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8 Best Sativa Strains That’ll Give You Energy and Mental Clarity

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Last updated on Oct 7, 2024

Created on Feb 2, 2022

sativa leaf and trophy on a purple background

Article written by

Tina MagrabiSenior Content Writer

Content reviewed by

Dr. Lewis Jassey

Table of contents

  1. Jack Herer
  2. Durban Poison
  3. Sour Diesel
  4. Green Crack
  5. Super Silver Haze
  6. Moby Dick
  7. Strawberry Cough
  8. Blue Dream

Sativa cannabis strains are reputed to infuse people with energy waves, uplifting through both mental and physical sensations. This characterization is not entirely accurate, but many people believe the generalization. It is more likely that THC, tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG), limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene content is having this uplifting effect.

Sativa strains are a good counterbalance to indica strains, which are legendary for their mellowing-out effects. Explore the best sativa strains to try in 2022 with our top eight picks:

  • Jack Herer
  • Durban Poison
  • Sour Diesel
  • Green Crack
  • Super Silver Haze
  • Moby Dick
  • Strawberry Cough
  • Blue Dream

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Jack Herer

Sometimes called Premium Jack, Platinum Jack, or simply The Jack, this Sativa-dominant strain was born in the Netherlands in the 1990s. At 55% sativa content, Jack Herer is renowned for making people feel simultaneously clear-headed and creative. With hints of pine and spice, Jack Herer will awaken your senses and makes an excellent choice for a morning cannabis regimen. This Sativa-heavy strain also makes a good complement to indica strains like Northern Lights.

Durban Poison

If you’re looking for a pure landrace strain or variety (i.e., one that isn’t crossed with other types of cannabis), Durban Poison could do the trick. Named for the South African port city of Durban, this sativa strain boasts abundant buds and trichomes. As the trichomes yield therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes, Durban Poison serves a potent dose for medical marijuana users. Durban Poison is one of the parents of Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and is known for its uplifting and energizing effects.

Sour Diesel

Putting Chemdawg and Super Skunk together and the offspring is a potent sativa strain popular since the late 20th century. Sour Diesel may be best for people with an iron stomach, as the strain’s odor is pungent and sour, as the name implies. People who have experienced Sour Diesel describe the effects as dreamy, blissful, and, for some, a natural remedy for depression. 

Green Crack

You might know this strain as Green Crush or Mango Crack, but all the monikers refer to a strong sativa hybrid with mysterious origins. Green Crack was initially made by mixing Skunk #1 with an unknown indica to produce a fruity and invigorating sativa. A popular daytime strain (as most Sativas are), Green Crack may help you focus and ward off the afternoon fatigue that often sets in during a long workday. 

Super Silver Haze

This award-winning strain has taken home the Cannabis Cup annual honors several times. Sometimes abbreviated to SSH, Super Silver Haze contains exceptionally high psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. The strain’s flavor profile is citrusy, with orange, tangerine, and mango undertones. Green House Seeds first bred Super Silver Haze by blending Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze into a powerfully energizing botanical concoction. The original genetics are still available at the Mr. Nice Seedbank.

Moby Dick

Combine White Widow and Haze, and you’ve got a cerebral strain with a literary name. Moby Dick is known for its head-high and citrus flavor profile and subtle hints of vanilla. Myrcene is the dominant terpene in this sativa strain, making it a favorite among medical marijuana users. The 18% THC content and intense levels of sedating myrcene make Moby Dick a potential treatment for depression and anxiety. 

Strawberry Cough

Scented like a patch of fresh strawberries, this sweet sativa has murky origins. Some say it came from Strawberry Fields and Haze, but we can’t be sure. Yes, Strawberry Cough may make you cough while also inducing euphoric effects in some people. This varietal is sought-after for its taste and enlivening effects.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream was born in California and remains a go-to choice among West Coast cannabis consumers. Made from Blueberry and Haze, this Sativa-dominant strain is known for its whole-body high, partially due to a relatively high THC content (18%) and very low cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations. Some people choose Blue Dream for its purported ability to relieve nausea and stress.

Blue Dream is often recommended for beginners due to its pleasant taste, wide terpene profile, and relatively mellow experience. DJ Short created Azure Haze, a cross of his Blueberry and Super Silver Haze.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ‘clear-headed’ sativa strains of marijuana?

Jack Herer and Sour Diesel are two of the best clear-headed sativa strains. Sativa-leaning strains such as these may help you concentrate better and stay alert. Remember, though, that every person will react differently to sativa strains. Some people may feel highly energized when using Jack Herer, while others could experience the opposite effects. Also, it is worth remembering that the term "sativa" is misleading regarding a particular strain’s/variety’s effects. Chemical compounds determine a strain’s effects, not whether or not it’s an indica or Sativa. Therefore, if you want a more "clear-headed" effect, choose a variety with a balanced THC:CBD ratio high in THCV, CBG, pinene, and limonene as well, and use low-to-moderate amounts lest the sedative effects of THC take over.

What are some pure sativa strains of marijuana?

Durban Poison is a stand-out among pure sativa strains which are rare. Most strains designated as sativa or indica are hybrids. So, a strain labeled as sativa likely has a combination of sativa and indica lineage. The classification of sativa means that the strain is dominantly sativa (more than 50%).

What are some benefits of sativa strains?

Sativa strains are good for uplifting your mood and giving you physical energy. Some people consume sativa cannabis strains instead of coffee and energy drinks. You may also find that Sativa strains help you stay focused and stimulate your creative juices. Again, these potential effects are individual and will vary depending on many factors, including your frame of mind when consuming cannabis. To reiterate, it’s the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the cannabis plant that will determine its effects, not the indica vs. Sativa growth pattern.

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