If you’ve spent any time around cannabis or in dispensaries, you’re probably familiar with the terms indica and sativa. These words were first used to distinguish between two types of cannabis plants, and they’re still useful—to a point. Due to widespread cross-breeding, most cannabis plants are actually hybrids, expressing attributes of both types of cannabis plants.
This raises an important question: Are there any 100% sativa plant strains to be found? Well, sort of. Find out what makes up the highest sativa strains and fill your stash box with some of our current favorites.
100% Sativa Strains: A Pipe Dream?
The terms indica and sativa first came into use in the 18th century, when European botanists differentiated between the two plants they knew were related but looked quite different from one another. The tall hemp plants grown primarily in Europe and Eurasia for fiber and seeds were named sativa, while the short plants native to India and Central Asia were called indica. Sativas were tall and tree-like, while indicas were squat and bushy with densely bunched, short leaves.
While it was generally believed that sativa strains had an uplifting and energizing effect on our bodies and minds—with indicas tending to be more relaxing, even sleep-inducing—these purported effects were, of course, highly subjective, which leads us to the current way that cannabis strains are classified.
Occasionally, a customer will ask us, “What’s the highest sativa strain?” But “sativa” isn’t a specific quality; it describes the effects we believe certain strains will impart. What’s more quantifiable is the percentage of cannabinoids in each strain, along with the percentage and variety of aromatic terpenes—and these percentages are dictated by more than simply whether a strain is sativa, indica, or a hybrid. However, if we believe a particular strain delivers mainly heavy body effects or mainly stimulating cerebral effects, using these terms can simplify our recommendations.
Are There Pure Sativa Plant Strains?
Growing and breeding cannabis is an artform unto itself, and over the last several decades breeders have crossed all types of strains, eager to produce cannabis with high THC percentages and unique characteristics. This level of crossbreeding means today pure indica and pure sativa strains are relatively rare.
Since the genetics of cannabis have become so intermingled through crossbreeding, it’s reasonable to ask: “Is there such a thing as a pure sativa strain anymore?” Luckily, some curious minds conducted a clinical study to answer that same question.
Much of the early study of cannabis plants centered on the physical appearance of the plants themselves, but in 2015, a group of researchers took a deep dive into the genetics of the plants. In part, their goal was to determine if there’s such a thing as a pure sativa strain. Separating cannabis from its close cousin, hemp, the study found that hemp—which contains only trace amounts of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC—more closely resembles indica cannabis than its original botanical name, sativa.
More confusing, the study underscored something many clued-in plant growers have been pointing out for years: The designations assigned to cannabis strains have only a moderate correlation with their genetics. In other words, some plants described as “pure sativas” may contain a significant proportion of indica genetics.
Top 10 Sativa Strains to Try Today
Though there are few pure sativa strains, many hybrids reportedly express those classic sativa effects and may deliver the energizing qualities you seek. Here are some fan favorites to help guide you on your journey and exploration of the highest sativa strains.
Sour Diesel
Forget sativas and indicas for a moment: Sour D may be the single most famous strain in the world—though there are plenty of challengers. A cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, this legendary sativa’s effects are often described as dreamy, cerebral, and energizing. It also delivers an unforgettable pungent flavor profile that smells much like fuel.
Popular in the medical marijuana community for its potential to elevate mood, manage discomfort, and relieve stress, Sour Diesel has undoubtedly earned its place among the top ten sativa strains of all time.
Crazy Hazey
Crazy Hazey is a complex hybrid bred by crossing Big Sur Holy Weed x Face Off x Moonbow #75. Crazy Hazey is known for its high THC levels paired with an unusually high terpene content. The result? A powerfully scented, energizing strain that may keep you going for days.
We asked Mission’s Flower Manager, Josh Santoro, to elaborate on the appeal of Crazy Hazey. “A real stinky variety with excellent potency, and one of the higher lab tested terpene contents in Mission’s mother stock. The Moonbow #75 reversal pollen donor has her own unique, skunky funk that blends perfectly with the Holy Roller’s tropical, zesty, sativa skunky funk. A crazy winner!”
Elvis
A cross between the legendary AK-47 bred with the sativa-heavy Skunk #1, Elvis is described as a killer sativa strain that may hit you with a wave of cerebral energy. The creative sparks might be hard to control, but the mellow, body-soothing vibe will keep things chill and balanced. Flavor-wise, this strain is nothing short of a sweet, earthy explosion topped with a skunky, musky kick and an unmistakable spicy note from AK-47 to create a truly complex and fun flavor profile.
Durban Poison
Perhaps the best-known and purest sativa strain of all, Durban Poison, originates from the South African port city of Durban. With its sweet smell and commonly felt energetic effects, it may be the perfect strain for productivity, exploring the outdoors, or getting into a creative flow.
Lemonz
As famous for its taste as it is for its effects, Lemonz is unusual in the sativa world. While you may feel the classic uplift, the high is reportedly more mellow and relaxing than super energizing. Its flavor profile contains lemons, berries, and tart grapefruit that offers a sweet and sour experience with just a hint of creaminess to balance things out.
Mac & Cheese
This cross between Miracle Alien Cookies and Alien Cheese is known for its uncommonly sour flavor matched with a pungently skunky scent. But trust us: You’ll feel anything but sour with this strain’s common expression of blissful and happy feelings blasting through you.
Cuban Linx
Boasting an incredibly high terpene content, Cuban Linx is a seriously flavorful and aromatic strain bred by crossing TK Skunk and Tigerian strains. Some fans compare the scent with a fresh batch of lemonade mixed with green apple and diesel fuel. Consumers commonly report a blast of euphoric and creative effects, with a noticeable boost in energy and ability to focus.
Lemon Fatman
The layered, lemony scent is a clue you’re on to something good with this energizing sativa strain, bred by crossing Lemon Hashplant x Fatso. Offering a blast from cannabis genetics past, Hashplant itself comes from the classic Lemon Haze strain and serves up a complex terpene profile that boasts notes of herbs, spice, hashish, pepper, lemon zest, and skunk. Boosting mood and energy levels, Lemon Fatman is a great option for daytime consumption.
Board Wax
What are you trying to get done today? Board wax might be the oil you need to keep things running smoothly. Most consumers report a mellow, relaxed high that doesn’t make you feel too alert or sleepy, making it a great choice when cruising into the evening. While its lineage is a mystery, this strain is known for its light tropical and citrus aromas, with a hint of spice to keep things nice.
Super Boof
From our own house brand, we’re proud of our Mission Cannabis products, and none more so than this energizing sativa. Uplifting and giggly, even a little bit silly, Super Boof can be an excellent pick for social gatherings or for working on hobbies. It offers a spicy and musky scent thanks to the dominant terpene myrcene, along with hints of cherry, nuts and citrus that make it not only a very fun strain, but a tasty one to boot.
Shop Premium Sativa Strains at Mission
At Mission, we aim to help you find the best cannabis products for your body and mind. So, if you’ve been wanting to explore more sativa strains, you’ve come to the right place.
Ready to take your cannabis knowledge even higher? Visit our cannabis blog, where you’ll find strain reviews and in-depth articles packed with hard science and expert tips on a variety of sativa strains.
Or, check out your local Mission menu from our Illinois or Massachusetts dispensaries and find premium flower, vapes, edibles, and more. Still have questions about the highest sativa strains, cannabinoid ratios, or any other cannabis-related questions? Stop by any of our locations and ask our welcoming team for more information. We’re always here to help!
