Cannabis Sativa

Origin of Cannabis sativa:

Cannabis sativa is a species of the Cannabaceae family. It originates from countries around the equator that lie between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south. The most famous countries in this area for producing cannabis sativa are Columbia, Nigeria, Mexico, Jamaica, Thailand and Indonesia.

Properties of Cannabis sativa:

Cannabis sativa is the largest of the three major varieties of cannabis (sativa, indica and ruderalis). This is attributed to the environmental characteristics of where they traditionally grow. In equatorial countries, the length of the day has a minimal change throughout the year. This means that sativa strains are used to a uniform amount of sun that is comparatively less than the other varieties of cannabis, (around 16 hours). As a result they have adapted by continuing to grow as they flower. This causes the bud grows up the branches as these continue to stretch and grow upwards themselves. It is the reason why sativa flowers tend to have an elongated, loose and airy look in comparison to their more compact indica relatives. These buds also are often fuller and harder in texture. The plus side to this huge growth is that sativas tend to produce very large yields.

The appearance that cannabis sativa is known for is its towering heights and long, slender, light green leaves that almost look like fingers. In the right growing conditions a fully grown sativa plant can reach 5m high, sometimes even larger in rare cases. Not only is cannabis sativa the largest of the three major varieties, it is also the slowest to grow and mature - with flowering times ranging between 10-16 weeks depending on the strain.

In terms of psychoactive properties, cannabis sativa tends to have high THC and low CBD content.

Effects of Cannabis sativa:

The effects of cannabis sativa should not be underestimated, there are many smokers out there dedicated to the pursuit of the sativa high. Sativas tend to have a very high THC content and a comparably low percentage of CBD. This induces a powerful and clear cerebral high. It gives the user a strong, energetic head rush that makes the user feel uplifted and euphoric. This is why a sativa high is known as a “head-buzz”.

Cannabis sativa is also used for medical purposes. The psychoactive dominance of sativa strains makes it great at treating stress, anxiety and depression – basically any kind of psychological disorder that cannabis can be used to treat. Due to the ratio of THC to CBD they do not tend to be that effective at treating pain and other physical ailments, unless crossed with an indica.

Cannabis sativa can be summarized to have the following effects:

• Head-buzz
• Helps ward against fear
• Can be used as an anti-depressant
• Motivating
• Uplifting
• Increases alertness
• Makes the user more energetic
• Inspires creativity

Examples of Cannabis sativa strains:

• Super Silver Haze
• Kali Mist
• Chocolope
• Amnesia
• G13 Haze
• NYC Diesel