Common weed wisdom usually separates cannabis into two different kinds of high: the more cerebral, uplifting high of sativas, and the more sedating, body-centered high of indicas. While that categorization is rooted in some fact (as well as centuries of accumulated experience), scientific research points to it being a bit of an oversimplification. 

Is there really a difference between indica and sativa? Absolutely! 

Though it might not be the exact difference you think...

The Basics

Today, cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are regarded as the two main subspecies of the cannabis plant. However, that was not always the case.

One of the earlier writings on cannabis taxonomy, dating back to the 1500s in Germany, grouped hemp into two distinct categories — what the author, botanist, and physician Leonhart Fuchs, referred to as domesticated (or “sativa”) cannabis and wild cannabis. 

The classification of plants as either sativa or indica doesn’t begin until the late 1700’s when French biologist Jean Baptiste Lamarck allegedly coined the term “indica.” In 1785, his Encyclopédie Méthodique, Botanique proposed the existence of this new subspecies which he had identified from samples sent to him from India. In his entry on indica, he wrote:

“The principal effect of this plant consists of going to the head, disrupting the brain, where it produces a sort of drunkenness that makes one forget one’s sorrows, and produces a strong gaiety.” 

 

Modern understandings of the differences between sativa and indica haven’t evolved an enormous amount since Lamarck was writing. We know that physically, indica plants are typically shorter, with broad, dark green leaves while sativa plants are taller and have thin, pale green leaves. Genetically, indicas tend to have a higher amount of CBD, while sativas tend to have a higher amount of THC.

And that really sums up the major, scientifically accepted differences in the strains. Out of those differences have developed the more folksy (and less research-based wisdom) that sativas will get you ready for a deep conversation about the universe, while indicas are better for binging cartoons on the couch.

CBD and THC

Lamarck’s categorization of indica vs. sativa was mainly based on the plant’s physical attributes (height, leaf size, etc.), but modern research tells us that predicting the high of a given strain is much more about a plant’s chemical makeup than its appearance. Neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher Dr Ethan Russo wrote on the subject, “one cannot in any way currently guess the biochemical content of a given cannabis plant-based on its height, branching, or leaf morphology.”

The amount and balance of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a given strain is a much better predictor for the kind of high you will get. A higher amount of CBD will more likely produce a mellow high, while a higher amount of THC will more likely produce a more energetic high.

Indicas do typically have more CBD, and sativas typically have more THC — but it is not a hard and fast rule.

In addition, while the interaction between THC and CBD is one of the main factors in predicting the effect of a given strain of cannabis, it is far from the only factor. There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in various strains of cannabis, of which CBD and THC are only two. These other cannabinoids also can have an effect on a strain’s high.

Terpenes

Then there are terpenes — compounds that are largely responsible for a strain’s aroma but also thought to co-mingle with the other active compounds to affect the overall high of a strain. Terpenes may be one reason why two strains with the same amount of THC and CBD might have totally different effects when smoked. For example, a terpene called myrcene is known to have a sedative effect while another, called limonene is known for lifting mood and energy levels (as well as for having a citrus aroma). Another terpene, alpha-pinene, may be responsible for counteracting THC-induced short-term memory loss. 

These various interactions are often referred to as the “entourage effect” — a kind of compounding of effects that make predicting the high of given strains much harder than simply knowing if it is an indica or sativa.

Beyond that, the effect of a specific strain of cannabis will differ from person to person — the same way that alcohol and caffeine will affect different people in different ways. The same cup of coffee might give you the jitters or while someone else doesn’t feel the effects at all. Likewise, a user’s genetic profile will influence their reaction to THC, CBD, and cannabis in general.

There is still a long way to go to understanding cannabis and the different effects of various strains. 

Why don’t we have a better understanding of the different kinds of strains of cannabis and their potential effects? For one thing, both scientific and agricultural research into cannabis has been largely curtailed by the US government. Cannabis's long time classification by the government as a schedule 1 substance has made cannabis hard to study in a formal setting. Because of that, and the informal nature of the weed economy for most of its history, classifications and “research” have been left more to users, growers, and even dealers — to describe how a given strain affects someone.

In an interview with VICE, Sean Myles, a professor of agricultural genetic diversity at Dalhousie University and co-author of a 2015 study about cannabis genetics, summed up where modern science seems to leave the indica/sativa conversation:

“We may loosely call things "indica" or "sativa," and that's a fair rule of thumb for describing their physical traits and psychoactive effects. But since nobody was keeping track of marijuana with the methods of a modern agriculturist some 5,000 years ago, we don't know what a "pure" sativa or indica really is, DNA-wise, he said. Who's to say what the defining characteristics of a pure sativa or indica really are?”

So, the next time you find a strain you like, make note of the balance between THC and CBD and use that as a good starting point for choosing your next one. With that information in hand, don’t feel like you need to stay loyal to indica or sativa — feel free to branch out!

 

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Do you ever find yourself working your butt off at work or cramming for a test the night before realizing how badly you need a delightful weed break? You want to take a few quick rips from the bowl in your pocket but you think I don’t really want to get too stoned, lose focus, and relax too much. It is easy for cannabis enthusiasts to fall into stereotypes of the lazy/too chill smoker from your favorite stoner film. Alas, the answer becomes clear – you just need an awesome, dare you say, best sativa strain of all time. A sativa strain to get you socializing, energized, and uplifted in no time. 

The Sativa

Sativa dominant strains of cannabis offer a lot of terms of being a functional stoner. The sativa effect works to boost energy, increase focus, and raise creativity levels. Sativas have an added benefit of increasing serotonin helping to treat medical conditions such as depression, chronic pain, and anxiety.

As anxiety crosses your mind, you remember someone once saying, “Sativas freak me out”. Sativa strains are more prone to cause paranoia in less experienced users. But, breathe in with a sigh of relief as we find you the best sativa strains of all time based on levels of energy and for those with anxiety issues.

Best Sativa Strains for Dealing with Anxiety

Best to start here as later sativas in this list might not be for you.

Blue Dream

As the name entails, Blue Dream enters with a full body calm and gentle cerebral invigoration. BD packs a powerful buzz without rendering yourself too high. The strain offers swift relief without a feeling of being sedated.

Maui Wowie

Ah yes, a true classic. Mauie Wowie swipes the senses with tropical flavors and mellow island vibes. The strain dispels stress with a high energy euphoria. Maui Wowie sends you straight to absolute paradise, keeping you surfing for hours.

Chocolope

Sweet, sweet Chocolope, every bit as delicious as the name implies. Being a cross of Chocolate Thai and Cannalope haze, Chocolope gives a sweet coffee taste with sweet after tones. This delightful strain offers dreamy euphoric cerebral shifts and will leave you grinning all day long.

Strawberry Cough

Before we leave the candy shop, Strawberry Cough is another mild sativa offering a lot in terms of taste and smell. Exceptionally delicious, SC is surrounded by fragrant berry scents and berry flavors. Strawberry Cough will leave you happy-go-lucky as you sweeten your day.

Best Sativa Strains for Creativity

Now for those without the worry of anxiety/paranoia, let’s look at heavier hitting sativa strains for those seeking creativity.

Sour Diesel

Incredibly popular, Sour Diesel is a 90% sativa dominant strain. Sour Diesel is full of citrus flavor and gassy smells. This fast-acting sativa is great for an all-day bake of creativity. Sour diesel is a long-lasting strain that will leave you stress-free and relieve pain.

Purple Haze

A well-known favorite of musician Jimi Hendrix, Purple Haze is absolutely legendary. The strain is covered in vibrant, purple hairs with sweet hints of berry and spice. Disorienting and psychedelic, Purple Haze offers creative inspiration with an enjoyable sensory experience all in your brain.

Alaskan Thunder Fuck

Excuse our language but Alaskan Thunder Fuck is an absolute legend. Though tracking it down is decently tricky. ATF is absolutely gorgeous with extremely large buds and a glistening, frosty exterior. This sativa strain will leave you with a great heady, creative buzz.

Golden Goat

With the "Midas touch," Golden Goat gleams with a beauty you’d swear was actually gold. The GG scent is known to be sweet, spicy, and sour. The flavor is enchantingly tropical. The high is strong and able to be felt from head to toe. Golden Goat is clear-headed and creative.

Best Sativa Strains for Energy

Last but certainly not least, for those who need a nice jolt, we will thoroughly examine the best sativa strains of all time, for energy specifically.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is named after the well known Emperor of Cannabis. Jack Herer is a cross between Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. The strain is extremely potent usually being between 15-24% THC. With a spicy aroma, JH has an enhancing ability with no massive comedown.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express will, simply put, make your day better. The satisfying sativa has an astonishingly thrilling smell, comparable to an apple or mango. The taste is as close to pineapple, pine, and cedar as you can get. Pineapple Express has a long-lasting, energetic high while heightening the sense to the fullest.

Durban Poison

Forget your morning coffee? Durban Poison covers the gap like a shot of espresso. The sativa strain hits hard and remains powerful from start to finish. Side effects may include: being productive, the need to explore, energy, and uplifting thoughts/feelings for hours.

Moby Dick

Thar she blows! Like Captain Ahab’s obsession, Moby Dick is an absolute sight to be seen. The sativa strain is a cross between Haze and White Widow, with THC levels often reaching up to 27%. The smell is an intoxicating citrus one and the flavor is one of sweetness with hints of vanilla. Moby Dick is euphoric, body numbing, and sometimes even trippy. Moby Dick will provide focus and energy as you hunt your white whale all voyage long. Great for adventures.

Green Crack

Don’t let the name fool you, this sativa is 100% energizing marijuana. Green Crack is the definition of pure energy and focus. The strain has mango flavors and smells potent enough to fill a room. Green Crack has a super surge of cerebral effects and sharpened focus. Green Crack is a great daytime strain helping fight fatigue and stress.

Hopefully, by now, you will have found the perfect sativa for your needs. Allowing you to feel sufficiently able to plow right through your day. By looking at the best sativa strains of all time, you will know which sativa strain feels right for you.

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