February 3, 2023

Jeff Johnson

Cannabis, Delta 8

Delta 8 Sativa Vs. Indica Vs. Hybrid Strains: What’s the Difference?

While Delta-8 and Delta-9 differ greatly, they also have a lot in common. One example is that both cannabinoids are psychoactive and have similar potential effects. Similar to typical cannabis flowers, there are similar types of Delta-8 and Delta-9 goods accessible, and there are practically endless varieties of Delta-8-THC flower strains.

For seasoned THC users looking for a little variety in their Delta-8 routine, this is undoubtedly fantastic news. But for brand-new Delta-8 users, it could be a bit intimidating. The best Delta-8 strain is a question that many people have, including you. Even if you’ve never used THC products before, our aim with this guide is to help you find the right Delta-8 flower strain.

Let’s examine the three different Delta-8 strain types and the various consequences they have. The best Delta-8-THC strains to test will then be suggested to you. 

Let’s take a look at three types of Delta-8-THC strains and the differences between them.

Table of contents:

• What Is Delta 8 THC? 
• Origins of Sativa and Indica
• Types of Delta 8 Strains
• How is Delta 8 Used?
• Is Delta 8 THC Flower Legal?
• How to Evaluate the Quality of a Flower Containing Delta-8-THC
• How to Use Delta-8 Flower
• Where To Buy Delta-8-THC Flower

What Is Delta 8 THC? 

1% or more Delta 8 THC by weight is not currently produced by any cannabis strains. It is also highly unlikely that breeders will develop these strains because the plant lacks the enzymes necessary to produce this cannabinoid.

This indicates that the plant cannot produce Delta-8 THC on its own. When Delta 9 THC starts to degrade, this cannabinoid develops. Small quantities are converted to Delta 7, Delta 8, or Delta 10 THC or HHC, whereas the majority of it is converted to CBN.

What precisely is Delta-8 THC flower, then?

To create Delta 8 flower, Delta 8 THC distillate is sprayed or coated upon hemp (or marijuana) flower. Because of this, the most popular hemp or marijuana strains and popular Delta 8 THC flower strains have a lot in common. Manufacturers increase the Delta 8 content and give the most well-liked strains a catchy new moniker.

Related Article: What Is Delta 8 THC?

Origins of Sativa and Indica

In his 1753 book Species Plantarum, Carl Linnaeus classified all cannabis plants under the term “Cannabis sativa L.,” with “Cannabis” denoting the genus, “sativa” denoting the species, and “L.” denoting the system. The Latin term sativum, which means “cultivated,” is the root of the word sativa.

French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck divided the plant species Cannabis sativa, which was taller, leaner, and more fibrous, and “Cannabis indica,” which was shorter, stouter, and more psychotropic and had the designation “from India,” where it was thought to have originated.

Related Article: Indica vs. Sativa – What’s The Difference?

Types of Delta 8 Strains

As we previously stated, the variety of Delta-8-THC strains is essentially limitless. This is due to the fact that Delta-8 flower is actually hemp flower that has been combined with a powerful Delta-8 distillate.

As you may already be aware, there are hundreds of distinct varieties of hemp flower, and new varieties are being developed daily by hemp geneticists. The Delta-8 flower may have a bit less diversity than other flowers, but that is only because Delta-8 is a new product and its producers still have a long way to go.

However, the varieties of strains accessible are the same, and knowing the differences between the three main classifications—Sativa, Indica, and hybrid flower—will help you choose the ideal Delta-8 strain. Let’s talk about these in greater detail:

Sativa

Hemp flower from Sativa strains is renowned for its uplifting, energetic properties. These are typically thought of as daytime strains, and some people appreciate how Sativa Delta-8 strains may energize without interfering with concentration or productivity. There are, of course, many different Sativa strains available, and each one has a unique cannabinoid and terpene composition. However, the majority of Sativa strains include higher levels of limonene and caryophyllene, which may both have potential perks and make them practical for certain situations.

This is the strain to pick if you want to have a little more energy while doing chores around the house, working out, or just hanging out with friends. Because people who dislike Sativa strains contend that they are more susceptible to these potential effects, it might be more likely to make you feel a little uncomfortable or tense than other strains.

Indica

In essence, Indica strains are the antithesis of Sativa strains. Indica strains are renowned for their more chill and couch-lock effects rather than being energetic. Even though Indica is sometimes known as the “nighttime strain,” it doesn’t necessarily make you hit the Z’s. It simply implies that it won’t likely interfere with your ability to go to shut eye, unlike Sativas.

After work, when watching a movie, reading a book, or in any other situation where you just want to chill out, Indica strains are excellent. Those who dislike Indica strains say they make them feel too laid back, though these potential effects may vary depending on the amount.

Hybrid

The majority of the marijuana sold in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s was cultivated outdoors. According to researchers, cannabis breeding in the US began in the early 1960s with the intention of developing high-THC strains that finished early enough for North American outdoor production. Jamaican and northern Mexican strains both finished flowering more quickly, although their potency was just average. The legendary outdoor sativas of the 1970s, such as Original Haze and Maui Wowie, were created by breeders who crossed (hybridizing) these strains with stronger, longer-flowering Panamanian, Colombian, and Thai strains.

Selecting male and female plants with siblings that have favorable traits and using the males to pollinate the females is known as inbreeding. A homogenized line will result from several generations of inbreeding with a meticulous selection; all of the plants in this line have the required characteristics. Homogenized lines are referred to be “stabilized” or “true-breeding” since repeated inbreeding generations preserve the strain’s particular traits.

Because the potential effects of one hybrid might differ substantially from those of another, the hybrid category is the most challenging to navigate. These strains are a blend of Indica and Sativa strains, as the name “hybrid” suggests. This indicates that they could be a cross between two different hybrid strains or could have one Indica parent and one Sativa parent. True hybrids, which are strains that are 50/50 Indica to Sativa, are rare; instead, most hybrids are either Indica- or Sativa-dominant.

In general, hybrids may offer more well-rounded effects, but the primary characteristics of the strain typically define its overall undertone. In other words, a Sativa-dominant hybrid might be a fantastic uplifting option for people who are too sensitive to fully Sativa strains. While a hybrid with a high Indica content could have chill effects that don’t always make you slower. The potential effects of a hybrid strain vary widely, so each person’s experience will be unique. It’s possible for these hybrids to have different ratios, with one strain predominating over the other. Hybrids overall provide the best of both worlds, depending on the individual’s preference.

Potency

Despite the fact that every strain has a unique potential effect profile, don’t overlook the product’s strengh. The amount of Delta-8 you use also significantly affects the overall experience, and each person has a certain amount threshold and sweet spot. If you want to get the most out of any Delta-8 strain you choose, be sure to educate yourself on the proper usage of Delta-8-THC and how to experiment with your Delta-8 amount in a proper manner.

How is Delta 8 Used?

The same rules that apply to marijuana usage also apply to Delta 8 THC. It comes in tinctures, edibles, and pretty much anything else you may want and can be smoked or vaped.

Hemp or marijuana flower contain very little Delta 8 THC; the levels are too low to have any noticeable potential effects. Instead, a unique procedure called isomerization is used to extract it from hemp.

The Delta 8 is then utilized by producers to create tinctures, edibles, vape cartridges, or flowers. As time progresses so does technology, and the method that is used to create Delta 8 products has improved and become more efficient. More advancement in how Delta-8 is made is expected in the near future.

Is Delta 8 THC Flower Legal?

When choosing the best Delta-8 strain for you, legality should always come first. Because it is an isomer of CBD and a natural hemp cannabinoid, Delta-8-THC is permitted by federal law. However, Delta-8 products can only be sold legally if they adhere to a number of government standards, such as being made from legitimate sources and containing less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC.

Due to the fact that Delta 8 is made of hemp and is therefore compliant with federal law, see the 2018 Farm Bill. As long as the items contain less than 0.3% THC, hemp and hemp products are allowed.

And while Delta-8 is permitted under federal law, other states have conflicting views on the cannabinoid generated from hemp. Products containing Delta-8-THC must be produced in a state where it is legal to do so, as well as purchased and used in a state where it is legal to do so. This implies that before purchasing Delta-8-THC flowers online, you should research the legal restrictions in your area. Some states have outlawed it, however, so check local laws before you buy anything.

How to Evaluate the Quality of a Flower Containing Delta-8-THC

The most crucial decision you will make as a Delta-8 user is how to select premium Delta-8 flower, even though knowing how to select the best Delta-8-THC strain is key. Even if you believe you have discovered the best Delta-8 strain, using a subpar item can ruin the whole experience.

One product can differ significantly from another because every brand and producer employs a different source of hemp, different additives, and different production and quality testing procedures. You should take the time to research the product and manufacturer before you buy because Delta-8 and the hemp sector are still subject to patchy regulations. How, then, do you select premium Delta-8 flower? Consider looking for these:

Positive Brand Reputation

The brand’s reputation is the first thing you should consider. Checking customer evaluations on the company’s website is one way to do this, but you shouldn’t rely only on them because a company could be able to conceal negative ratings on its own website.

You can either find a profile of positive reviews or a list of complaints about the brand by doing a quick web search for it. As long as you don’t find a list of negative reviews, it won’t matter if you don’t find much at all. Some businesses may be new to the market, but this does not automatically mean that their products are inferior.

High-Quality Production

Next, look at the brand’s manufacturing procedure, ingredients, and hemp source. Again, there are significant differences across brands in this area. There isn’t one optimum technique to make Delta-8 flower, but there are a few aspects we think are essential to making secure, high-quality goods.

One is that premium products should be produced with US-grown hemp that has been quality- and potency-tested prior to production. Since making Delta-8 requires significantly more work than simply creating CBD, the company should additionally use a cGMP-certified facility and hire qualified cannabinoid extraction professionals to manage the operation.

Third-Party Testing

Finally, before purchasing a product, you should review the findings of any lab tests to ensure that they support the information on the label. Companies that test their products through a third-party lab are significantly more reliable than those that only do it internally. The majority of premium brands use internal testing all along the production line, then a third-party lab examination to confirm the caliber of the finished batch. To demonstrate that the company has nothing to hide, these results should be prominently presented on the website.

How to Use Delta-8 Flower

There are numerous different methods to use flowers containing delta-8-THC, and there isn’t actually a single optimal approach. Of course, the most popular technique of using the flower is by smoking it, but other approaches may also be used. 

Here are a few concepts:

Burn

The most typical method of using Delta-8 flower is burning, as we already discussed. The potential effects of burned Delta-8 may start to take effect in around 15 minutes; however, they may last less time than those of Delta-8 edibles.

You can burn Delta-8 flower in a joint, a bowl, or your preferred burning device, just like a conventional cannabis flower. Look for Delta-8-THC pre-rolls that are separately portioned and prepared for use if you want to keep things simple.

Vape

Although it is less frequent, using Delta-8 flower in a dry herb vaporizer offers some potential benefits. Vaporizing is not possible using this technique; only vapor drawn from the flower is. In most cases, vaping produces powerful amounts that start working in as little as 15 minutes, much like burning some flower. You may anticipate the potential effects of vaping to last between two and four hours, but they may last less time than those of edible doses. The potential effects produced are not guaranteed.

Because vaping keeps the delicate smell of hemp flower while minimizing the smokey aroma, many people find it to be enjoyable. Some individuals think it also prevents the damaging effects of smoke.

Edibles

You can also use Delta-8-THC flower, which is a difficult process. You may produce your own Delta-8 infused goodies at home by utilizing the flower to create infused oils, or other infused products. Of course, using flower raw will have little to no effect.

Remember that gummy amounts typically may take longer to take effect, sometimes up to an hour and that the potential effects are known to be rather strong once they do. You may feel  potential effects that last up to 6 hours due to the fact that gummies amounts persist longer than burned ones, but this is no guarantee and much more research is needed to make any confirmation. Of course, purchasing pre-made Delta-8-THC edibles like our delectable Delta 8 caramels or gummies is definitely the simplest option.

Where To Buy Delta-8-THC Flower

Delta-8-THC is marketed both offline and online in many states. Although edibles and oils are more prevalent, particularly in small local shops, you can occasionally find Delta-8-THC flowers on the shelves of your neighborhood smoke shops and at select cannabis dispensaries. You may easily purchase Delta-8-THC flowers online to streamline the process, giving you a better chance to assess the brand and product quality. Online retailers like ATLRx are among the best places to purchase Delta 8.

Finding the ideal Delta-8-THC strain for your needs is simpler when you purchase Delta 8 flowers online since you have access to a wider variety of different Delta-8 strains. Use the advice provided above to select a high-quality product, or you can save time by looking at the collection of Delta-8-THC flowers at our ATLRx store.

All of the Delta 8 flower provided at ATLRx is of the​​ highest quality, and each batch is thoroughly tested to confirm its purity, potency, heavy metals, and pesticides. All of our products, including the flower, are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis from ATLRx. We want to ensure that you get the best Delta 8 flower products, so we have a​​ laboratory test our flowers for quality and purity. We source all of our Delta 8 hemp flowers from sustainable farms in the United States. Come to ATLRx if you want premium quality.

Related Article: Delta-8 Flower Near Me

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• What is the Delta 8 THC, and Where Does It Come From?