KNOW YOUR WEED: THE BEST SATIVA DOMINANT MARIJUANA STRAINS

Cannabis use originated in China thousands of years ago. It's recognized for its potential medicinal healing properties and psychoactive effects.

While many people associate cannabis use with notorious THC effects of getting "high," there are hundreds of different strains, all meant to be used for various effects and needs.

When it comes to looking at Indica vs. Sativa, it's important to remember that while some cannabis users and patients prefer Indica dominant strains, others won't use anything that isn't Sativa dominant.

To learn more about cannabis Sativa effects, benefits and the best Sativa strains to try, keep reading!

WHAT DOES SATIVA DOMINANT CANNABIS MEAN?

Sativa plants are tall, leafy cannabis plants with long, narrow leaves. Their stalky flowers boast “heady” effects, including feelings of uplifting euphoria or cerebral energy.

Some consumers opt for Sativa dominant strains before an activity requiring energy such as exercise or hiking, or even sitting down to get some productive things done.

Many Sativa plants smell citrusy, piney, or earthy because they typically contain higher concentrations of Limonene, Pinene, and Myrcene terpenes. These particular terpenes interact with THC in a manner that makes Sativa dominant strains, both cerebral and energizing. They may provide both short and long-term relief from a variety of physical and mental ailments but will depend on the user as well as other factors.

When a strain is Sativa dominant, it usually means that it's a cross between an Indica and a Sativa, but with Sativa leaning properties. These strains are called hybrids, some of which are balanced, some of which are Indica dominant, and some that are Sativa dominant.

SATIVA EFFECTS

Everyone is different. Individual bodies and minds process cannabis differently and thus people can respond in varying ways to the same strains. Known for its "mind high," early research and users show that Sativa plants may help relax mental issues and promote energy, but will depend on varying factors such as the ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as you the individual. Conversely, anecdotal effects of Indica are often lethargic and relaxed, Sativa's results tend to be more creative and productive.

Most Sativa dominant strains sit between 14% and 20% THC content, with 1% or less of CBD.

The effects can also depend on the Sativa dominance of the strain. More Sativa dominant strains may deliver euphoric yet productive effects. Strains that lean more towards a true hybrid can offer focus and creativity, but with an additional body calmness.

Before trying any new cannabis strain, it's important to think about the effects you're looking for. Do you want to stay more focused throughout the day, and for longer? Are you looking for something to potentially enhance creativity and relaxation?

Think about what you're looking for as you read through our favorite and most popular strains so that you've got a great starting point for trying Sativa dominant strains!

It’s important to understand, and we’ll repeat it, Sativa effects will be different for everyone, so it is an experimental process when trying varying cannabis strains the first time as all people will respond differently. That said, we want to share our favorite and most popular Sativa strains for when you are ready to start the experimental process of finding your favorite Sativa strain.

BEST SATIVA STRAINS TO TRY

Let's take a look at the most popular Sativa strains to try when looking to find your favorite strain. We'll also highlight some of the Origins Team’s favorites!

Keep in mind that some of the info we'll share here related to strain effects comes from Origins research with 3rd party laboratories, our customers and teammember’s anecdotal results and Leafly, a trusted Cannabis education platform with over 100 million web visitors every year.

All of the Sativa dominant strains we'll explore are reportedly providing users with euphoric, happy, creative, and uplifted feelings, but again will depend on the individual user. These effects are of the most common listed for Sativa strains, but if you are a beginner, it’s always best to start low, and go slow.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel, also known as "Sour D," is a Sativa dominant strain named after its diesel-like aroma. It's known for delivering dreamy and energizing effects. Plus, the effects are long-lasting, which is why the strain is so popular amongst medical cannabis users.

The strain originated in the early '90s, and its parent strains are believed to be Super Skunk and Chemdawg 91.

The most commonly reported feelings are:

• Happy
• Euphoric
• Energized
• Uplifted
• Creative

Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene are the main terpenes typically found in Sour Diesel. It contains anywhere between 16% and 20% THC, usually around 18.5%.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a Sativa dominant strain, named after the cannabis activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. It was created in the Netherlands in the mid-1990s, and then later distributed by Dutch pharmacies as a medical-grade strain.

There are a few different variations of the strain, most of which are described by users as clear-headed, blissful, creative strains.

Jack Herer has the same THC content as the average Sativa dominant strain, sitting between 15% and 19%. It usually contains the terpenes Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, and Myrcene.

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is a Sativa dominant cross between Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk. It's beautiful in color and has intense lemony characteristics.

It smells sweet, citrusy, and zesty. The taste is almost like Lemonheads, with a tart and sweet flavor profile. For people who are naturally energetic or tightly wound, it may not be the best strain as it may make them anxious. The effects can be lively and energetic.

The most commonly reported effects by users are:

• Happy
• Energetic
• Uplifted
• Euphoric
• Creative

Super Lemon Haze contains between 16% and 20% THC, like most Sativa dominant strains.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a pure Sativa, originating from the South African city of Durban. It's known for its sweet smell and uplifting, energetic effects. It's an excellent strain for a productive day of getting things done or as an added spark to a creative venture or spending time outdoors.

Almost all areas of the plant boast a thick coat of trichomes, and the THC is at around 17.5%.

It contains the fruity terpene Terpinolene, the herbal terpene Myrcene, and the minty terpene Ocimene. Like most Sativa dominant strains, the most commonly reported feelings after using Durban Poison are:

• Uplifted
• Euphoric
• Energetic
• Happy
• Creative

Maui Wowie

Originally, Maui Wowie comes from the shores of Hawaii. It boasts tropical flavors and potential relaxation qualities. Users love its high-energy euphoria and sweet pineapple flavors.

The strain is also infamous for encouraging the mind to drift to a creative place, either in artistic endeavors or as inspiration to experience and explore the outdoors.

It grows best in tropical, bright, climates. Much like the other Sativas we've mentioned, Maui Wowie delivers the same uplifting and euphoric effects. Some users did report feeling stress and anxiety, though, which is why it's always best to start with a small amount to determine if it's the right strain for you.

Maui Wowie terpenes are usually Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene.

Bruce Banner

Bruce Banner, the infamous alter ego of the Incredible Hulk, is one of three Bruce Banner strains. The name pays homage to the Hulk's stressed out nature, implying that if he had some of his namesake strain, he'd be calmer.

The strain has dense nugs and high THC content too. Effects begin quickly and come on strong, but then allow users to settle into a creative and happy buzz. While this strain is a hybrid, the effects are felt mostly in the head.

Users have reported Bruce Banner assisting with anything from soreness to relaxation.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is another hybrid, created using strains Hawaiian and Trainwreck. The smell provides notes of apple and mango, and it tastes like pineapple, cedar, and pine.

It's a strong hybrid that provides a long-lasting buzz. It's perfect for being creative, productive, or for enjoying the outdoors.

THC content is around 17.5%. The most commonly reported feelings are happy and uplifted.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a classic and famous Sativa dominant hybrid that originated in California. Among all the West Coast strains, it is by far one of the most popular and legendary. It's parent strains are Blueberry and Haze.

Blue Dream provides a balanced high that many users swear by. While it offers a full-body relaxation, it also provides a gentle cerebral invigoration.

Users say that Blue Dream works quickly, without heavy sedative effects of Indica dominant strains.

Blue Dream is high in THC, and the most commonly reported feelings are:

• Happy
• Euphoric
• Uplifted

Clementine

Clementine is a Sativa dominant strain, made by crossing Lemon Skunk with Tangie. Cannabis users love Clementine because of its citrus aroma and sweet taste.

It has won several awards and is both energizing and known for increasing daily focus.

Users report "happy" as the most common feeling coming from Clementine. It's an excellent strain to start with as a new Sativa user.

THE BEST SATIVA DOMINANT CANNABIS STRAINS TO START WITH

If you're someone who enjoys being active and energetic, there are plenty of Sativa dominant strains to choose from. If you're looking to have some extra energy, stay focused, or creative ventures, Sativa dominant strains may be the best choice for you, but as we’ve mentioned, it will depend on how you respond to it.

If you're new to cannabis, Blue Dream or Pineapple Express are excellent starting points for Sativa strains as they are less likely to make you anxious, but remember, start low, and go slow. If you've been feeling tired or lethargic and need an energy boost, you might fare better by trying Clementine or Durban Poison.

You can shop our high-quality sativa dominant strains, or contact us with any questions or concerns. The Origins Cannabis team of educated cannabis guides are here to help you whether you are a seasoned cannabis veteran or just getting started.