What is Sativa? Understanding Cannabis Strain Types
The popular cannabis strain Sativa is well-known for its energizing and uplifting qualities. Sativa strains are preferred and usually taken during the day because they improve creativity, focus, and social interaction. Tall, narrow-leafed plants, Sativas are native to warmer climates in Southeast Asia and Central America. Their concentration of THC, the psychoactive ingredient that produces a "high," is higher. People looking for a relaxing, indica-like effect without the heavy lifting effects usually favor this strain. It is also helpful for depression, fatigue, and mood problems.
What are the Origins of Sativa Strains?
Native to Africa, Asia, America, and possibly India, sativa strains are Cannabis sativa sativa subspecies. The most well-known Asian variants come from Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Except for the Nepali varieties, the majority of these are quite prone to hermaphrodite tendencies, particularly as harvest season approaches nearer.
How to Recognize a Sativa
Identifying a Sativa strain of cannabis involves looking at several crucial traits:
- Appearance: Sativa plants can grow up to 12 feet tall and are usually slender and tall. Their leaves are long and finger-like, with a thin, pale green color. Compared to Indica strains, the plant's general structure is more transparent and open, letting in more light. Generally speaking, the buds are not as dense as those of Indica strains; instead, they appear more loose and wispy.
- Aromas: Bright and energizing scents, frequently citrusy, fruity, or herbal, are characteristic of Sativa strains. The fresh and energizing nature of the strain is enhanced by the fragrance profile, which may include notes of lemon, pine, or even tropical fruits. Compared to the earthy and intense aromas of Indica strains, Sativas are ideal for daytime use because their lighter, more pleasant scents complement their energizing effects.
- Effects: Sativa strains provide a lot of energy and stimulation, making them ideal for daytime use. They can provide a cerebral high and stimulate mental activity, often enhancing creativity, focus, and social engagement. Sativas are often used to tackle work, engage in artistic endeavors, or enjoy social events with friends because they often provide users with an increase in mood and motivation.
- Growing Time: With blooming cycles ranging from 10 to 14 weeks, Sativa strains usually have a longer growing cycle than Indica strains. Its natural adaptation to areas with longer growth seasons is the cause of this prolonged duration. Along with growing higher, the plants also need more room and time to mature properly. Farmers must exercise patience as a longer wait frequently delivers higher yields and stronger benefits.
Which Medical Conditions Could Sativas Help With?
Recreational consumers like sativa strains due to their relatively high THC content. Their potency does, however, suggest potential therapeutic benefits. Below, let's look at a number of them.
Depression
Depression is a mental ailment that affects people the most globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 300 million people globally are believed to be afflicted with the condition. Compared to men (5.3%), women (8.7%) had a higher prevalence of depression. Men are less likely to seek medical attention; thus these data could be skewed. About 50% of those who receive a diagnosis of depression also receive a diagnosis of anxiety disorder.
Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders (ANAD) estimates that at least 30 million people suffer from eating disorders. That specifically causes one death every 62 minutes—pretty remarkable! Anorexia and bulimia can have an up to 80% genetic component. A sickness like this is more common in women. In an attempt to control their weight, almost 90% of women have tried dieting at least once. Similarly false is the notion that the issue mostly affects younger women. In America, 13% of women over 50 suffer from an eating disorder.