Best Strains For Focus

Do you have a friend that swears his bud helped him ace that test? Perhaps you’re the one advocating, saying, “weed helps me focus?” You’re not alone. Procrastinators from all over the globe can attest to how the best strains for focus helped them finish a paper in less time than humanly possible. 

Microdosing for a head high that induces focus and mental clarity is gaining popularity. We take a look behind the scenes to see which are the best strains for focus. 

We’ll tell you whether indica or sativa is best for focus, recommend our 7 best strains and give you some extra tips.  

Can weed help you focus?

Contrary to the stereotype that all stoners are lazy, many have swapped out the couchlock for uplifting effects like increased focus. 

Some scientists believe that the relief of pain or the euphoria that comes from toking improves focus. Whatever it is, we don’t want it to stop. 

Finding the best strains for focus is becoming easier by the day. 

There are hundreds if not thousands of different cultivars, each with an endless combination of effects and flavors. Some can put out any insomniac, where others are great at inducing appetites. 

When selecting weed for focus, you want variants that are great at organizing your thoughts enough to help even the most seasoned procrastinator tick off that to-do list. 

Researchers are still looking into all the effects that marijuana has on the human mind and body. One thing is certain, the right strain at the required time can help you move mountains. 

What is the best: Indica or sativa for focus?

The age-old question: Sativa or indica? 

These days few strains are pure sativa or indica; the market is full of hybrids. Although they have aspects of both types, they usually lean more towards one side. 

When it comes to the best weed for focus, you can generally count on sativa-heavy strains to get the job done. Generally, sativa comes with an energizing head high that boosts creativity and gets you amped for mundane tasks. 

So how does more energy help your productivity? It allows you to cast aside any distractions and focus on the task at hand.

Indicas are great when you need to deal with the underlying issues that prohibit your concentration. Do you dread vacuuming and folding laundry? A spliff of one of the best strains for focus could turn a dull or repetitive task into a fun afternoon activity. Before you know it, you’ve cleared your list.  

You’ll have to try out a few different strains to find what works for you. 

THC or CBD for focus and concentration?

Both THC and CBD can help to improve concentration in different ways. When growing your own weed for focus, you can select the perfect strain to suit your needs. 

The THC in marijuana is known to make your mind explore—when it doesn’t cause you to drift off into a peaceful slumber. 

It’s best to stay away from the THC-heavy strains when you need to tackle humdrum tasks. It might wisp you away to more exciting activities.

CBD is not as straightforward as sativa for focus. It has a notable impact on day-to-day tasks, but no studies have shown a direct correlation. Here’s how it influences your capacities: 

• Improving your ability to think straight by relieving stress and anxiety. 
• Enhancing the quality of your sleep. 
• Reducing pain.

CBD is therapeutic and is dominant in some of the best strains for studying. In the absence of illness and worries, you are left to focus on the essential things. 

Weed and ADD

Many ADD (attention deficit disorder) patients turn to weed for focus. The usual ADD stimulant medication comes with a long list of side effects, including: 

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness
• Head- and stomach aches
• Irritability and all-round moodiness
• Increased blood pressure 

Marijuana is believed to increase dopamine availability. It’s an easy way to avoid the adverse side effects mentioned above. 

If you’re living with ADD and ADHD, weed can help you focus. These cultivars act as stimulants that aid with hyperactivity and attention. 

7 best strains for focus

Weed that makes you focus? Which strains are best at unlocking your most task-orientated self? 

We’ve compiled the 7 picks that’ll help you reach mental clarity in no time. 

1. Purple Haze Feminized

Purple Haze has been around the block. This sativa-heavy hybrid has been a stoner favorite since the 1960s and easily secured its spot among the best weed for focus.  

As Jimi Hendrix would attest, a toke of this herb delivers a truly euphoric high. It’s been dubbed as the ‘ultimate feel-good ganja’ by our community of hippie lettuce lovers. 

• Type: sativa
• THC: 15–20%
• CBD: 0–1%
• Reported effects: creative, uplifted, euphoric
• Flowering time: 8–10 weeks
• Growing difficulty: beginner-friendly

Boasting beautiful purple flowers and a seductive scent, this weed for focus is a feast for the senses. A whiff of earthiness brings together sweet and spicy notes. Hints of blueberries and tropical fruit reveal themselves to users with sharp noses.

The psychedelic high sets in soon after your first toke, ready to take you to happy-land. The sense of euphoria combined with a boost of creative energy is sure to make even the frumpiest user content. We recommend keeping it low and slow when toking for focus.

2. Sour Diesel Feminized

The illustrious Sour Diesel fem is an excellent sativa for focus, known for producing a clear-headed and cerebral high. The vigorous kick is perfect for a wake and bake toke that’ll carry you well into the day. 

• Type: sativa
• THC: 22%
• CBD: 0.7%
• Reported effects: focused, energetic, creative
• Flowering time: 10–12 weeks
• Growing difficulty: beginner-friendly 

You can expect a surprising and distinct flavor. Users describe it as a citrusy tang combined with spicy diesel notes influenced by its Skunk genetics.

The smoke hits hard with sour notes, but a deliciously sweet aftertaste lingers. Each yummy puff carries you closer to a well-balanced high. The energy boost is great for an active day or a night on the town. 

Sour Diesel fem is easily one of the best strains for focus. The sativa stimulates brain activity while the indica influence welcomes calmness. 

Also known as the Top Cash Crop, this legendary strain is high-yielding and easy to grow. 

3. NYC Diesel Auto 

NYC Diesel Auto was named after the city that never sleeps with good reason. It’s known to awaken even the most worn-out among us. 

• Type: sativa dominant
• THC: 12–14%
• CBD: 0.5%
• Reported effects: relaxing, cerebral, focused
• Flowering time: 8–9 weeks
• Growing difficulty: intermediate

Not only is it an excellent weed for focus, but it’s also the perfect strain to keep you going all day. The relaxing effects offset the incredible energy boost to keep you from running off into the sunset. Whether you started smoking herb in the sixties or this is your first toke, you’re in for a surprise. 

Users love the aromatic mix of diesel and sweet citrus fruit that lies in every puff.

4. Zkittlez Autoflower 

Zkittles Auto is another euphoria-inducing favorite. Intense happiness washes over you soon after your first toke and is balanced out by a wave of calmness. It’s not as overwhelming as many potent hybrids. 

The mellow high is accompanied by a mental clarity that improves cognitive functions. 

• Type: hybrid
• THC: 18%
• CBD: 0.3%
• Reported effects: happy, euphoric, relaxed
• Flowering time: 8–10 weeks
• Growing difficulty: beginner-friendly

The aptly named Zkittles is what we imagine the rainbow tastes like. It’s one of the most fragrant and flavorful variants out there. The subtle earthy notes act as an undertone for the sweet smell of a berry bouquet. The taste of Skittles is rounded off with a splash of tangy citrus, leaving you wanting more. 

Any pain or discomfort disappears as the relaxation ripples over your entire body. We wouldn’t recommend this strain for an all-day outing. It’s the perfect weed for focus when you have a few things to sort out before hitting the couch. 

5. Black Jack Auto

We’re not talking about casino games here. There’s no losing with Black Jack auto—from growing to toking, users love it. 

• Type: sativa dominant
• THC: 17–19%
• CBD: 1%
• Reported effects: focused, cerebral, relaxed
• Flowering time: 6–7 weeks
• Growing difficulty: intermediate

The 420 community cherishes this heavy-hitting sativa for focus. The cerebral high and body buzz combine to create an unforgettable experience. It relieves you from any mental or emotional heaviness so you can enjoy the creativity, focus, and extra energy. 

Long-time tokers love the sandalwood, earthy, and musky tobacco scents. Newbies enjoy the floral undertones that make their way in. 

Black Jack has an incredibly fresh taste that incorporates berries and piney notes on the inhale and malt on the exhale. 

6. Lemon Tree feminized

Another one on the list of best strains for focus offers the best of both worlds. 

After a few puffs, the energizing high hits you, leaving you to finish all your mundane tasks. Later it sends you crashing into a tranquil state. 

• Type: hybrid
• THC: 18–23%
• CBD: 0.8%
• Reported effects: focused, stimulation, euphoria
• Flowering time: 7–9 weeks
• Growing difficulty: intermediate

As the name Lemon Tree suggests, this strain is all about its zesty citrus flavor and fragrance. Notes of fuel and pine add an exotic twist to this popular hybrid. 

The uplifting high fills you with energy while motivating you to get those chores done. Users love the feeling of lightness that swoops in with total relaxation. 

7. CBD Harlequin

CBD Harlequin is no stranger to the spotlight—thanks to the attention that CBD has been receiving lately. It’s easily one of the best strains for studying. 

• Type: sativa dominant
• THC: 1%
• CBD: 18%
• Reported effects: calming, focused, uplifted
• Flowering time: 8–10 weeks
• Growing difficulty: intermediate

It almost feels like you’re toking fruit salad with this strain. A combination of mango and citrus fruit fills your nostrils and delights the taste buds. Don’t fret; you’ll still get your fill of that characteristic dank smell. 

This is the one you’ve been waiting for—the sativa that’ll catapult your productivity with barely any psychoactive effects. Perfect for daytime use, this weed for focus banishes any negative thoughts and spreads good vibes. 

Using weed for focus: best practices

Most strains will boost your focus and creativity as these go hand in hand. 

Our selection of cultivars is no different. 

Focus on your timing

Sure we could all use a boost now and then, but timing is everything. Weed for focus works best when combined with some right-brain thinking. So take a spliff and get creative with those tedious tasks.

Focus on your health

Cannabis is not a cure, but it’s a way to handle your daily dose of stress. 

Use weed that makes you focus when you’re struggling to concentrate. Try to find other coping mechanisms too. 

A great way to rid yourself of everyday problems is by burying them next to cannabis seeds. Why not buy some seeds and grow your stash. Gardening is a great way to relax, and you end up with a sweet supply of marijuana. 

Get it checked off your list

A 2010 Harvard University study showed that 47% of the time, people’s minds wander. When it comes to focusing, everyone needs that occasional boost. Cannabis is a minor master in this field and can help you center your thoughts with the best weed for focus. 

The future is bright now that you know what to look for when choosing weed for focus. Whether you decide to go for a hybrid like Zkittles auto, or a CBD-rich strain like CBD Harlequin, the options are endless. 

Remember to go low and slow when trying out new strains and work on underlying issues hindering your focus. If you decide to grow your own sativa for focus, join our great community over at the Homegrown Forum. Feel free to look at some strain reviews so that you can find the right fit for you.

About the author: Parker Curtis

Parker Curtis has around a decade of cannabis-growing experience, specialising in soil-less and hydro grows. He’s mastering outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor grows.