Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis Sativa is a botanical classification for a subspecies of cannabis plants. 

It is associated with growing from warm regions sitting on the equator such as Southeast Asia, Central and South America and parts of Africa. The name sativa means ‘cultivated’ in Latin.

At a glance: Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa characteristics and origins

The cannabis sativa plant is a product of tropical climates. Traditional sativa cultivars were grown in equatorial regions of Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. The region has long, warm growing seasons and day length is relatively consistent throughout the year, and the plant’s traits reflect that.

The physical appearance of sativa cultivars is typically tall, growing between 2-4 metres, and loosely branched, with long, narrow leaves. They also take a fairly long time to flower, around 12 to 16 weeks. Their flowers are open and airy to allow airflow and reduce the risk of getting mouldy and damp in tropical climates.

There is an important naming wrinkle as ‘Sativa’ is used as a grower label and Cannabis sativa L. is a scientific name and they do not mean the same thing.

The formal name Cannabis sativa L. was coined by botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 (the L. stands for Linnaeus) and is still accepted today. Linnaeus based it on European hemp, and in formal botany it covers all cannabis, so in practice a product labelled indica is still technically Cannabis sativa L. The grower's sense of 'sativa' came much later, in the 1980s, when seed breeders adopted it as a label for tall, narrow-leaved strains.

Industrially grown hemp is also covered by Cannabis sativa L. and is why "Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil" turns up on moisturisers, lip balms, and shampoos as it is the standard cosmetic ingredient name for hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil has no psychoactive effect.

Do Cannabis sativa labels predict effects?

The labels of Cannabis sativa and other subspecies are botanical classifications and can tell you the plant variety’s name and lineage, but research concludes it is not reliable to describe the plant's chemical makeup or the effects it produces.

A 2021 study analysed the chemical makeup of almost 300 cannabis samples, including the DNA of 137 of them. The samples with sativa and indica labels were mostly indistinguishable. The labels reflected a handful of different aromatic terpenes.

That being said, there is anecdotal evidence that sativa strains tend to produce more uplifting and energising effects.

Clinicians and researchers do not look at botanical labels to see what drives the effects of cannabis, instead they look at the chemovars of the plant. This includes cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and its terpenes. 

THC and CBD are the most common cannabinoids and have the biggest influence on the body as they interact with the endocannabinoid system. 

Cannabis falls into three types; THC-dominant, CBD-dominant or balanced, which has similar levels of both. Some sources claim sativa plants have higher levels of CBD but evidence is limited, sativa can fall into all three types, so the cannabinoid figures are looked at rather than the label.

Terpenes give cannabis and many other plants their aromas and flavours, and are thought to enhance the effect of cannabinoids, a theory known as the “entourage effect,” though research is still limited and mostly based on lab and animal studies.

Some terpenes linked to sativa labels include:

• Limonene has a bright citrus aroma and, when inhaled, has been shown to have anti-anxiety-like effects in mice.

• Pinene smells of pine forests, and it is being studied for its potential effect on memory in lab testing.

• Terpinolene is a fresh, piney and floral aroma that is often linked with sativa’s uplifting reputation. However, when inhaled by mice, it reduced their activity suggesting a sedative effect.

The study on terpinolene shows why labels are unreliable; a terpene that is often associated with energising sativa appears to give calming effects when tested on animals.

Cannabis sativa vs indica vs ruderalis

Sativa is one of three common subspecies of cannabis plants alongside indica and ruderalis.

Indica plants are shorter and bushier with wider leaves and have a short flowering period; they’re more associated with sedating effects.

Ruderalis is a short, hardy plant that flowers automatically; it is rarely used alone when prescribing medical cannabis.

For a full breakdown on how cannabis types differ, see our guide to indica vs sativa.

Sativa-dominant strains in UK medical cannabis

In the UK, sativa-dominant strains are legal to access through a medical cannabis prescription; products may be described as sativa-dominant, sativa, or hybrid.

A sativa-dominant product comes from a plant whose lineage is mostly sativa, while a hybrid is cross-bred from different cultivars to combine their traits. 

The majority of cultivars available today are hybrids, so a sativa-dominant label describes its lineage rather than its chemical makeup. Two products with sativa-labelling can have very different levels of THC and terpene profiles.

Medical cannabis products in the UK are prescribed by specialist doctors and medical cannabis flowers are labelled with their chemovar, which includes cannabinoid percentage and terpenes. This is what clinicians use to choose treatment options for patients as this informs the effects rather than the botanical label.

What is cannabis sativa used for medically? 

Sativa is historically associated with uplifting and energising effects which is why sativa-dominant cultivars are often taken during the day and may be prescribed for mental health conditions.

Sativa-dominant cultivars high in limonene or pinene may be discussed as possible cannabis treatments for patients with conditions such as depression, where low mood affects daily life, as well as for fatigue and daytime relief.

However, these uplifting effects are most likely to come from a product’s cannabinoid and terpene profile rather than a sativa-labelled product. These effects may not be right for everyone, as THC-dominant products can sometimes increase anxiety.

Clinicians will individually assess each patient and choose a treatment based on cannabinoid content and terpene profile, and side effects should be discussed with your clinician.

Legal status and access in the UK

Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor.

Recreational cannabis remains illegal as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Prescribed cultivars are held to pharmaceutical standards, lab-tested for cannabinoids, terpene content and contaminants, and labelled with THC and CBD percentages.

Frequently asked questions about Cannabis sativa

What does cannabis sativa do to you? 

Effects depend on the cultivar's cannabinoid content and terpene profile, not its sativa label. Sativa is associated with uplifting and energising effects.

Is cannabis sativa an upper or a downer?

As sativa is traditionally described as uplifting and energising, it would be categorized as an ‘upper’, but in reality the sativa label doesn’t reliably predict its effects.

What are the downsides of cannabis sativa?

Cannabis sativa’s side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, increased heart rate and appetite changes. High THC-cultivars can also heighten anxiety in some patients.

Is there a 100% pure sativa strain? 

Very few cultivars are 100% sativa, decades of cross-breeding means most modern cannabis plants are hybrids.

What does sativa-dominant mean?

Sativa-dominant labels indicate the plant's lineage and physical appearance; they do not describe effects.

What is Cannabis sativa used for medically?

Cannabis sativa can be used in medical cannabis treatment, but clinicians will look at the chemovar of a plant rather than the cultivar label to determine treatment options as the labels do not predict effects reliably.

Is cannabis sativa legal in the UK?

Cannabis sativa is legal in the UK when it has been prescribed by a specialist doctor for medical cannabis treatment.

To find out if you are eligible, try our free medical cannabis eligibility checker, it takes less than 30 seconds to fill in.

Our medical cannabis glossary can also help you learn more about terms you may associate with medical cannabis. 

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