There is a big misconception out there that people who smoke weed are lazy. The truth is that many of the most successful entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, and white-collar workers have used cannabis for a variety of reasons. Many swear by it to boost creativity and to get more work done.
If you’re someone who is looking for weed strains for focus and productivity, you’ve come to the right place!
These strains will give you a boost to get your to-do lists done. Gone are the days of stoners being video game-playing zombies. Different cannabinoids (THC and CBD), ratios of sativa to indica, and terpenes all play a role in how weed affects our brains and bodies. Hence it stands to reason that there are strains out there that will motivate you to get more done in your daily life. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known strains that can do just that!
Table of Contents
List of Marijuana Strains for Productivity
1. White Buffalo
| Potency | 15% to 25% THC – 0.1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 80:20 |
| Aroma Profile | Apple, diesel, herb |
| Dominant Terpene | Caryophyllene |
White Buffalo has been one of my go-to strains for a while when I have a long work session and want to stay focused. The strain is 80% sativa-dominant, so I know I’m going to get the energy benefits that come along with it.
Whenever I blaze this, it feels like a shot of espresso because I get instant energy. It doesn’t over-energize me, but it gives me that initial burst I need to be productive. If more people were smoking White Buffalo, weed wouldn’t have an association with laziness.
It really helps me stay focused and do what needs to be done. When I don’t feel like going to work, or I start feeling lazy half-way through the shift, I just take a few hits and go right back at it.
White Buffalo is a strain that feels comparable to many popular stimulants. Every time I smoked it, I was able to get my projects done and stay overtime. I even smoked this in college when I was studying at night because it’s always been one of my favorites.
I really like its light aroma because it has an Apple-like flavor. The room smells fruity, and it’s pleasant to the smell senses. I prefer to smoke it at the office because it doesn’t smell skunky and throw my coworkers off.
White Buffalo is great for most times of the day because it keeps you awake but doesn’t over-energize you. You could take it at night if you need to get stuff done during the night, but it’s best for daytime consumption.
I’ve never felt any negative effects smoking White Buffalo as I have on other strains. You don’t get that jittery feeling, and you never get paranoid when you’re high on it.
Cannabis strains like this one are perfect for people looking for stimulation and cerebral effects without triggering anxious feelings or paranoia. I prefer it over a cup of coffee for that mid-afternoon crash!
2. Sour Diesel
| Potency | 17% to 26% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 90:10 |
| Aroma Profile | Diesel, fuel, espresso, lemon, sour, skunk |
| Dominant Terpene | Caryophyllene |
One word comes to mind when I think of Sour Diesel and that’s concentration.
There’s a reason this strain is one of the world’s most famous, and you hear musicians referencing it all the time. Sour Diesel is one of my all-time favorite strains for focus and productivity because I can concentrate when I’m high on it.
There’s this feeling of intense focus when you’re high on Sour Diesel. I save it for days when I have to perform at work and I know I’m going to stay long hours. It helps me power through those work sessions, and I always get the job done.
I was surprised to learn this is 90% sativa so it’s almost a pure sativa plant, and you can feel the psychoactive effects of it when you’re high. The high isn’t overwhelming, but it gives you this even-keeled feeling that helps you zone in on a job.
I really love it when I push through those first hard tasks for the day and get in the “zone.” Once I’m in the zone, it becomes a lot easier, and by the end of the day, I’ve done more than I expected for the day.
Sour Diesel is a strain that’ll help you get in the zone consistently. Every time you’re feeling down and lazy at work, you can take this and get back on course. I recommend this to my friends who lack motivation or find it hard to focus when they start working.
If you get distracted by things like Tik Tok and other social media at work, you’ll need this strain to stay on course and have undivided attention. The focus and attentiveness you get from it will boost your performance and land you in a better position.
The bottom line is that it’s one of the best strains for productivity and arguably one of the world’s best weed strains. Hence, it’s been popular for decades, and it’s a perfect example of what a sativa should be like.
The only downside might be that it makes you too productive. Seriously, if you don’t need intense focus, you probably don’t need Sour Diesel. I’ve had a friend tell me that it made him clean his entire house, and he couldn’t sleep at night after taking it.
The aroma and taste are similar to coffee or like a shot of espresso mixed with lemon. It gives you a surge of energy, and then it stays like that for hours. Side note, this is also a powerful cannabis strain for arousal.
3. Allen Wrench
| Potency | 16% to 28% THC – 0.5% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 80:20 |
| Aroma Profile | Earthy, fruity, lemon |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
An ultra-powerful sativa strain you must try once in your life is Allen Wrench. This strain can test up to 28% THC, so it’s definitely not something you want if you’re new to cannabis.
When I first tried it, I felt this pressure build-up behind my eyes and a strong cerebral rush. It hit within a couple of minutes, and then I started feeling intense happiness. My energy started going up because it had this uplifting feeling.
I was able to work efficiently on it, but I think this is due to my high tolerance level. It’s almost 80% sativa, but the THC is high, so you can expect the strongest psychoactive effects possible.
Allen Wrench is great for stoners who have a strong tolerance level and don’t green out from powerful strains. It’s better to take it at home if you’re a remote worker because you could come off as too high at work. Pick a more moderate strain for the office.
This was one of the most powerful sativas I ever tried, and it’s one of my favorites because of the smell. I love the earthly and fruity/lemon-like smell of weed, and I get a mixture of those with this strain.
You can visit your local dispensary and ask them to let you smell this strain to know what I mean. It’s a perfect strain for productive remote workers who love to smoke weed and don’t have to interact with people in person.
Focus-wise, you’ll feel similar effects to taking Sour Diesel, and you’ll be very productive as long as you can handle the THC.
Allen Wrench is not just a productivity strain, but it’s also a euphoric strain. I really love working when I’m feeling positive and happy about life, and this strain gives me the euphoric rush I need.
If your work days are monotone and you find tasks boring, you could try this strain and get a dopamine rush at work. It’ll make you think of your future, and you’ll feel positive knowing that your work has meaning.
The strain is a cross between Trainwreck and NYC Diesel which are well-known sativa strains known for their high THC content.
4. Strawberry Cough
| Potency | 15% to 26% THC – 1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 80:20 |
| Aroma Profile | Berry, sweet, strawberry |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
If you love fruity flavors and can’t stand skunky strains, this is one of the best-smelling weed strains you’ll come across. Strawberry Cough is a strain with 80% sativa content that has strong psychoactive effects and smells beautiful.
It’s one of the few strains you can smoke at work without making the office reek of weed because it smells like a mix of strawberries and berries, and it’s easy to cover up later. I really love that it tastes like that when you smoke, so you feel more in touch with nature.
The THC level of Strawberry Cough is not outrageous at an average of 15-26%, so beginners will be able to handle it. However, the smell can leave a tingly sensation in the neck after the first puff, so get ready to cough. The name is an indicator.
When I smoke this, I notice it takes a while for the effects to kick-in. I once smoked too much of it because I wasn’t feeling as high as I expected, and then it kicked in half an hour later and hit me hard. I almost greened out.
I take Strawberry Cough when I’m not under pressure, and I want to relax at work while getting things done slowly. It doesn’t overwhelm you with a feeling of energy or euphoria, but you feel an even-keeled focused high.
This helps you get through a regular workday without major effects that can throw you off. It’s great for casual smokers who want to be high on weed but don’t want to be overwhelmed.
I can easily go through an 8-hour shift while high on Strawberry Cough and feel relaxed all the way. This strain is sometimes recommended to patients who struggle with stress, as it has a relaxing effect on the mind.
As the name suggests, this strain smells and tastes like heavenly strawberries, but it will make you cough quite a bit too! This feeling is caused by a tingly sensation in the throat after the first puff or two. A slow release of energy replaces this feeling once it has faded. You become more energized as a result of the sativa effects.
The effects will take longer to take effect if you use too much at once. Stressed individuals often use strawberry cough to calm down and focus on tasks ahead.
Remember that the effects can take a while to set in, so don’t overdo it and wait for a couple of minutes before you start feeling the effects.
5. Quantum Kush
| Potency | 27% to 30% THC – 1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 75:25 |
| Aroma Profile | Earthy, sweet, pungent |
| Dominant Terpene | Limonene |
Quantum Kush is a high-octane, euphoric sativa strain with 75% sativa content. It’s currently one of the most-tested strains for its effects on energy because it’s invigorating and potent.
When I smoke it, I feel effects comparable to White Buffalo or Sour Diesel because my energy levels shoot up instantly. I can feel down at the start of the day, and once I smoke it, my energy levels go up, and I start getting things done.
This is a strain you can take to burst through a 12-hour work or study session like it’s nothing. It’s great for college students who have to study all night and don’t want to overdose on caffeine to get the focus they need.
I first smoked it at home and found myself moving from my bedroom to my bathroom and back multiple times before I realized what was happening. I then got out and went for a walk at the nearby park because I was overwhelmed with energy.
Over time, I learned to handle this strain and found it easier to handle once I adjusted to the effects. I get an initial burst of energy within minutes of smoking it, and the high sets in so fast that it makes my head spin.
Moreover, I don’t get munchies as much on this strain, and I only drink water. It gets me hyper-focused, and I find myself bursting through intense tasks that would’ve taken me pre-meditation and focus to zone in on. I just get that focused feeling instantly.
If you value your time and want to get to work right away, you’ll need that instant rush of energy and focus, and Quantum Kush can deliver that. You’ll feel the invigorating effects fast, and you’ll get focused energy.
I also love that the effects don’t wear off in an hour or two but stay for a couple of hours. You only need a single joint to feel great throughout the day. It may hit you hard at first, but then you learn to anticipate it and use that energy to be productive.
6. Jack Herer
| Potency | 15% to 24% THC – 1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 55:45 |
| Aroma Profile | Spice, flowery, piney |
| Dominant Terpene | Terpinolene |
I smoke Jack Herer when I want to stay overtime and relax from the stress at work. It’s a strain that’s 55% sativa and 45% indica, so you get the benefits of both, with a slight edge on sativa for focus.
It’s the best medium between indica and sativa and one of the world’s most famous strains for that reason. You won’t feel a sudden spike in energy like Sour Diesel, but you won’t feel down from the indica either.
When I puff on Jack Herer, I feel a very relaxing buzz that keeps me engaged. It’s the kind of strain you can smoke when you’re at the end of your workday, and you’ve done a lot, so you want to relax while you do the final few tasks.
It was one of the first strains I tried in college, and I never had a bad high on it. I always feel the perfect high that uplifts me spiritually and helps me feel calm and relaxed.
Jack Herer is one of the world’s best anti-stress strains, so if you come home from a heavy work day, you can just roll it and forget about your worries. Some of my greatest brainstorming sessions were on Jack Herer.
I love smoking this after dinner, and I’d recommend taking this between 5-8 PM. That’s when you’re coming home from work, you have a few extra things to do, and you need energy and focus. It’ll get you in that work mood without giving you an overwhelming load of energy.
You’ll always be calm and collected when you’re on Jack Herer. It also has this distinct pine-like aroma. I’d describe it as similar to the smell of pine in the Mediterranean in summer. It’s a very “flowery” aroma that’s pleasant and not overwhelming.
7. Green Crack
| Potency | 13% to 25% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 45:55 |
| Aroma Profile | Fruity, mango |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
Do you ever feel distracted at work, like you can’t get yourself to focus? If you have a short attention span or ADHD-like tendencies, you need a strain to set you on track. It has to be an energetic strain with a strong psychoactive element.
Green Crack is what you’re looking for. I didn’t know this until recently, but Snoop Dogg used this strain for productivity in the studio when he was recording. He renamed the strain himself. It was called “Green Kush” in the past, and when he smoked it, he felt it was so strong that he renamed it “Green Crack.”
Snoop has a point. This strain is possibly the only indica-dominant strain that got me feeling hyper-focused and sharp. I immediately felt the effects on my brain and it was this sharp mental rush like a horse kicked me in the head. You really need that if you’re struggling with focus.
It’s one of those strains that immediately kicks in and leaves you feeling slightly fearful of overdoing it. You’ll burst through late-night work sessions like a superhero on this strain, and then you’ll want to do more.
Green Crack is proof that indica-dominant strains can help you with productivity. It only depends on the plant’s genetics and unique characteristics. I love the mental rush and the focus I feel when I’m on this, and it’s not that different from sativa productivity strains.
It’s not one of the highest THC strains, with an average between 13-25% THC. That’s why it’s a strain I’d recommend to a friend without a lot of smoking experience. When I’m brainstorming with my friends and want them to stay focused, I give them this strain.
The strain is highly popular, and you can find it in most dispensaries in the country. The smell is beautiful, with a fruity aroma that reminds you of Mango. It’s great to smoke in a social setting, and it’s Snoop’s favorite productivity strain, so that says a lot.
8. Electric Lemonade
| Potency | 16% to 21% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 70:30 |
| Aroma Profile | Lemon, berry, flowery |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
I really loved Blue Dream, so I tried Electric Lemonade because it’s a hybrid cross between it and Tahoe. The energy I got from this strain left me hyper like I drank three shots of Espresso in a row. I felt it creeping in instantly, and it stayed that way for a few hours.
This strain can be a bit difficult to obtain, but it’s worth it. Don’t expect to get ultra trippy on this because the maximum potency it tested was 21%, and it’s pretty mild. However, you will feel strong effects in your body and brain that’ll leave you feeling focused.
Electric Lemonade seems to hit you in the prefrontal cortex, which is the muscle in the brain related to focus. Suddenly, you don’t want to watch YouTube or waste time scrolling on social media. You want to get things done, and you filter out all the distractions. It all becomes background noise.
This is an optimal strain for people who struggle with distractions in their workplace or have ADHD tendencies. If random things draw your attention and you can’t stay focused for more than a few minutes, you’ll find the focus you need.
My favorite feature of this strain is the Lemon-like flavor. I absolutely love a Lemon fruit aroma profile, and this is one of the rare strains that have it. When it fills up my room, I start feeling euphoric, and this helps me focus on the job. It’s a lot harder to work when you inhale skunky flavors.
This is actually one of the newer strains. It was developed by Palomar Craft Cannabis when they crossed Blue Dream and Tahoe. The THC content of the strain ranges from 16% to 21% on average. Because of its mild potency, it can be a therapeutic strain to use for productivity, whether that be a work-from-home situation or a DIY project.
Expect to smell beautiful floral undertones with a zesty lemon flavor. This strain has a high concentration of energy, so you can finish your work quickly with its help. In addition to improving your energy levels, it also helps you be more optimistic and well-prepared for any task you face.
9. Maui Wowie
| Potency | 13% to 19% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 80:20 |
| Aroma Profile | Tropical, fruity, citrus, pineapple |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
Are you in college and need a strain to help you focus through a long study session? You can get Maui Wowie, one of the world’s greatest sativa strains. It’s 80% sativa and originates from the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Kid Cudi made a song about this strain that blew it up back in the day, and it’s become one of those all-time favorite strains for many. However, its effects on productivity are underestimated. Most people take this to relax, but it actually makes you feel energetic and euphoric.
I find myself talking a lot when I’m high on Maui Wowie, and I’ve had deep conversations with my friends when we smoked it. If you’re one of the creative types (artist, writer, designer), you’ll want to smoke this because it’ll give you so many ideas, and you’ll get the energy you need to bring them to life.
If you’re looking for a cannabis strain for creativity, this is a great option. I always feel super creative on this strain. If you’re a beginner, you can likely handle Maui Wowie because it always tests under 20% THC. You’ll find it pleasant, and it’ll go easy on you. Even if you overdo it, it’s a mild strain, so it won’t affect you as much as harder strains.
This is also a perfect strain to take when you’re with your friends at a scenic location like Maui hiking. It’s 80% sativa, so you’ll get a lot of mental energy that you need to hike through the fields and enjoy a view of the ocean.
The buzz I get from the high is very easy to handle for me, and I enjoy the mental focus I gain from it. It actually speeds up my brain, and I can process more information in a shorter time span. I also become talkative, and my brain starts spitting out ideas.
The bottom line is this is a great strain for creative types who want marijuana that will make them focused on a subject. This could help you with design work, writing, brainstorming, or anything that requires mental focus.
The smell of Maui Wowie feels “tropical.” If you’ve ever consumed tropical fruits like Citrus and Pineapple, you get something similar in smoke form. It’s very pleasant and great when you’re sharing with friends.
Hawaii’s sativa dominant hybrid cannabis strains have 13-19% THC content and are perfect for sunny days. Enjoy a daily dose of fresh air while smoking this strain on your deck or while out enjoying a walk. Your body will feel energized and ready to go! It may be the perfect way to tackle a little household makeover or your task list!
10. Maui-Strawberry
| Potency | 15% to 19% THC – 1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 80:20 |
| Aroma Profile | Berry, citrus, pungent |
| Dominant Terpene | Limonene |
Maui-Strawberry is not that similar to Maui Wowie, despite the names. I smoked this strain a day after smoking Maui Wowie and noticed that the psychoactive effects are a bit stronger, and the smell is entirely different (albeit fruity).
This strain is also 80% sativa which means you’ll feel most effects in the head. I felt very talkative on it and I remember having an outburst of energy when I was trying to do Excel spreadsheets for my spending. It’s usually a boring task for me, but I was able to do it while high on this strain.
If your job involves a lot of mundane tasks that you don’t really feel like doing, you’ll need a strain to motivate you. It has to make you feel positive and euphoric, and Maui-Strawberry will make you feel that way.
It tests at an average of 15-19% THC, but it also has 1% CBD so you will feel something in the body too. As a beginner, you might want to take it slow with this strain and maybe go for indica strains with a higher CBD content.
I love strains that smell tropical, and this is one of the nicest-smelling strains I ever smoked. When you light it up, you feel like you’re smoking a berry, and once the smoke takes over, it smells like citrus. It doesn’t have a strong skunky smell to it, so you could smoke it out of your balcony without annoying your neighbors.
The active and energizing high of this sativa makes it perfect for daytime and outdoor fun, so if you like hiking you’re going to enjoy the uplifting effects it has on your energy. I took it on vacation and it gave me energy to walk around and explore new areas. It’s great for social use because of its tame-able effects, but it also eases minor pain, stress, and appetite disorders.
This lovely, sweet-tasting strain is a cross between Maui and Strawberry Cough. Like its predecessor Strawberry Cough, the fruity flavor can leave your neck itchy and make you cough when you first take a hit. Don’t sweat this because it’s normal. Even veterans cough when they try this strain.
Maui-Strawberry contains a moderate-high THC content, so if you want something lighter, you could go for strains like Maui Wowie that test with lower THC. This is a great choice if you are trying to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
11. Harlequin
| Potency | 4% to 10% THC – 10% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 75:25 |
| Aroma Profile | Mango, vanilla, herb |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
Never tried weed? Get Harlequin. In my experience, this is the lightest productivity strain that’s best for beginners. There’s only 4-10% THC content and a healthy amount of CBD, so you get to learn what weed is all about when you smoke it.
I’m a veteran, and I still love it for the light buzz I get when smoking it. This is one of the world’s most famous strains, right up there with OG Kush and Sour Diesel, so you can find it everywhere.
I don’t feel a surge of energy when I smoke Harlequin, and it’s not some intense euphoric feeling. The best way I’d describe it is a glowing sensation coming from within. It’s like you feel more spiritual on this strain.
The strain goes great with meditation when you want to feel present in the moment, but it’s 75% sativa, so you still feel focused, and it’s not like an indica strain that’ll make you lazy. You’ll feel a lot less anxious, so it’s great for those days when you don’t want to get too high, and you want to get work done. If you do get too high, though, check out our guide on how to get less high.
This is the type of strain you could smoke before a job interview or a Zoom meeting to make you less anxious. You’ll feel a lot more relaxed, present, and comfortable with yourself. You’ll also feel clarity of mind, and that’s why this strain is so great.
You shouldn’t experience an intense psychoactive high due to the high CBD content of the product, although this might not be the case for everyone.
Harlequin is slightly uplifting, so you could feel a pinch of euphoria, but it’s more about the person smoking it and their perspective. The plant’s sativa dominance means that there are no sedative effects.
The bottom line is if you want to feel lighter while doing things during the day, this is an excellent choice. I’d even label it a creative strain because it’s light, and the buzz can help you generate ideas. You may also find it useful as a sociable strain if you are nervous about being around a crowd when you need to go out.
12. Sour G
| Potency | 18% to 22% THC – 0% CBD – 13.5% CBG |
| Sativa:Indica | 75:25 |
| Aroma Profile | Diesel, orange, citrus, pepper, earthy, vanilla |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
Feeling lazy in the morning? Get Sour G, and you’ll regain your productive energy. There are days when we don’t feel like doing anything, and it’s difficult to get up in the morning and go to your boring job. That’s why you need stimulation.
Sour G is a stimulant type of drug that gives you the energetic boost you need to be productive. Unlike energy drinks, it’s not loaded with sugar so this is something you can safely take every day.
It’s my go-to strain of choice in the morning while I’m having my coffee because I know it’s not going to mess up my focus or leave me feeling jittery and disoriented. It gives me an initial pinch of energy, and this motivates me to get the initial tasks done. Once I get those tasks done, I zone in, and the job becomes a lot easier.
Sour G is one of the skunkier strains that smells like a mix of Diesel and fruit. It’s not the most pleasant, so you don’t want to be smoking it at work. It’s got earthy undertones that a real stoner will appreciate.
Aside from being a rare CBG sativa, Sour G is also one of the most effective cannabis-based productivity boosters on the market. It’s 75% sativa, so you’ll experience those invigorating effects that give you that positive outlook everybody loves. Its mind-soothing properties make this a perfect daytime strain.
This is one of those strains that I can smoke all day, and it gives me calm energy that allows me to complete harder tasks throughout the day. I find that it doesn’t give me the same cognitive fogginess as CBD oils, nor does it produce the same sensation of being overly stoned as THC-heavy strains do. It’s possible to enjoy a strain like this with your morning coffee and have a productive day without feeling intoxicated or drained of energy.
13. Super Lemon Haze
| Potency | 15% to 25% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 70:30 |
| Aroma Profile | Citrus, diesel, spicy, skunk |
| Dominant Terpene | Terpinolene |
Do you love the smell of Haze or Lemon Haze? This is the Pro Max version of those with a slightly stronger smell. Expect to smell powerful fruity flavors like Lemon, Citrus and a bit of a skunky undertone. I first noticed the scent was a lot stronger compared to strains like Sour Diesel I smoked the day before.
I smoked it during the day when I was working long shifts in front of a computer and needed something to stay productive. I really liked how it didn’t make me feel jittery or anxious. It had this ultra-calming high that left me clear-headed, so I was able to have nice conversations with my coworkers and stay productive.
If you value being able to function normally and don’t want to be labeled the “stoner” at work, get this strain. You’ll feel like your normal self, but you’ll be high, so it’ll be like you meditated for hours before you came to work. You won’t start laughing abruptly or asking weird questions.
Super Lemon Haze is a hybrid strain cross between Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk. These strains are all known for their clear-headed high that is accompanied by a sense of calm. With tart citrus notes and a sweet, dank aftertaste, Super Lemon Haze keeps you moving and smiling all day long.
Due to its clarity, this strain is one of the greatest productivity strains. It makes me feel euphoric without feeling foggy, exhilarated without bringing stress, and uplifting without a crash after the effects have worn off. This haze will, in most cases, fade into a mellow sensation without robbing you of the energy it initially provided.
The THC level is on the moderate-to-high level, so if you’re new to cannabis, you should go slow with it. If you want a productivity strain that you can’t go wrong with, I highly recommend trying Super Lemon Haze.
14. Haze
| Potency | 15% to 27% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 80:20 |
| Aroma Profile | Citrus, pine, spicy, sweet |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
Haze is the father of all Haze strains, which are enjoyed by millions of smokers worldwide. The original Haze has a unique story and many rumors about its origins. It was named after the Haze brothers, who grew it on the West Coast of the United States, but its origins are from sativa strains that were crossed in India, Colombia, and the US.
The original Haze strain was actually close to extinction at the time because growers didn’t like how slow it was to grow. It takes months for Haze to flower, and growers can expect 2-3 harvests per year. That’s why it has an expensive gram.
I can testify this is one of the greatest productivity strains because I can stay active at work for hours while under the influence of Haze. As it was tested up to 27%, this is not a strain for beginners. Look up how many stoner artists wrote songs about Haze, and you’ll realize why it’s so special.
It makes you feel that rush of energy as soon as the cerebral buzz hits. In addition to being a stress-relieving strain, Haze kept me uplifted and motivated, even on challenging days. I can imagine artists like Kurt Kobain and Bob Marley smoking this while recording for hours at the studio.
This strain can definitely make you feel euphoric, and you may have difficulty sitting still, such as your eagerness to start your work. It’s like it was invented for lazy people who need that extra energetic pull.
Haze is also one of the greatest “Wake and Bake” strains, and you can smoke it first thing in the morning. It’ll give you immense energy to start the day, and you can preserve that throughout the day. You won’t feel your energy crashing and craving more after a few hours.
The strain will never make you feel sedated, so if you actually prefer relaxing strains, you should stay away from Haze. Those suffering from chronic stress may find Haze beneficial; in addition, it always activates my munchies, so keep some food on your plate when you smoke this.
15. Mango Kush
| Potency | 10% to 18% THC – 0.3% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 35:65 |
| Aroma Profile | Banana, earthy, mango |
| Dominant Terpene | Caryophyllene |
If you can’t handle THC-high strains, Mango Kush is a great option. It’s similar to Harlequin in its low THC content and famous for the early burst of energy it gives users.
I like to smoke Mango Kush when I’m nearly done with my shift and feel like giving up. Those are the hardest moments for me, and I get distracted easier. That’s why I use it to get an extra surge of energy and power through to the end.
When I smoke it, I feel euphoric, and then I get overwhelmed by the energy. This helps me at work because I direct the energy to my tasks, and I’m fully in the zone. After a while, I’ve completed my tasks, and these effects wear off.
Mango Kush is an indica-dominant strain (65%), so you’ll actually feel the calming effects of indica. But it’s not a typical “downer” type of indica that drains your energy. It gives you energy, and then that energy goes away after a few hours.
I’d recommend taking Mango Kush during the later hours of the day, like 5-10 PM. That’s when you can use it to crush it in overtime and go home to get some rest.
Unlike most sativa strains, you can actually sleep when you smoke Mango Kush. I find some strains like Sour Diesel make it harder for me to sleep at night because they keep my mind alert. With an indica like this, I sleep like a baby, and I get those energetic outbursts, so it’s like the best of both worlds.
Mango Kush doesn’t have the highest THC levels, and it tests on the low end between 11% and 20%, but it provides you with a very comfortable high. Despite being associated with evening use, Mango Kush could be the perfect choice in the late afternoon when your energy has run low.
A feeling of euphoria overwhelms you right away, and you will feel energized immediately. Eventually, the relaxing effects of the strain hit you, and you calm down. The right timing is essential when using this strain. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll get a drowsy feeling like with most indicas.
It is best to take it in the late afternoon or early evening. Once you have completed your tasks for the day, you will be relaxed and ready to chill out.
16. Tropicana Cookies
| Potency | 16% to 26% THC – 1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 70:30 |
| Aroma Profile | Citrus, orange, tropical |
| Dominant Terpene | Caryophyllene |
No, this strain is not edible. Yes, it does smell like a tropical fruit when you light it up.
I only heard about Tropicana Cookies last year when I was asking questions at a dispensary, and the young workers there were guiding me through strains. I really liked the citrus smell inside the jar, so I picked up a few grams and tried it out.
The first thing I noticed is that it’s a bit more sedating compared to other sativa strains like Durban Poison. When the high kicked in, I leaned back in my chair and continued working. I was able to have a productive work session that lasted a few hours on this.
However, it felt like a stronger presence of CBD and indica elements here. You can feel the high extending down to your body, so if you want raw productivity strains that give you intense energy, you’re better off getting something like White Buffalo or Sour Diesel.
This is a relatively new strain, and the name was likely inspired by Girl Scout Cookies. It’s actually a cross between GSC and Tangie, so if you smoked those strains, you can imagine the effects when they merge.
It smells beautiful, so stoners who appreciate beautiful fruity aromas will love the blend of Citrus, Orange, and other tropical fruits. The taste of the bud is fresh, sweet, and tropical, making you want to throw Tropicana Cookies into your breakfast smoothie (Please don’t do that!). There is a sweet citrus taste to the buds as well.
Expect it to be a bit sedating because it’s a cookie hybrid, and you should have some experience with weed before smoking it.
Smoking Tropicana Cookies before you tackle your full to-do list is actually a great idea. With mild potency, you’ll get a very perky buzz that’ll have you smashing through your task list in no time. Nothing like clearing out that inbox before the end of your workday.
17. Durban Poison
| Potency | 15% to 25% THC – 1% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 100:0 |
| Aroma Profile | Lemon, orange, spicy, vanilla |
| Dominant Terpene | Terpinolene |
Want to try a 100% sativa strain? If your local dispensary has Durban Poison, it might be one of your greatest weed-smoking experiences. I was stoked to try a raw sativa and see what it feels like.
I smoked Durban Poison in the afternoon before heading out for a road trip with my buddies (I wasn’t driving!). I was laughing hysterically in the car and singing songs out loud because it overwhelmed me with euphoria. It could’ve been my friends and the effect of being social, but my first impression was great.
I’ve also given it a try to see how I handle it during a regular workday. I felt a slightly less joyful effect on my brain that made monotone work seem fun, and I felt this deep appreciation for my existence. This is a potent strain that tests up to 25%, so it can hit hard if you overdo it.
The name shouldn’t scare you. It originates from the city of Durban in South Africa, and it definitely won’t poison you. That city has a large Indian community, and pure sativa originates in the Northern Indian regions, so you know they brought it over during the colonial era.
You could smoke this in the morning with a cup of coffee if you’re looking for something to get you going. The productivity effects are similar to Haze, so if you want to be clear-headed while you’re working, it’s a great choice.
One thing you might not like is the smell. It’s got a really skunky smell, so if you can’t handle that potent smoke, you should go for something else. It has slightly fruity undertones, but I noticed the skunky/earthy smell was dominant. Squeezing the bud, it gave off a sweet pine tree smell.
What makes Durban special are the uplifting, joyful effects people usually experience. Durban is potent, no doubt about that. Even though it is a pure sativa, you may find yourself drifting off to Couchtown if you overdo it.
The bottom line is that you’ll get a clear-headed focus, and you’ll feel happy at your job.
18. Super Silver Haze
| Potency | 15% to 23% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 70:30 |
| Aroma Profile | Skunk, citrus, diesel, spicy |
| Dominant Terpene | Terpinolene |
Super Silver Haze is a well-known sativa strain from the Haze family and one of the best for a mixed productive/relaxing high. I smoked this and found it lighter than its brothers Haze and Lemon Haze. If you want the typical Haze energy surge, but don’t want to feel energetic all day, get this.
Even though Super Silver Haze’s taste may rival that of other older Haze strains, it is still relatively calm when it comes to the high. The strain is super effective for a day high, to improve focus, and for creative projects.
I prefer to use Super Silver Haze when there’s not a lot of work to do and I need motivation. It’s great for a light workday when you’re not challenged, but you still struggle to get that initial motivation.
When I smoked it, I got an energetic uplift that I’d compare to its parent strain Haze. I used the energy to get the most important tasks done, and then I noticed my energy lowering again. So, I’d say this is great if you need a stimulant for 2-3 hours and then you want to chill.
Despite the effects wearing off, you could still smoke this in the morning because it’s a Haze strain, and you’ll be clear-headed. It doesn’t have a harsh comedown, and you’ll feel normal when the effects wear off. So yes, you can wake up and bake with this before going to work in the morning.
A sativa-leaning cross between Haze and Skunk No. 1, Super Silver Haze is a cross between these two strains. You’ll notice that it has a skunky taste (as you might expect), as well as citrus and diesel notes. This strain is definitely dank. While it has a harsh flavor, it provides nice effects and is great for all kinds of nerve pain.
19. Lamb’s Bread
| Potency | 16% to 22% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 95:5 |
| Aroma Profile | Herb, Spicy, Sweet, Pine |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
Lamb’s Bread is a lesser-known strain, but it’s 95%sativa so it’s nearly a pure-bred sativa strain similar to Durban Poison. As the effects of indica are minimized, you won’t feel sedated, but you’ll feel clear-headed and energized.
I was curious about pure sativa strains, and this was one of the few I could find nearby. Similar to other powerful sativas, I felt the high kick in a couple of minutes after smoking, and this turned into a surge of energy that allowed me to burst through my work session in the morning.
The next day I used it to wake and bake, and I had a productive shift at work. The main thing I like about this strain is the concentration/focus I get out of it. I feel ultra focused on the task at hand, and I’m not distracted by distracting thoughts. I never touched my phone for the duration of the day while I was high on this (or at least felt like it!).
The focus effects are similar to Sour Diesel which is known as the focus herb. Expect to be clear-headed, productive, and energized. Don’t expect to feel too euphoric or happy, but you will feel that to a smaller extent.
I didn’t notice a very distinct aroma profile smoking this strain. It smells like “regular” marijuana with a slightly sweet aroma and a bit of pine. The smell is not overwhelming, so you could smoke around friends who don’t consume marijuana at all.
Lamb’s Bread seems to have a primarily cerebral effect; you can expect to experience most of its effects there. When you smoke this bud, the high hits you fast, energizing your entire body while simultaneously impacting your mind.
20. White Widow
| Potency | 14% to 25% THC – 0% CBD |
| Sativa:Indica | 50:50 |
| Aroma Profile | Peach, skunk, fruit, spice |
| Dominant Terpene | Myrcene |
My friend was raving about White Widow and how it made him ultra-energetic, and I was skeptical, seeing how it’s only 50% sativa. He said that it gave him this surplus of energy and that he started cleaning his house when he smoked it.
For some people, the psychoactive effects of White Widow can be too energetic. For me, it wasn’t as much because I’m used to smoking energetic strains like White Buffalo on a daily basis. It’s less intense, but the buzz you feel is quite similar.
There are two things I like about this strain: The clear-headedness and the smell. I really hate when a strain makes me feel jittery in the brain, and I can’t gather my thoughts. White Widow clears my head when I smoke it, and I feel my thoughts balance out.
It makes me a bit more creative at work and I can power through my daily tasks with ease. It’s just not this hyper-energetic strain, so don’t expect to be jumping and screaming in euphoria when you take it. Take it expecting a moderate-high.
It has an enchanting flavor with tastes of fruit, peach, spice, and skunk, and it can soothe you without causing fatigue. It’s a great one for morning use. I also feel that my anxiety and stress levels are at their lowest when I smoke this throughout the day. As a 50/50 hybrid, the high is balanced, but you feel the sativa effects more. With 16% THC content, it gives you an energizing effect while allowing you to remain focused.
With this strain, there is no cool-down time required, unlike the Jack strains mentioned above. If you’re a morning smoker, you’ll likely feel a desire to get things done with clear motivation, which can be extremely gratifying. You should feel quite focused and clear-headed, or at least not as foggy as you may expect. It’s worth giving White Window a shot to see if this strain works well for you.
How to Pick a Strain for Productivity
The general rule of thumb is that sativa plants will provide you with energy and uplifting effects, while indicas will relax you. That said, you shouldn’t always choose a sativa when picking out a strain for productivity, because as you’ve seen from our list, there are some indicas worth checking out. You don’t want to be a total jittery spaz when you are trying to focus on formulas in Excel or engage in intricate creative work like glass blowing.
From this list, you can see that there are a lot of factors to consider, such as THC levels, terpenes, and the ratio of sativa to indica. The same plant may affect you differently, even if it appears to have similar make-ups.
TLDR: Productivity and Weed
- Not all weed strains make a person lazy. These cannabis strains can give a productive and energizing work/study experience.
- There’s a wide range of options, from sativa-dominant strains like Haze and Sour Diesel to indica-dominant strains like Mango Kush and Tropicana Cookies.
- Each strain is unique and varies in factors such as THC/CBD content, aroma profiles, and dominant terpenes.
- Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and focus-enhancing properties, while indica strains offer a balance of energy and relaxation.
- Consider personal preferences and high effects, and use the tables as a reference for factors like THC levels.
Keeping track of how you react to different strains is the best way to determine your preferred strain, and start slow when trying a strain for the first time.
Many of the characteristics of cannabis sativa plants are the same, both physically and in terms of their effects. Other factors can influence the effects of any strain, and energizing, uplifting, and creativity-inducing strains are no exception.