Indica vs. Sativa for a Delta 8 THC Experience

Without a doubt, more people are exploring the unique properties of delta 8 THC than ever before, and it’s easy to see why. This hemp-derived cannabinoid produces a mild high considered quite relaxing and uplifting, while being a federally legal cannabinoid you can easily buy online.

Delta 8 THC is an exciting and useful cannabinoid with a lot of promise for all kinds of individuals, but it’s not the only compound of the hemp plant that can promote some kind of desirable experience. Besides the many other cannabinoids in the plant, there are terpenes, which don’t just give the plant its natural flavor and aroma but contribute to the effects we feel when we take any hemp-based product.

Delta 8 THC: Better with Terpenes?

There is a reason why so many delta 8 products on the market also contain a variety of terpenes. For one thing, like we said, terpenes also have properties that can be useful to the body, as shown in studies. Terpenes aren’t only found in cannabis – they actually exist in the essential oils of all plants, and if you’ve ever used essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or peppermint, then you understand what they can offer when utilized by the body.

Terpenes also have a synergistic relationship with cannabinoids such as delta 8. These compounds work together in a way that can promote better absorption of one another, and more varied effects as well. There is a term for this called the “entourage effect”, which refers to the synergistic value of consuming all of the naturally occurring compounds of the plant together.

The Strain of Hemp and Its Effect on Your Delta 8 THC Experience

As you may already know, hemp comes in a wide variety of strains, with “strain” simply being another word for “breed.” Nowadays, there are hemp breeders throughout the United States who dedicate their lives to crossing two existing strains with one another in order to create a chemical composition of compounds uniquely capable of producing specific desirable effects. The strain is largely determined by the configuration of its terpenes, which don’t just determine much of the variety of effects within the strain, but its flavor profile and aroma profile as well.

Indica Strains

Indica is a category of strains that is noted for its higher myrcene content. Myrcene is a terpene that has a more calming effect on the mind and body, and indica strains contain at least 0.5% of this terpene within their chemical structure. Because of the prominent properties associated with indica strains, they are most commonly used in the evening, to unwind or to take at bedtime. Indicas are not only associated with some level of stress relief but seem to produce a stronger sensation within the body, with some stronger strains being noted for almost making the muscles feel like they’re melting away tension.

The Effects of Vaping an Indica Strain

Vaping an indica strain is a great way to feel these specific effects within just minutes, while they feel particularly potent and last for a fairly short period of time. Vaping an indica will produce more cerebral properties than consuming it in any other form, and this is because of the distinctive effects of inhaling these compounds compared to allowing them to absorb in some other manner.

The Effects of Consuming an Edible in an Indica Strain

Consuming an indica edible means it may take an hour or even two before the effects really kick in, but once they do, they can last for up to 8 hours depending on the potency of the actual delta 8. Further, edibles are associated with producing a stronger “body high” that can be useful as the terpenes in indica already seem to be uniquely conducive to helping the body feel more at ease.

Popular Indica Strains:

Northern Lights

A potent strain with very sticky buds due to the high presence of resinous trichomes. Has a sweet and sour flavor, and its effects are quite strong, allowing for people to take it at bedtime.

Afghani

Has a sweet and earthy taste and is one of the most popular strains for bedtime usage due to its heavier effects on both the mind and the body.

Granddaddy Purple

First emerged in 2003 and is now one of the most sought-after indicas on the market. Its grape-like flavor is dazzling, and is associated with feelings of euphoria coupled with body relaxation.

Grape Ape

Its flavor profile is self-explanatory and is also a popular one for evening use when you want to mellow out without feeling totally knocked out.

Sativa Strains

While indica strains are more mellowing, sativa strains are capable of producing the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of its effects, with lower myrcene and typically higher limonene levels. Sativa strains are better for daytime, and when socializing with others. Sativas are also usually more cerebral and produce less of a noticeable sensation within the muscles of the body, although some strains are bred specifically to provide more prominent effects to the physical body.

The Effects of Vaping a Sativa Strain

If you want to feel a stronger blast of the effects for which sativa strains are known, vaping is the way to go. The effects can take place within minutes, and while they’re short-lived, you’ll really get a strong sense of what a sativa strain is capable of.

The Effects of Consuming an Edible in a Sativa Strain

When consuming an edible with a sativa strain, you’ll get the effects in a more spread-out manner, where they take a while to come on, but can last for up to 8 hours once they do kick in. The cerebral effects for which sativa strains are known will be a bit less powerful than they are when the product is vaped, along with the delta 8 THC itself, of course. However, you may notice a buzzing feeling in the body that accompanies the still-prominent impact on your general state of mind.

Popular Sativa Strains:

Green Crack

Gets its name from its powerful uplifting properties that can make a person feel very energized and euphoric. Meanwhile, the tropical fruit notes make it highly appealing to the taste buds.

Sour Diesel

An all-time classic, it has a strong diesel-like flavor along with a unique relaxed yet motivated sensation.

Super Silver Haze

Popular for morning use, it can get you into a more focused space, while offering a bright citrusy taste that comes from its high prominence of limonene, a popular terpene.

Blue Dream

Awesome choice for someone who wants more of a middle-ground between mellowing and uplifting effects. Its sweet berry flavor captivates the palate while the feeling of balance washes over the body and mind.

Which Strain Then Should You Go With?

Ultimately, we urge each delta 8 enthusiast to explore both indica and sativa strains, which can each offer something unique to one’s daily routine whether chosen in vape or edible form. Each strain type can really add something to your lifestyle, so consider seeking out delta 8 products that offer these strains’ terpene profiles to get more out of your hemp regimen.