Sativa-Effects-On-The-Brain-and-Body
Date: November 20, 2020
Sativa Effects: 5 Effects This Strain Has on the Brain and Body

Most people have heard of Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains, but not everyone understands the differences. Although Sativa and Indica are subspecies of the same plant they have evolved to create different effects on the brain and body. Indica strains tend to be more relaxing with full-body effects, whereas Sativa tends to be more energizing with more of a head high. Hybrid strains are just that, a mix of Indica and Sativa. Depending on the strain it can be Sativa-dominant, Indicia-dominant, or balanced. The number of strains can be quite intimidating when walking into a regulated dispensary, so we’re here to tell you 5 Sativa effects on the brain and body.

1. Increased Energy

Known to be more of a head high (or cerebral high), Sativa offers an energizing effect. Because of the energetic effect Sativa has on the brain it is great for daytime use. Whether you need to clean around the house, or need a dose of energy before meeting new people these strains will help to get you there. While the effects can be different per person you’re likely to get more done with Sativa than Indica-dominant products. 

A few strains to help increase energy:
  1. Pineapple Express
  2. Girl Scout Cookies
  3. Durban Poison
  4. Super Lemon Haze

Check out Leafly’s recommendations for The 13 Best Strains For Parties.

2. Uplifting

Sativa strains have been known to heighten serotonin in the brain. By boosting serotonin with the proper medical amounts of Sativa cannabis it can have anti-depressant effects creating an uplifting and euphoric feeling. This inspiriting feeling caused by promoting serotonin in the brain can also affect appetite, creativity, and pain.

A few strains to uplift your spirits:
  1. Green Crack Punch
  2. Sour Diesel
  3. Maui Wowie
  4. Willie Nelson

3. Boost Focus & Creativity

Everyone has a different tolerance level to cannabis, just like everyone has a different tolerance level to alcohol and caffeine. Sativa effects on the brain can be positive for those looking to focus and boost creativity. Whether you prefer to use cannabis to focus while studying, or feel as though cannabis will help your artistic skills and work Sativa is exactly what you’ll need. Giving you the increased energy and a surge in serotonin will help to get your creative juices flowing. Start with low doses of Sativa to see how it helps you!

A few strains to help with creative & focus: 
  1. Amnesia Haze
  2. Tangie
  3. Blue Dream
  4. OG Kush

4. Appetite Stimulation

Sativa-dominant strains tend to invoke hunger more than Indica-dominant strains. If you are looking to ensure you are eating as much as you want, or as much as your doctor recommends, finding the right Sativa for you is key. Many people, cannabis and non-cannabis consumers assume that all strains give you “the munchies”, this is not true. DocMJ breaks it down saying, “When your stomach is empty, a hormone called ghrelin is released; this tells the brain it’s time to look for food. Cannabis not only triggers the release of ghrelin, but it also changes the way brain cells respond to this hormone. By doing this, it tricks the brain into hunger mode.”

A few strains to help with appetite are: 
  1. Royal Cookies
  2. Pineapple Kush
  3. OG Kush
  4. Girl Scout Cookies

5. Pain Relieving

Chronic pain can be relieved by either Sativa or Indica depending on the condition and your body. When looking for a cannabis strain that will best relieve your pain we recommend working with your doctor and one of our highly-trained professionals. Increasing serotonin in the brain with Sativa can help to alleviate some of the pain felt. A study done by Medical News Today breaks down how different strains can affect different pains. 

A few strains that may help with pain are: 
  1. Sour Diesel 
  2. ACDC
  3. Harlequin
  4. Blueberry Kush

Final Thoughts

When deciding between Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant we recommend always speaking with your medical professional or our trained professionals about what will be best for you. Although each strain will affect people differently, we suggest trying what is recommended and moving on from there. If you have questions and need help feel free to reach out to our team