Sativa is a cannabis cultivar that is easily identifiable by its height and leaf structure. It has been cultivated all over the world. The effects of cannabis sativa depend on a variety of physiological and environmental factors, so patients may experience any effects differently. Unlike other cannabis cultivars like indica, sativa is thought to have uplifting or energising effects.
What is cannabis sativa?
Cannabis sativa is a cannabis cultivar characterised by its tall, slim appearance and unique chemical makeup. These are annual flowering plants that thrive in warmer climates. They are indigenous to Eastern Asia but have become widespread due to the development of the medical cannabis industry. Cannabis sativa plants can grow to around six feet tall and take longer to develop than other cannabis cultivars. Sativa strains are cultivated in controlled environments, regulating light exposure and temperature to produce ideal plants for harvesting and production.
What are the properties of the cannabis sativa plant?
Cannabis sativa plants may have a range of properties, including potential energising effects. Sativa plants possess a unique flavour and smell, determined by the presence of certain terpenes in their chemical makeup. Sativa strains may contain higher levels of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. The properties and effects of sativa strains are heavily reliant on patient health conditions, medical history, and other physiological factors.
Which strains are classified as cannabis sativa?
There are many different strains classified as cannabis sativa. They are typically identified by their stature and their effects. While other strains could induce a variety of effects, sativa strains are typically known for their invigorating or uplifting effects. This is generally caused by their higher THC levels, which present a little more than other strains. Patients undergoing treatment with sativa strains could feel the cognitive impact of THC when taking medical cannabis. Hybrid strains of cannabis could also contain elements of Sativa plants. At their core, cannabis strains are generally categorised as sativa based on their potential health benefits, physiological effects, and chemical properties.
How do sativa strains interact with the endocannabinoid system?
Sativa strains produce their effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. When cannabis is ingested, inhaled, or applied, it travels through the bloodstream to the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates certain physiological functions such as appetite and mood. Sativa strains bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which could alter these physiological functions. THC, in particular, may have an effect on the brain, triggering a release of serotonin. Patients being treated with sativa strains should be made aware of this potential effect. In most Australian states, it is illegal to drive with any amount of THC in your system. The cannabinoid itself can take time to be digested and processed, and current roadside drug testing only tests for the presence of THC.
What product types are Sativa strains used for?
Sativa strains are used in a variety of product types. These include oils, topicals, vaporisers, and capsules. This range of products helps cater to unique patient requirements. In some cases, patients may opt for topicals which can be applied directly to the skin instead of a capsule that needs to be swallowed. Alternatively, patients may favour the consumption method of edible cannabis products like gummies, over an inhalable product like a vaporiser. These products undergo different manufacturing processes which may impact their availability, price, and ingredients. However, sativa is a versatile strain which suits many product types, allowing medical cannabis prescribers in Australia to tailor treatment plans to individual lifestyles and patient needs.
What’s the difference between indica and sativa strains?
The main differences between indica and sativa strains are their effects and appearances. Indica strains are known for their short, bushy structure and darker green leaves, which sets them apart from the lighter and taller sativa strain. Indica strains may also have the potential to produce soothing effects, due to their higher CBD content. For this reason, doctors may prescribe indica strains for nighttime use, and sativa strains for daytime use. However, their exact effects are based on patient physiology and their different medical conditions. As with any other medication, a doctor will take a thorough medical background and history before prescribing medical cannabis to a patient.
Contact Us For Free Assistance
"*" indicates required fields
Additional Medical Cannabis Strains Information
Learn more about the legal landscape surrounding medical cannabis strains in Australia, including regulations governing cultivation, prescription, and usage for therapeutic purposes.
The Legality of Cannabis StrainsLearn about the diverse effects of medical cannabis strains, from energizing sativas to relaxing indicas, and how they can be tailored for Australian patients’ unique therapeutic needs.
Effects of Cannabis StrainsLearn about the intricacies of the cannabis plant, from its rich medical history to the distinct characteristics of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains cultivated in Australia for therapeutic purposes
Cannabis PlantLearn about the diverse world of cannabis strains and their applications in various medical cannabis products, from oils and edibles to vaporised flowers and topicals tailored for Australian patients.
Cannabis Strains and Product TypesLearn about how the cannabis plant is made up of many chemical compounds that contribute to the look, flavour, scent, and effect of the plant.
Chemical Makeup of CannabisLearn about how cannabis compounds work together synergistically to potentially enhance therapeutic effects, including the interactions between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in medical cannabis
The Entourage EffectLearn how these diverse plant compounds affect cannabis color and flavor, contribute to the entourage effect, and interact with other plant chemicals to influence potential therapeutic properties
FlavonoidsExplore the distinctive characteristics of Cannabis indica strains – from their compact, bushy structure to their chemical composition and potential therapeutic applications across various medical cannabis products
Medical Cannabis Strains: Indica