Effects & Benefits of Cannabis Sativa Strains

According to the report from New Frontier Data, the legal cannabis market was worth an estimated $7 billion in 2016 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 17%. Medical marijuana sales are expected to grow to nearly $14 billion in 2020.

These numbers clearly highlight that weed is the fastest growing industry in America.

Today, a number of studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that marijuana can be used for various medical problems, including PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), pain, nausea and loss of appetite, anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

There are two main varieties of medicinal cannabis plants, and each of these has its own effects on your mind and body as well as different medicinal benefits, it’s crucial to know what you’re using in advance.


The two major types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa.


Typically, cannabis indica plants are short, bushy plants with wide leaves and grow faster. Sativa plants, on the other hand, tend to have thin, narrow leaves and are taller in stature.

Pure sativa is preferred by smokers as it has a higher cerebral high as well a remarkable medicinal value. It is also beloved by growers due to its exceptional yield as they are worth the produce after the long flowering period.

Due to long vegetation periods, sativa plants typically possess a lower THC percentage than indica on average (12-16%). Also, it is often crossbred with their indica cousins to make them viable for indoor growing- lessening flowering period and reduced height.

The differences in these two strains start with their physical appearance. Indica plants are known to be short and bushy with wider leaves. These plants tend to grow at a faster rate and also contain a higher level of CBD and lower level of THC.  

Conversely, Sativa has lower CBD levels and higher THC levels.

As you can see, these two cannabis plants are intrinsically different and these differences are what make them unique.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what makes these two strains of cannabis so different, let’s move onto the topic of this post, Cannabis Sativa strains.

At a very basic level, Sativa strains are more stimulating in nature. The high that’s derived from a Sativa strain is commonly more energizing and is recommended for use during the day.

That’s because of its cerebral effects.

Feelings of well-being and calmness are commonly associated with this strain which makes it perfect for social situations and for people who want to concentrate on a task at hand.

Because of its ability to emotionally uplift people, Sativa strains are great for people who want to energize their mind and tap into their creative side.

But, beyond the creative benefits of Sativa, this strain also aids in treating anxiety, stabilizing symptoms of ADD/ADHD, treating depressions and other common mood disorders.

Now, unlike various other forms of cannabis, the Sativa strain is not known for its ability for treating cancer directly, however, it is beneficial in treating cancer-related symptoms such as depression as it acts as a mood booster.

Given the fact that Sativas can boost your mood, make you more creative and help you socialize, there are side effects, especially for those who suffer from social anxiety. These side effects could range from panic attacks, paranoia and an increase in general anxiety.

As you can see, the effects and benefits of the cannabis Sativa strain are extremely interesting and a topic that’s piquing the interest of many.

Overall, Sativa is a strain that’s perfect for people in the daytime as it helps alleviate the symptoms of menopause, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain while it increases levels of serotonin as well as focus and creativity.