Best Sativa Strains
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
If you’re an avid cannabis enthusiast, or even if you’re just beginning your journey into the world of marijuana, it can be helpful to understand the different kinds of strains available to you. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the characteristics, effects, and uses of some of the most popular sativa strains on the market.
What Is a Marijuana Sativa Strain?
A sativa strain is one of the primary types of the cannabis plant, along with indica and hybrid strains. Sativas are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, often promoting creativity, focus, and a general sense of well-being. They typically contain high concentrations of THC (the psychoactive compound that provides marijuana’s “high”), and lower levels of CBD.
Originating from Central Asia, sativa plants are tall, thin, and have narrow leaves. They take longer to mature than their indica counterparts and are usually grown outdoors due to their large size and long flowering cycle.
What Are Sativa Strains Used For?
Sativa strains of cannabis are renowned for their invigorating characteristics. They are often used for enhancing creativity, increasing focus, and combating depression. Unlike indica strains, which are typically used for relaxation and sleep, sativa strains can energize you, making them suitable for daytime use.
Furthermore, they are often utilized in social settings due to their tendency to promote talkativeness and laughter. From a medicinal perspective, sativa strains can be used to address conditions like chronic pain, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, and more.
How Are Sativa Strains Different from Indica and Hybrid Strains?
Sativa strains are fundamentally different from indica and hybrid strains in terms of their effects, growth characteristics, and recommended usage. While indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects, sativa strains typically produce a more energizing, cerebral effect. They are also characterized by taller stature and longer flowering cycle than indica strains.
Hybrid strains, as the name suggests, are a genetic mix of both sativa and indica strains, offering a balance of the two’s effects. Sativa strains, on the other hand, consistently deliver a stimulating head high and promote creativity, alertness, and a sense of euphoria.
What Is the Strongest Sativa Strain?
The title of the strongest sativa strain often goes to Ghost Train Haze. This strain, bred by Rare Dankness Seeds, is known for its high potency and mind-altering effects. Ghost Train Haze is a cross between Ghost OG and Neville’s Wreck, resulting in a strain that consistently tests over 25% THC, with some samples reaching as high as 27%.
The strain’s immense potency, as well as its cerebral and uplifting effects, make it a popular choice among experienced cannabis users. However, its strength should not be taken lightly, especially by inexperienced users, as its effects can be overwhelming.
What Is the Best Sativa Strain for Motivation?
One sativa strain that stands out for its motivational properties is Sour Diesel. Known for its pungent diesel-like aroma, Sour Diesel is a fast-acting strain that delivers energizing, cerebral effects. Many users report feeling more creative, focused, and driven after consuming Sour Diesel.
Its ability to uplift and motivate makes it particularly popular among those seeking to overcome feelings of stress, pain, and depression. With its predominantly sativa lineage, Sour Diesel is a strain that can keep you going throughout the day, invigorating both your body and your mind.
What Is the Best Sativa Strain for Anxiety?
Jack Herer is another highly recommended sativa strain that’s great for managing anxiety. Named after the legendary cannabis activist and author, this strain is known for promoting a clear-headed, uplifting high. It has a unique earthy pine and sweet citrus flavor profile, which many find soothing and calming.
Unlike some other sativa strains, Jack Herer doesn’t lead to racing thoughts or hyperactivity, but instead promotes a sense of serene focus and positivity. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relief from stress and anxiety.
What Is the Best Sativa Strain Overall?
The title of best sativa strain overall goes to Amnesia Haze. This potent sativa strain has gained quite a bit of popularity for its revitalizing and euphoric effects. Amnesia Haze has a high THC content, often exceeding 20%, and it’s known for its earthy flavor.
Users report a happiness boost, increased energy, and enhanced creativity, making it an excellent choice for daytime use. However, newcomers should approach it with care due to its potency.
If you’re interested in using sativa strains to treat a serious medical condition that’s resisted traditional treatment options, the Sanctuary can help you obtain a medical marijuana card so you can do just that.
How we reviewed this article:
- Christelle M. Andre, Gea Guerriero, and Jean-Francois Hausman (2016). Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740396/
- ScienceDirect (2023). Cannabis Sativa https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/cannabis-sativa
- Kimberly Holland (2023). Sativa vs. Indica: What to Expect Across Cannabis Types and Strains https://www.healthline.com/health/sativa-vs-indica
- AllBud (2023). Ghost Train Haze Marijuana Strain https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/ghost-train-haze
- WikiLeaf (2023). Sour Diesel https://www.wikileaf.com/strain/sour-diesel/
- WikiLeaf (2023). Jack Herer https://www.wikileaf.com/strain/jack-herer/
- Alchimia (2023). Amnesia Haze, a strain that changed the cannabis scene https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/amnesia-haze/
Current Version
January 5, 2024
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
