10 Best Sativa Cannabis Strains for Beginners
Suppose you are thinking about trying cannabis for the first time. In that case, you are either a teen looking for adventure, someone older looking for the experience, or someone looking for medicinal benefit. However, the cannabis world is complicated and bursting at the seams.
A little research will cover the basics of plant botany and production, but it helps if you can focus on cannabis strains recommended for beginners. Your research will introduce you to Sativa and Indica strains as well as hybrids bred from several strains. The following lists examine the best Sativa strains or Sativa-dominant hybrids.
However, before continuing, you must understand that cannabis affects different people uniquely. Effects vary with your age, gender, weight, height, and predisposition to dependency. Any analysis here must be considered in that light.
5 best sativa cannabis strains for beginners:
Sativa strains generally produce some energy, focus, and clarity. Users feel Sativa in the brain more than the body. There are exceptions, and the effects reflect any combination with Indica and the potency of the cannabinoids contained.
Strain: Sativa strain with 12% to 18% THC, 1% CBD, and 1% CBN
Genetics: Strawberry Cough X Super Silver Haze
Reputation: Apothecary Genetics bred this Sativa strain to produce a fast, uplifting, and euphoric head hit. It may leave first-time users happily disoriented, enough distraction to deliver on their expectations for a recreational experience.
The THC content is moderate-to-high, offset by the CBD and CBN content. The sweet berry flavor and aroma cover relief from anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and stress. Very Berry Haze presents everything a novice has heard and read about without any risks or extremes. Users might also try Berry Haze and Very Berry strains.
Strain: Sativa strain with 9% to 13% THC
Genetics: Originates in the Malawi region of Africa.
Reputation: Producers wrap Malawi Gold in banana leaves to influence the taste and aroma of loamy forest and herbs. The low-to-moderate THC content ensures a burst of heady energy early in the experience. It leaves users focused and clear with no threat of paranoia.
The brain buzz will not overpower. Instead, it reduces depression, fatigue, and stress without a sedating body slam. Malawi Gold may not be a "stoner's" dream, but new users may want to prefer this strain for regular use.
Strain: Sativa strain with 10% to 16% THC
Genetics: Unknown Jamaican genetics
Reputation: You must go to Jamaica or Los Angeles to find Big Bambo. This strain has plump trichomes full of pleasant earthy spice and citrusy herbs. Unlike the Indica strains that leave you couch-locked, Big Bambo gets you up and going.
The low THC content creates a light euphoria for morning and daytime use. Overall, Big Bambo provides a polished experience that treats ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and stress.
Strain: Sativa strain with 11% to 12% THC
Genetics: Unknown origin in Hawaiian strains
Reputation: Magnum PI produces a feeling fit for the islands. It hits hard and fast with clear-headed energy. The euphoria should see you through the day, although you may not like the skunky flavor and smoke.
This strain pushes aside depression and fatigue, and it eases muscle cramps and chronic pain. Having done so, it produces a lasting focus and clarity for the work you must do.
Strain: Sativa strain with 10% THC and 1% CBD
Genetics: Unknown origin in South American landrace region
Reputation: The low THC content produces uplifting energy first thing after taking it in. The brain buzz reputedly drives creative skills and motivation. Musicians and other performing artists pick up on this benefit early.
The CBD also constrains the THC from prompting adverse effects. Veteran users report this South American strain relieves inflammation-related pain, muscle and neurologic tremors, and anxiety and depression. South American smokes with a touch of lemony citrus and earthy tobacco.
5 best Sativa-dominant cannabis hybrids for beginners:
These Sativa-dominant hybrids continue the chemical profile of low to moderate THC, content that sparks pleasure without overdoing the fun.
Strain: Sativa-dominant hybrid (75% Sativa / 25% Indica) with 4% to 7% THC and 8% to 16%
Genetics: Colombian Gold X (Swiss and Thai Landraces)
Reputation: This Sativa-dominant hybrid has an extraordinarily high CBD content over an unusually low THC count. The rare combination in Harlequin makes it a favorite of medical marijuana veterans. It provides quick and thorough relief from chronic pain and spasticity with a mango flavor and tropical musk.
Harlequin holds enough THC to keep users alert and focused while sustaining the calm for hours.
Strain: Sativa-dominant Hybrid (80% Sativa / 20% Indica) with 13% to 15% THC
Genetics: Mowie Wowie X Grand Daddy Purple
Reputation: Purple Maui grabs new users with its intense berry and grape aroma. However, the harsh exhale may surprise the novice. The moderate THC content ensures an uplifting head rush that morphs into pain-free body energy.
People use Purple Maui for its mild euphoria and motivating focus. But they also use it as therapy for anxiety, appetite loss, chronic pain, inflammation, and insomnia.
Strain: Sativa-dominant Hybrid (60% Sativa / 40% Indica) with 12% to 15% THC
Genetics: Trainwreck X Mothership
Reputation: Shipwreck is another hybrid with low-to-moderate THC. It features flavors of spice and citrus, but the intense skunky fragrance may deter some first-time users.
Nonetheless, it produces a long-lasting euphoria that escapes anxiety, depression, fatigue, and more. If you are new to cannabis, Shipwreck delivers the stoned experience you expect.
Strain: Sativa-dominant Hybrid (70% Sativa / 30% Indica) with 13% to 18% THC
Genetics: Sour Diesel X Pineapple Kush
Reputation: Sour Pineapple blends the strengths of its cannabis parents. The dank skunky taste and smell discourage use. However, it promises relief from anxiety, nausea, and stress. Some users recommend Sour Pineapple for spastic disorders.
The Sour Pineapple experience is a solid and energetic cerebral high. It lets you work through the day with clarity and focus.
Strain: Sativa-dominant Hybrid (60% Sativa / 40% Indica) with 11% THC and 13% CBD
Genetics: Proprietary development by Tikum Olam (Israel)
Reputation: Midnight has a low THC content with super potent CBD. The ratio triggers a lasting energetic boost without messing with your sleep. This strain tastes like blueberries and honey and smells of berries and grapes.
New and veteran cannabis users recommend Midnight for its medical benefits, treating appetite loss, chronic pain, inflammation, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
The summary advice
This list does not exhaust the best Sativa strains for beginners. The strains listed show a variety of features and benefits. Most of them have a moderate THC content. Strains with more THC potency can trigger psychoactive events that frighten or concern new cannabis users. Low-to-moderate THC content provides creative and motivating energy and focus. And the strains with high CBD content cushion that power with medical benefits.