Why are Certain Cannabis Strains More Potent in Delta 8 Vape Products?

There is no doubt that vaping is the most popular way to consume the delta 8 THC compound, offering its multitude of effects within just minutes and in a particularly potent way. Vaping also offers us the ability to try out a wide selection of cannabis strains, while other delivery methods do not typically give us this option.

If you’re the type of delta 8 enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with different strains, there is a good chance that you have noticed that some strains deliver more powerful effects than others. You may be wondering whether it’s because some strains have higher amounts of delta 8 THC than others or whatnot. Well, as it turns out, a number of factors can contribute to the potency of a specific strain.

Vaping and Delta 8 Vapes That Contain Strains

Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid in hemp that can be isolated, extracted and concentrated to deliver more powerful effects, including effects pertaining to its psychoactive nature.

Delta 8 vapes, such as vape cartridges and disposable vape pens combine the isolated delta 8 THC extract, known as delta 8 distillate, with naturally derived terpene profiles to provide a distinctive strain experience.

So, what exactly is a strain then? The strain refers to the cannabis’ breed, and each strain has a distinctive chemical composition, with the largest variable being the configuration of terpenes. Terpenes are compounds in cannabis that exist alongside cannabinoids in the buds of the plant and offer some unique properties of their own while also determining the flavor and aroma of each individual strain.

Different strains, therefore, can address different hemp-related goals. For examples:

  • Indica strains are known for being more mellowing.
  • Sativa strains can actually give you a boost.
  • Aside from that, some strains seem to produce more potent effects overall than others, especially when they’re hybrid strains.

Why are Some Strains More Potent?

When it comes to the potency of each strain, there are actually a number of factors at play. Within hemp, you will find over 100 individual chemical compounds including cannabinoids and terpenes which impact the potency of the effects for which you feel when consuming specific strain.

Delta 8 in the Formula

Remember that delta 8 in its natural form is present in too low of a concentration to give us the effects for which the cannabinoid is known. What this means is that a company can add however much delta 8 distillate to a particular vaping product that they’d like. Ultimately, this has nothing to do with the strain itself, but because it does have a huge impact on the potency of the actual vaping product, it must be pointed out.

Cannabinoids

Some strains naturally have extremely high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), for instance, which would produce particularly strong effects associated with CBD. Other cannabinoids have higher levels of cannabinol (CBN), a cannabinoid associated with sleep, and so the effects of the strain could be more notably blissful.

Terpenes

Usually, and perhaps surprisingly, the potency of a strain mostly comes from its terpenes. Terpenes are not psychoactive, but they can have extraordinarily strong properties of their own. For instance, strains with uniquely high levels of myrcene can produce powerful calming effects due to the properties associated with this particular and immensely popular terpene.

As each strain has a specific configuration of terpenes, and each terpene has its own properties, the actual organization of terpenes can make a big difference. For instance, Green Crack is a sativa strain that gets its famously energizing effects primarily from its distinctive terpene composition, regardless of the level of delta 8 added to the product.

Synergistic Value of a Particular Chemical Composition

Cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically, meaning that combinations of specific compounds in hemp can meld together in a way that yields a more potent experience in the system. Certain strains have specific synergistic value as a result of the presence of certain cannabinoids and terpenes in high levels, which amplifies the properties of one another to feel more potent in the body.

Milligram Strength

Although milligram strength doesn’t actually have anything to do with the chemical composition of the strain, delta 8 vaping products that are diluted with some type of carrier oil, such as PG (propylene glycol) or MCT oil, will have a lower potency level overall since the carrier oil waters down the effects of the hemp, and thus introduces fewer milligrams of hemp compounds into the body per puff. Meanwhile, vaping products that’re undiluted provide only pure hemp with each puff, which in return, allow for stronger effects.

Why is it Better to Always Research a Strain Prior to Purchasing a Delta 8 Vape Product?

Some individuals may specifically seek out a strain known for its uniquely potent effects, while others may strongly prefer something that is milder. So, how do you know whether or not the strain you’re eyeing is going to be very potent? Fortunately, the strains available in the forms of delta 8 vaping products can all be researched easily, with plenty of information out there about its distinctive effects. You can simply look up a specific strain to get a feel for how powerful its effects are, not to mention what the effects will be. 

Nov 16, 2023 David Nadel

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