Sativa

What is cannabis sativa?
Cannabis sativa is a sub-species of the cannabis plant, with its low-THC varieties used to make industrial hemp products and its higher-THC strains used for recreational and medical marijuana. Sativa effects are generally stimulating, uplifting, and are often described as a “head” high.

What is sativa good for?
A sativa high helps direct focus and increase productivity. Due to their uplifting nature, sativa marijuana strains are often recommended for people battling depression. They’re also excellent for those with ADHD and can help stimulate appetite in those with HIV/AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

What Are the Effects of Sativa?

The reason a sativa high is described as a “head” high is because unlike indica (where the effects are felt mostly in the body), sativa marijuana strains cause a high that’s felt mostly in the brain. A sativa high tends to be more hallucinogenic than the one brought on by indica strains.
Some describe sativa effects as an uplifting infusion of creative energy. While indica strains make people feel calm and relaxed, sativa makes them want to get off of the couch, clean, paint, dance, create something, or do something constructive. Cannabis sativa is typically recommended for daytime use, as these strains may interrupt the ability to settle down and sleep at night.

People who are prone to feeling anxious when they smoke should avoid strong sativas or seek out a sativa-dominant hybrid that will feature indica characteristics to counterbalance the effects. Those who would like to feel energized and focused without being anxious or jittery may discover that a sativa hybrid offers the best of both worlds.

Medical Benefits of Cannabis Sativa
Because sativa has very specific effects, it’s useful for particular medical problems. Here are just a few of the diseases and ailments that sativa can help ease:
ADHD
Sativa-dominant strains of marijuana are useful for individuals with ADHD because while they provide energy, they also increase focus. This makes them excellent for ADHD sufferers who need intense concentration to get tasks done.
Depression
Because sativa elevates mood and increases the desire to get up and move, it’s also a helpful treatment for depression. Many sativa strains have abundant amounts of CBD (cannabinol), which has been proven to be a natural antidepressant.
Appetite Stimulant
Patients with cancer and anorexia struggle with nausea and an overall lack of appetite. Sativas work as an all-natural way to stimulate hunger. Cannabis is also excellent at relieving nausea, which makes it a powerful medication for those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy.
Pain
High amounts of THC make many sativa cannabis strains particularly effective at relieving pain. Because of their energizing effects, this makes sativa a more useful treatment than prescription painkillers such as opioids, as the latter can cause drowsiness and limit the patient’s ability to function.