Cannabis originated centuries ago among ancient cultures who used it for religious purposes and herbal remedies. It wasn’t until 1753 that Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus classified Cannabis Sativa, a species of cannabis that grew in countries near the equator including Mexico, Colombia, and Thailand.
What is Cannabis Sativa?
Different from Cannabis Indica that was classified in 1785, cannabis sativa flourished in warm and humid climates that had long daylight hours and plentiful sunshine. Sativa plants can grow anywhere between eight to twelve feet and beyond. Unlike the broad and wide leaves of indica plants, cannabis sativa has long and narrow leaves. Sativa flower buds tend to be longer and looser than indica buds.
Sativa plants can take ten to sixteen weeks to flower and can produce wispy, orange, red, and brown hairs throughout the bud. The fluffy and sparse buds allow for better airflow to reduce the risk of fungus that can be found in humid conditions along the equator. For this reason, many sativa strains will weigh less than indica strains.
What are the Effects of Sativa?
Effects are subjective since each person will react differently to Sativa strains of cannabis. Each person has a unique endocannabinoid system, like your own fingerprint, so this will play a part in how cannabis effects you.
In General, users of sativa strains say they use it for the energetic, cerebral, and uplifting effects. Sativa strains are traditionally used in the daytime to improve productivity and creativity. Users have said that “it is ideal to loosen up during social situations or just to relieve stress.” The chemical compounds in sativa have been used to stimulate the mind, increase focus, and heighten senses.
It is important to point out that not all sativa strains affect everyone similarly, all marijuana strains are biphasic, meaning small and large doses have opposing effects. Micro-dosing sativa strains can make a person feel invigorated, relaxed, and carefree, while consuming too much can increase paranoia, anxiety, and dry mouth.
Medicinal Effects of Sativa Strains
Medicinal patients have used the cerebral and energizing effects of sativa strains to relieve pain, inflammation, mood disorders, fatigue, nausea, and ADHD. The high concentration of the psychoactive THC compound produces an increase in dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s pleasure and reward center. Sativa strains can improve alertness, concentration, and focus making them worthwhile choices for ADHD patients.
What are Sativa-Dominant Strains?
Many of the current cannabis strains are a hybrid strain containing sativa and indica genetics. Some strains are more well-balanced while others are considered either sativa-dominant or indica-dominant strains. Sativa-dominant strains affect everyone differently, but give cannabis users their signature cheerful and stimulating effects with a pleasant body high due to the indica genetics of the hybrid strain.
While the classification of strains has become blurry over the years, cannabis sativa strains have been characterized by a unique plant and flower morphology that differs from indica strains. Depending on the desired effects or medicinal purpose, cannabis users will need to research and test different strains for themselves.