Cannabis sativa is a plant species belonging to the Cannabaceae family and native to Central Asia. Sativa-dominant strains are relatively easy to recognize due to their slender shapes, long branches with multiple inner nodes, needle-like leaves, and airy buds. Another distinctive characteristic is the dense root system that gives them the strength to grow as high as 5 – 6 meters.
Unlike most Indica hybrids, Sativa flowers grow in a more balanced way throughout the plant rather than concentrating on the central bud. They are known for their high THC profile with effects ranging from heightened senses and clarity of mind. Sounds interesting? Read on to understand Sativa plants in depth.
Check it: The Best CBD Oils for Depression: Checkout!
Ideal Conditions to Grow Sativa Strains
Sativa is a species that includes several varieties found and cultivated throughout the world. However, Sativa strains tend to thrive in a warmer climate, as a rule, with most of its varieties originating in countries located near the equator, such as Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and Southeast Asia.
Due to its airy buds and leaves, it handles temperature and humidity quite well. Therefore, it is ideal to be cultivated in tropical and rainy areas where the temperature stays between 75° to – 85° F during the day and 60° to 70° F during the night. Remember that the Sativa strains have longer flowering cycles; therefore, they grow well in areas where winter comes a bit later so the plant can have ample time to produce the flowers.
If you are growing your Sativa strains indoors using autoflower seeds, you can control the climate by using high-temperature lights, water sprinklers, and oscillating fans.
Effects and Benefits of Sativa Strain
Sativa strains are known for their high THC concentration and lower CBD profile. Therefore, their effects are often reported to be quite powerful and euphoric. Consumption of Sativa strains will give you an instant high and a prolonged session of:
- Boosted energy;
- Heightened senses;
- Clarity of mind;
- Excitement;
- Feeling of well-being.
- Boosted creativity.
Therefore, Sativa strains are ideal to be consumed during the day, before an important meeting, or after a long day of work to stay sharp and active. These effects can last for several hours, from 2 to 6 depending on the concentration of cannabinoids and the user’s tolerance levels.
Due to its psychoactive effects, users with anxiety or mental issues are often discouraged from using the Sativa strain. However, nature has also given us Sativa-dominant strains such as Maui Wowie, which has a lower concentration of THC while still having all the benefits of Sativa strains. In such case, the following effects might be triggered in the users:
- Muscle relaxation;
- Relieving tension;
- Analgesic and antiseptic action;
- Improved digestion;
- Celerity of mind;
- Increased positivity;
- Heightened creativity;
- Increased appetite.
Benefits of Sativa Seeds
In addition to the many uses of Sativa flowers and their therapeutic properties, marijuana seeds are also used in the food industry and constitute an excellent protein source, as well as being considered a valid aid against arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders. Weed seeds are composed of 25% proteins and contain all eight essential amino acids for protein synthesis. Besides, they are also rich in vitamin E and mineral salts. As for the lipid part, hemp seeds are rich in the so-called “good fats” (Omega 3 and Omega 6); therefore, they are highly beneficial to human well-being.
Check it: CBD89
Health Benefits of Sativa Strains
Sativa strains hold a higher concentration of THC that can be highly effective in treating numerous diseases. First of all, it is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, particularly in relation to spasticity due to diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Besides, Sativa cannabis also has strong anti-emetic properties and, therefore, can also be successfully applied during chemotherapy to counteract the nausea and vomiting that this induces.
THC can also stimulate the appetite and thus counteract the weight loss of people suffering from diseases that cause loss of appetite.
Many studies point out that medical cannabis with a high percentage of THC can improve the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome and prove effective in treating depression. Other health benefits of Sativa include:
- Boost in serotonin;
- Anti-inflammation;
- Cancer treatment;
- Usage of Sativa Strain.
Best Sativa Strains Money Can Buy
Currently, you might not be able to find pure Sativa strains on the market mainly because of their high THC concentration and legality issues. However, there are numerous Sativa-dominant hybrids and poly-hybrids available in online stores. Here are 10 of the best Sativa-dominant strains the money can buy:
- Durban Poison,
- Super Silver,
- Sour Diesel,
- Original Amnesia!,
- Haze,
- Santa Sativa,
- Moby Dick,
- Strawberry Cough,
- Green Crack,
- Maui Wowie.
In addition, there are many classic poly-hybrids that contain Haze genetics in their composition. This is the case of Silver Haze, Super Silver Haze, Jack Herer, Jack Flash, Ghost Train Haze, Amnesia Haze, Neville’s Haze, Northern Lights # 5 x la Haze, Mexican Haze, Lemon Haze, Purple Haze, Skunk Haze and more.
