‘Sativa’ is one of three main ways cannabis strains are classified, along with ‘indica’ and ‘hybrid’. Sativa strains are the energetic counterpart toindica strains, which are considered more sedative. Budtenders pitch sativa strains as offering energy, creativity, or focus, as compared to other types of weed that put you to sleep. Many consumers also state in Leafly reviews that they use sativa strains to help them manage symptoms of mood disorders or other cognitive issues, including depression and ADHD.
Most modern, popular strains are hybrids of indicas and sativa, so you’re unlikely to ever find a ‘pure’ sativa strain. Strains labeled ‘sativa’ comprise the smallest segment of the Leafly database. This is largely due to the general rarity of sativa compared to hybrid strains. Each person’s brain chemistry is different, but here are some super-popular, strong sativa strains to check out and see if the effect is right for your needs.
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These results are based on user reviews and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Most commonly grown in warm, dry regions, sativa strains are energizing with uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects. Sativa plants often produce flower with a strong THC content, meaning users will feel more cerebral effects as opposed to the “body high” of CBD. Because of the strains energizing nature, it is often recommended for users to enjoy sativa strains in the morning or during the day. Sativa plants are not as common as their indica or hybrid counterparts, but don’t be fooled, this is not due to a lack of popularity. Sativa strains are only less common because the plants take nearly double the amount of time to flower, and yield less flower. As a result of this, growers and dispensaries have a harder time making profit on sativa products.
- Tangie: The Tangie weed strain has strong orange citrus notes and reliably energetic, versatile, approachable effects. It came from Crockett Family Farms in California and is a national staple. Tangie powers many crosses to this day.
- Sour Diesel: Sour Diesel’s strong, uplifting effects and fuel/diesel aromas keep this old-school blockbuster sativa relevant to this day. The East Coast runs on Diesel, and Sour D powers hot hybrids like Apple Fritter.
- Super Lemon Haze: This old-school sativa from Europe continues to dominate sativa menus in dispensaries across the US, thanks to its light, lemony, grassy aroma, and strong energetic effects. All types of Haze strains provide energetic effects, fans report.
- Jack Herer: This classic sativa from Europe has fallen out of fashion with aficionados, but it still rules among sativas in the streets. It’s got a consistent, candy-sweetness and a vivid energetic effect that makes it a legend.
- Durban: Short for Durban Poison, this top-selling sativa references its hometown of Durban, South Africa. Durban is sweet with terpinolene, like Jack Herer. A 2022 study concluded that weed strong in the terpenes terpinolene plus myrcene represents the core of what it means to be a sativa strain.
Here are the highest-THC strains in our library labeled sativa that have a lot of reviews on Leafly, and should be the easiest to find at a dispensary.
- Durban: Lab tests consistently show Durban averaging 20% THC. That makes the old-school strain hold its own against modern hybrids. Fans report using that THC plus terpinolene and myrcene combo to get stuff done—making Durban the espresso of cannabis.
- Super Silver Haze: ‘Haze’ strains embody what it means to be a sativa and none may test as high, or be as popular as Super Silver Haze. While some sativas can be racy and spacy, Super Silver Haze fans report lots of energy with equal amounts of focus. Lab tests average 20% THC, considered very high.
- Chocolope: This cross of a Haze and Thai can taste like coffee and get you going just as much. It tests at 22% THC, and is strong in terpinolene, so strap in to ride this flower. Fans often report energy, focus, and a lifted mood.
- East Coast Sour Diesel: The city that never sleeps needs a sativa to keep its engines humming. Testing at 24%, East Coast Sour Diesel is that engine. ECSD has been a staple in the Leafly database since 2011, with fresh reviews through 2022.
Pure sativa strains are hard to find, but they do exist. Pure sativa strains are believed to produce effects that may make you feel energized, upbeat, and focused. Examples of popular pure sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze, Green Crack, and Maui Wowie.
Sativa strains are believed to be mood boosters. The effects of each specific sativa strain may differ slightly depending on the individual. Generally, sativa-dominant strains tend to energize you more than other strain types. These effects allow many people to be more productive while high and may give experienced cannabis users more energy and motivation to do chores or pursue a hobby.
The effects of sativa strains may make you feel more energized, uplifted, and focused. When smoking a sativa-dominant strain, it’s important to monitor your dosage because too much sativa may have an inverse effect and make you feel tired or sleepy. When it comes to sativa strains, it’s best to start slow.
No, all cannabis strains (including sativa strains) are capable of having different effects from one user to another. This is due to differences in brain chemistry between people.
Sativa strains would be considered “uppers” due to its energizing and uplifting effects.
Sativa strains are generally viewed as mood boosters that can provide a spark of energy and creativity for its users. They are considered to be the perfect daytime strain, as they won’t make you drowsy or unmotivated like other strains can. In fact, after smoking an indica strain, you might find yourself inspired to pick up around the house or even write a song.
While individual effects may vary from person to person, generally sativa strains are found to have energizing effects that could, in turn, make it harder to fall asleep.
