Education

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

Sativa Effects & Sativa Side Effects

If you’ve been anywhere near the hemp world, you’ve likely heard of a cannabis Sativa strain. Most people associate Sativa plants with a head high versus the body high often associated with cannabis Indica.

It’s a bit more complex than that, so in this article, you’ll learn about Sativa strain effects, Sativa side effects, the differences between delta 8 vs. delta 9,

Also, learn about Indica vs Sativa. 

If you’re wondering what a “head” high feels like, we’ll give you all the details below.

First, let’s touch on what a Sativa is. Sativa is a strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant and is known for its tall, narrow leaves. Surprisingly to some, cannabis Sativa has more to do with botany than it does effects.

Sativa differs from cannabis Indica in that its leaves and stems are shaped differently, and it grows better in different environments. As you later learn, the terms Sativa and Cannabis Indica are more important to the grower than the consumer. 

Still, cannabis Sativa strains have been bred to induce the uplifting, energized experience that many have come to know and love. They do this by paying attention to the cannabinoid and terpene profiles in the plant. 

The effects of a Sativa strain have more to do with the chemical makeup of that particular plant.

The terpenes impact the Sativa plants as well as the specific cannabinoids found in the strain you consume. 

Below we’ll talk about the chemical compounds behind indica plants and sativa plants, their effects, and more.

What You May Experience

If you’ve ever walked into a dispensary, the first question you’re often asked is whether you’re looking for a Sativa, Indica strains, or hybrid strains. This continues to perpetuate the idea that Sativas are “uppers” while Indica strains are “downers.” In truth, this can hold true based on the terpene and hemp profile of the strain. Still, both Indica and sativa plants can provide similar effects if the terpene and hemp profiles have some of the same cannabis plant compounds. 

Many people seek out a Sativa hoping for the cerebral, good high associated with the effects of Sativa. Knowing that a strain is a Sativa is more beneficial to the cultivar than the consumer because it helps them understand how to grow the cannabis plant, as Indica and Sativa cannabis plants grow better under different conditions.

The Sativa plant is typically around 12 feet tall with long, thin leaves and takes about 100 days to reach maturity. 

Sativa strains tend involve a high that you mostly feel in your head whereas indica strains tend to offer a body high. What this means is that you might feel more:

And you’ll have the body awareness to pursue those interests versus the feeling that your body has turned to jelly and you want to sit on the couch for a few hours - unlike indica strains. Again, this doesn’t always hold true. Most sativa plants these days are hybrid strains of a sort, so the serving size will likely play a great role in how you feel versus what strain you consume. 

Your best course of action when seeking out a particular experience with your high is to learn more about terpenes, serving sizes, and cannabinoid profile of a particular strain. From there, you can make a purchasing decision. After that, it’s all about experimenting with what feels best in your body.

Sativa Side Effects

While everyone will experience different cannabis strains in their own way, we can look at anecdotal information for potential Sativa side effects.

Some people use Sativa cannabis strains to help support them with maintaining a sense of calm. This is more true with delta 9 strains taken in high amounts because the high is much more intense. 

With delta 8 online Sativa side effects, the intensity of the high is much less intense than a delta 9 high.

Are you curious how long the Sativa gummies effects will last? How long will they stay in your system? The length of time you’ll feel the effects is largely dependent on a handful of factors: 

A few different ways you can experiment with Sativa cannabis are:

Typically, a Sativa high will last around one to three hours. Indica plants tend to last around the same amount of time.

Sometimes it can last up to eight hours, especially when consuming an edible like Delta North delta 8 Gummies 1000 mg.

But how long does it stay in your system? This is where understanding of a THC half-life comes into play. What is a half-life? It’s the amount of time it takes for the hemp to be metabolized and eliminated from the bloodstream.

This information is helpful for those who might be concerned about a drug test coming up where it’s testing for THC metabolites. 

The half-life of THC is typically between 20 hours and up to 10 to 13 days for those stored in fat cells. Many factors will determine how quickly your body eliminates the THC, and they include: 

While Sativa plants tend to wear off after a few hours, they can linger in the body for quite some time, although they break down relatively quickly based on the factors above. 

Different Product Effects

Are you curious about delta 8 Sativa effects and how you might feel about different types of products? If so, we’ve got some answers below so you can decide which sounds better for you.

Some of our favorites are the Sativa delta 8 gummies effects.

Why?

Because they just feel so good. Gummies are a type of edible, and edibles last the longest in the body.

They also take longer to “activate” thanks to the body’s processes. Edibles have to be processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream, but the longevity with these types of products is an overarching bonus. 

Many report that delta 8 Sativa strain effects are lesser than delta 9 because delta 9 is much more intense and may come with its own host of side effects.

With delta 8, you don’t have to worry about those things, especially when you start small and work your way up. 

The main difference between delta 8 and delta 9, beyond the difference in the high, is the molecular makeup.

Both are types of THC, so it’s worth knowing how long they last in the body because delta 8 could cause a failed drug test, although it’s not federally illegal like delta 9, so it would be a false positive. 

Delta 8 has double carbon bonds on the eighth carbon in the chain, while delta 9 has a double bond on the ninth.

While this may seem but a slight difference, it appears to impact the body differently. Delta 8 edibles offers a much smoother high that isn’t as intense as delta 9, so you can take more than you would of delta 9 without feeling glued to your couch. 

What are delta 8 effects like?

Depending on the serving size you consume, you may feel support for your wellness routine.

Delta 8 Delivery Methods

Why does the delivery method matter? Because it’s going to influence how you experience the cannabis strain effects. Below you’ll find more information about delivery methods.

We recommend trying them all to figure out which one is your favorite.

Who knows? You might enjoy each one for different reasons. 

Delivery Methods

Some of the delta 8 delivery methods include: 

Edibles

These tasty treats come in all shapes and sizes — gummies, suckers, cookies, brownies, and more. Activation times are typically around 30 minutes to an hour or so, depending on how much food you’ve consumed before taking your edibles. Edibles last the longest and are easy to measure out and consume when you want to. 

Tinctures

This liquid, typically in oil form, dissolves in the mouth and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Activation generally is around 10 to 15 minutes which is great if you’re seeking rapid relief. Tinctures are favorite for those who just want something simple to incorporate into their daily routine. 

Inhalation

Inhaling vapors is the quickest activation method, sometimes almost immediately. It’s also the shortest-lived of the three. Inhaling delta 8 is different from inhaling delta 9 because delta 9 can come in flower form while delta 8 goes through a delicate and complex process to become what it is, so you’ll likely find delta 8 cartridges. 

You can find Sativa strains and experience those enjoyable effects of Sativa from any of these delivery methods, although our preference is delta 8 gummies.

When making a purchase, you can typically read up on the type of product you’re buying.

The good news is that you can experience an uplifting effect from both Indica, Sativa, and hybrids. 

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Effects of Sativa Strains

The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in mediating the effects of cannabis, including Sativa strains. This system is made up of receptors that are activated by compounds called cannabinoids, which are found in the cannabis plant. There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, which are predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, which are more prevalent in the immune system.

When these receptors are activated, they can produce a range of effects in the body. For example, activation of CB1 receptors can lead to changes in mood, appetite, and pain perception, while activation of CB2 receptors may have anti-inflammatory effects.

The most well-known cannabinoid is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, which are thought to be mediated in part by the activation of CB1 receptors in the brain. However, other cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) may also play a role in the effects of Sativa strains.

In addition to THC and CBD, there are a wide range of other cannabinoids present in cannabis, each with their own unique effects. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of these compounds in the effects of Sativa strains and the potential therapeutic benefits they may offer.

The Takeaway

You can learn a lot more about Sativa, Indica, and delta 8 on our website. If you’re curious if indica makes you sleepy or hyper, we’ve got you covered.

Better yet, try out some delta 8 gummies for yourself & enjoy the uplifting Sativa effects that you’re seeking. 

Legal Disclaimer: You should still consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding Delta 8 in your state, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only. Always speak with your doctor before trying hybrid strains or popular Sativa strains. This content is for informational purposes and not for medical or recreational purposes.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.