Selecting the right cannabis strain can be quite confusing. With so many types on the market, retailers are still working out the best ways to categorize them for consumers. They mostly divide these strains, or cultivars if you prefer the technical term, into three main groups: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Sativas are linked to a head high, stimulating the mind without making you feel heavy or sleepy. However, these associations come from the unregulated market and may not always be accurate. So you can’t trust them blindly.
This article will discuss the key effects associated with sativa strains and the best cannabis for productivity you can try.
What is Cannabis Called?
Let’s break down what we call “cannabis.” It’s not just one plant, but a group of three: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. When their flowers are harvested and dried, the plants transform into one of the most popular substances worldwide. You might know it by various names: weed, pot, marijuana, or simply cannabis.
As legalization gains traction, “cannabis” is becoming the preferred term. It’s seen as more accurate, carries a neutral tone compared to “weed” or “pot” (which some associate with illicit use), and avoids the unfortunate racist history of “marijuana.”
So, why do people use cannabis? For many, it’s a source of relaxation and calm. In some regions, it’s even prescribed medicine for conditions like chronic pain, glaucoma, or appetite loss.
How Strain Components Work Together
While Sativa is often associated with an energizing buzz and indica with relaxation, the truth is that individual plants can produce unique effects based on their distinct chemical profile and growing conditions.
You don’t have to rely solely on the type of cannabis. Check out the detailed descriptions provided by growers and dispensaries. They can give you a better idea of what to expect from a particular strain.
Cannabis plants contain a fascinating array of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are responsible for the various effects of cannabis use – both positive and negative. While researchers are still uncovering the secrets of these cannabinoids, two main ingredients stand out: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Other lesser-known compounds like Cannabinol (CBN), Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), and Cannabigerol (CBG) also play important roles in shaping the effects of cannabis. For example, CBN is known for its ability to ease symptoms of neurological conditions, while CBG may help reduce anxiety and depression.
Terpenes are the naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant that may be just as influential as THC and CBD in determining the effects of a particular strain. Once you consider both cannabinoids and terpenes, you’ll get a better understanding of what a strain can do for you.
Best Cannabis for Productivity
You can be more productive if you feel motivated and aren’t distracted. We have further categorized the strains for your comfort, so you can get targeted results.
Strains for a Boost of Energy
When you need a pick-me-up, these strains are perfect fordaytime use to help you tackle your to-do list or find your motivation.
Sour Diesel
This beloved strain, born from Chemdawg and Super Skunk, is a fan favorite for its invigorating effects. With a higher THC content, it’s a go-to for experienced cannabis enthusiasts seeking an energizing boost that may also help alleviate depression symptoms.
THC: 17-26% | CBD: 0%
Jack Herer
Named after the renowned cannabis activist and author, Jack Herer is another popular strain that’s earned its spot on the energizing scale. Reviewers rave about its ability to help combat depression symptoms, so it’s a great choice if you want a mood boost.
THC: 15-24% | CBD: 0%
Green Crack
Don’t let the name fool you – Green Crack is a well-loved strain that’s easy to find and packs an uplifting punch. Like Jack Herer, it’s known for its depression-fighting properties. It could be a great addition to your daytime routine.
THC: 15-25% | CBD: 0%
Strains That Help With Creativity
Need a spark of inspiration? Want to break free from creative blocks? These strains below can help ignite your imagination.
Chocolope
Chocolope is a great choice if you want a moderate THC level that won’t overwhelm you. It’s perfect for a relaxed, creative vibe without being too intense.
THC: 16-23% | CBD: 0%
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is a classic for a reason. It won first prize at the High Times Cannabis Cup three years in a row in the late ’90s. This strain is loved for its ability to boost creativity while keeping you calm and focused.
THC: 18-23% | CBD: 0%
Durban Poison
If you’re looking for a pure sativa that can really get your creative energy going, Durban Poison is the way to go. Many people find it to be the most energizing strain they’ve ever tried.
THC: 17-26% | CBD: 0%
Strains to Lift Your Mood
Do you want to shake off a bad mood or simply want to feel good? Check out the cannabis strains below.
Strawberry Cough
If you’re after a burst of happiness and euphoria, Strawberry Cough could be your go-to. This sativa-dominant strain is famous for its uplifting effects, even though its origins remain a mystery.
THC: 17-23% | CBD: 0%
Harlequin GDP
If you’re new to cannabis or have had anxiety-inducing experiences with sativas in the past, Harlequin GDP can be a fresh alternative. This high-CBD strain offers a more relaxing experience than other sativas. Plus, 43 percent of Leafly reviewers say it leaves them feeling happy.
THC: 10-11% | CBD: 3-7%
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is another Cannabis Cup winner, born from a cross between Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. Over half of Leafly reviewers report feelings of happiness and euphoria after trying this strain.
THC: 18-25% | CBD: 0%
Strains for Enhanced Focus
These strains can help you stay on track bysharpening your focus.
Lucid Blue
Lucid Blue is a cross between Blue Dream and Grateful Breath. It’s known for improving focus and concentration, though it can be a bit hard to find.
THC: 16-28% | CBD: 0-4%
Sour Breath
Sour Breath comes from Sour Diesel and Lamb’s Bread. It has a strong smell and is praised for its ability to boost concentration. With lower THC levels, it’s a good choice for beginners.
THC: 15-17% | CBD: 0%
Red Congolese
Red Congolese is a high-THC sativa with a unique cheesy and fruity flavor. Many users find it helps with clear-headed focus and provides some physical relaxation.
THC: 18-23% | CBD: 0%
Long-Term Cannabis Effects
Experts are still exploring the long-term impacts of cannabis use. Research in this area is often conflicting, and much of it has been conducted on animals rather than humans. To truly grasp the lasting effects of cannabis, many more extensive, long-term studies involving humans are necessary.
Brain Development
Studies from 2014 suggest a potential link between cannabis use during adolescence and brain development.Teens who use cannabis may experience more challenges with memory and learning. It’s still a bit of a mystery whether these effects are permanent, though.
Early cannabis use may also be linked to a heightened risk of mental health issues later in life, such as schizophrenia. Experts are still exploring the details of this connection, but it’s an area of ongoing research. Clearly, there’s a lot more to learn about how cannabis impacts the developing brain.
Dependence
Cannabis dependence is a real thing. Some people can experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, appetite changes, or mood swings when they stop using it.
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that those who start using cannabis before turning 18 are much more likely (four to seven times!) to develop a cannabis use disorder compared to those who start later in life.
Respiratory Issues
Inhaling cannabis smoke, like tobacco smoke, can harm your respiratory system by triggering inflammation and irritation of the airways, leading to conditions like bronchitis. There’s even some discussion around cannabis as a possible risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Recent studies haven’t found a strong link between cannabis and lung cancer. That’s definitely a silver lining, but more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact on our lungs.
Can You Eat Cannabis?
Absolutely, you can eat cannabis! In fact, cannabis-infused foods and beverages have a long history, dating back as far as 1000 B.C. Ancient cultures like China and India used it medicinally, and it even found its way into Western medicine in the early 19th century. Tinctures and other edibles were prescribed for a variety of ailments, from persistent pain to digestive troubles.
But it wasn’t just for medicine. Edibles also provided stress relief and euphoria, similar to alcohol. In India, for instance, a cannabis-infused drink called bhang has been enjoyed for centuries during religious festivals like Holi.
In the United States, recreational edibles gained popularity in the 1960s, and today, you can find many options. From gummies and candies to chocolates, teas, and oils, legal dispensaries and the illicit market offer a diverse selection. Some enthusiasts even whip up their own cannabis creations, infusing butter or oil with cannabis and incorporating it into various recipes.
Raw Cannabis
You might be surprised to learn that you can eat cannabis raw but don’t expect the same effects as your favorite edibles. The key lies in a process called decarboxylation. Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which are the acidic precursors to THC and CBD. To transform them into their active forms, heat is required, like when you smoke or bake cannabis.
Chewing on raw cannabis leaves won’t give you the same high as those tasty gummies or brownies. But don’t dismiss it just yet! Some cannabis enthusiasts believe raw cannabis offers unique health benefits due to its diverse range of plant compounds.
Eating vs. Smoking Weed: Which is Safer?
While smoking cannabis might not seem inherently harmful, research indicates that inhaling the smoke can have negative health impacts, much like cigarette smoke. Both contain toxins like ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can irritate your lungs and increase the risk of illness.
Currently, the link between smoking cannabis and certain cancers appears weak, with lung cancer not showing a significant association. However, scientists emphasize that the research in this area is limited, and factors like concurrent cigarette smoking can muddy the waters.
What we do know is that smoking cannabis can cause lung inflammation, bronchitis, and even impact brain function. On the other hand, edibles haven’t been linked to these negative respiratory effects or cancer risks.
If you’re concerned about the health risks of smoking cannabis, edibles might seem like a safer alternative. Most cannabis research has focused on smoking, so the long-term effects of edibles remain somewhat a mystery.
Despite this, ingesting cannabis could very well be safer than smoking it. We just need more research to solidify this theory.
Is Cannabis Legal?
The legality of cannabis falls in a gray area. While it’s still illegal in many places, a growing number of regions are opening up to both recreational and medical use. In the U.S., for instance, several states have embraced legal cannabis for adults, while others allow it only for medical purposes. But despite state-level legalization, it remains illegal under federal law.
Now, CBD is another story. The research supporting its use for pain and inflammation is promising, and CBD-based medications like Epidiolex have been proven effective for certain types of seizures.
Globally, cannabis laws are a patchwork. Some countries permit CBD-only products, while others still consider any cannabis use a serious offense. So, if you’re thinking about trying cannabis, make sure to do your homework and know the laws where you live.
How Does Cannabis Make You Feel?
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Some people are super sensitive to its effects.
Your individual response depends on several factors: the dose, strain potency, how you consume it (smoke, vape, or edibles), frequency of use, age, and even your unique body chemistry. Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can also alter the experience.
The high can feel euphoric, relaxed, and even giggly. Many experiencea boost in creativity or heightened senses.
However, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Cannabis can sometimes trigger anxiety, confusion, or paranoia, especially in newbies or with high doses. Physical symptoms like a racing heart or nausea are also possible.
So, start low and go slow, especially with potent strains. This approach can help you find your sweet spot and minimize any unwanted side effects.
THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, enters your bloodstream quickly when you smoke or vape, reaching peak levels within minutes. However, your body gradually breaks it down and eliminates it over time.
The feeling of being high doesn’t always align perfectly with these THC levels. For instance, the euphoric sensations often peak a bit later than the actual THC concentration in your blood. This is just one example of how the experience can shift over time.
What Happens When You Vape Cannabis?
Vaping cannabis is a different experience than smoking it. Instead of inhaling smoke, you’re inhaling vapor, which can make a world of difference.
Since vaping releases a higher concentration of those active ingredients in cannabis, you might experience a more intense high. Like smoking, the effects of vaping are pretty much immediate. You’ll likely feel them right away, and they can linger for several hours.
In fact, a2018 studyfound that vaping cannabis actually produced higher levels of THC in the blood and stronger effects than smoking the same amount.
Edible Cannabis High
Theoretically, the high you experience should be milder when you ingest cannabis (tinctures, oils, or those yummy gummies). THC, the main psychoactive compound, gradually enters your bloodstream, unlike the rapid spike from inhaling. A 2017 study showed users reporting weaker effects from edibles compared to smoking or vaping.
Some people may experience unexpectedly intense and long-lasting highs. It could be a matter of overdoing the dose, or perhaps the way our bodies process THC when eaten.
When ingested, THC gets a fast pass to the liver, where it transforms into another psychoactive compound. This could be the key to the unique edible high.
Edibles take their sweet time to kick in. You might not feel anything for 30 to 90 minutes. But when it hits, the effects tend to last much longer than smoking or vaping, usually up to 24 hours.
Final Words
Finding the best cannabis for productivity is a personal journey. You should experiment with different strains and listen to your body. It’s always wise to start with a low dose, especially if you’re trying a new strain. Whether you’re looking for more energy, focus, or creativity, there’s a cannabis strain out there for you. Just remember to be mindful of your consumption, especially if you’re young or have any health concerns.
