Sativa or sativa dominant hybrid strains are typically more mentally focused strains, meaning they don’t always produce much of a physical effect. These are usually your euphoric highs, cerebral thinkers or mind expanders. Often, these are the strains in which the user feels more high.
Sativa strains can be particularly useful: relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia (when more mentally based), can increase senses and enjoyment of food/remove stressed based blocks to appetite, addressing cycling/negative/intrusive thoughts, interrupting PTSD episodes/patterns and allowing for new perspectives, etc.
I personally have successfully used Sativa strains to manage OCD, panic/anxiety disorders, depression, ADD/ADHD symptoms, PTSD and paranoia. I have increased my ability to meditate both under the influence and unmedicated, which has helped manage my chronic pain from a list of injuries. I’ve become calmer, more open to other perspectives and more able to be aware of where my own actions/thoughts/beliefs stem from, giving me the ability to address and alter them on a deeper level than previously experienced.
Some negatives I’ve encountered -
Some strains actually increased my issues and it took some time to identify and avoid those strains in particular. I’ve had nights of severe depression, increased anxiety and paranoia, even occasions of a strain triggering flashbacks. If you know yourself to be vulnerable in these ways, please be responsible in your use.
Keep a sober/knowledgeable friend around to help ground you, put intention into setting up a space in which you feel safe and have access to meeting your basic needs (restroom access, water, food, somewhere physically comfortable). Recognize that the people you’re with will influence your experience. Remember trips are temporary and whatever you’re feeling will pass.
The majority of negative effects one experiences on marijuana can be negated through staying properly hydrated. You will likely need more water than you expect and if your experience isn’t a positive one, trying drinking some before it has a chance to build in that negative space. If that doesn’t fix things, seek assistance, from health professionals, experienced users or just someone you trust to get you the help you might need.