By: James McCann
Growing up, my experiences with cannabis had more to do with late night snacking and TV watching then they did with getting things done.
When I look back on things, I believe that this had more to do with my limited options as a consumer than anything else.
We are now living in an age where cannabis has become much more accessible to the average consumer, so it is important to understand how different strains affect the body.
Cannabis has been used as a source of motivation for myself and many others for a very long time, so with that in mind we will delve into the best cannabis strains for productivity.
All of these strains are more sativa dominant as indica strains are generally more likely to produce a body high that could potentially keep you locked on the couch.
Best cannabis strains for productivity
Green Crack
(17%THC, 65% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Alpha-Pinene, Humulene, Ocimene
Our list starts off with a bang as this notorious strain was renamed by the Snoop D-O-double-G himself.
And just like 1, 2, 3 and to the 4, this strain will get yo ass up and get you out the door (alright I tried).
Originally just called Green Cush, Snoop was so taken by this strain that he felt a rename was necessary.
But do not let the name scare you off too easily, this strain has been used for productivity by many users as energy and focus have been consistently listed as the effects that the majority of users feel when using this strain.
Green Crack is a strain that should not be too hard to track down in your hopefully 420 friendly state, and this strain also has the added appeal of a citrusy taste.
Green Crack users have noted the feelings of happiness and euphoria that are experienced, and this strain is particularly helpful for productivity because of the level of focus and feelings of upliftment that are also felt by users.
A great daytime sativa, Green Crack is our number one choice for productivity. The added bonus of Green Crack is that the main terpenes present, particularly alpha-pyrene and humulene, are great anti-inflammatories and humulene has even been noted as being an appetite suppressant.
Mountain Thunder
(17% THC, 70% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Terpinolene, Limonene, Pinene, Eucalyptol)
Now this is the type of name that you would expect for a strain that can be used for productivity!
Mountain Thunder is a mostly sativa strain bred in Colorado and many users have noted the feelings of energy and focus that they experience when using Mountain Thunder.
This is an easy strain to find in Colorado and this strain is also a common one in Oregon.
This strain has a sweet and sour fruity taste that is sure to enhance the experience, and other users have noted the pine taste that is present in Mountain Thunder.
This strain is great in order to combat feelings of fatigue and will give focus to the mind. The terpinolene and limonene terpenes present in Mountain Thunder are both effective for combating feelings of anxiety while the pinene and eucalyptol terpenes are both effective anti-inflammatories.
East Coast Sour Diesel (ECSD)
(Up to 22% THC, 70% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Myrcene, Limonene
We’ve had representation from Snoop Dogg and the West Coast, but now it’s time to move over to the other side of the country and explore the East Coast Sour Diesel (ECSD).
Now the legendary Sour Diesel has been a popular strain nationwide for over 20 years, but the ECSD is starting to make waves due to its energy producing effects that will get you up and moving.
This is a fairly potent strain so new users should take it slowly with this strain, but the majority of users report feelings of euphoria, upliftment and energy.
This strain has a sour, citrusy taste that will ignite your senses. The ECSD gives users a sense of energy and focus after just a few puffs, so it is clear that this is a very effective strain for getting things done.
The myrcene terpenes are great for bodily discomfort and the limonene terpenes are effective for dealing with anxious feelings.
Cinderella 99
(16% THC, 85% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Alpha-Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene
Staying on the East Coast, we are headed to the nation’s capital with a look at this extremely sativa dominant strain that is readily available in my current residence in Maryland (woo-hoo!)
This strain is great for daytime use as users have noted the feelings of upliftment and energy under Cinderella 99’s spell.
The taste is a fairly mild one that has notes of citrus and pine and the smell is tropical and fruity.
The terpenes present in Cinderella 99 are great anti-inflammatories and have been noted for their use in dealing with feelings of anxiety and discontent.
Tangie
(19% THC, 70% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Myrcene, Humulene
We are now going international with a strain made popular in Amsterdam before spreading over to the United States.
Tangie is a sativa dominant strain that is readily available on the West Coast and has gained a reputation of being a strain that is great for daytime use because of the energy that it gives its users.
Tangie has a very citrusy smell and taste which is no surprise given its name, and the orange smell is sure to leave users with a sweet smelling aroma.
The terpenes present in Tangie help with feelings of bodily discomfort as well as general anxiety.
Island Sweet Skunk
(16% THC, 80% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Trans-nerolidol, Pinene, Humulene)
Oh yeah, this is a sweet sounding strain that has also been noted for its effects in giving users feelings of energy and upliftment.
This strain offers a sweet and skunky flavor for users and users have also noted a grapefruit aroma.
This is a Canadian strain first grown in Vancouver and is readily available throughout much of the West Coast and certainly in Canada. Users have noted feelings of focus and creativity with this strain, and Island Sweet Skunk has also been used to combat depression and lethargy.
The terpenes present in this strain make it a great choice for those with body discomfort as well as anxiety and general distress.
Lemon Meringue
(21% THC, 70% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Myrcene, Limonene
The theme of this article has been citrusy sativas, so why not include this sativa strain that was named after one of my favorite desserts?
Although this strain has been noted to give users a sense of relaxation and contentment, many users have noted the feelings of energy and upliftment that makes this strain an easy choice to include as a good option for productivity.
Lemon Meringue is readily available throughout the United States, and this seems like a solid choice for users wanting to put a little pep in their step.
The uplifting terpenes present in Lemon Meringue are also effective for users experiencing feelings of anxiety.
Jack Herer
(16-20% THC, 55% Sativa)
Main terpenes – Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
We finish with a classic sativa strain that was named for marijuana activist and author of the extremely informative The Emperor Wears No Clothes Jack Herer.
This strain was created in the Netherlands in the 1990s and has gained in popularity over the decades, making it a readily available strain throughout the US.
Feelings associated with use of this strain are happiness, upliftment, energy and euphoria. This strain has a citrusy taste as we’ve seen with the other strains listed, but what makes Jack Herer unique is the kick of pepper that makes this strain a difficult one to forget.
The terpenes present in Jack Herer are noted for giving the users a clear headed level of focus, which is perfect for productivity.
RELATED: Harlequin Cannabis Strain Review
James McCann is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.