It might surprise you that cannabis isn’t always used for relaxation. With over 150 types of cannabinoids contained within the plant, marijuana is capable of producing a wide range of effects. Its diverse therapeutic potential is what has made cannabis an asset to medical and recreational users alike. If you’re struggling with lethargy or just don’t want to be couch locked all day, an uplifting cultivar might be just the ticket. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five most energizing cannabis strains so you can find the best cultivar for your needs.
What Makes a Cannabis Strain Energizing?
While there is some debate about the differences between Indica and Sativa cultivars, it is widely accepted that Sativas tend to be more uplifting than Indicas. This is partly due to the fact that Sativa strains typically contain high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and very little cannabidiol (CBD). In contrast, many Indica varieties contain high amounts of both THC and CBD.
THC is the primary psychoactive compound found within cannabis and is largely responsible for the cerebral “high” that users experience. This cannabinoid often induces sensations of euphoria, stimulating the senses and inspiring creativity.
Conversely, CBD is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid and does not impart a cerebral effect on the user. Rather, this compound relaxes the body, easing muscle tension and pain. Some studies have also shown that CBD decreases the cerebral effects of THC, making a high-THC strain less intoxicating than it otherwise would be.
It is important to note that some high-CBD strains also can be energizing. Because there are so many chemical compounds found within marijuana, it is impossible to put all varieties of cannabis into a box. You’ll encounter Sativas that are highly narcotic and Indicas that are uplifting; however, this is not usually the norm.
Also, the ripeness of the buds can have a significant impact on how energizing or relaxing a strain is. This is because, as cannabis ripens, the THC within the trichomes degrades into cannabinol (CBN)—a nonintoxicating compound similar in its effects to CBD.
Finally, not everyone reacts to cannabis in the same manner. Some users may find high-THC varieties to be invigorating, while others find them to be narcotic. So, understand that this article is catered to the average cannabis user and may not apply to everyone.
With that out of the way, let’s have a look at the most energizing cannabis strains on the market.
Most Energizing Cannabis Strains
Stardawg
If you’re looking for a funky, skunky strain that won’t put you to sleep, Stardawg is the one for you. This Sativa-dominant hybrid of Chem 4 and Tres Dawg delivers an electrifying high that awakens the senses. And despite its remarkable potency, Stardawg won’t leave you feeling paranoid or jittery.
Stardawg, released in 2011 by JJ NYC of Top Dawg Seeds, is one of the most sought-after seed lines in the industry. This cultivar brings out the very best characteristics of Chemdog, producing vigorous plants that are easy to grow and yield heaps of top-quality buds.
This strain is unique in its incredibly raunchy terpene profile. The frosty flowers emit acrid notes of burnt rubber, skunk, motor oil, and organic soil. Those who love the classic, spicy scent of Chem or Diesel won’t want to miss out on this cultivar.
At Greenpoint Seeds, we’ve used the renowned Stardawg strain to create the backbone of our entire lineup of regular marijuana seeds. Here, you’ll find one-of-a-kind Stardawg hybrids, bred with elite clone-only cuts, such as GMO Cookies, A-Dub, Tahoe OG, and many others.
Green Crack
Green Crack, also known as Cush, is a wildly potent cultivar with a lively, energizing high. As you may have gleaned from its name, this strain leaves users feeling wired, giggly, and ready to party. Its matchless ability to sharpen mental focus and elevate the mood has made it popular within the medical cannabis scene for many years. And if that isn’t convincing enough, it’s even said to be one of Snoop Dogg’s favorite Sativas.
According to weed lore, the Cush cut of Green Crack was created in Athens, Ohio, during the early 1990s by a grower known as Cecil B. The strain is said to have descended from an SSSC Skunk #1 crossed with an unknown Indica. Its Skunk heritage is evident in the strain’s robust growth, lightning-quick flowering time, and stimulating effects.
In addition to its eye-opening high, this cultivar offers a rich, fruity terpene profile that will leave you craving another hit. Its sweet scent is redolent of ripe mango and bright citrus, with subtle hints of fine wood, skunk, and soil.
Dawg Lemons
Another mighty Stardawg hybrid, Dawg Lemons descends from the Lemon Tree strain, also known as Lemon Tree Kush. Much like its parents, Dawg Lemons provides an intense cerebral high that is euphoric and uplifting. This strain is excellent at easing pain and tension without causing drowsiness. But when consumed in excess, it often sends users into outer space.
Thanks to its Lemon Tree heritage, Dawg Lemons provides a dash of citrus to the gassy, chemmy Stardawg aroma. This strain smells strongly of sour lemon peel, diesel fuel, pine, and skunk. Its loud terpene profile may necessitate the use of carbon filters when cultivating this strain.
Dawg Lemons is a hardy and easy-to-grow strain that anyone can cultivate. Due to its open bud structure, this strain isn’t prone to fungal infections such as botrytis. It also shows high resistance to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for growers in harsh environments. When provided with the right nutrients and plenty of lighting, it will produce massive yields of resin-encrusted flowers.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a landrace Sativa famous for its sweet, herbal flavor and soaring effects. Given its abundance of tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), this strain provides an incredibly invigorating high that is perfect for a daytime smoke. Users report that it provides a motivating effect, increasing mental focus and sending a burst of energy throughout the body. Just don’t smoke too much, or you might experience some paranoia.
The Durban Poison strain originates from the port city of Durban in South Africa. During the 1970s, it made its way to Amsterdam when cannabis activist and breeder Ed Rosenthal acquired some Durban Poison seeds. Due to its unusually short flowering time of only 60 days, the strain soon became popular throughout Europe and the United States.
Durban Poison is much easier to cultivate than most Sativa strains. It is highly adaptable and has a compact structure, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation in a wide range of climates and cultivation methods. This strain forms thick stalks that support large colas of frosty, lime-green flowers.
Citron
Citron, bred by Greenpoint Seeds, is a stupendous pairing of Sativa and Indica genetics. This cultivar combines the elevating high of Clementine with the intense stone of Animal Cookies, creating a well-balanced effect on the body and mind. Clementine-dominant plants will be exceptionally uplifting, while Cookies-leaning ones may be more relaxing. Given its abundance of Sativa-dominant phenotypes, we had to include Citron in our list of the most energizing strains.
Although Animal Cookies can be somewhat challenging to cultivate, Clementine is a beginner-friendly, hardy, and disease-resistant strain. Combining the two creates a vigorous hybrid that is easy to grow and produces excellent yields without skimping on quality.
Citron brings together the rich, doughy flavor of Animal Cookies with the sharp, citrus tang of Clementine, creating a multitude of unique flavor combinations. Aromas range from cherry cookie to skunk and lemon, and most plants will have distinct undertones of petrol.
Final Thoughts on the Most Energizing Cannabis Strains
Given the many unique cannabinoid profiles marijuana strains can have, it’s possible to find a cultivar that delivers the perfect effects for your needs. If you’re looking for a strain that won’t bog you down throughout the day, any of the ones mentioned in this article should serve you well.
Feeling anxious? Scope out our top strains for stress. And when you’re ready to wind down for the day, check out our list of best sleepy strains.
What are your favorite energizing cannabis strains? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. While you’re here, check out our entire collection of regular and feminized cannabis seeds.