What to know about Sativa effects vs. Indica

There are two types of experiences people report from cannabis. One is a “head high” or a cerebral high, while the other is often described as more of a body high. Most people describe the effects of Sativa strains as a cerebral experience, and their minds feel stimulated and elevated.*

Indica is often described as more of a body high; many people find the effects of indica to be relaxing or sedating. They like to find a place to get comfortable and enjoy the effects of Indica while engaging in sedentary activity, like reading or watching a movie. Indica is also commonly used to support better sleep.*

The difference is night and day — literally. People who use cannabis throughout the day commonly choose a Sativa strain for the morning and daytime hours and an Indica strain for the evening hours. There will always be exceptions to the rule, depending on how a particular strain affects someone. There are daytime Indica users and nighttime Sativa users, although they’re in the minority.*

Top 7 Sativa Strains

What does Sativa do to you?

Sativa strains are believed to support a specific set of effects, but they may not work the same for everyone. Most people find Sativa strains to be energizing, euphoric, and focus-enhancing. Effects may vary from strain to strain because each strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profile is slightly different.*

The effects of Sativa are also largely influenced by the THC content — levels of THC dictate the plant’s total psychoactive capabilities. The more THC a strain of cannabis contains, the more powerful and psychoactive its effects will be. Experienced cannabis users tend to gravitate toward high-THC strains, and new cannabis users usually have more positive experiences with low-THC strains.*

Different strains will vary in their cannabinoid content — Sativa strains high in cannabidiol (CBD) may have more modest effects, and CBD can also mitigate some of the effects of THC by preventing it from binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Diverse cannabinoid content, such as a product with CBD, CBN, and THC may reduce the psychoactive impact without sacrificing the benefits of THC.*

The only way to know for sure how Sativa will impact you is to try a small milligram amount for yourself. These are commonly reported benefits and effects that many people experience when they use Cannabis sativa, without abusing the substance. 

How to try Sativa

If you’re new to Sativa or THC products, start slow. A good starting serving size for most beginners is about 2.5–5 mg of THC. This allows you to experience how your body responds before increasing your amount.

One important factor to consider is bioavailability — the percentage of cannabinoids your body can actually absorb and use. 

Bioavailability changes depending on the method you choose:

• Smoking or vaping : Effects can be felt within minutes because cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the lungs. However, these methods can have harmful effects.
• Gummies and other edibles : These need to be digested first, so onset may take 30-90 minutes.
• Water soluble formulas : Designed for quicker absorption, these can begin working within 15-30 minutes.

It’s important to be patient and avoid taking more before the initial sativa onset occurs — adding more too soon can make the experience more intense than intended.

Once the effects begin, you’ll likely notice a gradual build toward the peak — usually within 30-60 minutes for inhalation methods, and one or two hours for edibles. Sativa peak effects are often described as uplifting, clear-headed, and creatively stimulating, with a brightening of mood and focus.*

What are the benefits of sativa?

Energy support

While the consensus among cannabis users is that Indica strains make them sleepy, many people find that Cannabis sativa is a better option for daytime THC use. People who use Sativa may find that they feel invigorated, creative, euphoric, and productive.* 

Sativa strains are heavily stimulating to the endocannabinoid system. THC stimulates the CB1 receptors in the brain, which may include energizing, feel-good energy.*

Part of this energy support may also come from the terpenes in Sativa cannabis. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that occur in natural botanicals, fruits and herbs — the compounds responsible for the wellness effects of aromatherapy. 

Some terpenes, like citrusy limonene, may help people feel energized. If the scent of orange juice gets you up and moving in the morning, limonene will likely have energy-boosting effects for you.*

May support emotional wellness

People tend to use Sativa as a pick-me-up when they need a positive emotional boost or a creative edge.*

A THC Sativa experience can cause synaptic plasticity, meaning the interaction in the brain can cause different neural pathways to arise. Because of this, many people use Sativa when engaging in their preferred creative outlets.

A creative outlet paired with a smart serving of Sativa can enhance emotional wellbeing — allowing users an expressive state to work through their feelings and inspire positivity. 

Terpenes may also have the ability to modulate mood through aromatherapy. When you inhale a scent, it stimulates your olfactory system. Your olfactory system is tethered to your limbic system, which regulates your emotion. Some terpenes, like those found in Cannabis sativa, can help to support uplifted feelings.*

Terpenes like myrcene, the most abundant terpene in cannabis, can have soothing effects. This terpene smells very warm and earthy, like cloves, thyme, eucalyptus, and bay leaves. Myrcene is one of the many important terpenes responsible for giving cannabis its distinct aroma and wellness attributes.*

May help with feelings of productivity

Artists, musicians, creative professionals, and creative hobbyists often turn to Cannabis sativa for a boost of productivity. They claim that sativa inspires their thought processes and allows them to think outside of the box. They may experiment with new concepts or techniques that improve their productivity.

Sativa strains are also used to improve focus. Some people say that Cannabis sativa allows them to narrow their concentration and attention to a single activity at a time, blocking out distractions that can make it difficult to accomplish their goals.