Tall stature, energizing effect, and thin-toed leaves: these are the typical qualities of sativa marijuana strains. They generally produce large crops and are consumed during the day for their stimulating and cerebral effects. THC is not the only one that produces this characteristic. These strains also produce invigorating terpenes that are synergistically related to their cannabinoid profiles.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
A SATIVA PLANT
The growth and appearance characteristics of Sativa are noticeably different from Indica.
-
Sativas are reminiscent of tall trees, in sharp contrast to the bushy and short Indica. Fast vertical growth, wide knot gaps, and longer leaves with lighter colors are Sativa qualities.
-
It's hard to mistake a bright green, stretched Sativa for a dark, robust Indica. In flowering, the differences between the two species are even more noticeable.
-
Sativas will continue to gain height during their long flowering cycle, which can exceed 16 weeks in original pure Sativa strains.
​
-
Without pruning, they can shoot skyward and stretch a lot during flowering. Outdoors you can grow monsters taller than 3m under the right conditions. Sativa leaves, in addition to being slender, tend to have many more leaflets than Indica leaves. In Sativa, it is common to find leaves of 9 and 11 leaflets.
​
-
Sativa strains have been crossed with Indica to reduce flowering times and increase bud production. It is true that pure Sativa strains can produce limited yields and unattractive buds for the modern consumer. The dense Indica cola is the thing to do.
-
Modern Sativa dominant hybrids are still taller than Indica strains, but the buds are now much denser and the yields more generous. Although not yet as compact as Indica buds, the 21st-century Sativa flower has nothing to do with the loose, seedy, steam-filled 70s Sativa material.
​​
-
Production and appearance have been significantly improved without losing the unique effects of Sativa. In addition, selective breeding and hybridization have significantly reduced the duration of the flowering stage.
​​
-
These days, any good-quality bud usually has a rich layer of resin. Sativa strains tend to withstand humidity better, and the looser calyx structure allows for greater ventilation and resistance to mold.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SATIVA?
-
The high of sativa is cerebral and very lively. For some, the tremendous high of sativa may be too intense and the more sedating effects of indica may be a more suitable alternative. For most recreational users, sativa is considered top-notch brain stuff.
-
In simple terms, indica is for nighttime smoking and sativa is for daytime. A potent indica will be your passport to dreamland, while daytime creative pursuits are amplified by extreme sativa. Pure sativa strains and some sativa hybrids contain little CBD. Nothing compensates for the effect of THC and unlike indica, the consumer hardly appreciates that typical drowsiness.
-
The most potent sativa dominant strains, with high THC levels, can have buds that look a lot like indica, but the effects are completely opposite. Sativa is a treat for the brain while indica relaxes the body and leaves the consumer exhausted on the couch.
