Sativa (Cannabis sativa)

Sativa plants often originate from equatorial regions, like Thailand, Mexico, and Colombia, and they can grow quite tall with a longer flowering period. They have a thin-fingered foliage and their bud structure is less dense. They also produce a different terpene profile than indicas—think citrusy, hazy, piney aromas.

While sativa may be marketed as the espresso shot of the cannabis world, that’s marketing b.s. Not every sativa will energize (nor will every indica sedate). The effects vary according to the plant’s chemotype (its specific mix of compounds) and a person’s individual reaction.

That said, dispensaries frequently do label sativa strains as invigorating and for daytime-use.

Medically, sativas (or sativa-dominant hybrids) may be used to address conditions, like depression or fatigue, when simply getting through the day is important, as they tend to have less of a sedative impact. Some sensitive individuals, however, may experience anxiety if the sativa is very high in THC.

The effects of a good sativa are often quite different from the body-heavy relaxation of indicas.

Fun taxonomic trivia: when Linnaeus coined Cannabis sativa in 1753, he was referring to hemp grown in Europe—not the buzzy stuff you know today.

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