Cultivated throughout recorded history, cannabis sativa is harvested for its fiber, seeds, and oil, which have been historically used for industrial, nutritional, and medicinal purposes. Today, sativa cannabis strains still grow wild throughout many humid and tropical areas of the world.
Sativa strains are known for being extremely pungent due to a distinct terpene profile that produces aromas that can range from fruity, citrus, and sweet to earthy, piney, and peppery.
Reaching heights of up to 20 feet when grown outside, sativa plants are taller than indica plants. The branches of a cannabis sativa plant tend to spread out and grow upwards, while their palmately-arranged leaves are usually long and narrow. Unlike in indica strains where the plant’s flowers cluster around the nodes, in sativa, the flowers begin at its nodes and expand along the length of the stem.
Sativa plants have much longer vegetation periods than indica strains, taking anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks to fully mature during the flowering period. While sativa strains require more patience from growers, their longer vegetation periods result in a much higher yield, producing around 3 ounces to 1 pound of usable marijuana flower for every plant.
While cannabinoid profiles can vary significantly by strain, sativas generally contain a higher concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when compared to indica strains. THC is the psychoactive compound that causes euphoric effects and intoxication. Cannabis sativa also has a lower concentration of the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD) than indica strains. What’s more, sativa plants naturally feature more tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a compound with a similar molecular makeup as THC.
The cannabinoid profile of cannabis sativa is known for eliciting stimulating mental effects that tend to help users feel more focused and motivated. Some have even gone so far as to call the euphoric response produced by sativa a “cerebral” response, as sativa is also said to encourage deep conversation and enhance creativity. The stimulating nature of cannabis sativa makes it a strain that is most suited for daytime use, social situations, or for artistic endeavors.
Most users of cannabis sativa report some combination of the following effects:
• Uplifting – Users feel their mood elevated, resulting in feelings of happiness and hope.
• Creativity – Using sativa often results in individuals embarking on a creative endeavor, as the strain enhances creativity.
• Energetic – Many feel a boost of energy after using sativa. This can result in an urge to go out and socialize.
• Focusing – Some feel that they have a laser-like focus after using sativa, helping them better focus on the task at hand.
Inspiring – Cannabis sativa has been known to inspire users, providing them with motivation.
The uplifting properties of sativa strains of medical marijuana mean that it is often used by patients dealing with mental challenges and mood issues.
Cannabis sativa strains with a higher concentration of THCV may also be beneficial for promoting healthy appetite and eating habits to naturally encourage a healthier body composition.
Finally, sativa is sometimes used to manage discomfort and help those dealing with tension to find some relief and live a normal, happy life.
Sativa In-Depth
Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and western portions of Asia.
Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow taller than 12 feet, and they take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
Typical CBD to THC ratio: Sativa often has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC.
Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high,” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect. If you use sativa-dominant strains, you may feel productive and creative, not relaxed and lethargic.
Day or night time use: Because of its stimulating impact, you can use sativa in the daytime.
Sativa is a primary marijuana strain type known to be energizing and cerebral. Sativa strains are ideal for activities during the daytime that require physical activity or a high level of social interaction. In terms of effects, sativa strains provide a high for your mind, jump starting creativity, focus and mental energy.
