Both Sativa strains and Indica strains provide physiological and psychoactive effects. The way that each type of strain impacts patients varies greatly. Strain profiles provided by dispensaries can give you an idea of how a Sativa strain may affect you. Still, those effects can be different depending on cannabis tolerance levels, whether you consume medical cannabis on an empty stomach, body weight, hydration levels, and more.
Many patients prefer Sativa cannabis medical cannabis products because the expected effects are pleasant. Sativa can make you feel happy, reduce anxiety levels, and give you a boost of focus, creativity, and energy.
Let’s talk about Sativa strains and the different terpene profiles, which may have more of an influence on the favorable effects that so many people enjoy. We will also dive into Sativa strains used in medical cannabis products and why patients choose them.
The Origin of Sativa Cannabis Strains
Where did cannabis come from? That is a question some people ask as cannabis has gone from an illegal substance to state legalization for medicinal purposes. Now that cannabis has effectively gone mainstream, people feel more comfortable discussing the healing herb.
You may be surprised to find out that cannabis Sativa was used by ancient civilizations for much the same reasons as it is used today. The first recorded writing about medicinal cannabis dates back to 2800 BC, when it appeared in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopeia.
In many Hindu, Assyrian, Greek, and Roman texts, cannabis is also mentioned as a curative for arthritis, amenorrhea, pain, appetite stimulation, asthma, and mental health treatments. In fact, Hindu legends state that Shiva was the “Lord of Bhang” because his favorite food was cannabis.
Centuries ago, human beings happened upon a leafy plant and decided to try it out. We owe our ancestors some gratitude for bravely exploring the cannabis plant and making note of the medicinal benefits that it can provide.
What Are the Original Sativa Cannabis Varieties?
When you are researching different strains of the cannabis plant, you will come across a term called “Landrace,” describing the original species or the “grandmother” legacy plants from which all cannabis strains were developed.
A pure Indica or pure Sativa plant can be traced back to the original native area where they were discovered. Consider them equivalent to purebred strains. Landrace strains are the OG cannabis plants, and many people believe the original strains are more potent and contain higher volumes of resin. But today, there are almost 800 cataloged strains of cannabis worldwide, and there is no evidence that the Landrace strains are any better or more potent than hybridized plants.
Sativa Landrace strains look different than Indica plants. They are tall and have longer flowers and delicate spindly leaves, compared to Indica, which is shorter and more stalky in structure. Hybrid cannabis plants can have a mix of structural characteristics from both Sativa and Indica plants.
How Are Sativa Strains Different Than Indica Strains?
Sativa strains are more popular for medicinal and adult use because they are substantially less sedating than Indica strains. Aside from the varied plant and flower structures between Indica dominant cannabis plants and Sativa strains, there are many other differences.
Cultivation Conditions
Sativa cannabis strains love warmer climates that provide a long growing season. That is because pure or domain Sativa strains have longer flowering times. Indica plants prefer indoor cultivation and tolerate colder climates better.
Psychoactive Effects
Have you ever heard Indica strains described as “In da couch?” The reason is that Indica dominant strains can be highly sedative. After consuming an Indica dominant strain, most people find the nearest couch to relax. Sometimes, Indica strains also stimulate the appetite, causing “the munchies.”
Sativa strains, in contrast, are not sedative. Some strains provide cerebral effects that improve mood, energy, and creativity. They can also make you feel more talkative, which can be good (or bad).
Terpenes and THC Potency
Hybrid strains with different ratios of Sativa and Indica can have varied effects. But Sativa dominant strains tend to have a higher concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to Indica strains. Sativa cannabis typically has higher concentrations of minor cannabinoids, which may also have wellness benefits, and increased terpene and flavonoid content, providing intense flavors and scents.
Indica strains can also have high THC potencies but are more likely to contain higher ratios of cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabidiol is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory and can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety. The terpenes found in Indica strains lean more toward sedative rather than energetic psychoactive effects.
Medicinal Use
Sativa strains are often chosen by patients who suffer from mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. The energizing effects and mood boost can help counteract feelings of sadness and lethargy.
Patients who choose medical cannabis products made from Indica dominant strains typically limit their consumption to nighttime use. That is because the calming and relaxing effects can make you feel drowsy. However, when it comes to pain relief, Indica strains can be far more effective.
What Are The Most Popular Sativa Strains For Medicinal Use?
When you walk into a medical cannabis dispensary, you may see common strains that are available everywhere. However, most of the strains are tailored for medicinal use. That means they may have anti-inflammatory terpene profiles and higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which can also help with chronic pain and inflammation.
These strains are well known for their potential therapeutic benefits and are generally available at all medical cannabis dispensaries.
Sour Diesel
One of the most famous cannabis strains for some good reasons. Sour Diesel can provide a burst of energy coupled with improved focus and concentration. Some patients who experience fatigue or “brain fog” find that Sour Diesel is a perfect daytime strain.
If you have social or crowd anxiety, Sour Diesel can help you feel more social. Sour Diesel can improve or lift mood, provide feelings of euphoria, and temporarily reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Jack Herer
This strain was named after a legendary cannabis activist and advocate. Jack Herer can also provide an energy boost that may leave you feeling clear-headed. If you experience chronic pain, Jack Herer can also provide a mild body high that helps muscles relax and may temporarily reduce pain for up to three hours.
Green Crack
This Sativa strain can produce psychoactive effects that feel like rocket fuel for your energy levels. Green Crack has the potential to produce potent energizing effects, combined with sharp mental focus and alertness. Many people choose to consume this strain if they want to be very productive and get a lot of things done.
Green Crack can also provide a creative and motivational boost. What some people like about this strain is that the energy and focus provided by Green Crack doesn’t make them feel jittery.
Durban Poison
One of many legendary Sativa strains, Durban Poison, is very easy to find as most medical dispensaries carry it. Instead of a high-energy spike, Durban Poison can provide a more mellow and focused energy, improving mental clarity and sociability.
Amnesia Haze
If you are feeling emotionally stressed after consuming Amnesia Haze, you may not remember (for a period of time) the things that were stressing you out. Hence the name and it is one of the most popular Sativa strains. However, the psychoactive effects of Amnesia Haze do not make you feel cognitively impaired; on the contrary, it can have creative effects and increase focus.
Strawberry Cough
Would you really want to buy a strain of cannabis that makes you cough? The name doesn’t imply that Strawberry Cough will irritate your airways; instead, if you happen to cough, you may detect some strawberry flavors. It can cause improved energy and relief from anxiety symptoms.
Maui Wowie
You guessed correctly; this strain hails from Hawaii. Like many Sativa strains, Maui Wowie can provide uplifting and cerebral effects. Want to spend some time writing or creating art? You may find this strain stimulates your creative muse and helps you enjoy doing fun things at home or when you are out.
Laughing Buddha
Some strains of cannabis can give you an unexpected case of the giggles. Things you may not normally see as funny may be hilarious after consuming Laughing Buddha (as the name implies). This Sativa strain can also provide a mild body buzz but without any “brain fog” or drowsiness.
Blue Dream
Most dispensaries carry this legendary strain because it is so popular with patients. Blue Dream is one of the ultimate strains for relaxation without cognitive sedation. Most people who use this strain on a regular basis feel it is the perfect “bad day” pick-me-up with gentle psychoactive effects that make it perfect for novice users.
Tangie
This strain was named after a tangerine because it has a sweet, pleasant citrus aroma and can stimulate a positive mood and energy. The terpene profiles of this Sativa strain can create uplifting effects, and it is commonly used to boost focus and creativity and achieve a cheerful mood.
Who Should Not Use Sativa Strains?
Consulting with an experienced cannabis healthcare provider can give you guidance regarding what types of medical cannabis and potential potencies may work best for your wellness needs. While most people enjoy Sativa strains, there are some people who may have adverse effects from using them.
Patients who have high levels of anxiety may want to avoid sativa-dominant strains. The same chemical compounds that can increase energy and mood can in some cases, produce feelings of heightened anxiety and paranoia.
Individuals who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may experience the opposite effect after taking Sativa cannabis. While the Sativa plants can have stimulating effects, people with ADHD may actually experience sedation instead. Some studies have suggested that other stimulants, such as caffeine, may also have this effect on people diagnosed with ADHD.
Cannabis is not categorized as a psychedelic drug; however, some strains may cause effects that are similar to psychedelics. For example, some Sativa dominant strains can increase paranoia and may cause hallucinations. Patients who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia are not advised to use medical cannabis for this reason and may not be certified for a medical card.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
