Sativa weed strains. Offering the opposite range of effects to Indica-dominant options, and contrary to what the media has historically liked to portray the effects of cannabis as.
No signs of heavy, tired eyes, or needing a comfy couch (unless you choose a hybrid, which is a combo of both Sativa and Indica genetics).
With their energizing and uplifting effects, Sativa strains are just what the doctor ordered if you like to get those creative juices flowing, those social anxieties calmed down, or you’re just looking for a little pick-me-up after a long day.
So, what are the current strongest Sativa-dominant strains out there?
Our most potent Sativa cannabis strains
Bruce Banner
Bruce Banner, the hulk of the current hybrid Sativa market, packs a plus 25% THC hulk smash that can often tip the 30% THC mark when grown in the right conditions. An easy-to-grow, super potent, 60% Sativa cultivar that serves up a balanced high and huge harvests.
She was chosen as High Times Cannabis Cup 2013 'Most Potent Strain’ and continues to be a banger.
| THC % | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of September |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Temperate, Arid |
| Medical Conditions | Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | OG Kush x Strawberry Diesel |
| Effects | Uplifting |
| Taste | Diesel, Earthy, Fruity |
| Terpene | Linalool, Caryophyllene, Humulene |
Ghost Train Haze
Crowned by High Times as the 'Strongest Strain on Earth' in 2012 and the best 'Medical Sativa' in 2013, Ghost Train Haze is an absolute powerhouse. This Sativa-dominant hybrid has tested as high as 28% THC content and provides a euphoric, creative high that can last for hours.
Great for treating mood disorders, chronic pain, and fatigue, Ghost Train Haze is a strain not to be taken lightly.
| THC % | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 10-12 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of October |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Warm, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Arthritis, Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Genetics | Ghost OG x Neville’s Wreck |
| Effects | Energising, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Earthy, Citrus, Sweet |
| Terpene | Terpinolene, Limonene, Myrcene |
Super Silver Haze
One of the true Amsterdam "Queens of Green", and credited with helping the '90s Dutch market explode, Super Silver Haze is a multiple High Times Cannabis Cup winner and one of the most sought-after Sativa strains in existence.
With 90% Sativa genetics, this is about as pure and as potent as Sativas come. Super Silver Haze is known for its energetic, uplifting effects and sweet, citrusy aroma.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 12-14 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | Mid October |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Sub Tropical |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Depression, Pain |
| Seed Type | Regular, Feminized |
| Genetics | Skunk x Northern Lights x Haze |
| Effects | Creative, Energising, Uplifting |
| Taste | Woody, Tobacco, Menthol |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene |
Tangie
A skunky, citrusy Sativa with one of the shortest flowering times of any Sativa-dominant strain, Tangie is a favorite among growers and smokers alike. She's not just a fast finisher, with yields of up to 550 grams per square meter and full of plus 24% THC deliciousness.
The uplifting, creative high is perfect for daytime activities, and her popularity continues to grow as the years pass.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of September, Early October |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Tropical, Sub Tropical, Temperate, Warm, Mould Resistant, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Depression, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | California Orange x Skunk #1 |
| Effects | Calming, Creative, Relaxing |
| Taste | Citrus, Sweet, Earthy |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Terpinolene, Pinene |
Strawberry Cough
Low in CBD but through the roof in flavor and potency, Strawberry Cough is a Sativa lover's dream. With sweet, berry notes and a happy, euphoric high, this is one of the newer strains on the market, but it's quickly gaining a following for its consistent quality and uplifting effects.
THC levels sit at around 25%, but the taste is what most people rave about, and it's not hard to see why.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 12-14 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | Mid October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Warm |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, PTSD, Stress |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Strawberry Fields x Haze |
| Effects | Uplifting |
| Taste | Strawberry, Sweet, Berry |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene |
Super Lemon Diesel
An offshoot of award-winning heritage (OG Kush and Sour Diesel), it should come as little surprise that Super Lemon Diesel has taken the Sativa market by storm since its introduction.
The strong citrus flavor and aroma, combined with a potent (24% THC) high that can last for hours, have made this one of the most sought-after seed options in our current line-up.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 10-12 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | Early October |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Tropical, Sub Tropical, Warm |
| Medical Conditions | Depression, Insomnia |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | OG Kush x Sour Diesel |
| Effects | Creative |
| Taste | Lemon, Citrus, Diesel |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene |
Stardawg
The current leader in terms of flowering time in the entire Sativa market (less than 8 weeks), Stardawg brings the heat and does it fast. But she's not all about speed, with yields of up to 600 grams per square meter and a THC content of around 25%.
She gives users a balanced high, perfect for both relaxation and creativity.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | End Of September |
| Yield | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Warm |
| Medical Conditions | Anxiety, Depression, PTSD |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Chemdawg #4 x Tres Dawg |
| Effects | Uplifting |
| Taste | Earthy, Pungent, Diesel |
| Terpene | Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene |
Mimosa
Everyone's favourite brunch strain, Mimosa, should be on all "Best Sativa" lists, no question. With extremely high THC levels (up to 30%), Mimosa will have you floating in a sea of citrus and euphoria.
This cross between Clementine and Purple Punch is not only delicious, but also delivers an energetic yet relaxing high that's perfect for any time of day.
| THC % | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest | October |
| Yield | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa | Sativa Dominant |
| Height | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| CBD Content | <1% |
| Climate | Temperate, Warm, Cool |
| Medical Conditions | Arthritis, Depression, Pain |
| Seed Type | Feminized |
| Genetics | Purple Punch x Clementine |
| Effects | Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste | Citrus, Earthy, Fruity |
| Terpene | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene |
What are the effects of Sativa strains?
That really comes down to how much Sativa genetics are in the strain you choose, and also the terpene profile.
With a 100% Sativa strain, expect an energetic and uplifting high. None of the lazy stoner couch-lock stereotypes apply to these strains. Instead, you'll feel creative, focused and ready to take on the world.
However, with a hybrid strain like Bruce Banner, the effects offered are more down the middle. You'll get a mix of Sativa and Indica genetics, which mean the high shifts over time and offers uplifting and relaxing feelings in equal measures.
Medical applications of potent Sativa strains
The best Sativa strains, especially the really potent ones, are great for patients looking to get relief from a variety of medical conditions. The high THC levels make them perfect for treating conditions such as chronic pain, depression, mood disorders, and even ADHD.
The uplifting effects can also brighten up a bad mood day, but if you're prone to anxiety, it's best to stick with a milder Sativa strain or try a hybrid option.
What is the strongest Sativa strain?
Right now, that title goes to our first listed strain - The Hulk, The Green Machine....
BRUCE BANNER, ladies and gents. A true titan of the potency game, this strain has consistently tested at or above the 25% THC mark, with some batches reaching above 30%.
What determines the potency of a strain?
When we talk about potency, we are usually referring to the THC content of a strain, but that's not the entire story.
To properly explain, we need to have a quick chat about the entourage effect.
While still a theory, it is pretty much accepted from a scientific standpoint and refers to various components (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) in a strain working together to provide more potent effects than if the same components were isolated and then smoked, vaped, or eaten individually.
For example, a strain with high levels of both THC and CBD may produce more potent therapeutic effects than one with just high levels of THC. The other factors that go into a strain's potency is how well it was grown and cured. Proper growing techniques make a huge difference to the final outcome, as does how it is treated once it has been harvested.
Curing refers to the process of drying and storing cannabis buds to enhance flavor, potency, and overall quality. A well-cured strain will have a more potent aroma and effects than one that has been quick-dried and poorly stored.
What to consider when choosing a strong Sativa strain
Tolerance level
Your personal tolerance to cannabinoids is the most important factor to consider when choosing a strong Sativa strain. If you're new to smoking or have a low tolerance, it's advisable to start with milder strains and work your way up slowly.
Desired effects
If you struggle with motivation, energy levels, and focus, then a potent Sativa strain may be your best bet. But if you are looking for an option that will help you unwind and relax, then a milder Sativa or hybrid strain may be more suitable.
How you consume it
The days of just smoking weed are long gone, and this new age of cannabis has seen the introduction of a veritable smorgasbord of consumption methods.
Smoking your weed through a bong will hit you faster and harder than if you were to eat cannabis edible. But the effects of edibles last way longer than a bong rip.
Vaping hits in a similar fashion to smoking a spliff and dropping a few drops of potent THC oil under your tongue offers almost instantaneous effects.
Tips on growing the strongest Sativa weed
There are a few key factors to consider when growing Sativa seeds, and especially if you are trying to push the potency envelope.
- Hydroponics is a good start - this form of advanced indoor gardening allows for more control over nutrient levels and pH balance, resulting in healthier plants with more THC.
- Get the lights right - If you're growing indoors, then there are only two options to consider. HID lights were the gold standard for nearly 50 years but have recently been superseded by LED lights, which use less energy and can create a more comfortable environment for your plants.
- Bigger pots, bigger buds - Growing plants in larger 5 gallon or more pots allows for stronger and healthier root systems. This means the plant can absorb more of those all-important nutrients that go towards creating THC-packed flowers.
- Train your plants - Sativas like to grow tall and lanky, with large internodal spacing. By implementing a little LST and HST techniques into your crop, you can control the growth and get more light to your plants' canopy. More light means bigger buds and, in this case, stronger weed.
- Don't rush the harvest - You need to time the harvest perfectly to get the most out of your buds. Checking the colour of the trichomes is the only real way to do this, so grab a cheap USB microscope or jeweller's loupe and start checking your buds every day.
