A Comparison of Delta 8 Sativa, Indica & Hybrid Strains
Not all delta-8 THC flower is created equal. Some strains are more energetic and suitable for daytime activities, while others are milder and serve as an excellent addition to a cozy, relaxing day on the couch. The first group is known as sativa hemp strains, while the other is referred to as indica hemp strains.
What’s the difference between delta-8 THC indica, sativa, and hybrid strains?
Most importantly, how to choose one over the other? This article discusses key differences between the strain classifications and presents the best delta-8 THC flower strains for the hybrid group.
What Is Delta-8 THC Flower?
Delta-8 THC flower is a cannabis flower sprayed with pure delta-8 THC oil or distillate. It can also be coated in an extra layer of kief, producing delta-8 THC moon rocks.
D8 flower is typically available as hemp (CBD) flower rather than marijuana flower. This is because marijuana flower is already potent enough because it contains high levels of THC. After getting coated with delta-8 distillate, the CBD flower is closer in potency and effects to marijuana flower than regular hemp flower.
CBD flower is the blossom of the female hemp plant and is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. It contains low levels of delta-9 THC, or the intoxicating cannabinoid of cannabis, and high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid.
The marijuana flower comes from female marijuana plants and contains high levels of delta-9 THC and medium to low levels of CBD.
There’s no such thing as a naturally grown delta-8 flower.
The cannabis flower produces less than 1% delta-8 THC by dry weight. Marijuana strains are typically richer in delta-8 compared to hemp CBD strains because their chemical makeup is more inclined to produce higher levels of various THC isomers.
Namely, breeders manipulate the enzymes in the plant responsible for cannabinoid conversion, but that’s available for CBD, CBG, and THC.
These cannabinoids are created from the direct conversion of CBGA, while delta-8 THC is a by-product of the natural degradation of delta-9 THC. This cannabinoid breaks down when exposed to heat or oxygen and converts primarily into cannabinol (CBN), and then into tiny amounts of delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, or HHC.
Delta 8 THC Sativa, Indica & Hybrid — How to Choose?
Interestingly, studies recommend the industry stops using the sativa/indica classification of cannabis. Researchers analyzed 300 samples of cannabis and found that the sativa/indica labeling was strongly associated with a small concentration of terpenes. For example, the label “indica” strongly correlated with terpenes like myrcene [1].
The researchers did find a slight correlation between the genetic background of cultivars and sativa and indica labeling. But, they hypothesize that the label is assigned thanks to the strain’s aroma profile rather than chemical similarity.
So, should you still look for “indica” or “sativa” strains to get the desired effect?
Absolutely! The cannabis industry relies on a proven system that, although scientifically inaccurate, does give you a preview of what you can expect in terms of effects. Here’s what to expect from indica, sativa, and hybrid strains:
Sativa Delta-8 Strains
Sativa hemp strains are known as uplifting and energizing strains that are best used during the daytime. One of the things users enjoy about sativas is the focus and productive energy they give — you can use them when you’re low on energy but need to do some work or exercise.
With that said, all sativas are different. If you are sensitive to this type of strain, you can expect to feel a bit on the edge and anxious compared to indicas. Most sativas have high concentrations of caryophyllene, which is a terpene with anti-inflammatory properties.
Indica Delta-8 Strains
Indica strains are known as relaxing and mellow strains that are best used before bedtime. This means that indicas will help you unwind after work or while reading a book but won’t make you fall asleep — instead assist you in your quest to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Users who are sensitive to indica strains may feel lethargic or have difficulty focusing, which indicates you should adjust the dose.
Hybrid Delta-8 Strains
Hybrid delta-8 strains are a cross between indica and sativa — and may lean to one or the other side. Hybrid strains are often referred to as indica-dominant if they lean to the chill, mellow side or sativa-dominant if they are more energizing and uplifting.
Navigating hybrid strains is more challenging because the effects can vary from one strain to the next. They typically have one indica parent and one sativa parent, but they also may be a cross of two hybrid parents.
The best thing about hybrid delta-8 flower is that it provides more balanced effects and presents an excellent alternative to users who are sensitive to pure sativa or pure indica strains.
Best Hybrid D8 Flower:
- Northern Lights D8 Hemp Flower — an indica-dominant hybrid that contains 10% delta-8 and 13% CBD. This high-potency strain is rich in myrcene (0.14%), caryophyllene (0.17%), and pinene (0.09%). Myrcene will sedate and relax you, while pinene will balance out the indica effects with its uplifting properties.
- Green Goblin D8 Hemp Flower — a high-potency sativa-dominant hybrid that’s packed with 10% delta-8 and 17% CBD. This strain is rich in myrcene (0.26%), carene (0.17%), and pinene (0.09%). Carene terpene is believed to cause alertness and promote memory retention, so make sure you consume it during the day.
How Is Delta-8 THC Made?
This cannabinoid can be extracted directly from the hemp plant, but the low concentration makes it a challenging and expensive process. Manufacturers have found an alternative to this process by converting hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) into delta-8 THC via isomerization.
This chemical conversion is less expensive and is pretty safe if conducted under expert guidance and safety standards. Because of the way it’s made, delta-8 has been under scrutiny in the past few years, with experts suggesting that it’s a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.
For more on delta-8 THC’s production process, check out this article.
Is Delta-8 Flower Legal?
It depends on your state.
At the federal level, all naturally occurring hemp cannabinoids (including D8) were legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. Therefore, hemp-derived products are legal across the US as long as their delta-9 THC levels don’t go over the 0.3% threshold.
The problem with D8 products is the way this cannabinoid is made. Most products on the market are infused with D8 crafted in a lab, which creates space for the DEA to pronounce this cannabinoid as a semi-synthetic substance.
Some states have banned D8, so it’s important to check state laws before buying any product. We’ve written extensively about state laws on our blog, so you can check out legality articles.
Where to Buy the Best Delta 8 THC Hemp Flower?
The best strains can be found at vendors that provide third-party lab testing for delta-8 THC flower. Mr. Hemp Flower is the leading provider of delta-8 flower that comes with a detailed, authentic Certificate of Analysis.
But don’t take our word for it.
Check out our five-star reviews and stellar feedback on our delta-8 flower. We use organically-grown, clean hemp rich in cannabinoids and terpenes that will provide the entourage effect. We grow our hemp in collaboration with local US farmers. We also make our own products, so you can rest assured you’re getting tested D8 distillate from a team you can trust.
FAQs on Delta-8 Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid
What can you do with delta 8 flower?
You can smoke it, vape it in a dry herb vaporizer, or prepare it in edibles.
What’s the strongest delta 8 flower?
The strongest delta-8 flower is Cheese Hemp Flower by Mr. Hemp Flower, coming in at 22% D8 THC.
Is there such a thing as delta 8 flower?
In nature, no. The hemp plant doesn’t produce enough delta-8 THC to make the cannabinoid a dominant component of the flower. But, manufacturers have found a way to craft a delta-8 flower with the help of distillate and kief.
What are the benefits of delta 8 flower?
Delta-8 flower may uplift you, help you relax, relieve pain, or help with inflammation.