Sativa Weed High and Effects

If you’re here, it’s safe to say you are curious about Sativa weed high and effects. Seeing as that’s the case, you’re in the right place, no need to worry.
In this article, I will be teaching you everything you need to know about Sativa strain effects. Covering must-know information on what to expect when you smoke and or consume Sativa products.
What is Sativa Weed?

Let’s get started on the right foot, what exactly is weed, and more specifically, what is Sativa weed? Well, the answer isn’t as simple as a psychoactive plant, it’s so much more.
However, a good place to start would be to explain exactly what Sativa plants actually are.
Simply put, Sativa cannabis is a type of flowering plant originally native to eastern Asia, often preferring a temperate climate.
Within Asia, the plant has been used for thousands of years for a number of different uses. Ranging from industrial fibers to religious and spiritual practices – humans in the area truly got the most out of the plant.
Emphasizing this early use, the first alleged use of the plant was for its healing properties, documented in 2800 BC by Emperor Shen Nung. Known as the “Saint of Animal Husbandry”, Nung is the father of natural medicine.
Additionally, the plant was discovered by Europeans and the western world in 1752 by Carl Linnaeus.
Regardless of the time frame, one thing is for certain, people were smoking the flower, the psychoactive effects were noticed early on.
As for the psychoactive compound, formally known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is by far the most common compound in the plant. With (CBD) cannabidiol coming in second.
That is to say, although there are over 500 compounds and 113 cannabinoids in the plant, though, most are minor.
The THC can be found throughout the plant’s stem, leaves, and flower. Although, as we all know, the flower is where the good stuff is.
One other cool fact is that the naming convention behind Sativa means ”things that are cultivated.” showing just how important cannabis was to these early peoples, and how often it was farmed.
As for the plant’s physical traits, the most common way to classify Sativa strains is by their long leaves with thin blades. As for the flower itself, Sativa buds are much longer, less dense, and more oval-shaped.
Sativa Weed Effects

The Sativa high is great for people looking to get a fun, creative, energizing, and even maybe productive high.
That is to say, Sativa strains are best smoked during the day. Consider them a fun way to spice up your errands, play some games with the boys, or just want to get high without getting stuck.
The cerebral feeling offered by Sativa weed truly cannot be beaten, producing feelings of euphoria and happiness.
The plant is oftentimes also used for stress relief, pain relief, and a slew of other illnesses such as epilepsy.
In all honesty, it’s quite telling that the first use of the plant some 4000 years ago was for medicine.
Sativa Cannabis Potency
Although historically, Sativa strains have seen known to have a lesser THC content, modern growing practices have really closed the gap.
From an average THC potency of 3% in the 80s! Strains nowadays find their average sitting at about 17%, these strains have come a long way. You can even find some high-THC strains sitting at 30%!
Honestly the Sativa weed high and effects have come our of the stone age in terms of its psychoactive potential.
Both new smokers and stoners alike also need to remember, THC isn’t everything, some “low THC” strains honestly hit like a truck.
Is Sativa Weed an upper or downer?
To quickly answer the question, Sativa Cannabis is an “upper”, with the effects ranging widely in that niche.
Some of the most common effects of these strains provide is a nice tingly, happy, and energetic high.
Common Sativa Effects:
- Pain Relief
- Mood Enhancement (Happy)
- Increased Sociability (Talkative)
- Giggly
- Increased Appetite
- “Head” High
- Increased Creativity
Common Sativa Terpenes

Alongside THC percentage, the terpene content of a strain can change and mold the high in more ways than one.
Although weed strains seem to get strictly classified as Sativa or Indica. The terpenes present in individual strains can make each unique bud feel like an entirely different beast.
That’s not even to mention, that it’s been proven that the same terpene can affect different people differently, it’s honestly wild.
Common terpenes found in Sativa weed:
- Terpinolene (Insomnia Relief)
- Alpha-Pinene (Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-bacterial)
- Limonene ( Antioxidant and Increased Libido)
- Beta-Caryophyllene (Pain Relief)
- Myrcene (Anti-Inflammatory and Relaxation)
Additionally, for those who may think, for example, Pinene and Alpha-Pinene are the same, many terpenes contain two unique isomers. Meaning they are different terpenes. However, the main differences tend to be in smell.
Popular Sativa Strains

Most times, it really just comes down to personal preference, different people are looking for a variety of things in their weed.
THC percentage, CBD percentage, terpenes, and grower, there is honestly a lot that goes into a high-quality Sativa Strain high and effects.
Name | Terpene Profile | Percentage |
Sour Diesel | Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene | 19% |
Strawberry Cough | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene | 19% |
Green Crack | Myrence, Caryophyllene, Pinene | 17% |
Super Lemon Haze | Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene | 19% |
Ghost Train Haze | Terpinolene, Limonene, Myrcene | 19% |
Candyland | Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene | 19% |
Sour Tangie | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene | 18% |
Chocolope | Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene | 22% |
Purple Haze | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene | 16% |
Amnesia Haze | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene | 19% |

Anybody looking to get a more in depth look into cannabis strains, maybe take a look at our strain review page!
Sativa Vs Indica
Now onto a very pressing question… Sativa or Indica? Which is better, what does each offers, and how does the high can play out?
These are all good questions, and important to understand when deciding between a Sativa or Indica strain.
Welp, to put it simply, each has its pros and cons. Even different strains within the two broad classifications add a further level of depth.
To talk broadly, and on a ground-floor level, Sativa strains are for the daytime, if you want or need to get stuff done.
At the risk of sounding really corny, the “head” high provided by the Sativa weed reminds me of sunshine or the colour yellow. Sativa strains are happy and welcoming.
The only downside to some strains is that they can cause some anxiety, especially if you’re a newbie and smoke too much.
As for Indica’s, they provide a much more sedated high, great for watching a movie or getting couch-locked with friends. Overall great for unwinding after a long and stressful day.
Sativas, on the other hand, are for when you are smoking with others, looking to go out for the day, or just want to feel overall giggly. One is an end-of-the-day plant, while the other is for getting your day started.
Choosing an Indica or Sativa is completely situation based. I personally have been smoking for quite a long time, and have found several Indica’s and Sativa strains that I LOVE.
FAQ
What is Sativa Weed Good For?
Naturally, Sativa weed is known for its uplifting and energizing effects, making it a popular choice for daytime use.
Many strains can boost creativity, focus, and productivity, and may also help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
What are The effects of Sativa weed?
Again, Sativa weed high and effects offer an uplifting and energizing profile, this includes increased creativity, focus, and productivity.
The effects of Sativa weed have also spread to the medical world, with many illnesses being treated currently with cannabis.
What Is The Average THC Percentage of Sativa Cannabis
The average THC percentage of Sativa strains ranges from as low as 5% to 30%. You will, however, find most strains in the 16-22% range.