All Articles

By Dr Dabber

The Best Sativa Strains to Try for a Super Productive 2024

a man holds a bud of sativa cannabis in his palm – Dr. Dabber

While 85% of users report that the effects of cannabis indica make them want to chill out, the energizing qualities of sativa will inspire you to get up and clean out your junk closet instead. Beef up your knowledge of sativa, and discover the best sativa strains you might want to try.

How the Best Sativa Strains Measure Up

Those who prefer cannabis sativa to indica do so for the following reasons:

  • Increased energy
  • Enhanced creativity
  • Heightened focus
  • Euphoria
  • Reduced anxiety (in smaller doses)
  • Increased sociability

However, sativa plants are tricky to grow; they have long flowering cycles, reach heights too extreme for indoor growing, and prefer a tropical cultivation climate. This impracticality makes pure sativa strains rare, and most products labeled “sativa” are actually sativa-dominant hybrids. Combining sativa and indica strains produces hybrid plants that tolerate a wider range of climates and conditions and yield better than pure sativa.

While there is a niche market for pure sativa strains among cannabis enthusiasts, there is a much larger demand for sativa-dominant hybrids. These hybrids balance a cerebral high of sativa with the relaxing effects of indica, so they’re suitable for a broad range of activities at any time of day.

Furthermore, growers can tailor the psychoactive effects of sativa hybrids to range from mild relaxation to intense euphoria, and you can choose the best sativa strains that suit your social setting, mood, or activity.

Jack Herer: Get High Without Getting Too Stoned

The Jack Herer hybrid strain (also known as JH) is a balance of 55% cannabis sativa and 45% cannabis indica for a harmonious mix of bodily and cerebral effects. JH combines a Haze hybrid and a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross. The moderate to high THC content can range from 15% to 24%, and the low CBD content is approximately 0.7% to 1.0%.

The terpenes in JH give it a unique, tempting flavor profile and aroma:

  • Myrcene: Earthy, musky scent with fruity hints
  • Pinene: Fresh pine aroma like an evergreen forest
  • Humulene: Spicy undertones that give the combined fragrances depth
  • Limonene: Citrus notes such as orange peels and lemon
  • Caryophyllene Oxide: Woody, herbal aromas with a touch of spice
  • Nerolidol: Floral, woody scents that contribute to a complex aroma profile

You can easily identify the flower by its large, pepper-shaped neon green nugs mixed with thick orange hairs and golden undertones with a dusting of amber crystal trichomes.

Prominent Psychoactive Effects

Compared to other hybrids, Jack Herer has a remarkable balance with a strong cerebral high and a gentle relaxing body effect. Consumers typically describe this hybrid as blissful, clear-headed, and creative. Its psychoactive effects are a direct result of the parent strains:

  • Haze: Haze strains are either pure sativa or sativa-dominant hybrids known for their creative, uplifting, and cheerful effects on the brain.
  • Northern Lights #5: Northern Lights #5 is a potent indica strain well-known for its relaxing effects.
  • Shiva Skunk: An indica-dominant hybrid that crosses Northern Lights #5 with the original Skunk #1, Shiva Skunk induces a combination of physical relaxation and cerebral stimulation.

Combined, these strains produce the effects specific to JH, which typically include creativity, energy, euphoria, and focus.

Medical Benefits*

Jack Herer has a predominant role in the medical marijuana industry. It was even available in Dutch pharmacies and recognized as medicinal-grade cannabis. JH’s medical uses include:

  • Stress and anxiety relief: JH is an excellent choice for those suffering from depression or PTSD due to its mood-enhancing qualities.
  • Pain relief: Users often report substantial pain relief from conditions such as fibromyalgia and migraines because of the high THC content.
  • Fatigue: JH can produce energizing effects that are beneficial to those dealing with various medical conditions that cause fatigue or low energy.
  • Nausea and appetite stimulation: Patients who undergo nausea-inducing treatments for diseases like cancer can find relief and an increased appetite from Jack Herer.
  • ADHD management: JH has focus-enhancing properties that some have found effective in managing their ADHD symptoms.

You should always consult your healthcare professional before using any type of cannabis for medicinal reasons.

Jack Herer Origin and History

In addition to JH, Jack Herer also goes by The Jack, Platinum Jack, and Premium Jack. The strain was initially cultivated by Sensei Seeds in the Netherlands, although the timeline is somewhat ambiguous with estimates ranging from the 1980s to the mid-1900s.

They named their new strain after Jack Herer, a legendary cannabis activist who also authored “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” in 1985. Herer spent decades advocating for marijuana legislation, and now, his name will live for decades to come as one of the most popular sativa-dominant strains in the legalized community

Silver Haze: Practically Pure Sativa Packs a Punch

The Silver Haze strain is not quite a pure sativa, but it is close with the sativa component clocking in at 80% to 90%. It came into existence when Haze, a pure sativa strain created by mixing ancient landraces from South India, South America, and Southeast Asia, made its way to Holland, and Sensei Seeds crossed it with Northern Lights.

Silver Haze boasts a medium to strong THC level of 14% to 24% and a low CBD level — usually less than 0.1% — and remains one of the most popular strains today. The dominant terpenes in Silver Haze give it a sweet and spicy flavor grounded with earthy tones and augmented with a lingering citrus aroma. They also increase the strain’s therapeutic benefits:

  • Myrcene: THC psychoactive enhancement, sedative and relaxing effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
  • Pinene: Anti-inflammatory effects, bronchodilator, may counteract short-term memory loss associated with THC
  • Caryophyllene: Acts as a cannabinoid, anti-inflammatory benefits, gastroprotective properties

Silver Haze received its name from its dense, silvery trichomes that glitter in the light and coat the brilliantly hued bright green nugs with gold undertones sprinkled with long, thin amber strands.

Potent Psychoactive Effects

Cannabis enthusiasts favor Silver Haze because of the energetic and uplifting high combined with remarkable mental stimulation and a touch of relaxation. Users often report the following psychoactive effects:

  • Energy Boost: Silver Haze is an energizing strain useful for boosting you through a busy day and popular with wake-and-bakers.
  • Euphoria: You’ll typically experience an uplifting euphoria, which makes Silver Haze excellent for mood enhancement.
  • Cerebral High: This strain is famous for producing a strong cerebral buzz that can enhance creativity and stimulate mental activity.
  • Relaxation: Despite its energizing qualities, Silver Haze also has a lingering calming effect felt when the head high begins to wear off, but it’s not as heavy a sedative as more indica-dominant strains.
  • Increased Sociability: This sativa-dominant strain can make you more talkative and sociable at social gatherings or events.

Additionally, this sativa-dominant strain can heighten sensory perception, making it great for appreciating auditory, visual, tactile, and other sensory experiences. Its effects make it a very popular choice for creatives such as artists, writers, and musicians seeking a fresh perspective or a boost of inspiration.

Medical Benefits*

While not as well-known in medicinal circles as Jack Herer, Silver Haze also carries significant medical benefits under the care of a physician for various symptoms or disorders:

  • Mood Disorders: Silver Haze can induce euphoria that may improve your mood.
  • Focus and Concentration: This strain can help you clear your mind and achieve better cognitive function.
  • Stress Relief: Silver Haze can foster a sense of calm and well-being without the heavy sedative effects that other strains can have.
  • Pain Management: The dominant terpene caryophyllene is a cannabinoid with significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics.
  • Fatigue: The sativa-dominant Silver Haze can boost your energy levels and combat chronic or general lethargy.

These properties all make Silver Haze a great choice to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and chronic fatigue or pain.

Silver Haze Vs. the Other Best Sativa Strains

Because Silver Haze is almost pure sativa, you can expect it will outperform other more balanced sativa-dominant strains, such as Jack Herer, in the energy, mood enhancement, and creativity categories. However, Silver Haze still has that touch of relaxing indica that will keep you from going off the rails.

Here’s a quick comparison to other choice sativa strains:

Durban Poison

  • Almost 100% sativa
  • 18% to 25% THC
  • Less than 0.1% CBD
  • Spicy, sweet, fruity
  • Energetic effects increase productivity

Amnesia Haze

  • 80% sativa
  • 20% to 22% THC
  • 1% CBD
  • Sweet, citrus, earthy, pepper, spicy
  • Energetic and psychedelic properties

Strawberry Cough

  • 80% sativa
  • 20% to 25% THC
  • 12% CBD
  • Fruity, strawberry, tropical
  • Comfortable buzz excellent for managing social anxiety

Super Silver Haze

  • 80% sativa
  • 18% to 23% THC
  • 17% CBD
  • Skunk, sweet, earthy
  • Psychedelic effects and calming daytime high

Green Crack

  • 65% sativa
  • 18% THC
  • 1% CBD
  • Earthy, sweet, citrus
  • Combats pain, stress, and anxiety

No matter your preferences, Silver Haze, one of its children, or another sativa-dominant strain should provide the benefits and psychoactive effects that suit the condition you would rather be in.

The Best Sativa Strains Need the Best Vaporizing Products

the Dr. Dabber Boost Evo vaporizer – Dr. Dabber

Which of the best sativa strains will you try next? Enhance your experience with Dr. Dabber's high-quality vaporizers, atomizers, and glass. Download additional information or subscribe for exclusive offers, product launches, discounts, and more.

*The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, or pain relief. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

Cart (${ cartCounter })

Your cart is empty.

${ item.title }

  •  - ${option.value}

$ ${item.price}