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AUTHOR: Mary L. Butler
Mary is a skilled writer well-versed in the nuances of cannabis strains. With a comprehensive understanding of various strains and their effects, Mary delivers engaging and informative content that caters to both novice enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Grounded in expertise and backed by years of experience, Mary’s writing embodies authority and reliability, ensuring valuable insights for readers seeking reliable information in the cannabis realm.
In the cannabis community, it’s all about sativa strains, cannabis indica strains, and hybrid strains. These types divide cannabis users, and there are strong opinions for all options.
But while all of them have merits, today we’ll be focusing on sativa plants. There are hundreds of sativa weed strains, but we’ll be looking at the best 9 pure sativa strains and sativa dominant strains.
If you want our recommendation, the best option overall, the sativa dominant strain that ticks all the boxes in terms of benefits, potency, flavor, difficulty, and flowering time, is Sour Diesel.
Though, we’ll go in-depth into each one so you can decide which one is right for you.
Top-rated Sativa Strains: Top Picks
Sour Diesel – Best Overall Sativa Seed (Guaranteed Germination)
Super Silver Haze – Best Option for Creativity & Energy
Durban Poison – Most Energizing Strain
Pineapple Express – Best Yield (Up to 2kg/Plant)
Chocolope – Strongest Sativa Strains 22% THC
Green Crack – Purest Sativa Seed
Strawberry Cough – Top Choice for Depression, Anxiety & Stress Relief
Super Lemon Haze – Most Delicious Citrus Aroma
Jack Herer – Shortest Flowering Time (7 Weeks)
While there are many cannabis sativa strains that are worthwhile and several online seed banks to check out, we managed to settle on the 9 best Sativa seeds from the most reputable seed banks.
1. Sour Diesel – Best Overall Sativa Seed Overall
Pros
19% THC
Diesel, skunky flavors
May help with stress, depression, and anxiety
Fast-acting & energizing
Moderate experience needed
Cons
Flowering time is 10+ weeks
Benefits and Effects 5/5
Sour Diesel sativa seeds have the potential to aid users in their fight against stress, depression, and anxiety. The strain’s effects are evident quickly, and you’ll feel the energizing sativa effects right away.
Its high THC levels will cause potent psychoactive effects and give you a cerebral high, thus making it ideal for daytime use and one of the most popular sativa strains.
Potency 4.9/5
If you’re interested in stimulating effects, this sativa dominant strain might be perfect for you thanks to its 19% THC levels.
Flavor & Aroma 4.8/5
The sativa strain has a diesel-like scent as well as skunky undertones. The pungent aroma is intense and hard to forget.
Growing Difficulty 4.9/5
While it’s not only fit for experienced cannabis users and growers, it requires moderate knowledge and expertise.
Flowering Time 4.8/5
It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but the average flowering time is 10 to 11 weeks indoors and a little longer outdoors. Outdoors it depends on environmental factors like climate and sunlight, so it’s easier to grow for indoor growers.
Where Can You Buy SourDiesel
This THC and CBD cannabis sativa strain is available at Seed Supreme.
Seed Supreme is one of the best online sellers where you can buy sativa seeds, but also indica plants, hybrids, and ruderalis seeds.
There are several reasons to shop for potent sativa strains here, but the main reasons are a 100% germination guarantee, free exotic weed seeds, and free shipping.
>>Check the best price for Sour Diesel at Seed Supreme
2. Super Silver Haze – Best Option for Creativity & Energy
Pros
21% THC
Haze, Skunk & Northern Lights lineage
Elaborate terpene profile
Spicy, herbal, and citrusy aroma
Improves creativity & energy
Cons
Susceptible to pests & diseases
Benefits and Effects 4.9/5
If you’re looking for sativa strains that have won several awards and have an impressively complex terpene profile then this is the one for you.
People who have tried this Sativa dominant strain report feeling energized and inspired to get creative. It has the potential to relieve stress, boost your mood, and even help you get more productive.
Potency 5/5
Giving a powerful and energetic body high, this strain is one of the high THC sativa strains and has a THC content of 21%.
Flavor & Aroma 4.8/5
If you grow Super Silver Haze seeds and smoke them you will see that they have spicy, herbal and citrus flavors with undertones of skunk.
Growing Difficulty 4.8/5
These sativa plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases than others so you need to be extra careful when cultivating them. Thus, it might be a bit harder for beginners, but it’s definitely a good option for intermediate growers.
Flowering Time 4.8/5
Flowering time takes approximately 9 to 10 weeks indoors.
Where Can You Buy Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze sativa seeds can be purchased at ILGM. They have plenty of other popular strains as well and some added perks that make it a great online vendor: weekly promotions, marijuana grow kits, free stealth shipping for US customers, and 14-day returns.
>>Check the best price for Super Silver Haze at ILGM
3. Durban Poison – Most Energizing Strain
Pros
19% THC
Easy to grow for beginners
Spicy, herbal, pine & sage aroma
Known as “espresso” as it’s highly energizing
Most users don’t have munchies when consuming it
Cons
Some users may experience paranoia
Benefits and Effects 4.9/5
Containing both THC and CBD (high THC and minimal CBD), this strain comes with a potent cerebral high and gives users energy as well as mental clarity.
Perfect for daytime use, its main effects are that it makes you energetic and focused and helps with stress and fatigue.
Potency 4.7/5
The energizing and uplifting effects of the strain come from the THC content of 19%.
Flavor & Aroma 4.8/5
The combination of spicy/herbal, pine, and sage flavors is soothing and refreshing.
Growing Difficulty 4.9/5
Easy to grow, even for inexperienced growers, it is a great starter strain.
Flowering Time 4.9/5
You will get chunky buds with thick coatings of trichomes and, in 8 to 9 weeks, indoors, the plant will flower.
Where Can You Buy Durban Poison
Durban Poison seeds can be purchased from Homegrown Cannabis Co., an online bank with a top reputation, 100% germination rate and free shipping for everyone.
>>Check the best price for Durban Poison at Homegrown Cannabis Co.
4. Pineapple Express – Best Yield (Up to 2kg/Plant)
Pros
20% THC
8 – 10 weeks flowering time
High yield, up to 2kg/plant
You’ll be chatty & happy
Refreshing tropical fruits flavor
Cons
Hard to grow for newbies
Benefits and Effects 4.7/5
This hybrid Sativa strain has an uplifting effect on users. It was named after the eponymous movie (quite funny, worth checking out), and combines the genetics of parent plants Trainwreck and Hawaiian.
You’ll get a balanced high, uplifted mood and more creativity.
Potency 4.9/5
You can expect strong effects and long-lasting energy, alertness and creativity thanks to its 20% THC content.
Flavor & Aroma 4.8/5
Citrus notes combine with pineapple and earthy pine flavors to give you a tropical sensory experience.
Growing Difficulty 4.7/5
While it gives you both quality and quantity, it’s not suited for beginners but it’s a great option for intermediate growers.
Flowering Time 4.9/5
Your saiva seeds will turn into resinous, dense buds and the flowering time will take about 8 to 10 weeks.
Where Can You Buy Pineapple Express
You’ll find it at Seedsman. With 20+ years of experience in the cannabis industry and over 650 different strains, you’ll for sure be able to buy marijuana seeds of all varieties.
You should have no issues, but if, for any reason, something is not right, you can use the highly detailed Returns Policy to your advantage.
>>Check the best price for Pineapple Express at Seedsman
5. Chocolope – Strongest Sativa Strains 22% THC
Pros
22% THC
Good fit for beginners
900g yield per plant
Works well for stress
Tasty coffee, nuts & chocolate flavor
Cons
High doesn’t last long
Benefits and Effects 4.7/5
Not a pure sativa strain, but very close; Chocolope is 95% sativa and 5% indica. It has mostly cerebral effects, with consumers reporting increased energy and creativity. It’s also said to work well for coping with stress and depression.
Potency 5/5
The super potent cerebral high with strong euphoric and psychoactive effects are all due to the fact that Chocolope has the highest THC level out of these top 9 best cannabis sativa strains – 22%.
Flavor & Aroma 4.7/5
If you want something delicious, Chocolope is a strong contender, as it tastes like coffee with nutty and chestnut undertones.
Growing Difficulty 4.8/5
Suitable for all experience levels, Chocolope is pretty easy to grow and it will also be an encouraging win for beginners thanks to its high yield and high resilience.
Flowering Time 4.8/5
The flowering time for Chocolope is of around 7 to 9 weeks.
Where Can You Buy Chocolope
Chocolope seeds can be bought at DNA Genetics. If you want the best possible experience with the most added perks, you should join their VIP program, it will surely help.
>>Check the best price for Chocolope at DNA Genetics
6. Green Crack – Best Pure Sativa Strain
Pros
Just 7 weeks flowering time
Makes users energetic, sociable & focused
Good option for fatigue and stress
Tangy & fruity flavor
Easy to grow, even for beginners
Cons
Only 17% THC
Benefits and Effects 4.6/5
Also known as “Green Crush” or “Mango Crack”, this one is a potent sativa strain beloved for its energizing and invigorating mental effects.
Green Crack seeds are made by combining Skunk #1 with an unknown indica which gives it the power to offer users energy and focus all through the day.
Potency 4.6/5
Not very strong compared to others on this list, this strain has 17% THC but still works to enhance productivity, creativity and mental clarity.
Flavor & Aroma 4.8/5
It’s tangy, fruity, and tastes a bit like mango.
Growing Difficulty 4.8/5
Quite easy to grow compared to other sativa strains, it should be a good choice for people of all levels of experience.
Flowering Time 5/5
The flowering time for this strain is particularly short, around 7 to 9 weeks, and you’ll produce dense and resinous buds.
Where Can You Buy GreenCrack
It’s available at Royal Queen Seeds, one of the largest and most appreciated online seed banks that boasts a 4.7-star rating out of 5 based on a whopping 37045 reviews.
>>Check the best price for Green Crack at Royal Queen Seeds
7. Strawberry Cough – Top Choice for Depression, Anxiety & Stress Relief
Pros
19% THC
The super tasty strawberry flavor
Cerebral high
It can be grown by beginners
Users say it’s good for depression, anxiety & stress
Cons
Plants have an average height
Benefits and Effects 4.9/5
If you’re looking to feel more energetic and chatty, have less stress and more euphoria then Strawberry Cough might be what you want.
Potency 4.7/5
Bringing you a cerebral high and plenty of euphoria, this strain has 19% THC.
Flavor & Aroma 4.6/5
The flavor profile is a combination of sweet and skunk with berry aromas.
Growing Difficulty 4.7/5
It’s not hard to cultivate and it’s quite resilient and responsive to topping, so even newbies should get positive results.
Flowering Time 4.7/5
You should expect it to flower in about 7 to 9 weeks.
Where Can You Buy Strawberry Cough
You’ll find it at Herbies Seeds where you’ll get the full and permanent attention of their exceptional customer support team.
>>Check the best price for StrawberryCough at Herbies Seeds
8. Super Lemon Haze – Most Delicious Citrus Aroma
Pros
Lively & energetic buzz
Lovely citrus flavor
Has won several High Times Cannabis Cups
19% THC
Moderate growing difficulty
Cons
10-12 weeks flowering
Benefits and Effects 4.5/5
Super Lemon Haze is an 80% Sativa and 20% Indica hybrid strain that’s beloved for its lively and energizing effects.
Potency 4.6/5
Super Lemon Haze has 19% THC and CBD 0%, so you can expect potent effects but mostly psychoactive ones.
Flavor & Aroma 4.9/5
Since it comes from the combination of Lemon Skunk and SuperSilver Haze, Super Lemon Haze has notes of lemon, citrus, and lime.
Growing Difficulty 4.7/5
It’s moderately challenging to grow Super Lemon Haze, so it requires some experience.
Flowering Time 4.6/5
The reason for which you need some experience to cultivate it is that it has some specific environmental needs and a longer flowering time (10 to 12 weeks).
Where Can You Buy Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is available for purchase at MSNL Seeds where you also get free seeds with every order so you get to try more strains in the process.
>>Check the best price for Super Lemon Haze at MSNL Seeds
9. Jack Herer – Shortest Flowering Time (7 Weeks)
Pros
7-9 weeks flowering
Moderately psychoactive
Stimulating and uplifting effects
Famous parents: Haze, Northern Lights &Shiva Skunk
If grown outside, better yield and taller plants
Cons
Needs dry climate
Benefits and Effects 4.7/5
Named in honor of the renowned cannabis activist Jack Herer, this cannabis strain offers a clear-headed high with tons of energy and creativity.
Potency 4.6/5
With 18% THC, it will enhance your mood and make you more creative but its not overwhelming.
Flavor & Aroma 4.6/5
Thanks to its famous parent plants (Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk) it has a spicy and pine flavor and aroma.
Growing Difficulty 4.6/5
Cultivating Jack Herer isn’t suited for beginners as it has some specific needs that need to be fulfiled to have a successful harvest.
Flowering Time 4.7/5
The resinous buds will flower in about 7 weeks, which means that you’ll be enjoy it in no time!
Where Can You Buy Jack Herer
You can buy Jack Herer seeds from WeedSeedsExpress, where you get super in-depth information on all strains and constant special offers to get cheap sativa dominant strains.
>>Check the best price for Jack Herer at WeedSeedsExpress
What Is Sativa?
Sativa is one of the two primary classifications of cannabis plants, alongside Indica. It holds a distinct place in the world of cannabis culture and consumption.
Sativa strains are typically popular for their unique characteristics, effects, and medicinal benefits, making them a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.
Characteristics of Sativa Strains
Sativa plants are distinguished by their tall, slender stature, with elongated leaves and airy foliage.
They thrive best in warm climates and can reach impressive heights, making them ideal for outdoor cultivation.
Compared to Indica varieties, Sativa strains typically have longer flowering cycles and produce more energizing effects.
Cannabinoid and Terpene Composition
When it comes to the overall cannabinoid content, Sativa strains often contain higher levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) compared to CBD (cannabidiol).
This composition contributes to their psychoactive properties and uplifting effects.
What’s more, Sativa strains boast a diverse array of terpenes, aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct scent and flavor of cannabis, often evoking fruity, floral, or spicy notes.
Appearance and Growth Traits
Visually, Sativa plants stand out with their towering heights and sparse foliage. They tend to have elongated buds and loose, airy structures.
When you cultivate them indoors, Sativa strains may require more vertical space and regular pruning to help manage their growth.
However, their resilience and adaptability make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Sativa strains are often favored for their vibrant aroma and flavor profiles, often reminiscent of tropical fruits, citrus, pine, and exotic spices.
When consumed, you will notice a smooth and uplifting smoking experience, complemented by their distinct flavor palette.
The aromatic bouquet of Sativa varieties enhances the overall sensory experience, appealing to cannabis connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
>>Check the best price for Sour Diesel at Seed Supreme
Factors to Consider When Choosing Strong Sativa Strains
When selecting Sativa strains, make sure you consider several factors to ensure an optimal cannabis experience.
Factors such as THC potency, terpene profile, and desired effects play a crucial role in choosing the right strain.
If you are seeking a potent Sativa experience, opt for strains with high THC content and energizing effects.
Desired Effects and Therapeutic Benefits
Sativa strains offer a wide range of medical benefits, making them popular for both recreational and medicinal use.
The energizing effects of Sativa varieties make them ideal for daytime consumption, providing users with a burst of creativity, productivity, and clarity.
Moreover, Sativa strains are valued for their potential to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain, and fatigue, promoting a sense of well-being and positivity.
Responsible Use and Dosage Guidelines
When it comes to taking cannabis, responsible consumption is key. Responsible cannabis use involves understanding dosage guidelines and consuming Sativa strains in moderation.
If you are new to cannabis, make sure you start with low doses and gradually increase as needed to avoid adverse reactions.
It’s essential to be mindful of individual tolerance levels and refrain from excessive consumption to maintain a positive and enjoyable cannabis experience.
Availability and Legal Considerations
The availability of Sativa strains varies depending on legal frameworks and regional laws governing cannabis cultivation and consumption.
In regions where cannabis is legal for recreational or medicinal use, consumers have access to a diverse selection of Sativa strains through licensed dispensaries, online retailers, and local growers.
However, it’s crucial to adhere to local regulations and purchase cannabis products from reputable sources to ensure quality and compliance.
Personal Preferences and Tolerance
Personal preferences play a significant role in selecting the right Sativa strain.
Whether seeking a potent cerebral experience, therapeutic relief, or enhanced creativity, understanding individual preferences and tolerance levels helps in choosing the perfect strain.
Experimenting with different Sativa varieties allows users to discover their preferred aroma, flavor, and effects.
Sativa vs. Indica Strains
Understanding the differences between Indica and Sativa strains is essential for cannabis consumers seeking tailored experiences and outcomes.
Sativa
Sativa strains, originating from equatorial regions, are characterized by their tall, slender structures and airy foliage.
These plants thrive in warm climates with long growing seasons, producing elongated buds and vibrant, uplifting effects.
Sativa varieties are prized for their energizing and cerebral stimulation, offering users a burst of creativity, focus, and productivity.
With their invigorating properties, Sativa strains are favored for daytime use, providing a natural alternative for alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue while promoting a sense of well-being and positivity.
Indica
In contrast, Indicas, hailing from cooler climates such as the Hindu Kush mountain range, exhibit compact, bushy growth patterns with broad leaves and dense, resinous buds.
These plants have evolved to withstand harsher conditions and shorter growing seasons, resulting in deep physical relaxation and sedative effects.
Indica varieties induce a profound sense of tranquility and couch-lock, making them ideal for evening or nighttime consumption.
Renowned for their therapeutic benefits, Indica strains offer relief from insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation, and stress-related conditions, promoting restful sleep and deep relaxation.
>>Check the best price for Sour Diesel at Seed Supreme
Benefits of Sativa Strains
Consuming sativa, either same strain over and over, or a different one every time, high THC and CBD low or the other way around, has plenty of benefits for your overall well-being.
Uplifting and Energetic Effects
One of the key benefits of Sativa strains is their ability to provide users with a sense of upliftment and energy.
Sativa varieties are known for their stimulating effects, which can help combat fatigue, lethargy, and low motivation. [1]
Whether starting the day or needing a midday boost, Sativa strains offer a natural way to increase energy levels and promote alertness without inducing sedation.
Creative and Productive Stimulation
Sativa strains are revered for their capacity to stimulate creativity and enhance productivity. The cerebral effects of Sativa varieties can spark inspiration, unlock new ideas, and fuel artistic endeavors. [2]
Whether engaging in creative pursuits, brainstorming sessions, or problem-solving tasks, Sativa strains provide users with clarity and focus conducive to innovation and productivity.
Mood Enhancement and Stress Relief
Another significant benefit of Sativa strains is their potential to enhance mood and alleviate stress. The uplifting effects of Sativa varieties can elevate mood, promote feelings of euphoria, and combat symptoms of anxiety and depression. [3]
By stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, Sativa strains offer a natural mood boost and emotional upliftment, fostering a sense of well-being and positivity.
Medicinal Applications
Sativa strains offer a wide range of medicinal applications, making them valuable for managing various health conditions and improving overall well-being.
The energizing and mood-enhancing effects of Sativa varieties can provide relief from symptoms of chronic pain, migraines, and inflammation.
Additionally, Sativa strains are effective in alleviating symptoms of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, offering patients a natural alternative to traditional medications with fewer side effects. [4]
Potential Side Effects
While Sativa strains offer numerous benefits, users should be aware of potential side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth and eyes and increased heart rate.
Tips for Growing Sativa or Sativa-Dominant Cannabis
For those interested in cultivating Sativa strains, here are some essential tips for a successful growing experience:
Control the Height
Cannabis Sativa plants can grow tall quickly, so implementing training techniques like topping, pruning, or trellising helps manage their height and maximize yield.
Choose the Right Strain
Select Sativa weed strains suited to your growing environment, considering factors such as climate, space, and lighting requirements.
Harvest at the Right Time
Monitor trichome development and flowering stages to determine the optimal time for harvesting cannabis sativa, ensuring peak potency and flavor.
Feed Lightly and Frequently
Sativas benefit from regular feeding with balanced nutrients to support vigorous growth and optimal health.
Provide Enough Light
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, Sativa strains require ample sunlight or artificial lighting for robust photosynthesis and flowering.
>>Check the best price for Sour Diesel at Seed Supreme
How We Chose the Best Cannabis Sativa Strains
In selecting the best Sativa strains, we considered several factors:
Strain Reputation
We prioritized Sativa strains with established reputations for potency, quality, and consistency.
Focus and Concentration
Strains renowned for enhancing focus, concentration, and cognitive function were given preference.
Calming Effects
Despite their energizing properties, we highlighted Sativa strains with calming effects to mitigate potential anxiety or restlessness.
High THC Sativa
We included strains with elevated THC levels to cater to users seeking intense psychoactive experiences.
Enhancing Creativity Effects
Sativa strains known for stimulating creativity, imagination, and artistic expression were featured prominently.
FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Sativa strains:
Are There Any 100% Sativa Strains?
Green Crack is 100% pure sativa. There are a few other pure Sativa strains exist, but most commercial varieties are hybrids bred for specific traits, combining Sativa and Indica genetics.
Can Sativa Strains Be Used for Medical Purposes?
Yes, Sativa strains offer various medicinal benefits, including pain relief, mood enhancement, and stress reduction, making them suitable for medical use.
Is Sativa an Upper or Downer?
Sativa strains are considered “uppers” due to their stimulating and energetic effects, contrasting with the sedative properties of Indicas.
What Is the Strongest Strain of Sativa?
Chocolope is the strongest sativa strain with 22% THC content.
What Is the Best Sativa Strain for Beginners?
For novice users, Sativa strains with balanced THC and CBD ratios and milder effects, such as Durban Poison or Lemon Haze strains, are recommended.
What’s the Best Sativa Strain for Me? Final Thoughts
Whether seeking creative inspiration, therapeutic relief, or recreational enjoyment, exploring different Sativa varieties allows users to discover their ideal cannabis experience.
With careful consideration and responsible use, Sativa strains offer a gateway to enhanced creativity, productivity, and well-being for cannabis fans worldwide.
We recommend Sour Diesel as the ultimate sativa cannabis seeds to grow and use as they tick all the boxes of a classic sativa.
Choosing the best strain ultimately depends on individual preferences, tolerance levels, and desired effects!
References:
Gamage TF, Lichtman AH. The endocannabinoid system: role in energy regulation. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2012 Jan;58(1):144-8. doi: 10.1002/pbc.23367. PMID: 22076835; PMCID: PMC3696506.
Kowal MA, Hazekamp A, Colzato LS, van Steenbergen H, van der Wee NJ, Durieux J, Manai M, Hommel B. Cannabis and creativity: highly potent cannabis impairs divergent thinking in regular cannabis users. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Mar;232(6):1123-34. doi: 10.1007/s00213-014-3749-1. Epub 2014 Oct 7. PMID: 25288512; PMCID: PMC4336648.
Stanciu CN, Brunette MF, Teja N, Budney AJ. Evidence for Use of Cannabinoids in Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD: A Systematic Review. Psychiatr Serv. 2021 Apr 1;72(4):429-436. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000189. Epub 2021 Feb 3. PMID: 33530732; PMCID: PMC8857699.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. 4, Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
The news and editorial staff of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.