You are probably aware of the three main categories of marijuana: sativa, indica, and hybrid, but if you go to your local cannabis dispensary, the budtender will inform you that there are countless marijuana strains.
Every cannabis user wants a strain that suits their needs, but the available marijuana strains are countless, which usually overwhelms the inexperienced consumer. In this post, we focus on cannabis Sativa, one of the dominant marijuana species.
Cannabis sativa is rarer than cannabis indica; it takes longer to mature, and it delivers stronger effects. Cannabis sativa has distinct characteristics and unique cannabinoid profiles.
Introduction to Cannabis Sativa
The cannabis sativa plant can grow up to 20 feet above the ground; it’s thin and tall and is mostly grown in warm regions around the world. Growers have to cultivate these species in outdoor settings, for cannabis sativa strains are usually tall, and take longer to mature.
Sativa strains are popular among cannabis users that are looking to enhance their moods or stimulate mental activity. The cannabis sativa plant contains high CBD levels, and thus more medicinal value.
Hemp, a derivative of cannabis sativa, contains low THC content and high CBD content and has numerous health benefits, thanks to its perfect entourage effect. Cannabis sativa isn’t just used for health purposes but it is also applied in various industries.
Difference between Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica
Sativa plants are taller than indica plants, growing up to 20 feet, with their branches spread out, and their leaves elongated and tapered. The flowers of sativa plants start at the node and grow along the stem, whereas the flowers of indica plants cluster around the nodes.
Sativa plants take longer to reach maturity than indica plants; but on the bright side, they typically have a higher yield. Sativa plants contain higher levels of THC than indica plants, which is why they are favored for mental stimulation.
Sativa plants require large space and sunlight, thus they are typically grown in the outdoors, whereas indica plants can be grown indoors.
Effects of Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis sativa is popular for its effects upon the mind. It can help you feel more focused and motivated. The euphoria elicited can lead one into a creative space. Cannabis sativa is commonly used during social engagements and artistic endeavors. It can improve your moods, help you channel your creativity, increase your energy, and stamina and develop sharp focus and concentration. The sativa plant is particularly useful if you are struggling with mental disorders.
How Cannabis Sativa Plants Grow
If you are looking to grow sativa plants, expect it to be a bit more challenging than growing indica plants, especially if you are a home grower. They take longer than indica plants to grow, and they require a warm climate.
For home growers, sativa plants can be challenging because they require more space, and take significantly longer than indica plants to reach maturity; they can take up to three months flowering before reaching maturity.
But then sativa plants are usually more rewarding in terms of a high yield.
Cannabis Sativa Chemical Constituents
The cannabis plant contains chemical elements drawn from different chemical classes like hydrocarbons, terpenes, flavonoids, and amino acids. In cannabis sativa, the chemical constituents are as many as 489.
The bulk of these chemical constituents have been identified as cannabinoids, and they further belong in different groups like cannabigerol type (7), cannabichromene type (5), cannabidiol type (7), cannabielsoin type (5), etc.
Cannabis sativa plants also contain proteins, enzymes, fatty acids, flavonoids, vitamins, etc.
Effects of Cannabis Sativa Strains
Most of these strains evoke feelings of happiness, inspiration, euphoria, and creativity, and they are particularly useful in eliminating stress, depression, anxiety, pain, and fatigue.