No matter how many strains are created these days, we usually have at least one favorite indica or sativa strain. Sativa strains are known for their energizing and uplifting properties, while indicas are appreciated for their sedating and relaxing effects.
For these reasons, sativas make excellent daytime strains while indicas are better used in the evenings or before sleep. Both strain categories can also have terrific medical uses and they aren’t only beneficial for recreational users.
In this post, we’re going to talk about some of the strongest sativa and indica strains that have recently become popular.
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Sativa
If you are looking for new strains to increase your alertness, motivation, creativity, and drive, sativa strains are highly recommended. Below are some of the most powerful newer strains with high THC levels as well as aromatic and flavorful compounds.
Shogun
Shogun is a potent strain with 25% THC and some CBD. This deliciously stimulating sativa will spark your cognitive powers, making this the perfect choice if you’re serious about getting down to work. Whether it’s artistic and creative work, or you simply need some motivation to go back to your desk job (bills won’t pay themselves!), Shogun might just give you the mental boost you need.
Shogun is a strain named after the ancient Japanese warriors. Choose Shogun if you need a little extra help working long hours, but despite that you can still experience zen-like feelings. The high THC content is good for combating low moods as well as pain, and smoking it will make you feel like you are walking through a dense forest full of pine and earth flavors.
El Patron
El Patron is the result of crossbreeding Shiva and Amnesia Mac Ganja. This sativa-dominant hybrid is great for taking the edge off without putting you to sleep, thanks to a little bit of indica genetics in there. One thing’s for sure: the effects of El Patron go straight to your head but it still produces a high that’s manageable enough for getting things done.
It’s got THC levels of around 22%, and consumers love its deliciously therapeutic effects. This is a good strain for making edibles because of its kush and citrus flavors, both of which result in fantastic brownies or other sweet recipes.
Mother Gorilla
Mother Gorilla was created by the ingenious breeders over at Royal Queen Seeds. It’s basically an upgrade of Royal Madre’s genetics, by combining it with Gorilla Glue #4 for a much better effect. Mother Gorilla has THC levels of 25%, so you can be sure you won’t be needing to smoke a lot in order to appreciate its heady high.
This strain is an excellent choice for both medical and recreational use. Have a few tokes before going to a party, and you’ll find yourself chatting away. This will help you combat social anxiety. It has amazing chocolate and pine aromas, plus a taste of diesel in the background. It’s no wonder why Mother Gorilla bagged awards, such as the High Times World Cup and the High Times Cannabis Cup.
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Indica
Indica strains are the preferred nighttime or evening strain choice for many. These can induce a strong sense of happiness and euphoria when smoked minimally, and in higher doses can lull you into a deep slumber for several hours long. Choose indica strains if you are battling insomnia or anxiety that prevents you from getting decent sleep.
Ice
Ice, which stands for Indica Crystal Extreme, is the result of combining the genetics of world-class indica strains that have been well-loved for many years: Skunk, Afghan, and Northern Lights. As a result, you get a deliciously strong strain that’s a potent sedative. Even if you’re a seasoned cannabis smoker, Ice is sure to give you a deep head and body buzz.
It’s named aptly so because its flavors are a combination of mint and menthol as well as hints of berry, diesel, and pepper. This is a great choice for treating everyday stress, chronic pain, and lack of appetite. Be sure to only smoke this when you’re at home and have nothing to do – or better yet, when it’s an hour away from bed time.
Sherbet Queen
Sherbet is renowned for the couch-locking body high that it gives, but it also stimulates the brain when consumed in low doses. This is an 85% indica that shares genetics with the famous Girl Scout Cookies, so you can expect a tasty, deep antidote to anything in life that is stressing you out. The high THC content of Sherbet Queen will take the edge off and also help to treat any body aches and pain you may be having.
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It has sweet, candy-like fruit flavors but more importantly, its effects last a long time. Choose Sherbet Queen to treat migraines, anxiety, stress, and headaches for a flavorful evening medication.
Runtz Muffin
If you just want some serious relaxation and downtime, you can’t go wrong with Runtz Muffin. This strain is the result of Gelato and Zkittlez’ genetics, and it’s also a descendant of Cookies – overall, fantastic genetics no matter which way you look at it. Runtz Muffin offers a balanced high, and it’s a delicious smoke filled with fruity flavors most especially an intoxicating orange taste.
Runtz Muffin is great for inflammation and insomnia too. It will deliver you to another mental state where you are totally relaxed and carefree, without a thought in the world.
Part of the cannabis industry supported the new president, betting he was going to move and move quickly on cannabis – the White House finally commented.
The cannabis industry has been a boon for consumers, medical patients, veterans and legal states, but for the thousands of mom and pop businesses is has been a roller coaster. With a huge demand, it would seem to be easy money, but the federal, tax, and banking restrictions have made it difficult to grow and expand. Part of the industry were all for the new administration assuming they would support positive change, but many in the new cabinet and the House Speaker Mike Johnson are foes. Now the White House finally comments on marijuana industry…and it doesn’t show a clear path.
The administration’s current stance on marijuana reform is marked by inaction, despite campaign promises and earlier signals of support for cannabis-related reforms. A White House official recently confirmed that “no action is being considered at this time” regarding marijuana policy, leaving advocates and industry stakeholders uncertain about the administration’s priorities.
During his campaign, the resident expressed support for rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing restrictions on medical use and enabling cannabis businesses to access banking and tax benefits. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to advance this initiative. A DEA hearing on rescheduling, initially planned for January 2025, was postponed due to procedural appeals and remains unscheduled.
The president has also voiced support for state autonomy in cannabis policy and endorsed state-level legalization initiatives, such as Florida’s failed 2024 ballot measure for recreational marijuana. While this reflects a more favorable stance compared to his first term, his administration has yet to prioritize federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act, which would facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses. Efforts to include such measures in a government funding bill late last year were unsuccessful.
The delay in federal action has significant implications for the cannabis industry. Rescheduling marijuana could alleviate financial burdens by eliminating restrictions under IRS Code Section 280E and promoting medical research. However, the stalled process leaves businesses navigating regulatory uncertainties and limited financial access.
While stakeholders continue lobbying for reform, the administration appears focused on other priorities such as immigration and foreign policy. Advocates hope the President will leverage his influence to advance cannabis reform, but for now, the issue remains sidelined. Until then the industry struggles and waits.
States are starting to scramble with looming budget deficients, but marijuana is a boon to some – especially one state.
The new federal administration is revamping how the government operates. With Doge, they are changing agencies and reducing services and support of states, which has left budget deficients in many. But some states have legal marijana and it has been a boon, for like alcohol…people are still consuming. States who are fully legal are making more money on weed than booze and this state’s cannabis revenue keeps pouring in. Missouri, the show me state, is being shown unexpected revenue.
“Due to a strong cannabis market and effective, efficient regulation of that market,” Amy Moore, director of the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, told The Independent this week, “the funds available for the ultimate beneficiaries of the cannabis regulatory program continue to outpace expectations.”
Funds will help veterans and other key projects. The other benefit is as seen in data from legal states, teen use is down so it frees up some other funds. Legal states are seeing benefits from legal cannabis including lower teen use and crime reduction.
States with legal cannabis are experiencing a significant boost in tax revenue, surpassing those generated by alcohol sales. This trend highlights the economic benefits of marijuana legalization, as cannabis markets expand and mature.
In California, cannabis excise taxes have consistently outperformed alcohol-related taxes, bringing in over double the revenue. Colorado has seen even more striking results, with marijuana tax revenues totaling seven times those of alcohol. Similarly, Massachusetts has collected more tax revenue from marijuana than alcohol since fiscal year 2021, marking a notable shift in state finances.
Nationally, legal cannabis states generated nearly $3 billion in excise taxes on marijuana in 2021—20% more than alcohol taxes. By 2024, total adult-use cannabis tax revenue exceeded $20 billion, with states like Illinois and Washington reporting record-breaking contributions. Illinois alone collected $451.9 million from cannabis taxes in fiscal year 2022—one-and-a-half times the revenue from alcohol.
The funds are being put to good use. States like Illinois are channeling marijuana tax dollars into mental health services and community programs, while Colorado has invested nearly $500 million into public education. California has allocated millions to nonprofits addressing the impacts of the war on drugs.
This growing revenue stream underscores the potential of cannabis legalization to support vital public services and bolster state economies. As more states embrace regulated marijuana markets, the financial benefits are expected to continue flourishing.
The federal administration is all over the board around fed cannabis policy…and millions of patients are worried.
The industry employees over 440,000 workers at all lives and is driven in a large part by mom and pop businesses. Millions use medical marijuana for health issues ranging from chronic pain to sleep. But there are mixed messages from the feds about cannabis, and people are very worried. The federal government’s stance on marijuana has become increasingly complex, as recent developments show conflicting approaches to the drug’s potential benefits and risks. On one hand, there’s a push for research into medical marijuana for veterans, while on the other, a campaign against cannabis use is being launched.
The juxtaposition of initiatives highlights the federal government’s inconsistent approach to marijuana policy. While some departments are exploring the potential benefits of cannabis, others are actively working to discourage its use. This dichotomy is further exemplified by ongoing legislative efforts. For instance, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) has reintroduced the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients in states where it’s legal. Meanwhile, documents from an ongoing lawsuit suggest that the DEA may have weighted the marijuana rescheduling process to ensure rejection of moving the drug from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3.
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The Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military members. This initiative, driven by congressional efforts, aims to explore MDMA’s effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) expressed pride in this development, stating that it could be a “game-changer” for service members battling these combat-related injuries.
Additionally, a bipartisan effort in Congress has been pushing for VA research on medical marijuana for PTSD and other conditions affecting veterans. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, introduced in both the Senate and House, would mandate studies on how cannabis affects the use of addictive medications and impacts various health outcomes for veterans.
In stark contrast to these research initiatives, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has partnered with an anti-cannabis nonprofit to launch a social media campaign targeting young people. The campaign, set to run ahead of April 20 (4/20), aims to “flood” Instagram with anti-cannabis content. The DEA is offering monetary incentives to students for creating and posting anti-THC videos, with payments ranging from $25 to $50 depending on the type of content produced.
This approach has raised eyebrows, as it seems to contradict the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana across the United States. Critics argue that such campaigns may be out of touch with current societal trends and scientific understanding of cannabis.