Sleep – can’t live without it. But what about those who struggle with it? Thankfully, marijuana has been a go-to for many insomnia-sufferers, although it isn’t all as simple as puffing on the first joint in sight. There are an astonishing amount of strains out there to choose from, and even for those who are familiar with Indica and Sativa (the most popular), many wonder can Sativa make you sleepy?
Whether you know much about these two strains or not, their story can be a confusing one. There is just such limited research on their effects. Well, researchers know that on a conventional level, Indica is a sedative and Sativa is an upper. But the key here is that not all strains are equal, which we’ll talk more about below.
So, can Sativa make you sleepy, or not? Truth is that some strains can, as they might have higher levels of THC. That being said, the majority of Sativa strains will make you more energetic, not sleepy. Let’s dive a little deeper. Or, if you’ve already made your mind up and want to get your hands on the best Sativa and Indica strains, have a browse of our range.
Effects of Sativa
Sativa is one of two of the most popular types of cannabis plants – Indica being the other one. Sativa comes from Eastern Asia, but it is now found in many other hot, dry climates such as Africa and Central America. It’s tall, it’s skinny, and it can take a little longer to develop than some other plants. Not by much, though.
Here’s a quick summary of what Sativa is all about:
- Gives more of a head-high that is uplifting, stimulating and energizing
- Helps you concentrate and focus on tasks at hand
- Boosts creativity
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rolling sativa joint Helps with social interactions
- Feelings of happiness and euphoria
- Best for daytime use to help you stay focused
- May help with symptoms of ADHD
When it comes to effects, Sativa is a daytime favourite. It’s also a must-have for any creative souls out there, as it’s known for producing a sense of euphoria and a newfound energy. This helps you concentrate on tasks at hand, making you one productive puppy.
With an increased ability to concentrate, many people find Sativa to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Since you’re more able to focus on what you love, you might feel less anxious or depressed than usual. This certainly isn’t a long-term cure though, and should perhaps be used inline with other things like therapy.
Check out this rundown of effects most people experience on some Sativa strains:
- Improves mood with uplifting effects
- Energizing properties that reduce fatigue
- Boosts creativity
- Enhances ability to focus
- Can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Differences Between Sativa and Indica
As the two most well-known and widely used marijuana strains, Sativa and Indica are known for their characteristic differences. But if you don’t know what to look out for, then it can be tricky knowing which one is which. We’ll walk you through the best ways to tell the differences, but we do go more in-depth with this in another article.
Physical Differences
Probably the first thing you’ll notice when looking at both plants side-by-side is the shape of the leaves. Then, you might notice the buds, which also look quite different.
Sativa:
- Tall plant
- Narrow, thin and tall leaves
- Long and thin buds
Indica:
- Short plant
- Wide, bushy and short leaves
- Compact and solid buds
Interestingly enough, there is some debate surrounding the reasons behind these physical differences. Some studies have found that the variations resulted from humans creating several varieties, while some researchers have found that geographic factors and natural evolution are the cause.
Effect Differences
Now, this is where things can get a little sticky. And we’re not talking about the buds. Not all Sativa strains make you hyper, and not all Indica strains make you sleepy. Some Sativa strains can make you sleepy, but perhaps not in the way a strong Indica strain might. In fact, some of the cannabis industry has moved towards categorizing strains by types: Type I is high THC, Type II is hybrid, and Type III is high CBD. It also all depends on your body and individual reaction. Let us explain.
Cannabinoids
THC and CBD are the two most popular cannabinoids and are the main determining factor behind marijuana’s recreational and medicinal effects. THC is what gives you that couch-locking high in large amounts, while CBD does not give you a high and rather helps with relieving pain, anxiety, depression and other conditions overtime.
Terpenes
These are a naturally occurring compound within the cannabis plant, and they are said to affect cannabis strains depending on how much is incorporated. (This is yet to be confirmed, though, and research is still being conducted.)
Yourself
One of the main factors that affects how you’ll react to marijuana is yourself! Is it your first time? How much experience do you have with different strains and levels of THC? Do you suffer from anxiety? All of these will affect how you react to your bud.
Most Popular Sativa Strains
Now that you’ve got more of a background on Sativa and its effects, how about giving it a go? Or if you’re already a fan, perhaps you need a top-up? We’ve compiled a list of the best Sativa strains on the market, but before you take a look, we’ll let you in on the number one…
Sour Diesel.
A cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, it’s beloved for its dreamy cerebral effects that are fast-acting, giving you that energizing kick. Check it out for yourself.
Now, here are the other top picks:
- Grapefruit
- Jungle Cake
- Juicy Fruit
- Citrus Haze
- Tangerine Dream
- Chocolope
- Texada Timewarp
- Russian Cream
Final Thoughts
The key to answering, “Can Sativa Make You Sleepy?” is to remember that nothing is black-and-white here. So, while Sativa is generally known for its uplifting, mood-boosting effects, you can find some strains that are more relaxing. Try out different strains to find out which ones work best for the effect you’re looking for.
