The cannabis plant is highly diverse, offering numerous medicinal and recreational benefits that help a wide range of users. While stereotypes depict cannabis connoisseurs as lazy, unproductive drains on society, certain marijuana strains have the complete opposite effects.
Many people who enjoy using marijuana are very busy and find a time and place for heavily sedating strains that put them into a couch-lock coma but need balance.
If you are looking to utilize the effects of cannabis but need an energizing experience, we’ve identified 10 of the best sativa cannabis strains that will keep you off the couch and give you tremendous energy.
What Makes an Energetic Cannabis Strain?
First, it is essential to understand what makes a cannabis strain deliver energizing effects. The phenomenon has been misunderstood for decades, but as scientists learn more about cannabis, the reasons are becoming more evident.
We once attributed physical appearance and cannabinoid content to how a strain would be classified and what type of high the end user would experience.
As our understanding has progressed, the consensus among the cannabis community has realized that classification methods of the past are flawed, and the only way to truly predict effects is through chemical composition.
Researchers have found that uplifting cannabis strains possess a higher concentration of specific terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in all plants.
3 Terpenes with Uplifting Effects
Terpenes are vital to the evolution of plants because they attract pollinators and deter predators. In addition, terpenes provide medicinal benefits that have been used for thousands of years. Their role in cannabis is still not fully understood, but we don’t know that some terpenes provide sedating effects and others deliver a boost in energy.
Below are 3 that scientists have identified as significant factors in making an energizing strain.
Alpha Pinene
Pinene is most commonly found in pine needles. If you’ve ever walked into an evergreen forest and noticed you could breathe a little better and feel energized, pinene is to thank. The terpene is also in some of the best sativa strains with earthy undertones, fight fatigue, and get the creative juices flowing.
Limonene
Limonene is the most common cannabis terpene found in most strains. However, highly concentrated limonene typically delivers a pick me up high.
The terpene also is responsible for the iconic citrus smell in some of the most sought-after cannabis sativa dominant strains on the market, such as Super Silver Haze, Super Lemon Haze, and Lemon Skunk.
Valencene
One of the aromatic compounds in oranges, especially Valencia oranges, is packed with valencene. Like limonene the terpene has a citrus aroma and delivers uplifting effects.
Marijuana Strain History
Another component of cannabis that is important to understand when choosing marijuana strains that boost energy is the history of genetics. For thousands of years, seeds have traveled all over the world, and strains have been cross-bred to produce a more valuable product.
Indica Vs. Sativa Marijuana Strains for Energy Boost
Indica strains are from the high elevations of the Kush Mountain Range and other areas in central Asia. Due to less-than-ideal growing conditions and short flowering periods, the plant evolved to be resilient. They can be identified as short, bushy, and highly concentrated in THC and sedating terpenes.
One of the most popular indica strains is Northern Lights, a plant named after the incredible aurora light phenomenon in Alaska and Northwest Canada but a genetic history that can be traced back to indigenous Afghani landrace strains.
Sativa strains developed closer to the equator with more extended growing periods and more ideal growing conditions. The plant appearances usually are described as tall and sprawling with thin fan leaves.
Cross Breeding
Identifying plants by appearance today isn’t as reliable as hundreds of years ago. Stains have traveled across regions and been cross-bred to bring out the most appealing characteristics to users.
Indica strains were once associated with high THC levels because they are bred to produce hash. Today, both indica and sativa strains are optimized for maximum cannabinoid and terpene production.
Hybrid Marijuana Strain Dominance in 2022
Some cannabis connoisseurs argue that every strain is a hybrid because of widespread genetic cross-breeding and unclear historical records. Even what is considered pure sativa is most likely a cross between two sativa strains or sativa dominant hybrids.
The only way to move forward and help users identify an energizing strain is to be conscious of all factors, including genealogy, appearance, and chemical composition (especially regarding terpene concentration).
Pure Sativa Strains for Energy
Cannabis sativa strains typically have a genetic history linked to plants from Mexico or other warm climates. Below are some of the best sativa strains showing a record of fighting fatigue and delivering energizing effects to help the user get through a busy day.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is one of the best strains for energy. The sativa stain delivers a dominant cerebral high that will have the user knocking out tasks on a busy day.
Durban Poison
Another legendary energetic cannabis strain is Durban Poison. The strain can be traced back to the South African port of Durban, which is known for its pungent aroma and fast acting effects.
Green Crack
Green Crack was named by cannabis connoisseur and cultural icon Snoop Dogg. He praised the stain’s uplifting effects and jokingly compared the high to crack.
Super Silver Haze
The High Times Cannabis Cup winner of 1997, 1998, and 1999 is one of the most famous and sought-after weed strains in existence. Super Silver Haze contains high THC content, and users report an energetic, long-lasting body high.
Trainwreck
Trainwreck is one of the best strains for increasing productivity. Many users choose Trainwreck as their go-to wake and bake strain.
Sativa Dominant Hybrid Strains
Arguably, all weed strains are hybrid, but cannabis sativa strains crossed with known indica dominant strains can deliver balanced energy that may be more attractive to users who want to relax but not be put to sleep.
Below are some of the best sativa dominant hybrids to tackle a busy day ahead but remain balanced.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer or JH is a popular sativa dominant strain known for its piney aroma and earthy undertones. The strain has a high concentration on pinene, giving it its unique smell and uplifting effects.
Strawberry Diesel
Strawberry Diesel is probably the most balanced out of all our best sativa strains. The strain delivers a calming high throughout the entire body and is described as a clearheaded focus.
Blue Dream
Crossing two legendary strains, Blueberry and Haze produced the sativa dominant hybrid Blue Dream. The smell and aroma are reminiscent of berries, but the strain packs a punch when inhaled deeply.
Strawberry Cough
Another phenotype from Haze is Strawberry Cough. Many users choose the strain as a wake and bake because of the inviting aroma of strawberries and long-lasting energetic effects.
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze produces anything but a gentle high as the THC content is usually highly concentrated. The strain is widely used for cannabis products because of its sweet aroma of citrus fruits and high cannabinoid and terpene content.
The Best Cannabis Strains for Energy Boost
Any of the weed strains we’ve covered are excellent choices if you are looking for an uplifting marijuana experience. While cannabis genetics is becoming more understood as the plant is decriminalized, we are still far from a perfect classification system.
In addition, all our bodies are wired differently, and one strain may affect a person completely differently than someone else. Therefore, the only way to truly find the sativa strain that gives you a boost of energy is through trial and error.
You may experience that a balanced hybrid is better at producing the energetic effects you are looking for. It could be due to poor cannabis compound identification, or certain terpenes have an unusual effect on your endocannabinoid system.
While the system isn’t perfect, trying different strains and monitoring the effects is a worthwhile process that will inevitably lead to finding the ideal sativa for your lifestyle.
Choose the Right Energetic Cannabis Strains
Our list identifies the most popular sativa and sativa dominant hybrids on the market. If possible, asking your dispensary for a terpene analysis is a great way to understand the chemical composition of each strain. Weed strains with higher concentrations of terpenes like pinene, limonene, and valencene are great, indicating factors to predict an uplifting experience.
While there are so many amazing sativa strains to choose from, thanks to cannabis legalization, our top 5 are Sour Diesel, Green Crack, Jack Herer, Super Lemon Haze, and Super Silver Haze. All these strains are high energy weed and perfect for wake and bake or pick me up midday.
