Even if you haven’t tried it yet, you’ve probably heard about Cannabis sativa and its effects. Some say it makes you happy. Some say it makes you creative. Others report it makes you paranoid or anxious. With all the conflicting information out there, you may be wondering how sativa makes you feel. What’s the truth behind this popular Cannabis strain? Here’s everything you need to know about it before trying it yourself.
What is Sativa?
All Cannabis is sativa, with Cannabis indica being a subtype of sativa, though there are major differences. Cannabis sativa grows into a tall, bushy plant producing loose buds while cannabis indica plants are smaller in height, have thick broad leaves, and their buds are denser, with purple coloring.
Sativa strains are associated with an energetic, uplifting feeling. That’s why they are often consumed for creative projects or any situation where you need energy and focus. Cannabis indica does the opposite: it gives a relaxing, almost sedated feeling, making it more suitable for chilling and pain relief.
How is Cannabis Sativa Different from Other Cannabis?
Hemp and Cannabis are actually the same plants; their only difference is in their THC content. Hemp has a THC content of 0.30% or less, that’s why it is also suitable for CBD products. Plants with THC levels above 0.30% are considered either Cannabis sativa or indica.
Sativa and indica don’t just look different; there are major differences in their THC-to-CBD ratios: sativa strains tend to have high THC and low CBD levels, resulting in an uplifting high. As for indica, it’s higher in CBD and lower in THC. Since CBD is a highly relaxing cannabinoid, when consuming indica, the sedative effect takes over.
To further enhance the known sativa effects, growers have worked on increasing some strains’ THC while excluding their CBD and vice versa. Thanks to this deliberate breeding of stronger versions of the strains, now you can find sativa with up to 40% THC to get even more of that famous uplifting effect. But there are also sativa strains with lower THC if you want something more gentle.
What are the Effects of Sativa?
The most common effects of sativa are an uplifting feeling or a creative boost where thoughts flow freely. But not always! Everyone’s experience is different. Some people report that sativa makes you feel paranoid or anxious. However, this usually has nothing to do with sativa itself; it’s due to the amount of THC you’re consuming.
The THC content of the strain can tell you if it’s right for you before you try it. With sativa, you will be up and about doing stuff, but you may not tolerate a high amount of THC in your system. You can always go for a gentle strain like Super Lemon Haze to test how much energy boost you actually need. The known sativa medical benefits, like improved mood and anxiety, better sleep, and increased creativity, will also be more noticeable once you can handle the THC content.
Does Sativa Make You Sleepy or Hyper?
Sativa weed strains tend to give people an energetic high, so it’s unlikely that sativa makes you feel sleepy. That said, everyone reacts to it differently, and the feeling you get will also depend on other factors (your own stress levels and other cannabinoids and terpenes at play). If you want to use Cannabis as a sleeping aid, you should go for indica instead.
Does Sativa or Indica Get You More High?
Both sativa and indica will get you high if you’re consuming quality strains. But the high you experience will be vastly different.
Sativa will give you a head high, you will most likely be awake and alert or feeling creative and focused. Indica, on the other hand, will give you a body high: a sedated, relaxed feeling. That’s why an indica with high CBD and low THC is a better choice if you have sleeping issues, as it will make you fall asleep faster. Sativa will not make you fall asleep right away, but once it wears off, you will be able to sleep through the night.
Terpenes in Cannabis Sativa
There are many kinds of sativa, some gentle and some strong; it’s all determined by their THC levels, as they are low in other cannabinoids. However, there’s another cannabis compound that will affect the way you feel after consuming sativa: terpenes.
Terpenes are found in nearly all plants but are primarily associated with aromatic herbs, citrus fruits, and Cannabis. The terpene profile of the strain will work together with its cannabinoid content to produce effects that will be unique to the strain. There are hundreds of different terpenes, many of them associated with sativa, including one of the most popular terpenes, limonene, which has a citrusy aroma and is known for its uplifting effects. With indica strains, you’ll likely come across myrcene, a relaxing terpene.
The Best Time to Use Sativa
The best time to use sativa is wherever you feel like it, as long as you’re in a safe environment. Its effects will kick in within 30-45 minutes, so if you want a burst of energy, your creative juices flowing, or just to get things done, sativa is likely what you need. Don’t consume it before bedtime, however, as it’s going to give you a head high without any body relaxation, you might have to wait for the effects to wear off before you can sleep. If you’re unsure whether sativa is for you, try a strain with less than 20% THC and go from there.
Get the Best Sativa Delivered by HOTBOX
Want to buy weed online? You’ve come to the right place! HOTBOX offers some of the most popular sativa strains online, but we also have indica and hybrid strains if that’s what you’re after. If you’re unsure about how to buy sativa online, or which strains to test first, get in touch with us! Our friendly team is happy to guide you through the exciting world of sativa. Contact us by calling 818-686-2942, email us at hello@smokehotbox.com, or fill out our online form!
