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Alongside indica, sativa is a subspecies of the cannabis family. But what is the difference between sativa and indica weed, and what effect does sativa have on you? Simply put, sativas tends to provide an uplifting and energized feeling, offering a cerebral kind of high but we will touch on this a little more. After reading this article you will have a good understanding of the effects of sativa strains, their benefits and origins and history of the subspecies, and most importantly, how to grow it.
How does sativa weed make you feel?
When you smoke Sativa cannabis strains you can expect them to deliver an energizing and uplifting cerebral high. They are usually associated with promoting creativity and increased focus, some users also report feelings of euphoria and a feeling of wanting to be more social.
Because sativa weed tends to have a more energetic effect, most people consume them during the morning or daytime when they want to feel relaxed but not overly drowsy. Sativa strains often give you more of a ‘head high’ than a ‘body high’ and instead of the feeling you get from indicas, where the body feels physically heavy and tired, sativa strains give you a more energetic and creative buzz that is felt in the head, similar to that of when you drink a cup of coffee.
What is the difference between sativa and indica cannabis?
Sativa and indica are the two natural variations of the cannabis plant family and both have different effects and visual appearances. Sativa strains, as we’ve discussed, tend to stimulate, often increasing your creativity and focus. On the other hand, indica strains are known for their relaxing and calming effects, often leading to a body-centered high known as the “couchlock” effect. But it’s not just about effects; these two differ in appearance too. Sativa plants grow tall with thin leaves, while indica plants are shorter and bushier with broader leaves. Now, let’s trace back to the origins of sativa strains and uncover their historical roots.
Where did sativa weed originally come from?
The genetics of cannabis Sativa traces its roots back to warm, equatorial regions. The original Sativa landrace strains originated in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America where they grew naturally in the rainforests and jungles. The warm climate and longer daylight hours in these areas allowed sativa to thrive, leading to its taller growth pattern and set of effects. It is thought that sativa plants grow taller and with less densely packed foliation and bud to allow air to flow more freely through the plant and prevent bud rot, which would be a problem if a densely packed indica plant grew in a tropical climate.
What are the benefits of sativa strains?
If you don’t want the drowsy and sedated effect you get from smoking indica strains, switching to sativas might have some benefits. Firstly, their energizing effects can help with boosting creativity, concentration, or simply feeling more alert. You may also find sativa strains useful for combating fatigue and lifting your mood, which makes them great if you suffer with depression or any other mood related disorders. Sativa strains are also known to make you feel hungry, which can be helpful if you are looking for an appetite stimulant. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently, so your experience may vary.
- Energizing Effects: Sativa strains often provide a boost in energy, making them suitable for daytime use.
- Enhanced Creativity: Many users report heightened creativity and improved focus, aiding in artistic and cognitive tasks.
- Mood Elevation: Sativa can bring on a feeling of euphoria and happiness.
- Stimulated Appetite: Consumption can lead to increased hunger, beneficial for those needing appetite stimulation.
- Social Interaction: Sativa strains often promote sociability and can enhance social experiences or gatherings.
Does sativa weed make you laugh?
Yes, if you want a lift in your mood sativa strains are great. Smoking sessions often end in fits of giggles which make then the strain of choice for watching stoner comedies and socializing with a group of friends.
Does sativa make you hungry?
Often called “the munchies,” sativa weed can increase your appetite. While both indica and sativa can stimulate hunger, some sativa strains are known to enhance your hunger pangs more which can be of benefit for anyone seeking appetite stimulation due to medical reasons.
Is sativa weed bad for anxiety?
Although sativa strains are known for their uplifting effects, in some people they have been known to increase feelings of anxiety or paranoia. If you are smoking sativas for the first time, start off slowly and if you do get any feelings of anxiety stop. If you are prone to bouts of anxiety, try smoking a balanced hybrids strain or one with a higher CBD content might be more suitable.
Why does sativa weed give you more energy?
The uplifting, energizing and creative effects of sativa weed strains all come from the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. Each and every strain has cannabinoids and terpenes in varying amounts that work together to give that particular strain its unique effects. This is why some strains make you feel uplifted and creative whereas others make you feel relaxed and sleepy. This makes sativa strains a popular choice for daytime use where you may want to feel a little bit more alert.
Are sativa strains more difficult to grow?
If you are interested in growing cannabis at home, Sativa strains present certain challenges and advantages in cultivation which you should first be made aware of. Due to their origins in equatorial regions, they’re adapted to longer daylight hours and warmer climates, which means you need to make sure your grow tent is nice and warm. As a result, they also often require a longer flowering period than indica strains. Sativa plants also grow taller, which in smaller grow tents may cause issues, but in a standard 6-foot-tall tent you can manage this with stress training and regular pruning. On the plus side, their thin tall and open structure creates better airflow, reducing the risk of mold and pests.
If you are planning on growing weed at home there are hundreds of different types of sativa cannabis seeds so try to find a variety that’s suitable for your specific grow. If you are concerned about height being an issue you could also try growing a sativa dominant autoflower, this will give you the same effect when smoked but the height of the plant will not exceed 1.5 meters tall.
Conclusion
From its effects to its unique growth requirements, there’s a lot to think about before you decide to grow your own sativa weed at home. Whether you’re looking to boost creativity, lift your mood, or understand cultivation challenges, we’ve pretty much covered it all here. Hopefully you can now make a more informed decision on which strain is right for your grow and if a sativa is the right strain for you. Don’t forget to like and share this article!