Cannabis genetics can generally be divided into three main types – indica, sativa and hybrids. The term «sativa» is usually used to describe strains that produce an invigorating effect on the brain. These are tall and slender plants with large internodes that produce several sweet and sticky buds.
In this publication we will tell you about the best varieties of sativa. You may not be familiar with some of them, but they will introduce you to a new and fascinating world of cannabis genetics.
Silver Haze
When it comes to the best sativas, you have to start with the legendary varieties that have given way to modern genetic developments. Silver Haze is one such variety, a precursor to many other famous sativa hybrids such as Super Silver Haze.
Silver Haze is a classic sativa variety that combines the best genetic lines of the 80’s (Original Haze, Northern Lights and Skunk #1). It remains one of the best available sativa varieties today.
Even those new to growing can count on the relatively unpretentious and easy-to-care-for variety, despite its long flowering period. This means that even beginners can enjoy all the benefits of this sweet variety.
Silver Haze has a complex terpene profile, high in myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene. Therefore, a combination of spicy and citrus notes can be found in its aroma. Users note a prolonged feeling of euphoria and increased creativity, allowing you to get things done efficiently without interruption.
Northern Lights-5 x Haze
It is one of the most well-known sativas in Dutch genetics and has been dominant at the Amsterdam High Times Cannabis Cup in 1990 and 1993, making it a classic strain.
It is a tall plant with large internodes and dense flower structure, similar to an indica. Growers should be aware that Northern Lights #5 x Haze can reach extreme heights and has a longer flowering time compared to most cannabis plants, lasting from 65 to 75 days.
Therefore, if you want to maximize its potential, it should be cultivated in open soil, with a potential yield of 800 grams per plant. Indoor producers often report a harvest of around 450 grams per square meter.
The terpene profile is mainly represented by myrcene, pinene, and limonene. When consumed, Northern Lights-5 x Haze fills the palate of users with sweet fruity and earthy notes, accompanied by spicy pine undertones. In addition to its appearance and taste, Northern Lights-5 x Haze is loved for its powerful effects. The strain produces a euphoric high that actively stimulates creative potential.
Durban Poison
It is the purest sativa originating from landrace in Durban, South Africa, and you probably won’t find a list of the best sativas that doesn’t mention Durban. It was discovered and widely distributed thanks to Ed Rosenthal and Mel Frank.
Durban Poison is a typical sativa with pronounced internodes and thin leaves. It has long flowers with a dense bud structure, covered with resinous glands.
The most common terpenes in Durban Poison are terpinolene, myrcene and ocimene, which give it an earthy, spicy and slightly fruity flavor. When consumed, users experience a sweet and spicy taste.
One of the main reasons why people love Durban is its stimulating effect. Durban is one of the best varieties to use during the day, after drinking it you will immediately feel clarity of thought, creativity, and optimism. Anyone looking for a delightful variety to lift their spirits should look into Durban.
Jamaican Pearl
This hybrid variety is the result of a cross between Collie Marley and Early Pearl, making up 85% of the sativa. It is a hardy and resilient tropical sativa, specially developed for the climate of Northern Europe.
Under ideal conditions, in loose soil, Jamaican pearl can reach an unrivaled height of up to 3 meters. This graceful and tall plant is characterized by resinous flowers and large, slender fan-shaped leaves. The flowering period lasts from nine to eleven weeks and yields about 450 grams per square meter.
The balanced terpene profile enriches Jamaican Pearl with myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene, which give it fruity and earthy tones with a sweet grapefruit aroma. The flavor bouquet of this variety will bring tropical notes reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Similar to the classic Haze, Jamaican Pearl is an excellent variety that has a positive effect on the mood. It is perfect for use during the day or for socializing with friends. This variety offers light waves of euphoria and stimulates creativity, being a classic representative of sativa.
Trainwreck
Trainwreck is easily cultivated and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. Growers can expect an eight-week flowering period and a large harvest from Trainwreck. Because it tends to grow quite tall, Trainwreck is often preferred for outdoor cultivation rather than indoor.
As a result, it has a unique terpene profile with an aroma that resembles a mix of citrus and pine. These idyllic aromas come from a unique blend of humulene, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, and limonene.
Trainwreck got its name because of the heavy effects that hit your mind like a freight train. Most consumers experience a strong sense of euphoria and a long-lasting cerebral high.
Mexican sativa
Mexican sativa crosses Mexican Oaxacan, Pakistani hash plant, and Durban. It is a sativa-dominant hybrid, with a long flowering period of around 70 days, that can thrive even in cold climates.
Outdoors, Mexican sativa can reach incredible heights. However, if you want to grow plants indoors and increase yields, height growth can be reduced by using training methods such as Sea of Green (SOG), Screen of Green (SCROG), and super cropping. Growers can also shorten the vegetative period more than usual.
The terpene profile of Mexican sativa is a unique mixture of woody, nutty notes with sharp earthy aromas that remind you of other classic sativas like Haze and Thai. The taste of this unique strain is driven by a rich blend of ocimene, caryophyllene, and myrcene.
Consuming Mexican sativa will uplift your mood, make you energetic and happy. It has a substantial cerebral effect and is one of those strains that will make you laugh for hours.
Amnesia
If you like sativas, you’ll love Amnesia. It is a sativa-dominant variety descended from Hawaiian indica, Jamaican pearl and Afghani #1.
This stereotypical sativa is a tall and slender plant with large internodes. Amnesia has the potential for large harvests; however, you will need some perfection experience to reach Amnesia’s full potential.
Amnesia’s terpene profile gives a mix of earthy and citrusy aromas and flavors. You can expect this variety to make you feel happy and sociable from the effects. It would be great to share with friends.
White Gorilla Haze
White Gorilla Haze is a three-component hybrid of Silver Haze, Amnesia Haze, and Gorilla Glue-4. This hybrid is made up of 65% sativa and 35% indica, with the potential to yield an exceptional harvest.
The Gorilla Glue-4 in this lineage produces large, sturdy flowers covered in resinous trichomes, making White Gorilla Haze an excellent strain for hash producers. The Haze lineage is evident in its tall stature, and if cultivation is done indoors, it is best to initiate flowering at a height of around 30 cm to achieve a final height of approximately 100 cm.
Growing White Gorilla Haze requires a certain level of cultivation expertise, as it exhibits various phenotypes and the potential to increase in height by 200-300% during flowering.
After curing, users can expect a blend of rich coffee and pine notes with citrus undertones. It is an excellent choice for tired cannabis consumers during the daytime, offering a mix of uplifting energy and gentle relaxation.
Michka
The Michka variety of cannabis was named after the cannabis legend Michka Seliger-Chatelain. This variety has a delightfully sweet and tangy taste and is a long-flowering, predominantly sativa-dominant variety at 80%. The plants of this variety are tall and straight with limited lateral branching. The buds are formed in dense clusters along the main stem and have a light and airy structure.
Indoors, Meechka is an excellent choice for teaching techniques such as supercap, a sea of greenery or a green veil. Outdoors in the warm Mediterranean climate, plants of this variety often grow to a very large size. It is ideal for experienced growers because it requires a lot of tenderness, love and care.
The unique terpene profile of this variety is noteworthy; it is characterized by sweet citrus notes with a fruity undertone. When consumed, Meechka gives the user an initial charge of euphoria and creativity. This variety is ideal for use during the day, as it has a long-lasting and powerful cerebral effect. It is available in both feminized and regular versions.
Early Pearl
Last, but not least, our eye falls on early Pearl. Thanks to the efforts of experts, early Pearl was developed as the first sativa variety to be grown outdoors with a shorter summer season in mind. Since then, Early Pearl has been used as an ancestral strain to create many other quality, sativa-dominated hybrid varieties, such as Jamaican Pearl.
Of all the sativas on this list, Early Pearl is one of the most valuable. When grown indoors, you can fairly expect a yield of about 500 grams per square meter. At the same time, experienced outdoor cultivators often get a yield of up to two kilograms per plant. Keep in mind, however, that early pearls can reach a height of up to 4 meters when grown outdoors.
Unlike most sativas, the cones of this plant have thick, dense buds like those of the indica. Moreover, early pearl has smaller internodes and larger fan-shaped leaves, setting it apart from most other sativas. It is important to note that the plant of this variety requires little care, and within about nine weeks it is ready to bloom. This variety is ideal for beginners and can adapt to short summers and colder climates.
In this article we have presented you with the best sativas. However, we realize that there are many other great varieties to enjoy! If we forgot to mention any classic sativas, please let us know in the comments below!
