Sativa Strains

Short description

Since the 18th century, cannabis was generally classified as Sativa by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus. It wasn't until later on that fellow botanists and researchers discovered two other types of cannabis subspecies within the taxonomic classification. Ultimately, cannabis was divided into three varieties; Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis (the cool one with auto-flowering capability but little medical or recreational value).

Sativas have a high THC concentration, a psychoactive and intoxicating compound. This is why Sativas are mainly associated with cerebral-centered high. The THC alters the mind, causing euphoria, heightened moods, motivation, focus, and creativity. It also contains other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. All these compounds work in synergy to offer a consumer what is known as the entourage effect. When consumed in excess, it may lead to anxiety, dizziness, and paranoia, especially for individuals with a low THC tolerance.

Types of Sativa strains

Pure Sativa/Landrace strains:

Landrace, aka heirloom strains, are the original cannabis species. Pure Sativa varieties were originally from equatorial regions such as Africa, Central America, Western Asia, and Southeast Asia. These areas have a hot climate and an extended growing session. Consequently, Sativas will prefer a warm environment during its growing period. The plants flower for up to 12 weeks, which explains why most cultivators prefer the Indica strains (flowers for 8 weeks). Landrace strains include Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, and Kaya Gold.

Sativa hybrids:

Through cross-breeding heirloom strains, a new generation of strains was born, referred to as hybrids. The hybrids were further crossed with each other, which has led to an influx of strains in the market. Today, one will find Sativa dominant strains, Indica dominant strains, and 50/50 or balanced strains.

Sativa dominant strains refer to a variety made up of mainly Sativa genetics. The strains possess the same characteristics as the landrace strains except for a few variations. Examples include Sour Diesel, Amnesia Haze, Green Crack, and Super Silver Haze.

Appearance

Sativas are best known for their exponential growth. The plants can grow up to 12 feet tall, giving them a stretchy appearance. The plants are tall and thin, with numerous side branches. Its leaves are paper-thin, long, and take on a finger-like appearance. Their physical structure makes them ideal candidates for outdoor growth, although they also thrive indoors with some training.

Growing Sativa strains

Unlike Indicas, Sativa strains are pretty challenging to cultivate. One needs knowledge on how to grow and maximize the yields while meeting the needs of these gigantic plants. Most importantly, a grower needs patience, as the plant takes many weeks before reaching maturity. This is, however, rewarded by the bountiful yields and clean, cerebral high achieved later on. Throughout the entire process, high temperatures should be maintained as long as they do not exceed 29°C (85°F). Additionally, invest in a good ventilation system to facilitate unrestricted airflow (if growing indoors).

What conditions are necessary for the growth of Sativa strains?

Germination stage:

Cannabis Sativa seeds can be terminated using either of three ways; starter plugs, soil, or paper towels. Each method is effective in its own way, so it comes down to a grower's preference. Ensure that the seeds are exposed to warmth, darkness, and moisture. Additionally, be gentle and careful with the seeds, and offer them some peace to germinate ( avoid touching or moving them constantly).

Seedling stage:

Once the germination stage is complete, the seedling stage steps in. At this juncture, the plant has everything it needs in terms of nutrients, so do not add anything. Provide ventilation, water, and sufficient lights for optimum growth. Once the first true leaves have grown, you can successfully transfer the plant to its final growing medium.

For pots, ensure that you pick a reasonable size that will allow the deep roots to grow without restriction. A healthy root system facilitates healthy growth, better absorption of water and nutrients, and good aeration and drainage.

Vegetative stage:

This is the stage where the plant prepares for the budding stage. With Indicas, the plants grow the stems and branches to hold the heavy colas produced in the flowering stage easily. Sativas, on the other hand, don't grow much at this phase. The plants have been known to increase twice or thrice in size during the flowering stage.

The plants respond well to low-stress training. This should be done within the 2nd or 3rd week in the vegetative stage. Once the plant begins to grow, it becomes hard to train them. Maximize on grow lights to facilitate optimum growth. As mentioned earlier, Sativas thrive in hot climates. Mimicking the high temperatures sponsors healthy growth. Ensure the temperatures remain below the 29°C (85°F) mark, and humility levels range between 55% and 65%.

Sativas are highly susceptible to nutrient burn and nitrogen toxicity. This may happen at normal nutrient levels. These issues may be caused by low levels of light, dry heat, or the plant having fewer levels. As a result, growers are encouraged to use fewer nutrients than recommended in the packs to avoid such incidents. Providing favorable amounts of nutrients and growth conditions leads to a healthy plant and impressive harvests.

Flowering stage:

Once a grower switches to a 12/12 light schedule, the plant automatically enters the flowering stage. During this phase, the plants grow exponentially while producing buds. It will take a minimum of 12 weeks for the plants to reach maturity. Maintain temperatures and humidity similar to the vegetative stage for optimum growth. Supply the plant with nutrients high in phosphorus and potassium and low nitrogen levels for effective bud production.

Harvesting, drying and curing cannabis plants

How to know if Sativa plants are harvest-ready?

The obvious sign that a cannabis plant is ready for harvest is the classic amber hue for the trichomes. Unfortunately for Sativas, not all trichomes turn amber. Some plants will only have white trichomes. To know if Sativa plants are ready for harvest, keenly inspect the trichomes. If they are cloudy/milky white with a few clears, it's time to harvest. Additionally, you can look out for these other signs

• The plant ceases to grow or produce any buds

• Leaves turn yellow and begin to fall out

• Heavy buds that lead to hanging branches

The process of harvesting cannabis Sativa plants:

Before harvesting, you need to inspect your plants. Be on the lookout for any damaged parts, pests, or impurities. If any, deal with the issues to ensure you only harvest the best yields. You can either wet trim or dry trim your cannabis Sativa plants.

The first option involves harvesting the plants while fresh (not dried). You will use shears to cut off the branches, then use a pair of scissors to trim the buds into the desired size. All equipment should be sterilized to avoid contamination.

Dry trimming involves cutting off the plants and hanging them upside down for 5-/10 days to dry. This is done in a dark environment, at temperatures of 18°C and 24°C (65°F to 75°F), and humidity levels of 45% to 55%. When the plants are dry, the trimming process begins.

Drying Cannabis Sativa plants:

With the dry harvesting and trimming method, the cannabis is already dried within 5-10 days. In wet trimming, after the cannabis is trimmed, the buds are dried in the same conditions as in wet trimming (darkness, humidity of 45% to 55%, and temperatures of 18°C to 24°C). If the cannabis is adequately dried, it will break rather than bend when placed and pressed between the fingers. The drying process gets rid of around 75% of the moisture in cannabis. At this point, the buds are ready for consumption. However, some cannabis enthusiasts prefer cannabis that has gone through the curing process. Curing creates buds with a richer terpene profile, complex, potent cannabinoid composition, and a smooth user experience.

Curing cannabis Sativa plants:

Curing is a process that involves subjecting cannabis buds to optimum conditions to help reduce the moisture from the inner parts (core). It is a simple process that involves placing the buds in a transparent (glass), airtight jar for 2 to 6 weeks or more. The ideal conditions for this process are temperatures of 21°C (70°F), darkness, and humidity levels between 60% and 65%.

During the first week, conduct burping twice a day to allow the buds to breathe and release the moisture in the jar. Burping involves opening the container for 10 to 15 minutes. During the second and third weeks, you can open the jar twice or thrice a week. After that, once or twice a month is sufficient.

Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis Sativa plants:

Besides being a popular recreational choice for many cannabis enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Cannabis Sativa has the following medical benefits;

• Helps with mental and mood disorders such as stress, depressions, bipolar disease, PTSD, and some forms of anxiety.

• Thanks to its ability to boost focus, creativity, and concentration, Cannabis sativa helps to manage attention deficit disorders such as ADD and ADHD.

• Energy boost

• Appetite stimulation

• It has potent analgesic properties that combat different degrees of pain ranging from mild to chronic.