6 Best Sativa Strains: Cannabis For Energetic High

Many growers turn to Sativa-dominant cannabis strains for an energetic high. 

Sativa strains are often considered ‘stronger’ than their Indica counterparts in terms of their psychoactive effects due to their higher THC content.

But not all Sativa strains are bred to be the same. If you’re looking for a particular strain to grow, you must also consider its aroma, terpene profile, and genetics. You’ll also have to consider yield potential and difficulty level of cultivation. 

In this article, we’ve reviewed six of the best sativa-dominant marijuana strains that are worth your attention, starting with the “espresso” of cannabis, Durban Poison. 

Best Sativa Strains: First Look 

1. Durban Poison — 100% Pure Sativa Weed Strain 
2. Bruce Banner Auto — Best Autoflowering Sativa Variant 
3. Blue Dream — High Yielder Sativa
4. 5 Alive — Best for Aromatic Experience
5. AK 47 — Best Sativa Strains for Socializing and Partying
6. Green Crack Strain — Superstar Sativa Strain For Energetic High

The sativa strain you choose depends on whether you plan to grow the weed or buy the buds. 

For recreational cannabis users, Sativa is an ideal weed strain to spark up their creativity, encourage inward reflection, and help them concentrate and ease a distracted mind.

Due to their size, Sativas typically produce large yields, which offers a great challenge for growers aiming to improve their skills. 

Sativa plants grow larger than Indicas, with longer spaces between their nodes and branches and have longer flowering stages (if not autos).

Full Review of the Best Sativa Strains

Pay attention to each strain’s genetics, flavor and aroma, effects, and potential yield, which will offer more insights into which option works best for you! 

1. Durban Poison — 100% Pure Sativa Weed Strain 

Durban Poison is from a landrace strain that was “discovered” by cannabis activist Ed Rosenthal in the early 1970s, close to Durban, South Africa. It is a pure Sativa marijuana strain. 

When a weed is called a landrace strain, that means it has remained unchanged since its creation.  

So, it’s no real surprise that Durban Poison remains highly valued by cannabis enthusiasts today as it represents the original genetic makeup of a hugely popular strain. 

Potency

The modern version of Durban Poison stands out with its high THC levels, averaging around 20% and sometimes reaching up to 25%, depending on the cultivation. 

Benefit and effects

This percentage of THC makes it a really strong marijuana strain. Considering it’s a pure sativa, you can expect a satisfying cerebral high when you smoke the buds.

Durban Poison is also used for its medicinal properties, as many users report its uplifting effects, which help treat fatigue and lethargy. 

Flavor and aroma

Pinene is the main terpene in the Durban Poison weed strain, which is also found in pine trees and gives the buds their pine-like smell. 

This subtle aroma is great for people who prefer a more understated scent than funky or floral herbs.

Flowering time and yield 

For feminized seeds, you can expect a harvest of around 450-550g/m2 indoors and up to 600 grams per plant outdoors.

In optimal conditions, autoflowering variants of this strain produce 400-450g/m² indoors or 450-550 grams per plant outdoors.

Who should grow this strain?

Considering its ease of growing and resilience, the Durban Poison cannabis strain is a solid choice for beginner growers.

For recreational cannabis users, Sativa is an ideal weed strain to spark up their creativity, help them concentrate, and ease a distracted mind.

QUICK TIP:

• You can choose the Durban Poison autoflower if you’re a novice gardener and want quicker results. 
• This variant still possesses all the features and characteristics of the original Durban Poison strain, except that it has been bred to switch into flowering without a change in light cycles. 

2. Bruce Banner Auto — Best Autoflowering Sativa Variant 

Alt: Bruce Banner Autoflowering Cannabis Plant

The Bruce Banner weed strain is created from two well-known types of cannabis: OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel.

OG Kush is famous for its strong effects and earthy scent, while Strawberry Diesel, on the other hand, is a combination of NYC Diesel and Strawberry Cough. 

There are many reasons to love the Bruce Banner. Let’s start from the potency. 

Potency

Bruce Banner is considered among the strongest weed strains available, with THC levels going up to 25-29% and low CBD. 

The aromatic terpenes present are caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. 

Benefit and effects

Bruce Banner gives a strong, uplifting high that starts with a mental boost, lifting mood, focus, and creativity. 

This happy feeling is followed by a light body relaxation that releases stress and tension. 

The high lasts long and feels refreshing, so the strain is a favorite for daytime use or social gatherings.

Flowering time and yield 

Bruce Banner’s flowering period is approximately 8-10 weeks. During this stage, the plant produces cannabinoid-rich buds at the nodes, where branches and leaves meet the main stem.

Indoors, expect a tall plant of up to 150 cm and 500-600g per m². If you’re growing the strain outdoors, the plant can reach 210 cm in height and yield around 500g per plant. 

Who should grow this strain?

The Bruce Banner strain was named after the Incredible Hulk’s alter ego. 

This strain isn’t for total beginners because of the commitment required to achieve a successful harvest. 

However, being the autoflowering variant, it offers quick growth from seedling to flowering in 7-10 weeks, which is perfect if you’re a novice and want quicker results. 

3. Blue Dream — High Yielder Sativa

When it comes to Sativa strains that provide higher yield, the Blue Dream strain is what you want. 

Being a sativa-dominant hybrid, the cultivar originates from the famous Blueberry and Haze strains.

Unlike many other variations, Blue Dream’s bud is also large, dense yet slightly fluffy, and covered in sugary trichomes.

Let’s look at other important aspects of this strain, starting with its potency. 

Potency

The THC levels of Blue Dream are between 17% and 24%. It has a low CBD content of around 0.1% to 0.2%. 

You can expect to feel an uplifting Sativa high that often makes you happy, creative, and focused.

Later, the indica effects create a mellow, relaxing high. This strain is great for creative projects or socializing. 

Flavor and aroma

In terms of aroma, Blue Dream has a sweet blueberry aroma that hits you right at the onset. 

Blue Dream’s terpene profile has Myrcene, giving the strain its blueberry flavor and fruitiness. 

The Pinene offers its earthy aroma, while Limonene can give Blue Dream a lemony aroma or flavor. 

Flowering time and yield 

Blue Dream has a flowering period of approximately 9-10 weeks, making it a moderately fast strain to harvest.

This strain offers high yields with tall plants.  Expect 550g/m² when growing indoors.

Who should grow this strain?

As Blue Dream is a 70/30 hybrid, you’ll get the uplifting, energizing effects of the Sativa yet still enjoy a mellow, sedative high from the Indica. 

They are the best kind of cannabis to grow and consume if you want a blend of mental stimulation and a mild body high.

4. 5 Alive — Best for Aromatic Experience

The aroma and flavor profile of 5 Alive is a unique selling point, and this is an area in which it excels as a Sativa-dominant hybrid, in addition to boosting mood when consumed. 

Potency

Considering the high THC level of 28% and low CBD concentration in 5 Alive, it’s no real surprise that this seed grows into a weed plant that delivers buds with energizing effects. 

Benefit and effects

5 Alive gives you a happy, energizing mental boost while gently relaxing your body.  

At first, you’ll feel a rush of energy and joy that can spark creativity and help you focus. As time passes, a soothing calm spreads through your body, melting away stress and leaving you feeling good.  

Since this strain has high THC levels, it’s best to take it slow. Start small and enjoy the journey.

Flavor and aroma

5 Alive seeds grow into plants that smell orange, lemon, and grapefruit. And this is even more true when you break and consume the buds. Of course, taste is a personal preference, but we think that no other option on this list beats 5 Alive in flavor and aroma! 

Flowering time and yield 

Unlike some hybrids of its class, the 5 Alive cannabis strain has a relatively quick flowering time of 8 to 9 weeks.

Indoor growers can expect 500g per m2. It delivers 80-1100 gr per plant outdoors. 

To achieve this yield, you must give this plant proper care and attention to environmental conditions starting from the seedling stage. Thankfully, the plant is resilient to pests and diseases. 

Who should grow this strain?

When you grow this marijuana, you’re setting yourself up to harvest buds that will give you some of the most aromatic tastes and energizing effects you’ve ever experienced from weed! 

5. AK 47 — Best Sativa Strains for Socializing and Partying

AK-47 is that weed you can enjoy any time of the day. This strain’s lineage is quite mysterious, making it even more special. 

What we do know is that Ak-47 is a product of sativa strains from Colombia, Mexico, and Thailand with indica influence from Afghanistan.

Potency

The potency of the Ak-47 becomes clearer when you consider the THC content—typically ranging from 18-21%, making it a moderately potent strain.

Flavor and aroma

Ak-47 tastes earthy, floral, and citrusy.

The aromatic experience ends with a slightly sour aftertaste. The euphoric high is long-lasting and helps ease stress. 

Flowering time and yield 

If you’re growing these seeds indoors, expect 400 to 500 grams per m2. Outdoor growers of this autoflowering strain usually achieve 600-800 grams per plant. 

The autoflowering variant of AK-47 completes its cycle from seed to harvest in approximately 9-10 weeks.  This strain is a top pick if you want multiple harvests a year.

Who should grow this strain?

The Ak-47 strain is truly special. If you’re in a region in Australia with shorter growing seasons or less consistent light conditions, look no further than the Ak-47. 

6. Green Crack Strain — Superstar Sativa Strain For Energetic High

When consumed, you can bank on most sativa-dominant strains to deliver an energetic high. But if this effect is your absolute priority, consider the Green Crack Strain. 

It’s an industry-favourite produced by crossbreeding Skunk #1 and an elusive Indica strain. 

Word on the street is that the Indica strain, in its genetics, is an Afghani landrace, while some people rumor that it’s rather Sweet Leaf Indica. 

Potency

With a THC level of up to 24%, you can already tell that this sativa strain packs a punch, especially in delivering energy and helping with creativity. 

Benefit and effects

This strain kicks in quickly, giving you energy that lifts your mood, sharpens focus, and inspires creativity. 

Its effects can help you feel productive, happy, and mentally energized.  

As the high continues, it brings a mild body relaxation that soothes you without making you sleepy, leaving you comfortable and at ease.

Flavor and aroma

Green Crack has a remarkable citrus scent, but its terpene profile is complex. It includes notes of mango, citrus, and pine.

Flowering time and yield 

The plant grows tall with long branches, so it needs plenty of space for its big buds to develop properly.  

Green Crack flowers in about 7–9 weeks, meaning it’s a fast grower that allows for quick harvests.  

Indoors, you can get 400–500 grams per square meter, while outdoor plants can produce 600–800 grams per plant. 

With the right care, this strain rewards growers with dense, resin-covered buds.

Who should grow this strain?

Green Crack is a strong, easy-to-grow strain, making it great for beginners and experienced growers. 

It grows well indoors and outdoors, but outdoor growing usually yields the best results because, thanks to its Sativa background, this plant loves sunlight.  

Best Sativa Strains: Final Verdict

Above all, we’ll always recommend strains like Durban Poison, Bruce Banner Auto, and Blue Dream in a heartbeat as the best Sativa variants to consider both from the grower and consumer point of view.