Sativa Strains in Canada
When it comes to sativa vs indica, it’s really a personal choice. What time of day is it? What effects are you seeking? Sativa strains are famously more stimulating – they can boost your energy, inspire creativity, and help you focus. They are more cerebral, in the head, than the body, leaving you feeling energized instead of heavy. They are best used early in the day, morning or afternoon.
Sativa plants love long sunny days in hot, humid climates, so you won’t be surprised to learn that they originated in Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia. That being said, they were first classified by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 while he was studying European plants.
Sativa plants look different than Indica plants too. They grow taller (even over 12 feet tall outdoors), they are spindly, slenderer, and the leaves are narrower. Think of the classic ‘pot leaf’ image – you know the one with the long, thin leaves? That’s a sativa leaf.
Sativa plants take longer to mature and produce less buds than Indica plants, with a longer flowering season – generally two to four weeks longer than their Indica counterparts. For the most part, Sativas produce more THC than CBD, and the plant contains over 500 compounds, among them more than 113 cannabinoids, such as Pinene, Myrcene, Linalool, Limonene, and Terpinolene (more on that later). The word sativa actually means ‘cultivated ‘- now you understand why!
What does a Sativa High do to You?
This is a great question. As mentioned above, sativa effects your body and gives you more energy, boosts your creativity, and is far more uplifting than an Indica strain. It’s great for socializing, riding your bike, going for a hike or cleaning your house. It will not put you into deep relaxation or cure your insomnia. Working on a project and need a creative boost? Find a sativa. We offer some of the best sativa strains for creativity! That being said, the problem we are facing today in the marijuana world is that the effects of marijuana in fact come mostly from the genetic compounds – the terpenes and cannabinoids. The terms ‘Indica’ and ‘sativa’ speak of the plant itself, and not of the effects they produce. A study by neurologist and researcher Dr. Ethan Russo encourages scientists and the public at large to stop thinking of sativas and indicas as we currently do and “insist that accurate biochemical assays on cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles be available for cannabis in both the medical and recreational markets.” If we spend a little more time educating ourselves on the science behind marijuana, we can learn to make the best decisions for our own endocannabinoid systems.
How do cannabinoid receptors work, anyways? Good question. The receptors in our body that make up the endocannabinoid system are broken into two major types: CB1 and CB2. While CB1 receptors are located mostly in our central nervous systems and brains (and produces the euphoric effect when a cannabinoid like THC is ingested), CB2 receptors are primarily located in our peripheral organs. Activating these receptors provides benefits such as reducing inflammation and regulating immune signaling. They can also control things such as your anxiety, sensory, cognition, and memory response, as well as metabolism, appetite and hunger.
Is Sativa an Upper or a Downer?
Generally speaking, sativa is an upper. However, as we have discussed, these present-day classifications don’t give credit to the nuances within each strain. As well, with the rise of hybrid strains, the lines of what is ‘sativa’ and what is ‘Indica’ are blurred – but generally, sativas are known to be energizing and Indicas are known to be sedating. There are many sativa dominant strains that will keep your head clear but help with pain.
And if you are wondering if sativa helps increase creativity, the answer is yes- smoking sativa strains can increase blood flow to the brain’s frontal lobe. The chemical compounds of sativa stimulate it and activate more creative thinking, according to this study. It can also be mildly psychedelic- be aware of these effects and be sure you are in a safe space. Sativas are known to be more social, and to provide a boost in serotonin, making them best for social situations. Research shows that serotonin levels can have an effect on mood and behavior, and the chemical is commonly linked to a happy, positive mood and even living longer. It can also help regulate sleep, anxiety, and appetite.
What is the Most Powerful Sativa?
Some of the strongest and best sativa strains will get your day off to a productive start. The best kind of wake-and-bake is from faithful sativa. Who needs caffeine when you have sativa? If you suffer from a mood or attention disorder like ADHD, sativa strains are for you. They will provide relief without making you feel drowsy- the perfect daytime pick-me-up. We offer not only some of the most powerful sativas, but also common sativa strains- ones that get grown, again and again, because of their superb lineage and incredible effects. You may have heard of sativa strains like Super Lemon Haze, for its reputation to get the creativity juices flowing, or Jack Herer, that will get you cleaning your house in no time. When you think of ‘powerful,’ it can depend on the effect you want – for example, the famous Amsterdam sativa strain is known to give users so much energy, it can be used as a coffee replacement!
What is the Best 100% Sativa Strain?
Famously, sativa strains with the name ‘haze’ in them are the most legitimate. Born in the 1970’s in Santa Cruz, California to a pair of brothers known as the ‘Haze brothers,’ word has it that if you traced any sativa back to its roots, you would wind up at a haze strain.
In fact, it’s one of the strains that carries on the legacy of the Haze brothers today. It was bred by Amsterdam’s Soma Seeds, crossing Thai, Afghani, and Hawaiian landraces, and can be challenging to find but with Secret Smoke, we make it easy to buy sativa online in Canada.
What are the Most Potent Sativas?
If you are looking for potent, look no further. There are many strains that make the lists year over year for being sativa strains that pack a punch. Try our Durban Poison Strain THC Pen for a high THC hit. That’s right- straight from the Haze family. However, if you are prone to anxiety, use with caution as this strain might not be for you. Another great option is the Tangie Strain, a favorite in the medical marijuana community. It’s a trifecta that treats depression, anxiety, and even chronic pain- try it out and see for yourself!
What are the Top Ten Sativas of 2022
Here at Secret Smoke, we believe that the best strains in this category are old school classics. They are of the upmost purity as most other new sativas are cross bred too much and are more of the hybrid variety. Silver Haze is one of our favorites, dating back to OG Sensi Seeds growers crossing Silver Pearl, a strain with Skunk and NL genetics, and Haze, the reputation and effects are world-renowned. And that is why it’s one of the best sativa strains of 2023, and every year. You will find that these are some of the best sativa strains in Canada.
The 2023 Line Up!
The Jack Herer Strain – Secret Smoke has been growing Jack for over a decade! We have not grown this strain this year, but we extracted the terpenes from our take downs and have lots on deck for our vape pens!
The Tangie Strain – This Sativa is sticky as sticky comes. Boost your creativity and your mood with this citrus and cream flavoured strain.
The Red Congolese Strain – Are you looking for old school? If you are a connoisseur you will realize the value in this strain. It doesn’t look hot, but its extremely undervalued and burns and tastes like a dream. Red Congolese is a direct decent from original land race strains and should be coveted.
Gods Green Crack – Looking for a mellow relaxing strain? You could hit this before you go anywhere. Its high is cerebral and its classic among lighter smokers. Additionally, Gods Green Crack is purple strain that takes bag appeal to the next level.
The King Tut Strain – known for its crazy colours that mimic those of King Tuts sarcophagus don’t be surprised if it incorporates yellow, orange, red, purple and green highlights. This strain is uplifting and euphoric if you are just looking to have a good time!
Where do Sativas Grow Naturally?
Originally, sativa grew in the hot, dry climates of Africa, Asia and Central America, as mentioned previously. However, over the last 6000 years, it has been grown anywhere with a warm, humid climate. Sativas require not only higher humidity than Indica to grow, but a higher temperature and an increased number of lumens. Lumens are the measure of luminous flux, meaning the quantitative visible light emitted by the source of light per unit in time. Because of these factors and the way they grow- tall and lanky, with airy space between the buds, they are less susceptible to mold or excess moisture. The downside is that they take longer to mature, hence a longer flowering cycle so patience is a virtue when it comes to growing sativa.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, California started to get on board: many sativa strains are grown in the Emerald Triangle, the largest cannabis-producing region in the United States. This area comprises three counties in Northern California: Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino, and boasts an international reputation for cannabis with exceptionally good flavour and cannabinoid profiles. The climate is just right for indoor or outdoor grows, and cultivators there are known to breed some world-famous strains, including hybrid sativa strains, including the Gelato Strain – the desert-like sativa-dominant hybrid.
Why is there more Indica than Sativa? Why is it so Hard to Find full Sativas?
There are a few reasons it’s getting increasingly difficult to find pure sativa strains. Indica is generally easier to grow – the plants grow thicker, chunkier buds and can be grown inside or outside – sativas do better outdoors where they can reach towards the sun and grow as tall as they can. Because of rate of growth vs time in regard to Indica plants, they produce higher higher yields in shorter amounts of time. Another difference is that sativas can be sensitive to the nutrients they are getting and perform best when their nutrition solutions are tailored specifically for the different stages of their life cycle- which may be why there are less new sativa strains on the market these days
The other factor to consider is the rise of hybrids. Experts say that it’s becoming more and more difficult to find a strain that is 100% sativa or 100% Indica. However, this evolution is intentional. Growers are breeding strains to take the best genetics and produce the best effects. For example, medical marijuana users often prefer hybrid sativa strains because they can get physical pain relief and mental clarity at the time. Hybrids can offer the best of both worlds, an ideal treatment for conditions from ADHD to inflammation. Most hybrids are still heavily Indica or sativa dominant, so they will retain the same familiar affects you are after. Be sure to keep this in mind when you buy sativa weed online.
More importantly than the sativa vs indica question is the chemical compounds. The terpene and cannabinoid profiles are what will give you the exact affects you are craving. Do your research on the effects of each terpene. For example, myrcene is a terpene known to aid with sleep, and pinene is a terpene known to boost creativity and focus, and there are over 100 more, all with different effects. Find the sativa hybrid strains that suit you best.
Dr. Armstrong's Take on Sativas
Our resident doctor Dr. Armstrong recommends using marijuana to treat many different conditions. When it comes to how you ingest it, that depends. We have heard about the chemical compounds called cannabinoids already – if you are smoking cannabis, the cannabinoids absorb through the lungs and into the bloodstream as you inhale. This immediately breaches the blood-brain barrier, allowing the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also just called delta-9-THC, to reach the brain quickly. Once these cannabinoids, along with the other ones, get to the brain, they bind with the CB1 receptors we learned about earlier, producing the stimulating sativa feeling. However, Dr Armstrong would advise the strict moderation of smoking the traditional way as smoke in the lungs is not the healthiest choice.
Many users also vape. What is vaping? It’s the process of heating marijuana flower or concentrate to a specific temperature below the point of combustion, through a device called a vaporizer. This produces a stream of vapor that can be inhaled. When vaporizing marijuana, it’s a similar situation to smoking: the vapor will journey into the lungs, flow into the bronchi, then into a smaller passageway called bronchioles, and finally into the alveoli, where the cannabinoids will penetrate the tiny air sacs. Once it hits the bloodstream, it is quickly absorbed by the organs and tissues. It is important to note that when vaping, the user consumes more concentrated marijuana, resulting in getting “higher” than smoking. Dr. Armstrong’s opinion on vaping is not surprising. He has expressed his concerns with particular vape pens that burn at such a high temperature that the vapor can become carcinogenic, however this not always true. Here at Secret Smoke we have found the balance between a battery and atomizer that can effectively burn the distillate but not heat up atomizer so hot that it emits carcinogenic particulates and vapors. When the atomizers heat up beyond 400 degrees Fahrenheit the user risks exposure to the carcinogens. Here at Secret Smoke, we have partnered with Club Canna to produce a pen that covers all the bases.
One discredit to vaping is that when smoking, the high heat of combustion actually destroys some of the valuable cannabinoid content, wasting precious cannabinoids and terpenes. Studies show that vaping also offers decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users, so is a suitable option for users hesitant to smoke. Try a sativa-dominant strain or a common sativa strain when you begin your vaping journey.
Smoking and inhaling allow the cannabinoids to hit the brain rapidly, and thus produce effects almost immediately. The effects should peak within two hours, and usually wears off by about four. If you are looking for effects that last longer, Dr. Armstrong recommends edibles. Dr. Armstrong is the biggest proponent of edibles because the least amount of adverse effects can manifest from proper doses of cannabinoids. They are processed through the digestive tract and liver and therefore takes significantly longer for the cannabinoids to absorb into the bloodstream and reach the brain – they actually start to digest before you feel the effects. Because of this, patience is of the utmost importance when consuming edibles. The effects take longer to hit, and the conversion process in the liver results in a stronger form of THC. Use caution when consuming edibles of any kind. Dr. Armstrong also strongly recommends edibles for medical marijuana patients who have lung or respiratory issues, as there is no impact on the lungs. Sativas are best used for cerebral treatment, such as mood disorders, depression, or ADHD, and can be used for pain.
Medical uses for sativa strains can also include treating vomiting, nausea, suppressed appetite, glaucoma, headaches and migraines, chronic pain and promote happiness and social interactions. Sativa is best used as medicine during the day, when users can enjoy the day without being sedated. In fact studies have shown that sativas could keep you awake depending on your body type and even cause insomnia. Be sure to use a sedative Indica strain if you are looking for a sleep aid.
