Legalizing medical cannabis was a hard-fought battle, and many states in the U.S. still don’t recognize its value. However, for those that jumped through the hoops of recreational legalization, the conversation around cannabis has shifted significantly. While it still holds plenty of medical value for thousands of patients, there are several other tremendous benefits to using cannabis. One of which is to increase individual output. In the quest for the best strain for productivity and focus, we’ve taken a look at some popular strains for productivity and focus, according to the cannabis community.
Light-Up and Zone-In
Cannabis affects every user differently. What might cause one person to be incredibly stoned might leave another in a giggle fit, while a third person is heading for the fridge with the munchies. That said, there are some commonalities among strains. One of those is the belief that sativa strains tend to be better for the daytime because of their ability to increase energy and sharpen focus on everyday tasks.
Sativa: Energy and Focus
The most common way of distinguishing types of cannabis is to categorize them into one of three groups: indica, sativa, and hybrid. Indicas are usually associated with a more sedative high, resulting in couch-lock or a feeling of sleepiness. Hence the reason they are often used by medical patients looking for pain relief, or who need deep, restorative rest to let their bodies heal. Indicas tend to produce a full-body high.
On the other hand, sativas generally affect the mind, resulting in an uplifting and cerebral high. A hybrid is a blend of both indica and sativa and tends to produce a mix of both body and head high. When smoking a sativa strain, the physical effects are milder on the body, so you don’t necessarily feel the urge to lie down and relax. Instead, a sativa works on the mind to elevate the mood. For patients using cannabis to treat depression, anxiety, or PTSD, a true sativa can be a fantastic way to medicate. But when used recreationally, the same benefits can be used to increase productivity.
When your mind is clear and your mood is elevated, many people feel an urge to tackle a to-do list and hone in on one thing. For example, some people find that smoking a sativa before a big task helps them eliminate distractions and complete their objectives more efficiently. Consider tasks like yard work, household chores, exercise, running errands, completing a big work project, or a big DIY project you’ve wanted to finish.
Cannabis for Productivity
Cannabis and productivity might not be an obvious combination, but science is backing these claims with ongoing research. Studies surrounding cannabis and exercise have shown that smoking or ingesting cannabis products before any kind of physical activity extends the time a person will exercise. For example, one study found that participants exercised 43 minutes longer on average than those who did not use cannabis before working out. On top of that, those participants reported enjoying their exercise even more with the addition of cannabis.
On the topic of cannabis use in the workplace, one might think that getting high before work is counterproductive and even dangerous. Of course, it is not recommended that anyone operating heavy machinery should light up before clocking in, but there are some industries where employees may benefit from using cannabis. For those working in creative design, web development, photography, and the arts in general, cannabis can be a wellspring of inspiration.
In a culture where consuming gobs of caffeine — a drug that affects both the body and the mind — it’s not so absurd to assume that other substances can help people stay alert and focused on the job. For many people, getting high before or during work sharpens their ability to focus, reducing outside noise and producing higher quality work in shorter periods of time.
Top Sativa Strains for Productivity & Focus
With thousands of marijuana strains available, it can be challenging to know what to choose. Keep in mind that even the same strain cultivated by different growers can result in varying highs. That said if you find something you like that is working for you, stick with it. One way to experiment with new strains is to keep a cannabis journal and take note of what you tried, how much you consumed, and what the experience was like. Another fun way to experiment with productivity while stoned is to use the Pilgrim Soul Journal. This guided journal was made to be used while high. It’s packed with activities and writing prompts that are designed to engage your mind and enhance creativity.
If you are a newcomer to sativa strains or are simply looking for new suggestions, check out the following list of best strains for productivity. Each of these strains is a pure sativa and is known to enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and help you get into the flow.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is well known for its pungent flavor profile. Heavy and gassy (like diesel fuel), Sour Diesel is a cross of Chemdawg and Super Skunk. You’ll never forget its flavor and aroma, with a big citrus punch followed by its diesel aftertaste. This pure sativa is fast-acting, resulting in a surge of energy and a boost in creativity, leading to a spell of productivity.
Maui Wowie
Maui Wowie is a delightful mood elevator. Hailing from Hawaii, this strain is bursting with tropical flavors that will leave you feeling like you’re on vacation with the ocean breeze drifting by. Maui Wowie is known for its motivating effect and energetic euphoria. This strain will inspire you to get outside and get moving.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a classic woody sativa, made by crossing Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. The high is cerebral, blissful, and euphoric. A perfect daytime smoke, Jack Herer produces a clear-headed high that allows you to hone in on any particular activity with a laser focus.
Pineapple Punch
Pineapple Punch tastes like a fruit smoothie. This sativa is sweet and skunky with big, bright citrus notes. The high is uplifting and light, making this a perfect strain for getting in the groove without getting too high. Try a little Pineapple Punch before you dive into a new project or if you’re looking for the inspiration to start something new.
Final Thoughts
If you love to smoke during the day and are looking for the best strains for productivity, we hope you’ll try something on this list. While getting baked on the weekends and embarking on an adventure is always a grand idea, we hope that using cannabis to increase work productivity will also become more and more common. As states across the U.S. continue to legalize marijuana, we are hopeful that workplace policies will continue to evolve.
Do you use cannabis to promote productivity, or have you found that it hinders your ability to focus? Share a story in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.
