Glossary

Sativa

Plain-English definition, aliases (cannabis sativa), and science context.

science category 1 aliases 4 related

aka cannabis sativa

Sativa is one of the two original taxonomic groupings of cannabis. In consumer culture, sativa strains are associated with cerebral, energizing, focus-supporting, and creative effects. Modern science (Russo, McPartland, et al.) increasingly views the indica/sativa binary as imprecise — strain effects depend more on terpene and cannabinoid synergy than on broad type labels.

Example: Sativa strains like Sour Diesel are common daytime picks.

Etymology: From the species name Cannabis sativa, named by Linnaeus in 1753.