Cannabis sativa is the other main type of cannabis, and it’s more or less the opposite of indica. Where indica relaxes, sativa tends to energize. It’s an herbaceous annual native to tropical and subtropical regions, recognizable by its tall, thin, fibrous stem, which lends itself to products like rope, paper, and textiles.
Sativa is also a source of marijuana, the psychoactive drug used recreationally and medicinally. Like indica, it contains high levels of THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. But its reputation is different: sativa is known for a stimulating, energizing experience, so it’s the type people often reach for when they want to feel productive or creative rather than sleepy.
When consumed, marijuana from a sativa plant can produce a range of effects:
- Euphoria. Many users report a sense of happiness or a lift in mood.
- Relaxation. It can still produce calm in some people.
- Increased appetite. The familiar “munchies.”
- Altered senses. It can change how you perceive sights, sounds, and other stimuli.
- Altered memory and concentration. It can make focus and short-term memory harder.
- Anxiety. In some people, it can trigger anxiety or paranoia.
As always, effects vary widely from person to person, depending on the strain, the method of consumption, and factors like age, sex, and overall health. Marijuana can also carry downsides, including impaired judgment and coordination, and it can be habit-forming for some.
On the botanical side, there are several subspecies of Cannabis sativa. The most commonly cultivated is Cannabis sativa L., and others include Cannabis sativa ssp. spontanea and Cannabis sativa ssp. afghanica.
And the legal caveat applies here too. Possession, use, and sale of marijuana are illegal in many countries and states and are tightly regulated. Some places permit medical marijuana for specific conditions, but typically only with a doctor’s recommendation and in accordance with local law. Check the rules where you live before you do anything.