Best Sativa Strains 2022: Mood Effects, Potency, Flavors & More

As the cannabis market continues to grow, so does the number of new sativa strains appearing on the market. But with all those options, finding the right cannabis strain can be confusing.

Cannabis strains are divided between cannabis indica and cannabis sativa strains, with many indica/sativa hybrids also available on the market. Our focus here is on the best sativa strains- we’ll provide you with a list of sativa strain names to look out for when you’re shopping for a mood change.

WHAT STRAINS ARE SATIVA?

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While there are a number of popular sativa strains, there are a few classic sativas that have achieved widespread popularity thanks to their potency, taste, and clear-headed sativa high. While we’re going to introduce you to many different sativas, here are some of the best-known sativa stains on the market today.

• Sour Diesel
• Jack Herer
• Green Crack
• Durban Poison
• Strawberry Cough
• Amnesia Haze
• Super Lemon Haze
• Tangie

7 BEST SATIVA STRAINS 2022

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If you have been searching for a sativa strains list, this is our complete list of the top sativa strains for 2022.

Sativa strains are most popular among consumers this year because of their unique uplifting, stimulating, and body soothing properties.

While some cannabis strains can leave you feeling spacey and unable to concentrate, the best sativas leave you feeling alert.

If you’re looking for a different way to get that sweet sativa feeling, check out our Delta 8 Concentrates.

Tangie

Tangie is a 70% sativa/30% indica hybrid that first became popular in Amsterdam coffee shops. In small amounts Tangie makes you feel alert and awake but this is a very potent sativa strain so puff with caution.

Flavor Profile

Tangie’s terpenes give Tangie sativa flowers a sweet citrus smell and taste that discerning smokers love.

Sour Hawaiian Haze

Sour Hawaiian Haze is an updated, stronger version of the classic Hawaiian Haze. This sativa dominant hybrid is very nice for a midday break or an early evening smoke when you want to feel active, focused, and uplifted.

Flavor Profile

Like many Hawaiian sativa weed strains, Sour Hawaiian Haze combines floral notes like lavender with fruity pineapples and peach overtones.

Durban Poison

One of Africa’s most famous weed strains, sativa-dominant Durban Poison is very strong. If you hit it slowly it will make you feel active. But hit the Durban Poison too hard and you’ll feel tired and sleepy.

Flavor Profile

Durban Poison has a distinctive spicy-sweet flavor and smell with warm, mellow undertones of vanilla and cream.

Silver Haze

This pure sativa strain is a great daytime smoke that gives you the energy rush smokers expect from Haze strains. A cross between Haze and Northern Lights, Silver Haze gets its name from the shiny THC glands covering the buds.

Flavor Profile

Silver Haze sativa flowers have a complex herbal, spicy, sour, earthy flavor and scent that lingers like a fine wine.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a sativa dominant hybrid with a sweet berry taste and a high that soothes your body and mind yet makes you feel alert. Blue Dream is made by crossing Blueberry with Haze.

Flavor Profile

Blue Dream gets its fresh blueberry scent from its Blueberry parent, while the Haze adds a sour and earthy overtone.

Trainwreck

As its name suggests, Trainwreck hits very hard with a potent head high combined with an uplifting body buzz. This sativa dominant hybrid was produced by blending Afghani indicas with Mexican and Thai sativas.

Flavor Profile

Trainwreck’s flavor profile has dominant lemon, menthol, and pine notes. Take small hits, as the flavor can be overpowering.

Maui Wowie

Maui Wowie (also sold as “Maui Waui” or “Mowie Wowie”) is a legendary Hawaiian sativa with a pineapple taste. Maui Wowie is one of the most well-known of the pure sativa strains and remains a favorite with discerning smokers.

Flavor Profile

Maui Wowie is famous for its sweet pineapple flavor. The smoke is easy on your lungs and great for sharing.

TOP 8 STRONGEST SATIVA STRAINS

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If you are looking for a strong sativa strain, these are the sativas for you. These potent sativa dominant strains are only recommended for experienced smokers with a higher tolerance. If you are new to sativas or to cannabis in general, we recommend going with something less overwhelming.

Ghost Train Haze

With a THC level of 26%, Ghost Train Haze is one of the strongest sativa weed strains on the market. This Ghost OG x Neville’s Wreck cross can improve productivity, but the anxiety-prone should steer clear of this heavy hitter.

Flavor Profile

Ghost Train Haze sativa flower has dominant sour citrus and floral notes with herbal and gas overtones.

Amnesia Haze

With THC levels of 22%, Amnesia Haze is descended from South Asian and Jamaican landrace weed strains of sativa. A two-time Cannabis Cup winner (1st place 2004, 1st place Sativa Cup 2012), Amnesia Haze makes you energetic, giggly, and talkative.

Flavor Profile

Amnesia Haze has refreshing lemon and citrus notes with a warm and earthy undertone and a hint of cedar.

Super Sour Diesel

If you want a strong sativa strain, you’ll love Super Sour Diesel (also known as “Super Sour” and “Super Diesel”). This is a cross between the legendary strains Super Silver Haze and Sour Diesel.

Flavor Profile

As the name suggests, Super Sour Diesel has a sour, pungent, and strong taste with a distinctive diesel note.

Blue Walker

Blue Walker is a high THC sativa strain made by crossing Skywalker and Blue Dream. This 90% Sativa/10% Indica hybrid is one of the strongest sativa hybrid strains on the market.

Flavor Profile

Blue Walker sativa flower has a sweet fruity taste and a smooth draw that makes it easy on your lungs.

Purple Haze

With THC levels up to 26%, Purple Haze may be the strongest haze strain. Purple Haze is believed to be a cross between Purple Thai and Haze, two of the highest sativa strains. Purple Haze increases creativity and focus.

Flavor Profile

Smokers describe Purple Haze’s flavor profile as lavender, berry, and grape, with a spicy inhale that can make you choke.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express regularly shows up on lists of good sativa strains for improving energy, focus, and creativity. This cinematic star strain was made from crossing Trainwreck with Hawaiian and is best smoked in the morning, afternoon, or early evening hours

Flavor Profile

Pineapple Express has a tropical flavor, with pineapple appeal and undertones of spices and cedar, and a spicy-fruity exhale.

Jet Fuel

If you’re looking for a strong sativa strain, you’ll love Jet Fuel. This uplifting cross between Aspen OG and High Country Diesel is also known as G6, Jet Fuel OG, Jet Fuel G6, Jet Fuel Kush, and G6 Kush.

Flavor Profile

As you might expect from the name, Jet Fuel’s primary taste notes are pungent diesel and chemical flavors.

99 Problems

99 Problems, a cross between Stardawg and White 99 strains, is an extremely strong sativa strain that can make you creative, energetic and focused but can leave you stupefied if you overdo it. Moderation is key with this powerhouse.

Flavor Profile

99 Problems has chem and skunky notes with orange and lemon overtones and a sweet-sour aftertaste.

WHAT MAKES A STRONG SATIVA STRAIN

The most potent sativa strains have high levels of psychoactive THC and low levels of more sedating CBDs. This gives them the classic energetic and creative sativa high.

By selecting for factors like bud density, height, color, and flavor growers, then back-crossing to strengthen genetics and desirable traits, growers develop new and ever-stronger sativa and sativa hybrid strains with better flavor and higher THC counts.

The powerful sativa strains we have listed here are all the product of intensive labor on the part of dedicated marijuana growing technicians.

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE STRONGER SATIVAS

Given sativa strain names like “Trainwreck” and “Amnesia Haze,” it’s clear many people like strong sativas. But why?

Many people choose stronger sativas because they like a stronger head high. And longtime smokers or those accustomed to smoking shatter or wax may find that mid grade weed has little or no effect and only a strong sativa provides the high they want. This is not a big problem, since strong sativas are so readily available today.

SATIVA STRAINS FOR AN EROTIC MOOD

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Different types of sativa strains can produce different types of moods for intimacy. Whether you are looking for an energetic, sociable, inspired, or other mood, there is a sativa strain that will give you what you are looking for.

We recommend choosing strains with high levels of the terpene limonene.

This terpene doesn’t just have a lovely lemon-citrus smell and taste. Limonene also uplifts your mood and can create a sense of euphoria in its own right.

Green Crack

Green Crack is one of the better-known high THC sativa strains, thanks to an energizing high that makes it good for all sorts of physical tasks. Green Crack is a hybrid with a high sativa percentage.

Flavor Profile

Green Crack sativa flower has a sweet, fruity mango flavor with skunk, lemon, and earthy undertones

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is a cross between two well known hybrid sativa strains, Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. Super Lemon Haze was developed by Green House Seeds and is a two-time Cannabis Cup winner with a zesty citrus smell.

Flavor Profile

As its name suggests, Super Lemon Haze has a pronounced lemon flavor that ranges from slightly sweet to extremely sweet.

Bubble Gum

Bubble Gum is a Sativa Dominant 60/40 strain that produces a tactile, sensuous, energetic high that is perfect for romantic evenings together. The sativa dominance ensures your mind stays clear even as your body relaxes.

Flavor Profile

Bubble Gum tastes and smells like a stick of fruity Bubble Gum, with gas notes reminiscent of good Diesel strains.

Blue Dream

There are several different Blue Dreams on the market. Look for the sativa-dominant strains from Humboldt Seed Company or the original Blue Dream strain which is clone-only. All Blue Dream phenotypes have a Blueberry Indica parent .

Flavor Profile

Blue Dream has the fruity flavor of summertime berries, followed by sandalwood, grape, citrus, and floral notes on the exhale.

SATIVA STRAINS FOR ENERGY

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If you want to increase your energy, these are the top types of sativa to go for. Both terpenes and cannabinoids produce the effects found in sativas. All the sativas listed below are rich in terpenes that provide an energy-lifting boost and a stimulating head-high effect. (And as an added bonus, these terpenes taste and smell great!)

Gushers

Gushers is one of the best sativas for daytime use. Gushers makes you want to go out and do things, and when you’re done smoking you’ll have a big smile on your face.

Flavor Profile

Gushers combines notes of fruit candy and cinnamon with clove, lime, and an earthy wet soil undertone.

Shaolin Temple

If you feel like getting into a silly, goofy, bubbly mood, Shaolin Temple is one of the best sativas for you. Shaolin Temple is good for a night out with your friends but also great for getting chores done.

Flavor Profile

Shaolin Temple combines invigorating pine flavors with exotic spicy overtones of cardamom and cumin.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel’s mood-uplifting properties have made it one of the world’s most popular sativa strains. Sour Diesel gives a dreamy yet cerebral high that can be very beneficial for those looking to get into a more relaxed mood.

Flavor Profile

Sour Diesel is famous for its pungent diesel flavor combined with its earthy, herbal, and lemony aftertaste.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is one of the most popular sativa strains, and is famous for its bubbly, happy, and euphoric high. Because Jack Herer is also a strong, resilient plant popular with growers, you should have no trouble finding Jack Herer.

Flavor Profile

Jack Herer has a classic piney and medicinal flavor common to many Haze strains, with a citrus note on exhaling.

SATIVA STRAINS FOR FOCUS

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If you are struggling to concentrate at school, work, or daily tasks, these are good sativa strains for increasing your focus.

When you are looking for concentration-enhancing cannabis as a study or work aid, you will do best with THC-dominant strains.

And if you find that your concentration is frequently broken by fears and worries, look for strains with a relaxing effect.

Red Congolese

Red Congolese is a high THC sativa strain that combines African landrace genetics with Mexican and Afghani strains to create a pure Sativa strain that provides mental clarity, laser focus, and a mild euphoria that makes studying a joy.

Flavor Profile

Red Congolese sativa flower has a fruity, cheesy flavor with hints of spices and berries

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a happy sativa that will leave you giggly and energetic, but still allow you to focus and concentrate. This African landrace sativa is best for daytime use, as it can make you too alert to sleep.

Flavor Profile

Durban Poison’s flavor profile combines sweet licorice and funky skunk in a combo that explodes in your mouth.

Sour Breath

This cross between Sour Diesel and Lamb’s Breath, two well-loved sativa weed strains, has a strong, pungent odor that will fill the room and a stimulating high that is great for physical activity and exercise.

Flavor Profile

Sour Breath tastes as loud as it smells, with sour apricot on the inhale and a pine and diesel exhale.

Lucid Blue

Lucid Blue, a cross between Blue Dream and Grateful Breath, is a sativa weed that was designed with focus and concentration in mind. Lucid Blue is known for its stimulating high and is especially good for wake and bakes.

Flavor Profile

Blue Dream genetics give Lucid Blue a blueberry taste, while Grateful Breath provides undertones of grass and haze.

STRAINS FOR A SOCIAL MOOD

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Certain types of sativa are famous for uplifting your mood and making you feel happier and more sociable.

The sativa head high can alleviate a bad mood, calm social jitters, and make it easier to focus on conversations.

We’ve compiled the best strains for loosening your tongue and making you more comfortable in social settings. Be sure to use in moderation to start to judge your body and mind’s reaction!

Acid Rock

Acid Rock is a Hawaiian sativa-dominant strain that will make you feel more social, chatty, and curious. Acid Rock soothes the body, with a THC level high enough to help you relax but not so high as to be overwhelming.

Flavor Profile

The first note of an Acid Rock draw tastes like freshly squeezed lemon juice, with an herb-like, skunky funk following.

Pink Panther

If you’re looking for a strain that will make you the life of the party while you’re hanging out with friends, you’ll love Pink Panther. Pink Panther’s playful, happy high is perfect for social occasions.

Flavor Profile

Pink Panther’s flavor is pure candy, with a Fruit-Stripe Bubble gum sweetness that coats your mouth and soothes your lungs.

Harlequin GDP

Some people find pure sativa strains trigger their social anxiety. For them, Harlequin GDP – a high-CBD strain – may help them relax in social settings. Harlequin GDP is a cross between Harlequin and Granddaddy Purple, and is primarily used for medicinal purposes.

Flavor Profile

Harlequin GDP tastes of berries and grapes, with a skunky note that adds complexity and brings out the sweetness.

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough has a sweet, fruity taste you’ll love, and a relaxing effect that is great for dealing with a shy personality. Be sure to draw slowly with this one, as Strawberry Cough produces lots of thick, flavorful smoke.

Flavor Profile

As you might have guessed from the name, Strawberry Cough has a strong strawberry taste and smell.

EFFECTS OF SATIVA WEED

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As with other types of weed, sativas affect everyone differently. But most people describe the effects of sativa as an energizing, invigorating “head high” that increases creativity and focus.

Many smokers describe the Delta 8 THC feeling as very similar to the sativa high, but less likely to become overwhelming.

Delta-8 THC is a slightly milder isomer of the more common delta-9 THC that offers many of the same effects but carries less risk of side effects like feeling uneasy.

Increases your Creativity

The best sativas increase creativity by producing a cerebral high that lets you move from linear, logical thinking into more abstract and intuitive meditations. This is not only good for creating art or writing poetry. A good sativa can help you break a logjam with a difficult computer issue or mathematical problem by freeing your mind to wander off the beaten track – without wrecking your ability to concentrate.

What’s the Best Strain for Creativity?

Generally, sativa-dominant weed strains are energetic, uplifting, and mentally stimulating, which are all good for your creativity. It’s hard to tell which types of sativa are best for your creative endeavors because of personal preferences in terms of THC, CBD levels and flavor profile. The best strain for your creativity is the one that best spurs your imagination.

Expands your Mind

While sativas are great for creativity and socializing, the best sativas can help you look inward and expand your mind. Sativas can be an excellent accompaniment to meditation or quiet reflection. If you need some quiet time to work your feelings out, a sativa strain can be a great ally on your mental journey.

Gives you Energy

Among many weed strains, sativa is best for people who like to use cannabis products during the day. Sativa’s energizing, happy buzz helps you feel more social and friendly and can take the edge off without leaving you feeling tired or unable to concentrate. And sativa’s mood-elevating effect can help you shake the blues and get you in the mood for productivity.

Enhances Focus

Many people ask, “does sativa help you focus?” While the effects of cannabis vary widely between users, sativas are much less likely to give you the stereotypical spacy stoned lack of concentration than indica-dominant strains. Many smokers find that sativas help them to focus and concentrate on the task at hand and make their mind feel sharper.

Uplifting

Sativas can be a great help to people suffering from the blues. The energizing effects of sativa strains can uplift a down mood and help you shake your gloom. And because sativas can boost your motivation, they can give you the drive you need to get important things done on days when you just want to curl up and throw the covers over your head.

Does Sativa Make you Sleepy

Many people complain that indica-dominant strains make them sleepy and lazy. Sativas are euphoric and energizing when consumed. Indica may be a better choice for night-time smoking, as some people find that the energizing sativa buzz can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. By contrast, many smokers find sativa strains ideal for morning “wake and bake” sessions.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SATIVA

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While most people enjoy the effects of a good sativa, a small percentage will experience negative side effects. Sativa side effects can include:

• dry mouth
• dry, red eyes
• dizziness
• anxiety
• nausea and vomiting
• increased appetite
• slowed reaction time
• coordination issues

These issues are typically caused by using too much cannabis. Take one puff or the smallest recommended edible dose to start, especially when you are dealing with some of the heavy-hitting sativas listed above. And if you start feeling overwhelmed, sit back and relax because the discomfort will likely be over soon. An overwhelming sativa high is unpleasant but temporary and will have no residual after effects.

THE BOTTOM LINE

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The best sativas can be energizing, mood-lifting, and stimulating. They can increase your focus and productivity, and leave you feeling ready to face the day and get things done. But sativas, like all strains of cannabis, work differently for everyone. Try it first and start small before you dive in. You can always smoke more, but once you’ve inhaled you can’t smoke less.

While recreational marijuana has been decriminalized or legalized in many jurisdictions, check your state and local laws.