The three basic varieties of marijuana are Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. The last is rarely utilized, although autoflowering strains frequently include ruderalis genes. In general, however, marijuana enthusiasts stick to sativa and indica cannabis; or a mix of the two known as hybrids.
The sativa strain is a type of marijuana plant that has been bred and cultivated to produce an uplifting, intoxicating effect. Sativas are recognized for their energizing effects on the user. They provide a “high” that promotes creativity, activity, and sociability. The uplifting qualities of sativas continue to attract users. Sativas are typically the most popular among recreational cannabis users, rather than medicinal users (sativas usually have far more THC than CBD).
In this post, we give a quick refresher on what a sativa strain is and offer our thoughts on five of the greatest sativa strains ever made.
Sativa Strains: What Are They?
Before we get into the top five, though, let’s first define “strains” and specifically what a sativa strain is.
A marijuana strain is a minor variation of Cannabis sativa L, which is also known as Marijuana. As we said in the introduction, there are three recognized types of cannabis: Indica, sativa, and hybrid. The sativa variety appears to have originated in Africa, Asia, and South America before being introduced to European nations such as Spain and Portugal.
In terms of genetics, like the other cannabis types, sativa was created and genetically engineered over time to elicit desirable features in the plant. Indicas are recognized for their sedative effects and the potential to cause couch locking. Sativas, on the other hand, are known for their vitality-boosting properties and increased self-esteem.
Hybrid strains, as the name implies, contain a mix of indica and sativa characteristics. They’re often the most popular among regular users since they combine the best of both worlds!
While indicas have somewhat bigger leaves and longer flowering cycles, sativas have thinner leaves and a far longer flowering cycle. They are also considerably taller. While the majority of sativa strains do not exceed 12 feet in height, a few reach heights of up to 25 feet! Sativa plants have a lighter green tone than indica ones, which is evident when you take close notice. Sativas need more light than indicas do to grow and mature properly.
Pure sativa is great for daytime usage due to its stimulating properties.
The Differences Between an Indica Strain and a Sativa Strain
There are significant distinctions between the dynamic duo. You could argue that they’re “opposites” in many ways, to be precise. The differences range from their body and mental impacts all the way down to their color and stature, mocking any notion that marijuana strains are interchangeable. Here’s a brief rundown of the differences.
Sativa
- Higher in THC and lower in CBD
- Promotes a feeling of energy
- Best for daytime use
- Found in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. Regions include Central America, Africa, and Western Asia
- Grows tall with thin leaves and a light coloring
- Has a long flowering time of up to 12 weeks depending on the strain
- Treats medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain while promoting focus and creativity. Increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety, appetite, and mood
Indica
- Often not as much THC as a sativa
- Promotes a feeling of relaxation
- Best for late evening/nighttime use
- Found in harsh, dry environments such as the Hindu Kush Mountains. Areas include Turkey, India, and Pakistan
- Grows short and stocky with wide, broad leaves, and greener coloring
- Has a medium length flowering time of 7-9 weeks depending on the strain
- Treats nausea, acute pain, loss of appetite, and promotes muscle relaxation. Increases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls your brain’s reward and pleasure centers
Hybrid strains are frequently the most popular among average cannabis users, even though indica and sativa strains have various characteristics. Hybrid plants combine the best qualities of both marijuana types, resulting in the elimination of undesirable side effects!
What Medical Conditions Do Sativas Potentially Treat?
Sativa strains have a relatively high THC content, which makes them more appealing to recreational users. However, because of their potency, they may produce therapeutic outcomes. Let’s take a look at a few of them now.
Depression
Depression is the world’s most frequent mental illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that 300 million people worldwide suffer from it. Women (8.7%) have a greater incidence of depression than males (5.3%). These numbers, however, may be exaggerated because males are less likely to seek treatment. According to statistics, half of those who get diagnosed with depression also get labeled with anxiety disorder.
Because of the high rate of occurrence, there are a variety of treatment choices accessible. Antidepressants and cognitive therapy are two typical options. Prescription medications come with a long list of adverse effects as well as a significant risk of addiction. If the user suddenly stops taking them, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
CBD has been shown to have positive effects on a person’s mental health. As a result, it is critical to look for sativa strains with a low enough amount of THC to offset the cannabis high. Have you ever pondered why you feel “happier” after exercise?
According to a study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise by Meyer et al. in September 2019, this is the case. Interestingly, the research team discovered that endocannabinoid production increased in people with depression after exercise. It’s logical for the plant to have an effect on your mood given that it performs similar functions as THC and CBD cannabinoids.
Anorexia
According to the National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, at least 30 million people in the United States suffer from an eating issue. Every 62 minutes, someone loses their life as a consequence of an eating problem! Up to 80% of the risk for bulimia and anorexia is hereditary.
The condition is more common in women. At least once in their lives, over 90% of females attempt to manage their weight with a diet. It’s also incorrect to believe that the problem primarily affects younger females. 13% of adult American women aged 50 and up have an eating issue.
Again, the standard therapies such as medicines do not work effectively. Fortunately, sativa marijuana strains may be useful and therapeutic in this regard as well. In many situations, the user will feel that they can consume anything after taking just a puff or two!
This is known as “the munchies,” and there’s a science to it, according to historical data and clinical studies!
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for regulating a variety of functions in the body. When marijuana is consumed, cannabinoids bind to our CB1 and CB2 receptors. This increases dopamine levels and promotes hunger.
In 2017, a study by Avraham et al., published in The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, looked at the impact of THC on anorexia nervosa’s psychological symptoms. Although it was only a pilot study, it found that marijuana has the potential to improve anorexia nervosa’s symptoms.
The following are just a few of the ailments that sativa strains might help with. However, frequent usage of a sativa strain may aid in the relief of numerous medical problems. Without further ado, let’s look at five amazing sativa strains.
The 5 Best Sativa Cannabis Strains Ever
Choosing from such a large group was difficult, but we almost made it. You may not agree with all of our choices. Please let us know what your favorite sativa is in the comments area if you do.
The World-Famous Strain: Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that’s usually only around 55% sativa. It puts you in a state of blissful euphoria, with an average of 15-24% THC and very little CBD (about 1-2%), making it a strain that’s sure to deliver!
Shiva Skunk, Northern Lights #5, and Haze are the parents of Jack Herer. It’s named for a famous marijuana advocate who made the point that “the emperor wears no clothing.”
Jack Herer is a marijuana variety that has an intense pungent odor and provides a sensory pleasure that will cool you off. It’s popular among people with respiratory issues because the cooling sensation is extremely soothing. If you’re searching for a high without a major drop, Jack Herer is your guy!
The Espresso Strain: Durban Poison
The Durban Poison strain is a pure sativa brought to America by an American marijuana activist in the 1970s. This landrace variety hits you hard, and its strong, uplifting high can help you get through a long day. It’s said to taste similar to drinking several espresso shots!
Durban Poison can also help improve creativity, and it’s an excellent ‘wake and bake’ strain if you have a lot of work ahead. THC levels are generally between 16% and 20%, although we’re aware of versions with as much as 24%! There isn’t enough CBD to counteract the high, so use it sparingly at first!
With fruity undertones, Durban Poison is a popular strain. It has a distinctive sweet and spicy scent with fruity undertones. Despite its popularity as a recreational drug, Durban Venom has several medicinal uses. Migraine relief, an increase in appetite, and antiemetic effects are among them!
The Comical Strain: Hawaiian Snow
Hawaiian Snow is a hybrid strain that contains 80-90% sativa with a tiny amount of indica. The effects available range from uplifting and cerebral to extremely stimulating! This plant is often used to elevate moods and relieve anxiety and sadness because it is a cross of Hawaiian Haze, Neville’s Haze, and Pure Haze.
At 24% THC, this is another powerful strain, and consumers may anticipate a rush of energy and creativity when using it. The rich eucalyptus scent has an underlying citrusy note that’s appealing in all sorts of ways.
Hawaiian Snow is famous for its laughter-inducing properties, so proceed with caution when using this variety! Overall, the results speak for themselves, as Hawaiian Snow has won four awards since 2013.
The Hard Hitter Strain: Moby Dick
Moby Dick, which explicitly aims to provide a strong medicinal advantage, has THC levels up to 27%, making it one of the most potent strains currently available. Users who try it will be greeted by a powerful high that combines euphoria and stupor! It’s a Haze x White Widow hybrid.
Moby Dick is a 75% sativa from Seedsman. It has a focused and creative high, according to the strain’s description. The high amounts of THC, however, might induce a degree of inactivity, which isn’t typical in sativa-dominant strains. It gives you an enjoyable numbing sensation with a distinctive, sometimes trippy feeling about it.
Moby Dick is a stress, anxiety, and depression remedy. It’s also beneficial for individuals who suffer from anorexia since users are frequently driven to eat. This strain has citrusy scents and a nice vanilla flavor that make it ideal if you’re searching for a powerful high!
The Smooth Strain: Amnesia Haze
Newcomers, proceed with caution! Amnesia Haze is a very potent strain. It’s a sativa-dominant hybrid (up to 80 percent) with THC levels of up to 24%, although there may be up to 1% CBD depending on the cut. It’s made up of a Hawaiian, Jamaican, Thai, and Cambodian sativa cross named Haze, as well as South Asian indica and Afghani.
Amnesia Haze is a powerful THC strain that provides a boost of mental clarity and drive, as well as a strong body and head high. It was named Best Sativa in the Cannabis Cup in 2004 and 2012, as well as First Place in the Sativa Cup in 2012.
Amnesia Haze is a powerful, sativa-dominant strain with a tropical fruit aroma. It’s perfect for daytime use and tends to produce feelings of happiness and energy. Because it is guaranteed to brighten up anyone’s day, sufferers of sadness, tension, or worry may choose this strain as a cure!
Final Thoughts about Best Sativa Strains
If you’re a casual user, you’ve undoubtedly consumed sativa-dominant hybrids or landrace sativas like Durban Poison before. This sort of marijuana, on the other hand, offers a variety of medical advantages. Sativa strains are generally used in the daytime to help people have more energy and focus.
If you have severe chronic pain, depression, or an eating issue, however, feel free to try one of the above strains. Consider marijuana if you are fed up with pharmaceutical medicines or are concerned about side effects. It may be just what you need. Please talk to a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis because it is illegal in some places.