Best Sativa Strain for 2023
The Five Best Sativa Strains to Try In 2023
In the world of cannabis, you’ll see an endless amount of new strains being bred and grown. With so many options it can be overwhelming! Understanding what works for you and why it does is a great help when deciding what to try next. So, before we let you know our best sativa strain picks for 2023, we’ll give you a little background on how you might determine the best sativa strains for you in 2023.
Tall thin sativa strains generally take longer to mature than indica strains
What is Sativa vs Indica?
First the basics: the subspecies Indica and Sativa. Originally when classified, Sativa and Indica referred solely to taxonomy based on the appearance of the plants. Sativas are skinny, tall, narrow-leafed plants, while Indica refers to short, wide, broad-leafed plants. While first categorized by appearance, cannabis users over time developed a system separating the two based on general effects. It’s overall believed that a Sativa will provide more energizing, uplifting, cerebral, and stimulating effects, while indicas tend to be looked to for sedative, mellow, heavy-bodied effects.
That said, everyone is unique in how their body responds to cannabis and may therefore have a unique experience with different varietals of cannabis. So, an Indica may give you a Sativa type high and vice versa. This is compounded by the fact that so many strains are now hybridized, having some Sativa and some Indica in them. Each varietal has its own cannabinoid and terpene profile which cannabis enthusiasts believe play key roles in their effects. The terms Sativa and Indica therefore, are becoming less of a reliable standard for judging the effects a strain will have. A better indicator would be inspecting the strains genetics or even inspecting the way it smells (similar smells often result in similar experiences)!
The presence of certain cannabinoids and terpenes can have similar effects regardless of whether they are found in an Indica or a Sativa. A great example would be that many landrace sativas are found to have THCv. This minor cannabinoid is considered psychoactive, energizing, and alert. No wonder folks often experience a soaring effect from a strain like Durban Poison! Durban poison is considered a pure Sativa and usually has significant levels of THCv. But you can also find THCv in Pink Boost Goddess, which is an Indica dominant hybrid.
To make things even more complex, there’s a third subspecies of cannabis called Ruderalis. Ruderalis grows in the wild and can withstand harsh environments. It generally produces high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Some popular strains are crossed with ruderalis to decrease their growing period and increase hardiness. Ruderalis is also crossbred for their auto-flowering abilities. The very popular ATF strain is a Sativa thought to be crossed with ruderalis.
What’s a strain?
The term strain refers to a cannabis “cultivar” which means a cultivated variety. This is a classification in horticulture that signifies a group of plants selected by the human hand. The strains we know and love were chosen or further bred for their desirable traits. Some of those traits include aroma, bud structure, chemical composition, hardiness, and yield. What we call strains are indeed cultivars! Strain is still the most common term and is easily understood.
For those who enjoy horticulture or talk to cannabis breeders and growers, you may hear the term chemovar. A chemovar is the unique chemical composition of a plant. Think of this like the one-of-a-kind fingerprint you and I have.
This gets down to the nitty-gritty of the precise cannabinoid and terpene profile that makes up a particular phenotype of a plant. The phenotype often is referred to as a “pheno”. This is the distinct genetic makeup of a plant. If one decides to grow cannabis plants from seed, plants of the same strain will not be genetic replicas. This means they’ll all be different, unique phenotypes. Think of the different phenos in a strain like siblings with the same parents. While there may be genetic commonality there will be unique gene expression in each plant. Cultivators and breeders take time to select the pheno most desirable for their needs. Once a pheno is selected, a grower can clone this plant to replicate this phenotype over and over again!
Many strains you encounter will be a hybrid bred by a cannabis cultivator. Lots of strains have complex hybridization. The cannabis strains that have been bred together to create a new strain are referred to as the new strain’s lineage. Think of this as the strain’s family tree! You’ll often see the parental lineage of the strain you’re purchasing advertised. You’ll find hybrid strains leaning Indica, Sativa, or a more balanced 50/50 hybrid. Many strong weed strains have been crossbred specifically for high potency.
There are also “landrace” strains which are the plants indigenous to a region. These strains have not been genetically altered and are named after the region where they originated. They evolved naturally and adapted perfectly to the environment of their origin. Landrace strains are the building blocks for modern cannabis. Landrace strains have been bred into many of the hybrids you’ll see at your local dispensary. It can be very hard to find true landraces. Even when procuring the same genetics through seed or clone, growing the landrace strain in a different environment from the native habitat changes the plant’s genetics. Many of these cultivars also have a long flowering period or present other challenges when growing indoors in an artificial environment. Some notable landrace strains are:
Panama Red, Acapulco Gold, and Colombian Gold from South America
Lamb’s Bread from Jamaica
Thai and Chocolate from Asia
Hindu Kush and Afghani from Afghanistan
Durban Poison, Malawi Gold, and Kilamonjaro from Africa
Best Sativa Strains 2023 at MCE
We always work to bring our customers new, exciting options! Among new choices, we aim to provide a stable supply of our customer favorites. We understand how challenging it can be to find something that works well for you and then be unable to purchase it again. If we’re ever out of a favorite, feel free to ask your budtender about potential availability in the future or an appropriate substitute.
We like to provide an array of different genetics for different needs. Here’s a list of the best sativa strains cultivated by Maine Cannabis Exchange in 2023. Also included is one of our favorite outsourced partners, High Tide Organics. High Tide is a MOFGA-certified, living soil-grown company. We’re incredibly proud to be able to offer their flower regularly!
Wedding Freak grown by Maine Cannabis Exchange:
This strain is a cross of the beloved Wedding Cake and Haze Freak. One of the most notable characteristics is that it is a balanced, forgiving Sativa. This strain is usually an appropriate option for those who tend to have an adverse response to racy, high sativas. The zippy, cerebral Haze lineage is toned down slightly by the Wedding Cake genetics. Wedding Cake is a great example of a slightly indica-leaning hybrid. It has enough Sativa lineage in its makeup to have mixed effects for most people. Everyone will have a unique response due to variables like tolerance, metabolism, chemistry, and setting. That being said, anecdotally many of our staff and customers who tend to avoid a high Sativa enjoy our Wedding Freak.
Laughing Buddha grown by High Tide Organic:
Laughing Buddha presents what is considered “true” Sativa effects. This strain is Thai x Jamaican, bred by Barney’s Farm. The strong landrace Sativa genetics delivers a cerebral kick. Most genetic expressions of this strain have a spicy, herbaceous, slightly nutty, and citrus terpene profile. Some cannabis users after consuming this strong Sativa strain report a shift of perception and psychoactive effect. Some report this intensity could help shift one’s perception of pain. Depending on the dose, tolerance, and the effect a THC product has on the individual, there is a potential for focus. This cultivar is considered thought-provoking and sociable for many cannabis users. These effects make this one of the best Sativa strains we offer. The Sativa punch of this strain is so distinct it won the High Times Cannabis Cup for Sativas in 2003. High Tide Organic’s amazing cure and thoughtful growing methods make this one to try for any Sativa lover.
Dead Hot Strawberries grown by Maine Cannabis Exchange:
Our house-grown Dead Hot Strawberries is bred by Oni Seed Co. The parent's Strawberry OG and Tropicana Cookies create a very balanced hybrid effect for most. The terpene profile tends to be a fruity fuel with notes of sour citrus. Generally, the predominant terpenes of Dead Hot Strawberries is myrcene, limonene, linalool, and humeline. This will differ from phenotype to phenotype. Most cannabis consumers report that this strain provides an energized, euphoric effect, and calm body. Some find the cozy body balanced with mental alertness makes it an ideal daytime choice. Similar to our Wedding Freak, this is a more mellow Indica parent crossbred with a Sativa parent. For many this hybrid effect provides versatility. Many popular Sativa strains offer the best of both worlds with their hybridized lineage.
Chem Canyon grown by High Tide Organic:
Chem Canyon has been described best by High Tide as sociable and uplifting. While it’s considered mentally stimulating, they recommend it for evening use. This cultivar is particularly suited for a gathering with friends. A perfect addition to a cozy evening full of entertaining conversation and connection. The potency makes this strain best suited for enjoying a relaxing activity. Chem Canyon is a cross of SFV OG and Copper Chem with a distinct peppery, earthy terpene profile.
Bruce Banner grown by High Tide Organic’s:
Bruce banner is a powerful 60/40 Sativa-leaning hybrid bred by Dark Horse Genetics. This strong weed strain is a cross of Strawberry Diesel and OG Kush. This strain is a favorite of many and renowned for its high potency production. The tendency for high THC generally results in lower concentrations of CBD. Bruce Banner has topped out in some cases at 30% THC and on average is approximately 25% THC. This powerful strain tends to offer a heady euphoria matched with potent body effects. Some Bruce Banner lovers report its powerful effects can be pain-crushing and mood-balancing. This Sativa strain name comes from the Incredible Hulk’s alter ego! You’ll understand why soon after trying this intense cultivar.
These are just a few of our top Sativa strains in 2023. At Maine Cannabis Exchange we strive to offer a diverse selection. We understand the importance of having flower with different effects for different needs. Having a few options with similarities allows a cannabis user to rotate them to decrease tolerance to a favorite strain. For our Indica and hybrid fans, we’ll be offering a guide to our other top strains of 2023 soon. For our loyal MCE customers you can already guess Blueberry Muffin will be on our top 5 weed strains 2023! We’d love to hear what your favorite flower we offer is. Our customer feedback is so helpful for deciding what we’d like to keep stocked or growing in our cultivation. We’ve appreciated the continuous support and patronage of all of our customers this year!
1. https://www.greenhousegrower.com/crops/the-dna-of-cannabis-cultivar-selection/
Stewart Maxwell. The DNA of Cannabis Cultivar Selection. Greenhouse Grower. 2021. Willoughby, OH.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063869/
National Library of Medicine. Widely assumed phenotypic associations in Cannabis sativa lack a shared genetic basis. 2021. Bethesda, MD.
3. https://www.cnbs.org/cannabis-types/cannabis-ruderalis/
John White. Cannabis Ruderalis. CNBS. The Definitive Online Cannabis Resource. Miami, FL.
4. https://www.wikileaf.com/strain/laughing-buddha/
Wiki Leaf. Laughing Buddha. 2018. Federal Way, WA
Hytiva. Dead Hot Strawberries. Las Vagas, Nevada.
6.https://www.wikileaf.com/strain/bruce-banner/
Wiki Leaf. Bruce Banner. 2017. Federal Way, WA
