Sativa Strains Effects & Uses

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 Strains 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 strains elicit happiness, euphoria, and focus.

Sativa Strains Medical Effects

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.

Indica strains grow shorter, bushier, and wider compared to sativa strains’ elongated plant structure. Indica strains produce a body high instead of a mind high. Indicas can induce relaxation and even sleep, which can be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.

Instead of relying on sativa, indica, or hybrid designations, focus on a strain’s cannabinoid and terpene content, as well, as its unique aroma. Terpenes, the plant’s aromatic compounds, are thought to interact with therapeutic cannabinoids to amplify effects.

Best-Selling and Most Popular Sativa Strains

Sativa strains’ motivating and mood-boosting effects are very popular among recreational and medical consumers. Sativas are valued for their potency and ability to induce creativity and focus.

Strain popularity is subjective and depends on a person’s preference and medical condition, but there are plenty of popular and best-selling sativa strains worth mentioning for a beginner or long-time user.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is rumored to be a cross between a Chemdog 91 female and pollen from a Super Skunk strain. Since the 90s, Sour Diesel has had a fuel and citrus-forward aroma. This potent sativa energizes users and increases creativity and focus.

Genetics: Chemdog 91 x Super Skunk

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant marijuana strain named after the prolific cannabis activist who wrote The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Jack Herrer produces an excess of trichomes and elicits a clear-headed and ecstatic experience.

Genetics: Northern Lights #5 x Shiva Skunk

Breeder: Sensi Seeds

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Green Crack

Green Crack’s rousing dose of energy and focus keeps you going during any activity. Green Crack has a sharp and tart fruity flavor reminiscent of tropical fruits. Medical users enjoy its uplifting effects to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and pain.

Genetics: Skunk No. 1

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is a Cannabis Cup winner. Users love Super Lemon Haze’s sharp lemony aroma mixed with a hint of sweetness. Users enjoy a boost of energy and inspiration after consuming this sativa-dominant strain.

Genetics: Lemon Skunk x Super Silver Haze

Breeder: Green House Seeds

Flowering time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze’s origins can be traced back to landrace sativa strains. This Cannabis Cup winner has tangy citrus and earthy aromas.

Genetics: South Asian Indica x Cambodian

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Lemon Haze

Lemon Haze’s golden yellow pistils and leaves foreshadow its fruity and lemony aroma and flavor. Its happy and uplifting feelings are preferred for medical users suffering from stress, depression, anxiety, pain, or fatigue.

Genetics: Silver Haze x Lemon Skunk

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough smells exactly like ripe and freshly picked strawberries with a subtle sweetness and a hint of tang. Strawberry Cough also has skunky and berry flavors that produce cerebral and invigorating effects.

Genetics: Strawberry Fields x Haze

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is a robust sativa-dominant cannabis strain that provides users with feelings of euphoria and an intense body high. Medical users like Super Silver Haze’s effects for their nausea, loss of appetite, or stress.

Genetics: Skunk No. 1 x Haze

Breeder: Green House Seeds

Flowering time: 10-12 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Alaskan Thunder Fuck

ATF, also called Matanuska Thunder Fuck or Matanuska Tundra, is a sativa-dominant marijuana strain that comes from the Matanuska Valley region of Alaska. Legend has it that ATF was crossed with Russian and Afghani landraces to make it more resilient. ATF produces a creeping and euphoric experience.

Genetics: North American Sativa

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Tangie

Tangie is a sativa-dominant strain with notes of citrus and tangerine. Tangie produces euphoric and relaxing effects.

Genetics: Tangerine Dream x Skunk

Breeder: DNA Genetics

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Candyland

Candyland’s sweet, citrusy, and hoppy aroma underlie its stress-relieving and invigorating qualities.

Genetics: Platinum GSC x Granddaddy Purple

Breeder:

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Harlequin

Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain with landrace roots. Harlequin produces an abundance of CBD that rivals its THC content. Harlequin’s sativa effects produce an alert and clear-headed high, perfect for pain and anxiety.

Genetics: Swiss Sativa x Thai

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Maui Wowie

Maui Wowie is a legendary strain with tropical aromas and flavors. Maui Wowie is prized for its stress-relieving characteristics and Hawaiian roots.

Genetics: Hawaiian

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Purple Haze

Purple Haze blends a robust set of genetics to produce a euphoric and berry-scented strain with hints of lavender.

Genetics: Purple Thai x Haze

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Chocolope

Chocolope, also known as D-Line, delivers an invigorating dose of earthy and coffee-like flavors. Chocolope produces hazy and cerebral effects.

Genetics: Chocolate Thai x Cannalope Haze

Breeder: DNA Genetics

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Sour Tangie

Sour Tangie delivers a punch of citrus and euphoria. Users will also notice herbal, pine, and peppery notes.

Genetics: East Coast Sour Diesel x Tangie

Breeder: DNA Genetics

Flowering time: 9-10 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Super Sour Diesel

Super Sour Diesel combines two great sativa-dominant strains’ genetics. Expect a rush of creativity and euphoria and reduction of stress and pain.

Genetics: Super Silver Haze x Sour Diesel

Breeder: AWB Seeds

Flowering time: 9-10 weeks

Yield: Moderate 

Amnesia

Amnesia is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain that produces euphoric and creative effects. Medical users have used Amnesia to relieve mood disorders and pain.

Genetics: Skunk No. 1 x Cinderella 99

Breeder: Unknown

Flowering time: 9-10 weeks

Yield: Moderate

White Buffalo

White Buffalo is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain with a sweet and sour flavor. White Buffalo is a dependable strain for those in search of an energizing experience.

Genetics: Bay 11 x Romulan

Breeder: Queen Bee

Flowering time: 9-10 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Clementine

Clementine has a sweet and citrus flavor. Its strong genetics produces an enlivening strain that can relieve stress and pain.

Genetics: Lemon Skunk x Tangie

Breeder: Crockett Family Farms

Flowering time: 9-10 weeks

Yield: Moderate

Silver Haze

Silver Haze is a strong sativa-dominant strain that can energize users without leaving them too hyperactive.

Genetics: Haze x Northern Lights

Breeder: Sensi Seeds

Flowering time: 7-9 weeks

Yield: High

Strongest Sativa Strains

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.

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.

To learn all the insider secrets from the cannabis industry, sign up for CTU’s cannabis training program today!