Cannabis Sativa - perfect for indoor and outdoor cultivation

Whether indoors or outdoors, 100% Sativa strains always take longer to mature, with few exceptions of course. On average, it takes 10 to 12 weeks, although some strains can take 14 to 16 weeks to mature, but they thrive best outdoors in regions with long summers, many sunny days, and mild autumn days. Too much moisture or an early fall can significantly impair yields, with mold infestations or even destroy the harvest. Ideal countries in the south are Spain, Portugal, Italy, but also southern France, where high yields can be obtained outdoors. Another characteristic of Sativas is the enormous height that the plants reach, with a minimum of 1.5 meters and under ideal conditions, can exceed 2.5 or even 3 meters. If height is an issue, it can be easily solved by cutting off the top part. Nevertheless, you should be prepared for a large plant.

The same applies to indoor cultivation. The Sativa strain is almost perfect for indoor cultivation, but it requires expert care, as they tend to reach their final height in a relatively short time. However, this is also easy to control. While Indicas double their size from seedling to full maturity, 100% Sativas can triple their size in that time. With a light cycle of 12/12, while they are only 20-30 cm tall, they will reach a height of about 1 meter at their peak. Further measures such as topping or the technique can be used to control the plants even better.

Cannabis Sativa: Effects, Origins, and Appearance

The history of cannabis cannot be solely equated with that of Cannabis Sativa. Nevertheless, this species has made a significant contribution to the continued existence of hemp. Cannabis has been used as a medicinal and recreational substance for over ten thousand years. Hemp is an inevitable part of human history. Hemp was cultivated and used for industrial and medical purposes at a very early stage. The earliest discoveries date back to China, where hemp was mentioned in writings 6,000 years ago. Since then, traces of the popular plant have been discovered time and time again. As we now know, cannabis is part of human history and is one of the most important crops of all time. Until the final prohibition, cannabis was used in many industrial sectors. However, the useful plants have not disappeared. The consumption of Cannabis Sativa as a recreational substance still occurs and remains clandestine. There are now more and more protests in countries with bans against the plant. Many states are now loosening their laws, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a future prohibition will not be sustainable. Due to its medical potential, hemp is experiencing a wave of legalization in many countries. Cannabis is once again on the rise.

Origin and appearance of these coveted marijuana plants

This highly sought-after marijuana grows in equatorial countries such as Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, and the entire Southeast Asian region, such as Thailand. These regions offer optimal climate and conditions for Cannabis Sativa to grow and thrive. Perhaps it should be said that the plant has adapted perfectly to the light conditions and thus brings very special characteristics. The main advantage is the intense sun and shorter daylight hours. Under these conditions, Sativa products can grow up to 6 meters high, with the average height ranging from 2.5m to 4m. There is no cannabis variety that has a higher growth rate. The reason for this is the lighting conditions. To take full advantage of the shorter daylight hours, Cannabis Sativa stretches towards the sunlight. Another factor is the wild growth that is much closer together, which means there is no opportunity to form bushes in the lower part of the plant and produce thick flowers there. Therefore, Sativa plants concentrate on developing the structure in the upper area towards the sun. To bring as much light as possible to the lower areas, this species has adapted optimally. The leaf structure is very fine and has finger-like shapes that are long and thin. The leaves of Cannabis Sativa thus give less shade, and more sun reaches the rest of the structure. As a result, Sativa is not only taller but also produces the highest yield compared to other cannabis varieties. Responsible for this is the continued growth in the flowering phase. Despite flower production, the entire organism continues to grow towards the sky, forming tower-like buds that grow around the internodes and stems. The main bud forms the upper end of the growth. An increase in size of 200-300 percent during the flowering phase is not uncommon for Cannabis Sativa.

These growth characteristics represent many unique features of the species compared to other species such as Indica or Ruderalis. Indica plants remain small to medium in height and have a bushy growth pattern. The yields of Indica are much lower. However, by adapting to the lighting conditions, it should also be clear that Sativas have the longest growth cycle. They often require up to 90 days to produce finished and matured flowers. In return, the vegetative phase is shorter, thus balancing out the longer flowering phase somewhat. The harvested flowers are generally larger than those of Indica. When dried, the seemingly larger Cannabis Sativa buds may still be lighter due to the airy structure of the flowers.

Genetics and Crossbreeding

You can obtain pure Sativa in its purest form. However, stable hybrids are now also available. In this case, the genetics of Sativa have been crossed with Indica or Ruderalis genes. Hybrids have been created that combine the best characteristics of each race. So, you can essentially choose how you want to shape your plant and what you want it to be capable of. The variety of crossbred strains is very high, and there are endless combinations to choose from. One highly sought-after Sativa strain is the legendary Haze.

Effects and Medical Uses of Marijuana

Cannabis Sativa is known for its above-average THC content, often exceeding 20%, making it the best choice for those who prefer a psychoactive effect. Its potency is characterized by a unique high.
The effects of Sativa are described as very cerebral. One becomes truly "high". The head remains clear, and a euphoric and creative mood sets in. It is activating, and one can experience wonderful moments of happiness. An optimal companion for meeting friends and having lively conversations. The effect of Sativas is full of energy and a desire to act.

In the medical field, Cannabis Sativa is used in many different areas. It is used to relieve nausea and vomiting (e.g., after chemotherapy or the use of HIV drugs) and even to stimulate appetite. Furthermore, it is suitable for use in migraines, depression, and chronic pain. Thus, we have enormous potential in the field of medicine. Current research and studies indicate a strong effectiveness in the mentioned areas. Cannabis is being used and legalized for medical purposes in more and more countries. This gives many patients the opportunity to alleviate and treat their symptoms with medical cannabis.

Cultivation and Growing Explained

Cannabis Sativa often poses challenges for growers. However, those who know what matters will reap a large and effective harvest. In its native habitat on the equator, this wonderful plant is usually cultivated outdoors in the field, resulting in a veritable wilderness growth. The plants are standing in a clearing and can therefore absorb the beloved sun. The clearing itself is usually surrounded by trees to protect the tall-growing plants from unwanted guests.

Europeans, on the other hand, do not have it so easy. Not everyone can afford to have a 4-meter plant in their garden. The light cycles and the long flowering phase, which often lasts until October, are also problematic. To solve these problems, Sativas are usually cultivated under artificial light. This allows for year-round cultivation regardless of the season and sun intensity. To cope with the height of Cannabis Sativa, different techniques and methods have been developed. On the one hand, it has proven effective to shorten the plant's vegetative phase and send it into flowering very early. This is achieved by changing the number of hours of light. Depending on the lighting, one also adjusts the light spectrum. One very effective technique is the so-called SCROG method. The plants are pruned very early to promote lateral shoots. The upcoming side shoots are allowed to grow through a horizontally stretched net or grid. The branches and shoots are trained to grow into and around the net. This way, one bypasses the problem of height and greatly increases the yield because each of the resulting buds is optimally supplied with light.

As we can see, Cannabis Sativa is a very adaptable plant. This adaptability and robustness have ensured the survival of this hemp variety over the years. But in the future, this exceptional plant will continue to inspire and help many people.

* LST - Low Stress Training to force horizontal growth.