Contrary to popular stereotypes, using cannabis does not automatically result in lazy, unproductive couchlock. In fact, certain cannabis strains are known for promoting energy and motivation. Which strains, you ask? The short answer: sativa. And today, we are going to cover the best sativa strains for energy.
How Does Cannabis Help With Energy?
Science helps us understand how using cannabis can lead to energized feelings and increased motivation. The CB-1 and CB-2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain are linked to dopamine levels. Increased dopamine production is linked to feeling pleasure or reward, which acts as a motivator.
Sativa, as opposed to indica, is more strongly tied to triggering the release of dopamine, offering a euphoric-like kick that one might associate with feeling energized. Furthermore, the cerebral high that comes with using sativa strains tends to lead to more focused – and often creative – activity.
Keep reading to learn about some of the best sativa strains for energy!
10 Best Sativa Strains for Energy
Sativa-dominant strains can offer invigorating effects, and here we’ve outlined nine of the best sativa strains for energy.
Durban Poison
A full, bright sativa with a scent of sweet pine and a hint of mint and impeccable citrus taste, the effects of Durban Poison are incredibly euphoric and stimulating with bouts of intense energy and clear thought. Like all full sativas, this strain should be cautioned for those who are incredibly prone to anxiety.
Check out Durban Poison, available from a variety of cannabis brands, including Greenline, UpNorth, and more.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain that has gained as much renown as its namesake, the marijuana activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Combining a Haze hybrid with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross, Sensi Seeds created Jack Herer hoping to capture both the cerebral elevation associated with sativas and the heavy resin production of indicas. Its rich genetic background gives rise to several different variations of Jack Herer, each phenotype bearing its own unique features and effects.
Visit MediThrive to find Jack Herer in Lost Farm THCv Chews and ‘Strawberry Jack’ hybrids.
Lava Flower
Lava Flower is an energizing sativa with strong diesel and blueberry aromas, accented by hints of candied lemon, lime, and sour candy. Its fast-acting effects deliver an invigorating cerebral high, perfect for staying sharp throughout the day. With limonene enhancing focus and terpinolene acting as a natural stimulant alongside THC, this strain provides the mental clarity you need without weighing you down.
Lava Flower is typically available in eighth jars at MediThrive.
Lemonade
Electric Lemonade is a cross of Tahoe OG x Blue Dream. This sativa-dominant strain is a PCC in-house favorite and bridges the gap between sativa and hybrid beautifully, offering energetic physical effects alongside creative mental stimulation. PCC recommends utilizing Electric Lemonade’s uplifting effects to overcome anxiety and nausea. Electric Lemonade emits a strong sour lemonade aroma and offers consumers tart lemon flavors that foretell the strain’s mood-enhancing effects.
Browse our cannabis dispensary’s current stock and read descriptions carefully. Some products are lemon-flavored, while others have lemonade strain lineage!
Mango Haze
Mango Haze is an uplifting, fruity variety, exhibiting a distinctive mango aroma coupled with a buzzing cerebral sensation. For sativa effects that keep you awake and alert without inducing too many psychoactive properties, try CBD Mango Haze, which offers an even ratio of the CBD and THC cannabinoids.
Take advantage of Pure Beauty’s “Mango Mintality” (a hybrid of Mango Haze and Gush Mints) to experience it right now.
Red Congolese
The colorful palette of Red Congolese creates a complex profile of effects and flavors. The sativa genetics dominate the physical effects of Red Congolese, resulting in a weightless euphoria that promotes focus and mental clarity.
Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express combines the potent and flavorful forces of parent strains Trainwreck and Hawaiian. The smell is likened to fresh apple and mango, with a taste of pineapple, pine, and cedar. This hard-hitting sativa provides a long-lasting energetic buzz perfect for productive afternoons and creative escapes.
This energetic sativa is popular, showing up across many products at MediThrive. Check out our menu to find the one that’s right for you!
Tangie
The genetics on this strain are a cross of California Orange and a Skunk hybrid, and its citrus heritage is the most evident in its refreshing tangerine aroma. As a plant, Tangie grows best outside, producing sticky buds that provide euphoric yet relaxed effects.
It may be challenging to locate this sativa. One flower containing its genes is Clementine by Wave Rider.
Super Silver Haze
A hybrid of Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze, Super Silver Haze promotes an energetic, long-lasting euphoria. With a relaxing, yet focused high, this sativa inspires an uplifting sense of stress relief that also allows you to be your most productive self.
Find it in Connected Cannabis Co.’s Silver Spoon. This fresh sativa strain has a lineage of (Super Silver Haze #6 x Xeno #6) and Xeno #30.
Strawberry Diesel
Strawberry Diesel is yet another sativa that produces upbeat, energetic effects, with the added bonus of smelling and tasting like fresh strawberries! With its invigorating notes of Sour Diesel, this strain offers a mellow yet potent high for users who want to reap the benefits of productivity while also enjoying recreational fun.
This and similar strains are in SENSE Sour Diesel flower and Jeeter XL Infused Preroll in Strawberry Sour Diesel.
The Role of Lineage in Cannabis Cultivars
Some sativa strains can be tricky to find – not because they’ve disappeared, but because they’ve been bred into new cultivars. This selective breeding helps create strains with enhanced flavors, terpene profiles, and effects.
Many of today’s strains carry the genetics of older varieties, which explains why you might find hybrids or new names derived from classics like Mango Haze or Super Silver Haze. Exploring these lineages helps cannabis enthusiasts like you understand the traits passed down. From flavor to effect, genetics give you more insight into the experience you’ll have when using a product.
Want More Sativa Strains for Energy?
These are just a few of the best sativa strains that can provide a boost of energy. Stop by MediThrive to speak with our knowledgeable cannabis consultants or order online if you know exactly which sativa buzz you’re after.
If you need help finding what you’re looking for, our budtenders are happy to assist. We offer a variety of uplifting sativa strains for daytime use, with options in flowers, vapes, edibles, and extracts – all at great prices!
Originally posted in 2020. Updated October 21, 2024.
