Does Sativa Really Give you More Energy?

When you purchase strains of cannabis flower, you’ll notice they’re classified into three different categories- indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. These labels refer to the species of cannabis plants they come from. But in addition to these plants having different physical characteristics, they can also give you different effects.

Users generally report getting a more relaxing body-focused high from indica strains and a more stimulating head-focused high from sativa strains, while hybrid strains give you a mix of both. However, there’s been much debate on how much indica and sativa really differ. So does sativa really give you more energy?

Here’s a closer look at the qualities of sativa strains.

What is Sativa?

Cannabis sativa is a species of cannabis plant characterized by its tall, thin stem and narrow leaves. Sativa plants usually take longer to grow and they grow better in hotter temperatures. They’re generally rarer than indica plants, but there are many different kinds of sativas which have become extremely popular.

The flower product of sativa plants is often cultivated for smoking or vaping, and many people believe sativa strains have different effects to indicas. In contrast to the heavily sedating effects of indica strains, users usually find sativa strains much more mentally and physically stimulating. They’re often used to wake-and-bake due to these effects.

There’s a lot of debate on how much sativa strains really differ from indica strains. However, on the whole, people find these strains much more beneficial for energy, mental focus, and relieving for mood disorders like depression. Popular sativa strains include strains such as Sour Diesel, Lemon Haze, and Green Crack.

What’s the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?

While sativa strains are usually seen as more energizing and uplifting, indica strains are said to be much more calming and relaxing. People often refer to indica strains as in-da-couch strains due to their heavily sedating physical effects which can often leave you unable to stand up.

Indica plants grow differently to sativa plants. They’re usually shorter and thicker with bushy leaves. They don’t take as long to grow and people often find them easy to grow indoors. Indica strains are highly prevalent and many of the strong psychoactive effects associated with marijuana are strongly linked to indica strains.

Users report indica strains making them feel extremely relaxed both mentally and physically. People often use indica strains to help with pain, inflammation, headaches, migraines, and other physical issue. They also help relieve the mind of anxiety and stress. They’re noted to be much more fatiguing than sativa strains and many users treat them as a remedy for insomnia.

What are the Effects of Sativa Strains?

Many users find indica and sativa strains very different in their effects. Most notably, sativa strains generally have more stimulating and energizing properties than indica strains. While even sativas can differ from strain-to-strain, there are certain effects which users commonly report in sativa strains.

Common effects include feeling more uplifted, optimistic, and focused. You’ll feel a burst of creative energy and heightened senses. Many users also feel more physically energetic and motivated. While sativa strains will also give you soothing physical effects which help with things like pain, these are usually less prominent than they are in indica strains.

Many medical marijuana users prefer sativa strains to help with mood disorders and mental health issues. The increase in happiness and motivation can help with depression and anxiety. It can also help users counteract fatigue and feel more mentally focused in their day-to-day life. Because of this, many people see sativa strains as daytime strains.

Does Sativa Really Give you More Energy?

While many people find indica strains to be too sedating, sativa strains can actually give you more energy. A lot of users report feeling more energetic and mentally focused under the influence of sativa strains.

It can vary from strain to strain. For instance, some sativa strains have much higher levels of THC which, when used in high amounts, may still make you feel sedated. But in smaller doses, sativa strains are commonly said to give users energy and help them stay focused and alert during the daytime.

There’s still a lot of debate on how much sativa strains really differ from their counterparts. For instance, some researchers claim that the difference in effects may come down to the individual terpenoid and cannabinoid profiles of each strain. However, for the most part, users do find sativa strains more energizing.

Best Sativa Strains to Buy

If you’re looking for strains to give you a burst of energy and focus, it’s best to opt for sativa strains. There are many great sativa strains to choose from, each with slight differences in their overall effects and unique tastes. Here are some of the best sativa strains to buy.

Pineapple Express – You might recognize this strain from the popular Seth Rogen film, but it’s also one of the most well-renowned strains. Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant strain with a tasty tropical flavor. In addition to giving you a stimulating head buzz and soothing body buzz, it also helps with many medical conditions due to its high CBD and CBN content.

Pineapple Godbud – Pineapple Godbud crosses Pinapple Kush with Godbud to create an invigorating sativa-dominant hybrid. It’ll instantly perk up your energy levels, heighten your senses, and make you more creative and social. With a fresh pineapple taste, this is a fantastic strain to try out.

Girl Scout Cookies – Also known as GSC, this popular strain is known for its energizing properties. It’ll make you feel optimistic and creative with its powerful head buzz. With its flavorful buds and great effects, GSC is a multiple-time Cannabis Cup winner for good reason.

Conclusion

Sativa strains are known for their energizing effects, and many users report feeling more uplifted, motivated, and focused after smoking them.

They also make for top-notch medical marijuana strains, especially for those who need to counteract symptoms of depression, stress or fatigue. If you need something a little more calming, you can also try out hybrid strains which mix the best of both indica and sativa effects.