8 strains to boost your productivity
Last updated on Dec 5, 2024
Created on Apr 27, 2023
Article written by
April AcernoContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
Despite the “lazy stoner” stereotype, a lot of people rely on cannabis products to boost their productivity, combat fatigue, and accomplish more throughout the day. With the massive variety of strains available nowadays, users are discovering that certain cultivars give them a significant boost in focus, stamina, and motivation.
If you think cannabis is just for winding down at night, emerging research may change your mind – and even make you reconsider reaching for that morning cup of coffee. Recent studies have found that specific strains may boost energy levels and motivate users to accomplish tasks. According to consumers, some of the best strains for productivity include:
- Durban Poison
- Green Crack
- Jack Herer
- Lemon Skunk
- Mango Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Super Lemon Haze
- Super Silver Haze
Many of these varieties are high in terpenes like limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and terpinolene, which may contribute to these cultivars’ uplifting and focus-enhancing effects. Low levels of sedative terpenes like myrcene and humulene also reduce the chances of experiencing drowsy, “couchlock” effects.
Low doses of THC, THCV, and low-to-moderate doses of CBD may also contribute to their productivity-boosting properties. High doses of THC can also prove sedative, even if you are using an uplifting variety of cannabis.
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How cannabis affects productivity
For decades, many have associated smoking weed with relaxing and tuning out the world for a few hours. However, people are increasingly harnessing the cannabinoids and terpenes in marijuana to enhance creativity and jumpstart a day of focused work.
Unfortunately, many of the exact compounds that produce these results lack sufficient research, but limited evidence suggests cannabis’ promising usefulness as a productivity tool.
One 2016 study found that regular cannabis use in healthy adults helped to improve their general quality of life and well-being, which led to improved executive function (mental processes that help us plan, focus, multi-task, and remember instructions).
Recent evidence also helps dispel the stigma of cannabis users as lazy. A 2024 study found that, despite the belief that marijuana use hindered ambition, there was no measurable difference between cannabis consumers and non-cannabis users in motivation and well-being.
While there is evidence of marijuana’s impact on immediate cognitive function and memory, many of these studies don’t isolate by cultivar and account for the terpene profile’s impact on cannabis’ effects — an impact known as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect occurs when cannabinoids THC and CBD work with other compounds (e.g., terpenes and flavonoids) in a given strain. This is why, while THC can be sedating, certain strains can uplift, energize, and increase productivity.
The amount of each cannabinoid and terpene also makes a difference, especially as compounds in cannabis can have different effects at different doses, known as “biphasic effects.”
It’s worth mentioning that cannabis can help address other quality-of-life concerns, such as chronic pain, and a byproduct of that relief can be improved productivity.
Finally, the amount and duration of cannabis use may also affect productivity. There’s some evidence that long-term cannabis use can lead to a decrease in dopamine, one of the hormones responsible for feelings of motivation. So, heavy, prolonged use of cannabis may decrease productivity. If you find that that’s the case for you, you may benefit from a tolerance break.
Best daytime strains for productivity
When searching for a cannabis strain to help you tackle the day ahead, one size does not fit all. Strains that work for some may not work for others. Ultimately, you may need to try a few different strains to see which your body responds to best.
The cannabis strains below are popular for their uplifting, energizing, and focus-enhancing properties.
Durban Poison
Hands down, Durban Poison is regarded as one of the best strains for getting that burst of energy so that you can tackle any task. This pure sativa landrace strain typically has high THC levels that test as much as 24%, with terpinolene and beta-caryophyllene among its primary terpenes.
Durban Poison reportedly provides a clear-headed yet cerebral high, so some refer to it as the “espresso” of cannabis.
Jack Herer
One of the most beloved strains for sativa lovers, Jack Herer is an iconic sativa-dominant cultivar that could give you the sort of jumpstart you get from your morning coffee. Fans of the strain say that it makes them feel cool, calm, and collected, with notable sensations of euphoria and motivation.
All in all, Jack Herer is perfect for anyone trying to avoid fatigue during their workday. It usually tests between 15%-24% THC and features a terpene profile high in caryophyllene, pinene, and terpinolene.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze’s high comes on fast, initiating enhanced concentration within the first few inhales. Consumers claim this potent strain is an excellent mood booster and creativity enhancer, which can be great if you’re trying to complete a big project. Super Silver Haze’s high lasts throughout the day, and a little goes a long way.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is considered a much-beloved daytime strain with high levels of energizing limonene and pain-relieving myrcene. Those dealing with chronic pain throughout the day opt for Sour Diesel to manage pain while not compromising their ability to think or accomplish tasks. However, high doses may lead to sedative effects due to Sour Diesel’s high THC and myrcene content.
Lemon Skunk
Lemon Skunk is a fan favorite, regarded as one of the best daytime strains of all time. It’s a sativa-dominant hybrid that offers an uplifting cerebral buzz while calming down any racing thoughts that could interfere with your workflow. Many cite Lemon Skunk as their preferred cannabis strain for creative pursuits, breaking down mental blocks that get in the way of their goals.
Green Crack
Green Crack, aka Green Cush, is a strain that can get you up and moving in no time – after all, the name speaks for itself. This energy-boosting strain may help you stay focused on the fine details, and inspire the stamina to keep going. Its THC potency lands between 13%-21%, and it contains high levels of beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and pinene as its primary terpenes.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is one of the most commonly recommended strains to people with ADHD, as it can improve creativity, reduce distractibility, and simply help people get things done. Descended from Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream can be handy if anxiety blocks your productivity, as it may melt away stress and keep you feeling confident, stimulated, and relaxed.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that Blue Dream contains more relaxing terpenes like linalool and myrcene compared to other varieties listed, so its effects may become sedating if you take a high dose.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is reported as one of the best cannabis strains for productivity. It’s an energizing hybrid that soothes pain and inflammation while elevating mood and energy levels. It’s a great choice if you’re dealing with pain that’s distracting you from your daily tasks, and at the same time, it can inspire you to take on that project you’ve been putting off.
Super Lemon Haze has high levels of terpinolene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, and tests show up to 25% total THC.
Daytime dosing tips
How much you benefit from cannabis’ potential as a productivity booster has a lot to do with the cultivar and dosage.
Some daytime cannabis users prefer micro-dosing, where they consume products with far lower THC levels than they might use in the evening. This provides an energy boost while mitigating the risk of unwanted side effects that can come from high levels of THC, like dry mouth, anxiety, and paranoia. Besides that, heavy doses of THC can be more sedating than energizing in general.
Again, the terpenes in cannabis also play a role in the effects you get from cannabis. So, stick to strains with high concentrations of more energizing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and terpinolene.
Also, there are minor cannabinoids in cannabis that can work with THC to boost certain properties, like energy and motivation. Combining lower doses of THC with CBG, CBD, or THCV may also help you feel uplifted as you tackle your to-do list.
While cannabis isn’t a panacea for daytime productivity, some marijuana strains may boost energy and hone mental focus for those struggling with fatigue, ADHD, or a simple lack of motivation. The key is starting with a low dose of a new strain, and increasing your dose gradually to find your productivity sweet spot.
Frequently asked questions
What strains are best for daytime pain?
When you need daytime pain relief without the sedative effects of some more analgesic (i.e., pain-relieving) strains, opt for a high-CBD option such as ACDC, or strains with high beta-caryophyllene (which has anti-inflammatory properties) like Sour Diesel.
Is sativa or indica better for working?
Those looking for a productivity-boosting chemovar may want to stick with traditionally sativa and sativa-dominant strains. Certain sativa-oriented strains offer moderate THC content, along with more energizing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and terpinolene.
However, the terms “sativa” and “indica” are rough distinctions at best and will not always tell you about the effect a chemovar will have. Only looking at the cannabinoid and terpene content of the plant (i.e., its chemotype) will give you an idea of what kinds of effects to expect.
What strains are good for memory?
Anecdotally, people report that Super Silver Haze and Jack Herer are great strains for maintaining memory. These cultivars can be handy if you’re trying to retain information, like if you’re studying for a test or trying to memorize a speech.
Resources
- Splendor in the Grass? A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of Medical Marijuana on Executive Function: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00355/full
- An Evidence Based Review of Acute and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use on Executive Cognitive Functions: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3037578/
- Biphasic effects of cannabis and cannabinoid therapy on pain severity, anxiety, and sleep disturbance: A scoping review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38268491/
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