Category: Sativa

When you’re in an online weed shop, or even if you’re in a physical store, it can be difficult to know what you’re buying when you look at the descriptions of each product. Unless you’ve been trying different products for a while now, you may not know how to decide between Indica strains and Sativa strains, what hybrids are, or what different strain names mean, like Wedding Cake, Girl Guide Cookies, or Grandpa’s Stash.

You probably grew up believing that a high is a high, and that there’s really no controlling how you feel when you use marijuana. But in fact, that’s not true.

Weed Me and other growers and manufacturers have learned how to use different marijuana plant strains for our benefit, learning how the different components of each flower can provoke different feelings or effects.

That’s why learning about the differences between Sativa and Indica, as well as hybrid plants is so important if you’d like to consume weed, especially if you want to harness its benefits to help reduce anxiety or feel more creative, or for any other specific purpose.

First, let’s explore some terminology, so we’re on the same page.

Weed Terminology

Cannabis – Cannabis is a FAMILY of plants. The two most famous plants in the Cannabis family are Hemp and Marijuana.

Cannabinoid – a specific type of chemical compound that has the potential to affect our human endocannabinoid system that gives you a euphoric sense of ‘high’.

THC – A cannabinoid that gives you a euphoric sense of ‘high’ and could potentially help improve a person’s health and wellness.

CBD – A cannabinoid that does not give you a ‘high’ but that is sometimes used as a supplement that could potentially help improve a person’s health and wellness.

Hemp – Hemp is a plant that produces cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, etc), terpenes, and flavonoids. Hemp produces very little THC but plenty of CBD and other cannabinoids. Hemp products can’t make you high.

Marijuana – Marijuana is a plant that produces cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, etc), terpenes, and flavonoids. Marijuana produces very little CBD but a substantial amount of THC. Marijuana products generally have the potential to make you high.

Sativa – Sativa is a strain of the marijuana plant with long, pointed leaves. It tends to grow tall and thin.

Indica – Indica is a strain of the marijuana plant that appears short and stocky with chunky broad leaves.

Sativa and Indica are not their own plant species; instead, they are part of the cannabis family. Specifically, they are strains from the marijuana plant.

Now that we all understand the basics, let’s look at the differences between Sativa plants and Indica plants.

Tell Me the Difference Between the Different Weed Types

While some scientists claim there’s no molecular difference between the Sativa and Indica strains, users have something different to say. Customers tend to make their strain purchase depending on their end goal; that is, they choose their weed flower based on whether they would like to relax, relieve anxiety, improve energy, or if they’re looking for some other effect.

To be clear, each individual can experience their own reaction to different flowers. But these are some of the ways cannabis strains may affect you differently, and how other users typically feel when using them.

Sativas

sativa

Sativas are known for what is referred to as a ‘mind-high.’ It’s a euphoric feeling that may provide energy, even restlessness, and can lead to deep, long conversations and uncontrollable laughter.

Artists and creatives gravitate to Sativa strains to help them get into a creative flow and claim the high produces original thoughts that can’t be replicated without the high.

Sativa Strains for First-Timers

Looking for an easy-to-smoke Sativa strain? Try our Mandarin Cookie Flower. It’s available as a loose flower (for rolling yourself) or in pre-roll form. This popular Sativa strain is a blend of Forum Cut Cookies and Mandarin Sunset. With strong citrus undertones, it’s great for an evening high that leaves you calm but energized.

Indicas

Indica strains tend to contain more CBD than Sativas, possibly lending to their sedative, calming effects. Indicas are known to relieve insomnia and encourage deep sedation, providing a full-body buzz effect.

Those who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or worry may enjoy the way Indica strains help take the worries of the world off their shoulders… at least for a little while. Indicas help us zone out and sleep, and provide the kind of high that might keep you glued to the couch.

Indica Strains for First-Timers

Powdered Donuts is an Indica strain with plenty of popularity and serious THC content. At 23-33%, this sweet citrus flavoured flower provides a pleasant user experience with a long-lasting, comfortable high.

Hybrids

hybrids

Some of the products we sell at Weed Me are hybrid flower products, meaning they are a combination of Sativa and Indica plants. We do this to balance out the effects of each; to pull the best or most desirable parts of each flower and create a new type of effect, taste, or use.

Hybrids are very safe, and many grow naturally simply due to so many years of human cultivation and experimentation. Hybrids aren’t always 50/50 Sativa and Indica. They are blends of the two in varying amounts.

Grandpa’s Stash is a popular hybrid; it has a classic marijuana smell and flavour and is Indica dominant, so it will likely help you chill out more than party, giving newbies a chance to carefully discover what an Indica-dominant hybrid product will do for them.

Things to Consider

When you’re shopping in an online cannabis store, you need to understand what the listings say and how to distinguish between the different products. Keep these considerations in mind when shopping for your next marijuana flower.

Once you start to use marijuana more frequently and begin experimenting with strains and methods of use, you’ll discover what you like best and what works best for your body. Like any time you begin a new diet, supplement, or routine, start slowly and cautiously, and listen to your body.

The Bottom Line

Indicas and Sativas are both marijuana plants. The plants have physical differences and the effects they have on users may range from deeply sedative to highly energizing. When deciding what’s best for you,  consider what you would like your marijuana experience to do for you and choose a flower that has a good likelihood of providing those effects.

Shop our online cannabis store for your next favourite weed product. We sell loose dried flower, pre-rolls, vapes, grind, and edibles, so you have plenty of options, whether you’re a new or experienced cannabis user. Have questions? We’d be happy to help! Send us a message using our contact form and we’ll be happy to get back to you as quickly as possible.

You’re in for a special treat! We will be presenting the ten most popular Sativa strains of all time. With strains created all over the world, we’ll be taking a worldwide tour of the best sativas ever made. Each of these strains can still be found today, either in their original form or as parents of newer strains.

The World of Sativa Cannabis Strains

For those who are new to sativa strains, you can expect a high characterized as uplifting and energizing. Cannabis consumers consider sativa strains to be more suitable for a daytime high than indica varieties. That said, some of the strains discussed below take advantage of indica genetics to add a more potent body punch. We’ll mention which strains are more suited for those new to sativa strains than those perfectly suited for longtime consumers.

Let’s get started!

Here are the top ten Sativas of all time!

1. Super Silver Haze

This well-known strain is perfect for getting up and going. Super Silver Haze produces an energetic rush that lasts. It can even make you feel restless if you don’t have something good to do.

You can expect a citrus and earthy flavour profile. When it comes to Super Silver Haze, ee can thank the breeders along with the genetics from Northern Lights #5, Haze, and Shiva Skunk.

2. Strawberry Cough

This fan favourite strain comes with the scent of fresh strawberries. The genetics are roughly 80% sativa hybrid (20% Indica). We know the sativa side came from Erdbeer Sativa genetics, but the indica parent is unknown.

Strawberry Cough comes with a range of 18-26% THC. The smoke can make you cough (hence the name), but not everyone reacts this strongly. Either way, you can expect a modest high with just a bit of relaxation. The strain is perfect for a subtle but consistent daytime high.

3. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is one of the top strains worldwide. There’s a good chance you’ve already tried this one before. It was made on accident by crossing Super Skunk and Chemdog 91 genetics. Sour D continues to be used to create many offspring strains.

The strain produces a relaxed and hazy effect but without sedation. You can expect a robust and pungent gas aroma with hints of sour. The THC content is around 18-26%,  with upwards of 2% CBD. When you smoke it, expect some diesel scent with earthy hints. Many medical cannabis patients turn to this strain to help with chronic pain.

4. Jack Herer

Jack Herer was a legendary cannabis advocate, and his namesake strain carries on the tradition. Some would argue that it is the best sativa ever grown, but that is up for debate. The strain was named after Jack Herer thanks for his tireless efforts to propel the cannabis movement forward. You may have read his book, ‘The Emperor Wears No Clothes.’

You’ll undoubtedly notice the spicy pine and forest aroma. The strain produces a bubbly and energetic high that many find perfect for a wake and bake. That said, it is also an excellent beginner sativa for those new to it all. It doesn’t have the highest THC content out of the strains here, ranging from 16-24% THC. Along with around 1-2% CBD, however, it produces a blissful state. It was developed in California using genetics from Shiva Skunk and Northern Lights #5.

5. Blue Dream

Blue dream is a beautiful sativa-dominant hybrid that lives up to its name. The genetics come from haze and blueberry strains. The soothing body high, combined with a stimulating sativa alertness, almost feels like being in a dream. Expect THC content to range from 16-20%.

The first thing you’ll notice, however, is sweet berry notes. Then comes the beautiful effects. Blue Dream has both sides of the coin, relaxation, and stimulation in perfect harmony. It is also an incredibly stable and unique cannabis strain, so you know what you’ll be getting every time (Schwabe & McGlaughlin, 2019).

6. Durban Poison

Landrace strain traced back to South Africa. The term landrace means that this strain developed over many generations inside a geographically isolated area (Punja, Rodriquez, & Chen, 2017). This heavy hitter can put you on the couch in ways we usually ascribe to indica strains. Overall, It isn’t the ideal strain for beginners, as the head high is quite heavy.

Durban Poison has an intense punch that is followed by uplifting euphoria. This is no surprise when you discover that the THC content is around 20-24% with 1% CBD. The flavour profile is best described as spicy, sweet, and savory all in one. Has a longtime following who insist Durban Poison is the only strain for them. It is probably better reserved for evening usage unless one has a high tolerance or medical needs met by using it.

7. Green Crack

While not the best name as far as associations go, don’t let it put you off. Green Crack has been around since before the name became a bad idea. The lineage goes far enough back that we are not sure about genetics. We think there is some Afghani Landrace strain inside but do not know for sure. The strain is roughly 65% sativa and 35% indica.

This popular sativa strain has a tropical aroma, highlighted by hints of orange and mango. Consumers enjoy the lively high it produces, punctuated by a potent cerebral kick. Green Crack comes in at around 15-25% THC with a solid indica influence. Medical cannabis patients describe an uplifting effect on their mood that helps with depression and anxiety.

8. Acapulco Gold (or Mexican Sativa)

One of the few true landrace strains of North America, Acapulco Gold often goes by Mexican Sativa nowadays. The genetics inside this incredible strain has been used to make some of the best strains in the world. Many of the strains listed here were created using later variations of this strain, such as Blueberry, Haze, and Skunk.

The practice of sinsemilla involves avoiding the pollination of female cannabis plants by removing all male plants. This way, the plants focus their energy on producing large buds instead of creating seeds. Sinsemilla was a practice developed in Southern Mexico, likely practicing on Acapulco Gold. Thanks to these efforts and others, we now see high THC content on every strain listed here.

9. White Widow

Moving over to Europe, White Widow has been winning awards since it was first bred in the Netherlands in the 1980s. If you’ve ever walked into a Dutch coffee shop in Amsterdam, they almost certainly had this strain on the menu. And for a good reason, the buds are as beautiful as the effects they produce.

White Widow is a well-balanced sativa strain, with Brazilian sativa and South Indian indica genetic parents. The thick white layering of trichomes found on around buds of this strain makes it obvious how it got its name. Even with a THC content under 20%, this strain can surprise many regular consumers. Enjoy the burst of euphoria along with some good conversation for a beautiful time.

10. Amnesia Haze

Another strain from Europe, Amnesia Haze, was bred in the Netherlands. It quickly became a prominent strain on the North American cannabis scene. Along the way, it won numerous awards and accolades. The ancestry involves Afghani, Hawaiian, Laos, and Jamaican strain genetics. Making it a truly international cannabis strain.

Amnesia Haze has an incredible aroma, combining spicy and sweet. You’ll likely notice a solid cerebral high after enjoying these fantastic genetics. Growers love it as well. The strain goes great outside, even reaching 20% THC growing under the sun (Angular & Rocha, 2021).

Conclusion

There you have it! You are now that much wiser and knowledgeable in the world of sativa strains. We discovered the ten most popular sativa strains and learned all about them. You can now go out and find these strains, or at least those made using these incredible genetics. Whenever you get to enjoy a piece of cannabis history, we hope you get to savor the experience.

Citations

Aguiar, A., & Rocha, E. (2021). Facing the Forensic Challenge of Cannabis Regulation: A Methodology for the Differentiation between Hemp and Marijuana Samples. Braz. J. Anal. Chem, 8. doi: 10.30744/brjac.2179-3425.AR-42-2021

Punja Z.K., Rodriguez G., Chen S. (2017) Assessing Genetic Diversity in Cannabis sativa Using Molecular Approaches. In: Chandra S., Lata H., ElSohly M. (eds) Cannabis sativa L. – Botany and Biotechnology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-54564-6_19.

Schwabe, A.L., McGlaughlin, M.E. Genetic tools weed out misconceptions of strain reliability in Cannabis sativa: implications for a budding industry. J Cannabis Res 1, 3 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-019-0001-1.

What can you do when you find yourself feeling euphoric, certainly uplifted, and mentally stimulated? Of course, that is what you get if the chosen strain is predominantly Sativa. There are plenty of things to do, actually – depending on your mood and preference. Now, some of these, you may have already done. As for others you have never done before, go ahead. Try to do something different. In the process, you get to further heighten the experience by delving into something new.

Things You Can Do When High on Sativa

Indica strains are relaxing and excellent for resting during lazy days or in the evening when there are no other things to do. However, it is not everyones’ cup of tea. Like many others, you may prefer the invigorating high provided by Sativa strains. These are the types of weed that stimulate the brain, helping you focus and unleash your creativity. The euphoric rush that hits your head can quickly uplift your mood and wipe out stress.

Most of the time, you use a Sativa strain during the day. Besides getting your mind going, it can also energize you, motivate you to engage in physical activities. As you go through the list of things you can do, you are bound to see some activities you have never done before. “I could never do that while high,” you may even think. What you are going to find out is that you can do all these things. All you need to do is consume enough dosage to make you high but not utterly stoned.

For casual cannabis consumers, a couple of puffs (if smoking a joint made of a high-THC strain) is all it takes. It goes without saying that regular consumers may need a higher dose to attain the desired intensity of psychoactive effects.

If you are a beginner, do not worry. Start low, and only slowly increase your dose after you have assessed your tolerance. Over time, you will know the strength of Sativa strains you have tried and the right dosage. By the way, if you find yourself consuming cannabis on consecutive days, you should know that it builds up your THC tolerance. It means that you would need to increase the dosage to attain the same level of high, which is why a break is highly recommended.

Although this article is about what you can do while high, try to be mindful of what you should not do. For example, do not engage in activities that can be dangerous such as operating heavy machinery or driving a car while impaired or intoxicated.

Adapt these suggestions for your personal needs, and always observe proper safety practices. Many of the recommendations are directed toward daytime activities, and perfect for the weekend.

Are you ready?

Here are the top 10 things to do when you are high on a Sativa strain.

1. Go for a Walk

We don’t need to tell you how important exercise is, as everyone should know that by now. With all the things going on in 2021, a simple walk in nature can be an extraordinary reprieve, having recently been demonstrated in a study. A team of researchers discovered that spending time in nature produced benefits above and beyond exercising alone. Specifically, they found that spending at least 120 minutes in nature led to significant benefits for health and wellbeing (White et al., 2019).

Getting high on a Sativa strain and going for a walk is a beautiful way to get exercise and practice mindfulness. These benefits appear to get better when time is spent in nature. So go out and take a walk in the park or a trail. Whether in nature or not, going for a walk while high has all the benefits of exercising and makes the experience much more enjoyable.

2. Do Yoga, Stretching and Breathing Exercises

You can benefit from performing more self-care activities. Some people may be turned away by the idea of yoga or meditation. However, you do not have to follow set protocols or strict rules. The best thing you can do is go sit down in a comfortable spot. Take deep breaths and assess your body for soreness and tightness. If you find tense areas, move in ways that stretch it out. Once you feel a good stretch, maintain that position while you continue to breathe. Do this for 15 minutes a day, and you may just find your body feeling much healthier. It does not have to be more complicated than that unless you want it to be.

This yoga activity gets even better when high. Sativa strains, for instance, enhance your physical sensations and perceptions. It can help you focus on areas that you may otherwise ignore. You can even add some self-massage or foam-rolling to target those sore body parts. As you find yourself becoming more self-aware or falling into introspection, you are unwittingly calming your mind, body, and spirit.

3. Clean Your Home

Doing household chores tends to be a less-than-enjoyable experience. Smoking or vaping a Sativa strain, though, can give you the needed boost for you to get up and started. Even better, you may find that cleaning your home becomes far more pleasant with stimulating cerebral effects.

Once you are high, the euphoric high induced by cannabis makes the displeasurable act of cleaning more pleasurable. Try vacuum cleaning the house or washing dishes. You may find yourself getting more done than you ever realized you could do while high.

4. Make Some Healthy Food

Baking, while ‘baked’, presents many of the same benefits described above. Firstly, making healthy food is a rewarding activity that provides you with nutritious subsistence. Secondly, doing this activity while high helps enhance enjoyment through mindfulness. If you are trying this out for the first time, pick a meal you already know how to make. Once you build your confidence, you can start to explore new foods as well.

A tendency of using a Sativa strain is that it makes you feel hungry. Once the ‘munchies’ set in, you start having the urge to eat. Now, most people do end up eating junk food. Not for you, though, as you have already prepared healthy food – if you choose this activity.

5. Read a Book

Reading is not the first activity that comes to mind for many people, let alone for someone using cannabis. But a small dose of Sativa weed can provide a gentle lift for your mind, helping you visualize the things you are reading. It does not have to be a dense book or anything complicated. Grab a book you already love and give reading a try next time you get high. You may find yourself experiencing the novel more fully than ever before. Remember that one of the Sativa effects is boosting your creative thoughts. Besides, developing a reading habit while high is one of the best things you can do to ensure you are making the most of your cannabis and your mind.

6. Play Video, Card, or Board Games

In Canada, more people play games, much more so than ever before as attested by massive growth in sales of card and board games. Many of these games require focus and plenty of imagination. Now, these are also the benefits provided by Sativa strains.

You may find that learning a new game is more complicated, so start with a game that you know well. If you have friends over, sharing weed is – in itself – a pleasurable activity. Moreover, because you are all high and feeling good, it makes the whole whole environment so much more fun.

7. Write in Your Journal

Writing in a journal is not just for angsty teenagers, as adults can also benefit from this activity. Journaling while high can encourage more self-reflection and diverse thinking. A good Sativa strain can produce these effects while being stimulating enough to encourage thoughtful reflection.

Should you write?

In 2018, a randomized controlled trial showed writing in a daily journal decreased mental distress and increased well-being. Furthermore, the participants of this study experienced fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms while improving resilience (Smythe et al., 2018). So, yes. You should write as it helps you collect your thoughts, review your actions, and set new future goals.

8. Listen to Music

Something about cannabis makes listening to music that much sweeter. Whether you go with a classic favourite, a brand new album, or a live performance video – sound tripping is a delightful activity while high. In the process, you will understand why so many people attest to how being high helps them ‘hear’ music clearly, picking up specific instruments with clarity.

Are there music genres that are more fitting while you are high?

No. You can listen to classical music, rock, pop, any type of music. If unsure, pick songs that you already know or play random music. The next time you get high, grab your earphones and listen. Discover everything that music has to offer. Considering that many Sativa strains can evoke an introspective experience, you may get a better sense of the emotions behind the notes.

9. Unleash Your Creativity

Do you have any creative outlets in your life? If not, try to do some research and find something to try. A lot of people suffer from not having enough creativity in their lives, which might be why they crave so much TV. Better than watching something creative is being creative. The task itself does not matter. You can draw, write, paint, sculpt, build, or do just about anything, inspired by cannabis-induced creative juices.

The key for encouraging creativity with a Sativa strain was already highlighted earlier – dosage. Depending on the activity and your tolerance, you will want to start with a minimal dose. Be sure to prepare all your supplies beforehand, and then take one or two puffs of cannabis smoke or vapor. Get started on your task and wait at least 15 minutes before considering a second dose.

10. Spend Time Letting Your Mind Wander

One productive activity that you can do is mind wandering. Whether standing, sitting, walking, or laying down, all you have to do is turn off distractions and just let your mind wander. This is a great time to reflect on your actions, your goals in life, and so much more.

You may have noticed that the activities above can be combined in many ways. You can let your mind wander while you go on that walk or do those house chores. Sometimes it is best to focus on the task at hand, but you can also benefit from letting your mind process thoughts automatically. If you suffer from insomnia due to restless and racing minds, you may find this activity especially useful. Just like how you work your muscles to get them tired so you can sleep well, you can do the same by letting your brain get some exercise through mind wandering.

No Limits to What You Can Do But Be Safe

An excessive dose of cannabis might lead to a couch-lock, even for Sativa strains. On the other hand, a small dose is often more than enough for you to stay productive. Listen to music, watch a movie, take a walk, play games, have fun with art and craft, there are plenty of things you can do. The most important thing to remember is that you should avoid anything that poses a danger when you are high.

Remember that cannabis can alter cognitive and motor function. You can take advantage of the heightened sensations by engaging in creative activities, for example. But it can also be a disadvantage such as when driving a car when you may not be able to respond to emergency situations. At any rate, whichever activity you choose, you are bound to have more fun. So, go ahead and try some of the activities listed above.

Citations

Smyth, J. M., Johnson, J. A., Auer, B. J., Lehman, E., Talamo, G., & Sciamanna, C. N. (2018). Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mental health, 5(4), e11290. https://doi.org/10.2196/11290

White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3