Sativa is one of the two main classifications of cannabis plants and has its origins in Central and South East Asia and some parts of South America.
The Sativa plant was first classified by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753, he was a Swedish botanist who laid the foundations for the modern naming system used in science. He is also viewed as one of the fathers of modern day ecology.
Effects Of The Sativa Plant When Smoked
Notorious for its energy boosting capabilities, the sativa plant is great day time smoke and gives a well rounded high.
The sativa plant delivers an astonishing head high while leaving you with ample energy to complete whatever tasks you need to do. This can be a great smoke to encourage creative thought and can really help get your mind working in a creative manner.
However when smoked at night it can lead to mild insomnia due to the energetic nature of the sativa strains. To overcome this problem the patient could look for a sativa dominant hybrid which would provide the best of both worlds.
The Medicinal Capabilities Of The Sativa Plant
Phycological disorders, such as depression, are best treated with a sativa strain. The energy boost can help encourage positive activity, however some people do believe that landrace sativas can induce anxiety within the user.
This is not really a problem as there are not many sativa landraces that are publicly available for consumption. Most sativa strains are hybrids and contain some indica genes, this means very specific strains can be created and tailored to address specific medical problems.
The hybrid allows both the medicinal benefits from the sativa plant and the indica plant to work in harmony and the patient will also be aided by the uplifting nature of the sativa.
Here is a quote from Hilary Black of the British Columbia Compassion Society:
“Indica and Sativa are the two main varieties of the cannabis plant used as medicine. There are many strains that are crosses of those two varieties. Within each of those varieties and crosses there are a huge number of individual strains, each with a different cannabinoid profile and effect.
According to anecdotal evidence, the Indica strains are a relaxant, effective for anxiety, pain, nausea, appetite stimulation, sleep, muscle spasms and tremors, among other symptoms.
The Sativa strains are more of a stimulant, effective in appetite stimulation, relieving depression, migraines, pain and nausea. We are now aware of specific strains that are effective for specific conditions and symptoms.”
How To Spot A Sativa Plant
They are tall, thin plants, with very narrow leaves and have a distinct light green appearance. They grow very quickly and can reach a height of 20 feet in a single season. They originally come from Colombia, Mexico, Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Once flowering has begun, they can take anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks to fully mature and the buds that they produce have a flavor profile ranging from earthy to sweet and fruity.
Popular Sativa Strains
Acapulco Gold
Amnesia Haze
Shining Silver Haze
Haze Berry
Liberty Haze
Sour Diesel
Voodoo Haze
Purple Haze
Conclusion
Sativa strains offer a unique set of effects and benefits that distinguish them from other cannabis types. Their ability to enhance energy and creativity makes them a favorite among many cannabis users. As the legal landscape evolves, Sativa’s popularity is likely to continue growing, solidifying its place in both the recreational and medicinal cannabis markets.
FAQs
Q. What is the best time of day to use Sativa?
A. Sativa is best used during the day due to its stimulating effects.
Q. Can Sativa be used for sleep?
A. Due to its energizing effects, Sativa is not typically recommended for sleep. Indica strains are better suited for promoting relaxation and helping with insomnia.
