow leaves that are delicate and in comparison to Indicas, they have buds that are less dense and generally have an almost fluffy appearance.

Sativa strains generally contain a higher THC to CBD ratio though this is not a fast rule. The THC means that they bring about an intense cerebral high which in high doses could even have psychedelic effects.

Thanks to their uplifting effects, sativa strains are often used to treat emotional disorders such as depression. Other medicinal uses of sativas are:

Improving the mood to alleviate depression and anxiety
Boosting focus and creativity
Increasing energy to reduce fatigue
Stimulating the appetite
Relieving pain

Sativa vs Indica for Pain

Indica strains are more often used for pain than sativa strains. This is because of their effects and also the fact that they mostly contain higher levels of CBD. This however does not lock out the potential of sativa strains in offering pain relief. Although sativa strains might not be the most ideal pain relievers, they may come in handy especially for patients who need daytime medication that will not leave them sedated.

Sativa then becomes the most suited strain to offer relief, while at the same not interfere with productivity.

What is a Sativa Headache?

Though this is a topic that is still quite hotly debated, smoking sativa strains does cause headaches in some people.

A sativa high causes stimulation of the brain by excessive production of dopamine. This overstimulated effect on the brain can sometimes be counterproductive, especially over a long period of time. At some point, your brain will feel the need to rest and recover. If your system is unable to slow down, you might then experience irritability and headaches, which are just a signal from your body alerting you to take the rest you need.

Another explanation of sativa headaches is that the smoke in itself is an irritant to some people, which might trigger a headache.

What is a Sativa High?

The Sativa high is usually a “head high,” which has an energizing, invigorating effect. The Sativa high can help in the reduction of stress and increasing of mental focus and creativity.

Depending on the strain you take, specific amounts of dopamine are released from your brain when you consume cannabis. Dopamine is involved in a couple of body functions that include digestion and blood flow. But most commonly, it’s known as the “feel good” hormone. This is by increasing emotional connection with stimulus in the anticipation of reward.

When dopamine floods your system, you might temporarily experience feelings of euphoria. It also results in improved focus, alertness and motivation.

How Does a Sativa High Feel Like?

As previously discussed, consuming Sativa produces a “mind high”. This high is accompanied by an energizing effect that also reduces anxiety. Using sativa-dominant strains will leave you feeling productive and creative and not relaxed and lethargic.

The sativa plant will give you an energized high that will increase you productivity and allow you to go through that heap of work you had piled up in record time.

In small doses, sativa will make you feel alert and aware of your environment. It is however important to note that very high doses can have the opposite effect and actually knock you out.

Sativa highs are also considered to be a “social high”. What this means is that you will find yourself being more sociable and talkative and generally interested in people and their views.

Sativa, unlike Indica, also stimulates the users and makes them feel more energetic and creative. Where one was feeling apathetic and tired, this high will increase their energy like a bolt of lightning.

Sativa strains also have the effect of promoting a feeling of serenity and well-being in the user. These, together with the other effects make it an ideal strain for daytime use and might just be the perfect tonic to deal with stress and apathy.

Best Sativa Strains

There exist a vast array of sativa strains, which differ in both composition and effects. Below is a list of our favorites:

Mother Gorilla
Durban Poison
Sour Diesel
Tangie
Super Silver Haze
Green Crack
Strawberry Cough
Jack Herer
Mango Haze
Wedding Crasher

How to Tell the Difference Between Sativa and Indica

Sativa and Indica strains of cannabis differ mainly in appearance and effect.

Although both Sativa and Indica strains are subspecies of Cannabis sativa L., they contain distinct differences in the highs they produce.

Sativa strains generally produce highs that are uplifting and energizing while indica strains have more relaxing highs that even have a sedative effect.

The high induced by Indica strains on the other hand is referred to as a “body high” or being “stoned”.

This is because its effects are felt throughout the body rather than just in the head. Indica also enhances the senses such as smell, touch and sound and cause a deep sense of relaxation that can leave on feeling drowsy.

While sativa strains are ideal for daytime use, Indica strains are best used in the evening or at night.

What is Sativa Good for? Sativa Effects

1. Elevates Mood

Though this does not happen in every case without fail, ingesting a sativa-dominant cannabis strain usually brings about elevated mood. This is because of the dopamine effects explained earlier as well as other properties that contribute to a better and happier disposition.

Medically, elevation of mood is definitely one reason why you would consume a sativa strain.

2. Increases Energy

Another common positive effect of sativa strains is an increase in energy levels which promote productivity. Not only is sativa known as daytime strain that promotes social interaction, it also tends to spark creativity and reduce the amount of apathy one might be inclined to have.

In other words, the medical effects of sativa differ starkly from those of Indica. Where one (Indica) induces rests and relaxation, the other (sativa) is a pick me up that brings back the energy.

3. Improves Appetite

Another benefit of sativa strains is its ability to improve appetite. Though this is also common in Indica strains, sativas are the preferred choice for these. It is even a common scientific notion that sativa strains can be used for appetite enhancement.

In fact, one scientific publication noted that “…the ability of [C. sativa] to promote eating has been documented for many centuries” sativa strains will ignite your appetite in a big way.

4. Helps with Depression

As we have mentioned earlier, sativa strains are a great “pick-me-up”. Given their ability to increase energy levels, elevate mood, lower apathy and increase happiness, they can be used to manage the symptoms of depression.

Patients diagnosed with depression often find it hard to enjoy or find meaning in everyday situations. They are overwhelmed with a sense of apathy and nothing seems to be worthwhile. A potent sativa strain often gives them enough reprieve to experience positive feelings and slowly work their way out of the depression.

5. Promotes Creativity and Focus

As previously discussed, sativa strains spark off the brain and stimulate it to be more creative, have greater focus and more tolerance. This is particular helpful for people who struggle with attention disorder conditions such as ADHD as well as users who just want to experience a bout of creativity and focus.

It is important to note that the same exact sativa strain could have very different effects on different individuals depending on their chemical make-up, age, metabolism and other unique factors.

Sativas strains effects and uses is a popular topic among beginner and experienced cannabis users. Sativa strains, unlike indica strains, are known for their cerebral buzz and uplifting effects that can reduce stress and anxiety while boosting creativity and focus.

What Are Sativa Strains?

Sativa cannabis strains are, generally, invigorating and heady. Sativa strains are perfect for daytime or afternoon activities. Consume sativa strains before rigorous physical activity or an evening playing board games with your friends.

Sativa strains share similar characteristics which vary depending on growing conditions and strain type. Each strain has a unique chemical profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more psychoactive compounds.

Sativa strains range in aromas, plant height, yields, and grow time. Sativa strains may have notes of citrus, diesel, berry, and other earthy and herbal undertones. Generally, sativa strains grow long and tall and produce moderate-to-high yields depending on growing conditions.

Sativa Effects

In terms of physical and mental effects, sativa strains are energizing and enlivening or mellowing and relaxing. For the most part, most sativa strains offer users an intoxicating high that increases creativity, productivity, and energy. Sativa effects often elicit happiness, euphoria, and focus.

Sativa Effects & Medical Uses

Sativa strains’ physical and mental effects have been used to treat a number of disabling symptoms related to medical conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety, A.D.H.D., pain, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Sativas’ energizing and mood-boosting effects help patients reach a state of calm, positive thoughts, and relaxation.

What Are Sativa-Dominant Hybrid And Landrace Strains?

Today’s cannabis market is dominated by an array of hybrid strains that are a mix of pure or landrace strains that naturally adapted to their native environment. Landrace strains often carry their name of origin in their strain name.

Sativa landrace strains originated in Asia and North Africa and later made their way to other continents. Sativa plants thrived under warm and tropical environments. Sativa strains bred with indica strains that originated in Afghanistan and India are called hybrids.

Hybrids that lean toward sativa growth characteristics and effects are known as sativa-dominant strains. Like pure sativas, sativa-dominant strains will grow long and tall and produce energizing effects.

Indica vs. Sativa Strains

The difference between indica and sativa strains is becoming increasingly blurry with the advent of new hybrid strains. The difference between pure and hybrid indica and sativa strains is their effects and physical characteristics.

If you’re looking for a cannabis strain that will break through your high-tolerance or one that will handle debilitating medical symptoms, then there are plenty of strong sativa marijuana strains for you to enjoy.

Cannabis potency is largely determined by the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in a strain, but its other cannabinoids and terpenes matter, too. Below, you’ll find a shortlist of the strongest sativa strains, but there are plenty more strains to discover with a robust potency.

Ghost Train Haze

Ghost Train Haze offers recreational and medical cannabis consumers a strong dose of THC and a fruity and citrusy aroma. A low dose can induce focus, creativity, and happiness. Medical users appreciate Ghost Train Haze’s ability to tackle severe symptoms such as pain, depression, and appetite loss.

Genetics: Ghost OG x Neville’s Wreck

Breeder: Rare Dankness Seeds

Flowering Time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Destroyer

Destroyer can instantly perk you up during any time of day. Enjoy its delicate fruity and floral aromas while you experience an intense jolt of energy to keep you uplifted and concentrated.

Genetics: Meo Thai x Mexican/Colombian landrace

Breeder: CannaBiogen

Flowering time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Trainwreck

Trainwreck is an intensely cerebral sativa that can take your mind on a whirlwind trip to a euphoric state. Experience a surge of creativity and happiness. Medical users prefer Trainwreck for its relief for migraines, arthritis, pain, and anxiety.

Genetics: Afghani x Thai landrace strains

Breeder: TGA Genetics

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Pure/Landrace Sativa Strains

Landrace and pure sativa strains developed around the world in tropical environments. Pure landrace strains continue to be grown around the world thanks to modern technological advancements that help manage humidity, temperature, and lighting levels.

Lamb’s Bread

Lamb’s Bread, also known as Lamb’s Breath, is a landrace sativa from Jamaica. Rumored to be a favorite of the legendary musician, Bob Marley, Lamb’s Bread is a sticky and energizing sativa.

King’s Bread

King’s Bread is a pure sativa from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Also known as King’s Breath, King’s Bread is highly invigorating.

Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold comes from Acapulco, Mexico. It has a toffee-like aroma.

Swazi Gold

Swazi Gold is a sativa landrace from Africa. This pure sativa has a sweet and citrusy aroma.

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is a pure sativa from the mountains of Tanzania. Local tribes referred to this strain as “elephant stomper” and used it for its energizing qualities. Kilimanjaro has a citrusy and fruity aroma.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a legendary strain from the South African port city of Durban. It has a sweet smell and energizing effects.

Malawi

Malawi is a pure sativa strain that comes from the Salima region of Malawi in southeast Africa.

Panama Red

Panama Red originated in Panama and was popularized during the 1960s.

Colombian Gold

Colombian Gold strains originated in the Santa Marta mountains of Colombia. It features skunky and sweet notes of citrus.

Aceh

Aceh, also called Atjeh, is a landrace sativa strain that originated in the Aceh region of Indonesia.

Thai

Thai landrace strains refer to cannabis strains that originated in Thailand and brought into the U.S. starting in the 1970s. Thai landrace strains were bundled as Thai sticks.

Chocolate Thai

Chocolate Thai made became popularized in America during the 1960s. Packaged as Thai sticks made out of flowers tied around a bamboo stick, Chocolate Thai provides a potent and euphoric high and a coffee and chocolate aroma.

As the cannabis industry advances, so does our knowledge to debunk popular beliefs about marijuana. One of the most commonly heard phrases in the industry is that sativa strains are energizing and give you a mental high, while indica strains are sedative and give you a body high.

But, what do we know now that could contradict this belief? Let’s learn sativa strain information in this article and get to the bottom of sativa vs. indica.

Learn Sativa Vs Indica

Sativa and indica are the most common terms to distinguish cannabis strains. The terms come from the history of marijuana discovered around the world.

Sativa strains were used because they produced more biomass than other marijuana varieties, making them obvious choices for hemp and seed production. In contrast, indica was a term used to describe more psychoactive strains that grew smaller, more potent cannabis.

Nowadays, there are very few, if any pure sativa or indica strains on the market. Due to decades of underground genetic mixing to create various strain, we are left with hybrids for the most part.

There are sativa dominant hybrid strains just like there are indica dominant hybrids. But, for the most part, you won’t be using any pure sativa strains or pure indica genetics.

Common Sativa Properties

The only common properties found in sativa weed strains is the way that they grow. They produce tall plants with thinner leaves and have a longer growing and flowering cycle than indica strains.

In terms of actual properties that produce energy and focus, this is typically due to the terpene content. However, energizing terpenes like Ocimene, Terpinolene (when combined with THC), Limone, and Pinene aren’t only found in sativa dominant strains.

Instead, the best sativa strains are typically popular because they provide those terpenes and fall in line with everybody’s belief that sativas give you energy. So, the energetic sativa strains become the popular sativa strains over time.

If you learn sativa genetics, you will find that there aren’t many commonalities between the strains.

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Cannabinoids

Common sativa strains all contain an array of cannabinoids, with the two dominant compounds being THC and CBD. There are quite a few lesser cannabinoids that will change the effects found when using the best sativa strains as well.

THC is known for its psychoactive component, while CBD is known more for its medicinal purposes and promotion of stress and pain relief. Different sativa strains will contain varying amounts of each cannabinoid, which may help guide your choice more than whether or not a strain is indica or sativa.

Terpenes

Terpenes have been studied a lot more than cannabinoids since they are found in virtually all plant life. They are organic, aromatic compounds that give each cannabis strain its flavor.

Some terpenes are known for their energizing effects. Here are the most common that are found in marijuana:

Ocimene
Limonene
Terpinolene (when combined with THC)
Pinene

When these terpenes are present in classic sativa strains, they will help promote energy and focus boost. When a user knows the strain is sativa and it helps boost energy, it makes that strain feel like one of the most potent sativa strains that promote the “known” effects of sativa.

Other hybrid sativa strains might not contain these terpenes and won’t promote energy, so they aren’t as popular for those looking for an energy boosts.

If you or someone who looks to you for advice asks for a sativa recommendation, ask them “why sativa?”. Chances are, they want an energizing strain that won’t put them to sleep. Then, you can find a strain that has high levels of energizing terpenes instead of just worrying about whether the strain is sativa dominant, or not!

Learning Sativa For Growers

Sativa vs indica is an actual factor to debate when growing cannabis. There are huge differences in the plants and how they grow between genetics.

Sativa plants will grow tall and lanky. They will produce thinner leaves. Some plants will grow to 12+ feet. Their growing and flowering cycles are longer than indica. This makes them a great choice for those growing in warmer climates that won’t have to worry about frost ruining their crop.

Cannabinoid content and terpene profiles vary widely within sativa genetics, so growers have an array of different strain choices to pick from for their needs.

Most Popular Sativa Strains

As mentioned earlier, the most popular sativa strains may only be the most popular because they fall in line with the theory that sativa should be energizing. Just because a strain isn’t the most popular, doesn’t mean it isn’t a high-quality cannabis strain.

Here is the top 10 sativa strains commonly found:

Sour Diesel Strain
Jack Herer Strain
Green Crack Strain
Durban Poison Strain
Super Lemon Haze Strain
Ghost Train Haze Strain
Strawberry Cough Strain
Maui Wowie Strain
Lemon Cake Strain
Harlequin Strain

Not surprisingly, the majority of these cannabis strains are touted for their ability to raise energy levels in users. Most of them are in the middle ground for the potency of THC while Lemon Cake is the most potent and Harlequin is known more for its CBD content

As you can tell from this list, sativa genetics don’t decide the THC levels, exact terpene profiles, or user experience. Instead, it’s just a basis for growing genetics.

What Are Hybrid Cannabis Strains?

Hybrid strains are sativa and indica hybrids that contain genetics from both lineages. While the majority of all strains are hybrid, they may be 90% sativa and 10% indica. Hybrid cannabis strains can be 65/35, or even more balanced.

Again, this is more useful for growers than actual consumer since cannabinoid and terpene profiles aren’t determined by the sativa or indica genetics. Instead, hybrids are created to elicit certain benefits from parent strains to create a new user experience.

Indica vs Sativa

There are two principal subspecies of the cannabis plant, and both, Indica and Sativa, have distinct differences in appearance, as well as in their growth patterns and the effects they produce when consumed. In the course of human history, they have been mated with one another to produce a great number of hybrid strains; yet, they are conventionally distinguished in the following ways:

Outward Appearance:

Indica: Indica plants are characterized by a compact, bushy growth pattern and large, dark green leaves. They do better in regions that are cooler and have shorter growing seasons than other environments.
Sativa plants are taller and leaner than their indica counterparts, and their leaves are more pointed and a lighter shade of green. They do best in regions with higher average temperatures and longer growing seasons.

Mode of Development:

Indicas have a shorter period of time needed for flowering, and because of their more condensed size, they are frequently chosen by indoor growers.
Sativa: Since it takes sativas more time to blossom and they can grow quite a bit taller, outdoor production of sativas is frequently preferred.

The Effects on the Body When Consumed:

The effects of indica strains, which are known for producing a body high, are reported to be relaxing and peaceful. They are frequently suggested for usage in the evening, in conjunction with activities like as viewing movies or other relaxing pursuits. There is widespread belief that they can alleviate pain and aid in restful sleep.
Sativas are recognized for having effects that are intellectual and energizing, and as a result, they are considered to be stimulating to the creative process. It is recommended that you utilize them during the daytime or in social settings. Some consumers are under the impression that sativas might ameliorate mood issues as well as weariness.

Medicinal Application (anecdotal and based on reports from users):

Indica is a kind of cannabis that is thought to be useful for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and pain alleviation.
Sativa is frequently selected for the treatment of mood disorders such as depression, ADHD, and exhaustion.

Terpenes and Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids

Although many people connect certain effects with Indica or Sativa, it is vital to keep in mind that the effects of the plant are also determined by the cannabinoid (such as THC or CBD) and terpene profiles of the plant itself. More sophisticated understandings based on these profiles are challenging the basic separation of effects that may be attributed to indica and sativa strains of cannabis.

Location in space:

Indica is a cannabis strain that originated in the Middle East and Asia, specifically in nations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Turkey.
Sativa is the species that is indigenous to warmer countries that are closer to the equator, such as parts of Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

Widespread Fallacies:

The distinction between indica and sativa strains of cannabis, particularly with relation to the benefits of each, is sometimes oversimplified. As was previously established, the terpene and cannabinoid profiles of a strain play key roles in defining the effects of the strain, and the profiles can differ significantly within each category. In addition, the vast majority of strains that can be purchased nowadays are hybrids, meaning that they combine the qualities of their Indica and Sativa parents.

In conclusion, while the Indica and Sativa categories can provide general guidance about the development patterns of a plant and the potential effects, it is necessary to examine the entire context, including the terpene and cannabinoid content, when evaluating the potential influence of a strain.

What’s Your Favorite Sativa Strain?

Now you know a bit more about what a sativa strain is and why common knowledge isn’t always truthful. However, the most popular sativa strains do happen to raise energy levels. As you learn sativa strains more it can be helpful when deciding which marijuana strain to pick.

It may be a case of “chicken or the egg”. Either way, there are tons of high-quality sativa dominant cannabis strains on the market. Which is your favorite sativa strain?

Learn About Indica, Sativa, And Hybrid Strains

CTU’s online cannabis courses teaches you all about indica, sativa, and hybrid strains as well as their effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system and how to grow these cannabis strains.

Final Thoughts on Sativa Effects

Sativa strains are mostly used for their uplifting, energizing and psychedelic effects. These effects are great for recreational use as well as those seeking to treat conditions such as fatigue and depression.

Though, like with everything else, moderation is key. Sativa strains often contain high amounts of THC, and consuming them in excess could lead to paranoia, anxiety and other unfavorable effects.

It is therefore best to start off with smaller amounts and work your way up to the effect you desire.

I hope that with this comprehensive guide to sativa effects you are now aware of what effects to expect when you consume Sativa strains.

Remember to always pace the consumption of your cannabis intake for you to gain its maximum effects and reward.

To learn more about cannabis strains and the effects enroll in CTU's cannabis training program.

Gavin Kushman

Gavin is a worldly adventurer and cannabis connoisseur, embarking on journeys that take him to the far corners of the globe to explore and document the varied effects, flavors, and histories of both renowned and lesser-known strains. From the misty high-altitude farms of the Hindu Kush highlands to the vibrant cannabis cafes of Amsterdam, Gavin's quest for knowledge spans continents. A recognized authority in the cannabis industry, he frequently lends his expertise to leading publications such as Cannabis Training University, where his captivating blog articles chronicle his unique experiences with different cannabis strains.

Quick links

A Comprehensive Guide To Sativa Effects

What is Sativa?

Sativa vs Indica for Pain

What is a Sativa Headache?

What is a Sativa High?

How Does a Sativa High Feel Like?

Best Sativa Strains

How to Tell the Difference Between Sativa and Indica

What is Sativa Good for? Sativa Effects

1. Elevates Mood

2. Increases Energy

3. Improves Appetite

4. Helps with Depression

5. Promotes Creativity and Focus

What Are Sativa Strains?

Sativa Effects

Sativa Effects & Medical Uses

What Are Sativa-Dominant Hybrid And Landrace Strains?

Indica vs. Sativa Strains

Best-Selling and Most Popular Sativa Strains

Sour Diesel

Jack Herer

Green Crack

Super Lemon Haze

Amnesia Haze

Lemon Haze

Strawberry Cough

Super Silver Haze

Alaskan Thunder Fuck

Tangie

Candyland

Harlequin

Maui Wowie

Purple Haze

Chocolope

Sour Tangie

Super Sour Diesel

Amnesia

White Buffalo

Clementine

Silver Haze

Strongest Sativa Strains