The 8 Best Sativa Strains For An Energetic THC High

When I first began exploring cannabis, I had no clue how many different strains there were. After realizing different strains produced different effects, I started to pay attention to their nuances. 

I quickly found my preference for Sativa strains which gave me the high I wanted and energy boost. 

This list covers 8 sativas that deliver a satisfying high and energy rush. So keep reading for my take on the best Sativa strains 2024.

1. Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a pure landrace strain. This means that it is one of the rare pure Sativa strains, not crossed with other types of cannabis.

This potent Sativa strain was first noticed in the 1970s by Ed Rosenthal (one of America’s first international strain hunters). It is named for the South African port city, Durban, where Rosenthal discovered it. 

Durban Poison won the 2nd place trophy at the Denver High Times Cannabis Cup in the Medical Sativa category in 2013 and 2014. 

It is known for its uplifting feelings and energizing effects on the people who use it. It is a parent strain of the now popular Girl Scout Cookies.

Durban Poison Breakdown

THC levels rest around a 15% average. But they can reach as high as 24%. These levels make it a very potent strain. 

The CBD average for this strain is about .19%.

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Terpinolene
• Beta-Caryophyllene 
• Alpha Humulene
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Beta Myrcene
• Alpha Pinene

Most people agree they taste earthy, woody, and spicy/herbal flavors from this weed strain. Potentially with a citrus aftertaste. 

All in all, one of the best sativa strains for energy.

2. Sour Diesel

This sativa dominant strain was born from Chemdawg, Super Skunk, and possibly the Indica strain, Northern Lights. 

This skunk hybrid is about 90% Sativa and 10% Indica. It is also known as Sour D or Sour Deez. 

It was born in the late 20th century and has been popular ever since. Described as dreamy and blissful, it is cerebral, fast-acting, and energizing. 

Its head-lifting effects make it a strain commonly used for remedying depression. It is also a common choice among MMJ patients for treating pain and stress.

Sour Diesel Breakdown

The THC levels of Sour Diesel are as high as 25% or low as 17%. But they rest at an average of 22% THC, and 0% CBD. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Limonene
• Beta Myrcene 
• Beta-Caryophyllene

The aroma and flavor are pungent and sour. Some find it reminiscent of diesel, as the name suggests. You may also find flavors of skunk and lemon.

3. Green Crack

Green Crack was initially named Kush by its breeder, Cecil C., then renamed Green Crack by Snoop Dogg. This one is also known as Green Crush or Green Mango Crack. 

The popular opinion is that it was initially made by mixing Skunk #1 with an unknown Indica strain. Others think it might be a mix of Skunk #1 and an Afghani Landrace. 

No matter where it came from, it is a hugely successful strain. It won 3rd place for best Sativa at the Denver High Times Cannabis Cup in 2015. 

It is energetic, uplifting, and happy. And it is enjoyable to use as it is fruity and invigorating. It may help you stay focused, or you can use it to fight the urge to nap after lunch.

Green Crack Breakdown

The THC content can be anywhere between 15 and 25%. An average THC content for this strain is about 23.5%. The CBD content is at less than .1%. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Linalool
• Alpha Pinene
• Beta Myrcene
• Beta-Caryophyllene
• Alpha Humulene
• Limonene

The top reported flavors are skunk, citrus, and mango. Many users agree it smells like lemon tea, too.

4. Tangie

Tangie is a cross of California Orange and Skunk 1. It is reminiscent of Tangerine Dream, beloved in the 1990s.

This hybrid strain (70% Sativa, 30% Indica) is a popular choice in Amsterdam, as well as the rest of the world. 

It will make you feel energetic, uplifted, and maybe even a bit creative without the couchlock of Indica strains.

Tangie Breakdown

Tangie THC levels can be as high as 22% but tend to average at around 20.5%. The CBD level is .1% like most high THC cannabis strains. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Pinene
• Limonene
• Myrcene
• Linalool
• Beta-Caryophyllene
• Humulene

True to its name, it smells most like a tangerine. The flavors are bright and citrusy. Orange and tropical notes pop through as well.

5. Jack Herer

This strain gets its name from the world-famous cannabis activist Jack Herer. It also goes by the names Premium Jack, Platinum Jack, or The Jack. 

It hails from the Netherlands. Born in the 1990s, it is a blend of the parent strains Shiva Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. 

It is barely a Sativa dominant strain, with 55% Sativa content. It is loved for its ability to make people feel creative while maintaining a clear head. 

It has won 9 Cannabis Cup awards for Best In Class Flower and it’s now a parent plant for numerous other marijuana strains. 

Some of these include notable heavy weights like Jack Skellington and Jack the Ripper.

Jack Herer Breakdown

Jack Herer usually has a 21% THC level and no CBD. It can range from about 18 to 24% THC, so it is potent and has powerful therapeutic potential. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Beta Myrcene
• Alpha Pinene
• Alpha Humulene
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Beta-Caryophyllene
• Terpinolene

Jack Herer has a citrus-dominant aroma and flavor profile. Lemon and orange mix with hints of pine needles and spice. 

The flavor has an underlying sweetness that might not be detected in the aroma, thanks to the power of the earthy, skunky smells.

6. Strawberry Cough

It is not exactly known where this strawberry sweet strain originates from, but some speculate that its parents are Strawberry Fields and Haze. 

This Sativa strain is cerebral and uplifting, so many people prefer to use it in the morning. It provides energy without fogging the mind. And may help with getting your creative juices and good conversations flowing.

This is why you might like to use it before social situations. Many believe it helps alleviate fear and anxiety and may leave you feeling happier.

Unlike some of the other Sativa cannabis strains on the list that might cause a new user to green out, Strawberry Cough is great for novice consumers as it rarely induces paranoia.

Strawberry Cough Breakdown

Strawberry Cough can have up to 19% THC and 1% CBD. But the THC average is 13%. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Myrcene
• Pinene
• Alpha Pinene
• Beta myrcene
• Caryophyllene
• Humulene
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Terpinolene

Strawberry is the main showstopper when it comes to aroma and flavor. But there are also berry flavors and an overall sweetness. It can even get a little bit sweet and spicy.

7. Chocolope

Scientists at DNA Genetics in Amsterdam bred this one. It is also named called D-line. 

It’s a tasty blend of Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze. It was particularly popular in the US in the 80s but has remained a go-to strain since.

This is an almost pure Sativa strain that is uplifting, happy, and energizing. Just like the other cannabis Sativa strains on the list, it is perfect for the morning. 

It was also named Strain of the Year in 2007 by High Times. 

In my experience, It’s great for helping minimize anxiety, pain, depression, and fatigue. It is not to be confused with Chocolope Kush, which is an Indica that will give you a much different high.

Chocolope Breakdown

On average, the THC content for Chocolope is about 15%. It can range from around 15-23%. There is no CBD. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Humulene
• Myrcene
• Beta-Caryophyllene

This strain has a mouthwatering profile with big hints of a morning cup of coffee, along with earthy and pungent undertones. 

It has fruity, sweet vanilla notes as well. It may be considered one of the sweetest Sativas around.

8. Harlequin

Harlequin is a 75% Sativa, and 25% Indica blend. It is a cross between Swiss Sativa, Nepali Indica, Thai Sativa, and Colombian Gold. 

This strain is special for its high levels of CBD. It is great for energy, relaxation, and focus.

Its high CBD blend makes it one of the most sought-after medical marijuana strains. Harlequin is often used as a painkiller and helps with muscle spasms, headaches, and joint pain.

Many patients report it also helps with mood and anxiety, too.

Harlequin Breakdown

Harlequin has a low THC average of 7% and a CBD average of 10%. The THC range can vary between 7 to 15%. CBD is known to be around 10 to 15%. 

Rumors suggest that there is a phenotype with only 1% CBD, but this is not the norm. 

This is a good one to try for new users as the high CBD content can help counteract the effects of THC that may overwhelm a new user. 

The most commonly identified terpenes are:

• Alpha Pinene
• Beta-Caryophyllene
• Beta Myrcene 

Harlequin has a potent herbal flavor mixed with pine notes. Many people find flavors of mango and vanilla mixed in with a woodsy aftertaste. You may also notice a creamy and sweet flavor too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Sativas take to flower?

The time it takes for Sativa plants to flower is on average 6 months. 

But this can vary wildly as so many things influence the growth. The geographic location, indoor vs outdoor set-ups, strain, and overall environment are just some of the things that can affect growth time. 

If you are growing inside a grow room, you can manipulate the light and keep your plants from flowering. This can greatly extend the time it takes to flower. 

Once the plant starts to flower, you can expect another 10 to 12 weeks until it is ready for harvest. It can take up to 16 weeks for pure Sativa strains.

What is the difference between Indica and Sativa edibles?

The difference between Indica and Sativa strains used in edibles is the effect the strain will have on you. 

An Indica edible is made from Indica strains of cannabis. Therefore it will be more sedating, producing a more potent body high. 

Sativa strains will have a more uplifting and energizing effect. They will come with more of a head high and less of a heavy feeling on your body. 

Many people prefer an Indica edible at night and a Sativa in the morning or afternoon.