Puff, puff, pass. Used to relieve stress, pain, treat certain mental health issues, and treat behavioral issues, there is no doubt cannabis has been a gift to many.
Cannabis strains can be divided into three categories: Indica, sativa, and hybrid. It is important to know the different effects of the two strains to help for a more user-friendly experience.
Indica provides the user with more sedative-like or relaxing effects. Making it a great compliment to a night in or relaxing after a long day of work.
Sativa strains on the other hand have more energetic effects. Giving the user more energy physically and a better head high.
If Indica and sativa both seem too extreme you may be interested in hybrids. Hybrid plants are a combination of both Indica and sativa.
Now that we have a brief intro to the different strains, let’s dive in a little deeper and learn some more about sativa strains.
1. Physical Composition of Sativa Strains
Requiring a more tropical climate, sativa strains were first grown in locations near the equator, such as Brazil, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. A testament to that is the names given to pure sativa brands, like Maui Wowie and Hawaiian Snow.
They can get big, up to twenty feet tall. That is if they are grown outside. The plant has longer and narrower leaves.
Plants can take nine to twelve weeks to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.
Buds from a sativa plant are generally larger in both height and weight than those of an Indica strain. Described as having a zesty or fruity smell when grounded. The strain seems to be a real winner for those that want to be stimulated through all senses, including smell.
Sativas can hermaphrodite. Plants “hermie” often due to stress. Be it from weather changes, light cycles out of sync, or watering too much or too little.
2. Sociable High
CBD and THC are known to have the opposite effects of each other. One is more of a relaxing high and another a more energetic high.
Sativa strains are low in CBD (cannabidiol) and high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol); the high THC levels are the biggest contributor to the elated high users get.
Though the THC levels are high, this should not be alarming for first-time or infrequent users. Sativas energy and mood-enhancing properties will not have a user bouncing off walls or unable to sleep.
Consider sativa as an afternoon pick-me-up after a long day of work. Use this strain as a little boost if you have a social gathering or even a date you are anxious about.
A sativa high can last up to 6 to 8 hours. So, plan accordingly.
3.Type of High
The old and stereotyped description of a smoker that lies about is definitely not what the user would experience with sativa.
Due to the high levels of THC in sativa, the experience is much stimulating. A known mood enhancer, sativa is a definite head-high. With its euphoric and uplifting experience, sativa doesn’t leave the body out of the experience.
An increase in appetite usually comes along with sativa.
Its blissful high helps in many ways. sativa has been able to treat nausea, mental health issues, and physical pain.
4. Creativity Boost
Stuck on an assignment? Maybe you’ve hit writer’s block or can’t find the lyrics or melody you are looking for. Not to fear! sativa gives you a “head high.”
Sativas effects include a “head high.” That means your head comes into play when you smoke this strain. Creativity becomes a very valuable side-effect.
This is not saying that smoking a joint or vaping this strain will make you the next artistic prodigy, but it will help you clear your mind and give you room to focus on other interests.
Used as an aid to treat mental health and behavioral issues, sativa will help with reducing anxiety. With a clear headspace and fewer worries, this strain helps the creativity flow uninhibited by every day worries.
Sativa strains can promote hyper-priming. Hyper priming is connecting dots where there were previously none.
Hyper-priming leads to those breakthrough moments where everything suddenly makes sense.
Following the same path as hyper-priming, there is also divergent thinking. Think of this one as overthinking to the point where you are not thinking. Make sense?
It basically comes down to spitballing ideas on a whiteboard. Through this avenue, we are going through paths our brains have yet to explore. Exploring new ideas and concepts, like writing a screenplay or solving the next, big physics quandary.
Perhaps you’ve got a green thumb. If you’re interested in trying to grow your own hemp, we recommend Colorado Breeders Depot.
5. Medicinal Benefits
Though getting the munchies may not be the best for most of our waistlines, some truly need it. Sativa helps stimulate appetite. It has been prescribed to those that suffer conditions that stifle hunger.
It is typically used as an aid by cancer patients and those affected with eating disorders to encourage appetite after medicating.
Sativa has also been prescribed and used for mental health and behavioral issues. This strain has been said to have had similar effects in the treatment of depression as SSRI’s. SSRI’s are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-depressants, that control hormonal imbalance in the brain.
For those that suffer from attention deficit disorders, sativa has been used to aid in the refocus of their thoughts and actions.
A natural sex stimulant, daily users have reported having sex 20% more than non-users. Smoking has also been reported to be a pleasure enhancer for both men and women. Sativa’s energetic effects stimulate blood flow, which is a common source of a man’s erectile dysfunction.
Take a Hit
Smoking has its benefits. There are a few sativa strains that offer different medical practicality and social prosperity.
The plant’s physical composition entirely revolves around its climate. Different strains achieve different effects, like the high you experience or unlocking creative pathways in the brain. Most of all, the plant has untethered amounts of medicinal potential.
Whether you are a buyer or a grower, there will always be questions that need an answer. Interested in learning more sativa facts? Check out our other articles on sativa strains.