The 10 Best Sativa Strains

Sativa weed. Energising, uplifting, euphoria-inducing, creativity-boosting.

Unlike their Indica-dominant kin, and opposite to what most movies will have you believe when it comes to weed, Sativa strains tend to make you feel ready to take on the world, rather than melt into your couch.

Perfect for daytime use, social gatherings or creative projects that require a burst of inspiration, every single grower should have at least one Sativa strain on the go at all times. But with so many options out there, how are you supposed to settle on one?

That's where we come in. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 Sativa strains that are sure to give you the energy and focus you need to conquer your day.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is one of the top landrace strains, making it a powerhouse unhybridized 100% sativa.

This South African banger has evolved alongside the human race, without any external interference. It consistently produces 17-20% THC, but with a little TLC, this dank ancestral strain can reach upwards of 26% THC - with a flowering time as little as 9-10 weeks.

Durban Poison has a tantalising flavour with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The absence of CBD in this strain is certainly worth noting. Novice smokers who overindulge can experience a short lived “race-spiralling” that may be overwhelming. That said, for seasoned stoners, the purity of this strain will deliver enhanced focus and creativity, and a rush of euphoria that has you coming back for more, time and time again.

Tangie

Cannabis cup winner and namesake of the ever-popular Tangerine Dream - Tangie provides an ecstatic, uplifting experience for all.

This 70% Sativa-dominant strain really is the whole package, boasting a sweet and intense citrus flavour. The 30% Indica offers a classic body stone, complete with anxiety relief for ultimate relaxation. While this strain won’t necessarily knock your socks straight off, its consistent effects can provide relief for those looking to ease pain, stress, depression, or symptoms associated with ADHD for daily smokers.

She’s no slouch though, with upwards of 24% THC, Tangie is a formidable force.

Ghost Train Haze

Ghost Train Haze is a 5-star strain, holding two wins with the High Times annual Strongest Strains on Earth award, and rightfully so.

Love child of Original Ghost OG and Neville's Wreck, and hailing from Colorado, USA - this strain boasts an impressive 25% THC and offers growers the chance at massive yield. Its Sativa-heavy 75/25 blend makes for a pleasurable, balanced ride, with waves of bliss with every toke and a smoky and smooth mouthfeel. Medicinally, this strain is ideal for those suffering with pain, arthritis or inflammation.

Super Lemon Haze

It's hard to split the classic '90s Amsterdam strains, but if there was ever a class favourite, Super Lemon Haze would undoubtedly be a top runner. This Sativa-dominant strain has an impressive list of wins under her belt.

Triple crown 1st place winner in the High Times Cannabis Cup Amsterdam, as well as a handful of other 1st place awards globally (Expo Grow Irun and High Times Medical Cup, just to name a few). While the origins of this heavyweight champ are still up for debate, one thing is for certain: when you cross Lemon Skunk and a banging Haze, good things happen. While this sweet strain does take a little extra love and care to grow to its full potential, it's definitely worth the payoff. Sweet and sour, with a candy-like finish; this Super Lemon Haze is a perfect daytime option for weed enthusiasts, recreational and medicinal alike. 

Purple Haze

A cross between two landraces (Haze and Purple Thai) and lovingly named for Jimi Hendrix’s himself, this stunning strain promises an uplifting and blissful high. Purple Haze’s show-stopping looks and sweet berry flavor aren't even the best things about this 60/40 Sativa-dominant beauty.

Performing well for medical users looking for relief from pain, stress, and depression - it provides a euphoric mood-boosting burst of creative energy. With less than 1% CBD, it is worth noting this isn’t the best strain for fighting inflammation or severe anxiety. But unlike many Indica hybrids, Purple Haze doesn’t have many sedating effects, making it a great option for a night out dancing the night away or an afternoon in getting creative.

Acapulco Gold

Another landrace strain, this 80/20 Sativa-dominant is aptly named after the region it emerged from - Acapulco, Mexico. With its heavily coated gilded buds, Acapulco Gold is a sweet citrus-flavoured strain that truly resembles a 28 carat nugget.

Especially popular in the 1960s, but resurging thanks to it recreational and medicinal potency - this strain delivers a calming and relieving tray of effects for both the mind and body. Great for sufferers of chronic pain, MS, and mood disorders - Acapulco Gold packs a high THC content, ranging from 20-24% on average.

Strawberry Cough

Another potent THC strain, Strawberry Cough has a fact-acting stress-relieving effect, complete with a sweet strawberry flavour and berry undertones.

An impressive 75/25 Sativa-dominant cultivar, this offshoot of Strawberry Fields and Haze, can range between 20-24% THC. Despite its potency, you can expect a light and bubbly high, maybe even offering up a giggly playfulness reminiscent of your first-ever smoke. No need to worry about being stuck on the couch with this one, as its elevated effects will trigger your creativity, help with relaxation and still provide a sense of mental clarity and focus.

Bruce Banner #3

If you’re looking for a Sativa strain to knock your socks off, look no further. Winner of the "Most Potent Strain" at the High Times Cannabis Cup 2013, Bruce Banner #3 is a real Hulk in both potency and yield potential.

Hidden beneath its funky sweet and sour flavour, Bruce Banner #3 boasts a whopping 30%+ THC, so approach with a caution! You can look forward to a pleasant body buzzing high, as well as unparalleled euphoria. While there were originally 5 different strains of Bruce Banner, #3 is the most potent, and certainly the most sought after.

Blue Dream

This legendary NorCal strain has been on the top 10 Sativa lists since the early 90s, and it’s no wonder why. Blue Dream has an almost perfectly balanced blend of both Indica and Sativa effects, but the bliss is off the charts with this one.

THC content ranges from 16-19% and delivers a fast-acting high with a distinctly pleasant flavor of blueberry thanks to the 3 different terpenes - Pinene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene. With less than 1% CBD, its benefits are more suited to users looking for motivation and reducing symptoms of pain and depression. Blue Dream is well known to give a sense of full body relaxation and is popular among rookie and veteran cannaheads alike. 

Gelonade

Gelonade is an award-winning strain, taking home the top honors in both The High Times Best Sativa in 2018 and the Emerald Cannabis Cup in 2021, and for good reason.

A truly scrumptious strain, named after the zesty lemonade flavour and notes of creamy gelato with every hit. On top of the flavor party, the THC content tests at 25% and above. You’ll get a pleasant energising ride that slowly build to a pretty intense peak combined with crystal clear mental clarity that then melts into a gorgeously relaxing body buzz.

What are the effects of Sativa weed?

When compared with indicas, Sativa cultivars are all about boosting creativity and uplifting mood. This is thanks to the high Limonene content in many Sativa strains, which helps boost and regulate users' serotonin levels. For this reason, they're most popular for daytime use, and great for beginners who are looking to increase productivity and foster an overall sense of well-being.

Are Sativa strains an upper or downer?

Classically, Sativa-dominant stains are well known to be energising and uplifting, helping motivate even the most stereotypical stoner to get started on life's mundane tasks. This is, in part, due to the high Limonene content, which has powerful mood-boosting properties. For those looking for a more calming, or sedative high - a hybrid or Indica-dominant option may be better suited to your needs.

Does Sativa make you laugh?

Sativas can run the gamut from giggly, relaxed laughter to intense, deep belly giggles and are celebrated mood boosters. Depending on which strain you land on, you may feel more social, and uplifted, and an overall sense of euphoria.

Can you relax with Sativa weed?

Sativa can be used to help reduce anxiety and elevate mood, achieved by boosting the user's serotonin and inducing a sense of relaxation. However, as it is more of a cerebral high, Sativa-dominant strains can also create an energising feeling. This increased sense of energy and focus may leave you feeling a little wired before bed.

If you are looking for a late night Sativa strain but still want to sleep, opt for a hybrid like Ghost Train Haze.

What strain is 100% Sativa?

While it’s becoming more challenging to find 100% Sativa strains these days, with all the up-and-coming hybrids - one fantastic option is the Durban Poison.

This is one of the few original strains, hailing from South Africa, known as a landrace strain. This strain has evolved alongside the human race, with no involvement from us, known for its hardy nature and maintaining high-quality THC content with a sweet and spicy flavour.

What is the strongest Sativa strain?

Right now, Bruce Banner #3 takes the crown for the strongest Sativa strain, boasting a whopping +30% THC. Other strong contenders include Ghost Train Haze, Gelonade, and everyone's second favourite strain - Sour Diesel.

What are the best growing conditions for Sativas?

Sativa cultivars all hail from tropical and sub-tropical regions, which means they thrive in warmer temperatures and high humidity. If you're looking to grow your own supply of Sativa seeds, make sure to mimic these conditions as closely as possible.

They also have a longer flowering time compared to Indica strains, averaging around 10-12 weeks but can take up to 16 weeks for some varieties. If you want to get the most out of your Sativa plants, make sure to give them plenty of space and access to sunlight.

Can you stress train Sativa strains?

Yes, you can 100% train Sativa-dominant strains! In fact, everyone should be doing at least a little bit of training to help protect and maximise their yields. LST (Low-Stress Training) is a great technique for Sativa strains, gently bending stems and branches while tying them down, helping you expose more buds to sunlight and increasing airflow.

Combined with topping, and even a ScrOG net, you'll have the chance at possibly doubling your harvest!

When should you plant your new Sativa seeds?

Indoor growers can plant whenever they like, as long as they are able to keep temps warm enough during the winter months.

Outdoor growers can start their seeds indoors, and once the outside temperatures reach 70 to 75°F,  it's time to get them into the ground.

The (blunt) wrap-up

So there we go, all of the very best Sativa-dominant options in our current line up, and a few tips on how to grow your own.

If you haven't had the chance to get a couple of Sativa seeds into your pots yet, now is the time! With summer only a hop, skip and a jump away, there's no better excuse to get yourself some energising Sativa seeds and get growing. The earlier you get them going, the better your harvest will be, come October time.

Keep in mind, that if you live in a colder climate, you may need to invest in some indoor growing equipment to mimic the ideal conditions for Sativa strains. But if you have those warmer spring days already lapping at your door, consider yourself lucky and soak up that sunshine while growing some of the best Sativa strains out there.