Education

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

Delta 8 Strains – Which Is The Best?

Are you curious about the different delta 8 strains and how they may impact the type of high you experience? We get super excited about all things delta 8 around here, and we’re so happy to share that knowledge with you so that you can make the best decision for your wellness journey. 

If you’re already lost and have no idea what “delta 8 strains” means, never fear. In this article we’ll discuss: 

And so much more. First things first, what is delta 8?

Delta 8 is a hemp-derived phytocannabinoid that is a form of tetrahydrocannabinol. Most people only know about one type of THC, and that’s delta 9. Delta 9 is federally illegal if it’s more than 0.3%, and that may leave you wondering, is delta 8 legal?

Yes, delta 8 is legal federally. The 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp also gave states the power to create their own laws surrounding the production, selling, and consumption of hemp and its derivatives. So when it comes to delta 8 online, it’s best to look up the laws in your state to ensure you’re compliant. You can find more information about delta 8 legality in the article above. 

Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is believed to offer a more prolonged, smoother high than its more intense counterpart of delta 9. You can read more about the difference between delta 8 and delta 9 in this article. But is there a distinction between the different delta 8 strains? What are the strains, anyway? 

Let’s talk about it.

What Are The Different Delta 8 Strains?

When shopping for delta 8 gummies, or any hemp products really, you might come across the term Sativa or Indica. Perhaps you’ve heard of the term sativa L., which is a species within the Cannabaceae family. All of these terms relate to the different delta 8 strains and variants of the hemp plant. 

Is there a difference between a Sativa vs an Indica tincture? What about Sativa vs. Indica edibles? It might not be an intense difference, mainly due to the gentle yet effective high of delta 8, but there is a difference. The actual sativa and indica plants are uniquely different in both physiology and how they appear. Sativa plants are usually taller and skinnier with thin pointed leaves. Indica plants are short and stocky and look a little “bushy” and chunky. 

Sativa Delta 8.

What is Sativa delta 8? This is often viewed as a strain that you would take for potential help in maintaining a sense of calm. If you’re looking for a Sativa high description, it might appear more uplifted, a little “faster,” and you’ll likely feel it more in your head. What does Sativa do to you? Sativa delta 8 might be described as a “head high” where you’re ready to tackle your day versus wanting to cuddle up on the couch and relax. 

Indica Delta 8.

What is Indica delta 8? Indica is another strain of the hemp plant. Indicas are usually more of a body high, where you might feel completely clear in your head and a little more feeling in your body. In the case of delta 9 Indica, the intensity of that high might have you melted into your couch for the next few hours. Some may wonder, does indica make you sleepy or hyper, which you can learn about here. Thankfully, with the Indica delta 8 high, it’s milder and more uplifting. So while your body might feel more relaxed and “soft,” you’ll still be able to go about your day without feeling debilitated. 

Hybrid vs. Sativa Delta 8.

Perhaps you’ve heard of a hybrid strain. Hybrids typically involve cross-breeding with hemp plants that contain both Sativa and Indica strains. You get some lovely variations in here that offer the best of both worlds. A hybrid vs. Sativa strain will mean you get some of the softening of an Indica strain and the energizing and uplifting sensation of a Sativa. This could be great for those who feel like Sativa strains are too much. 

Again, when considering hybrid vs. Sativa strains, or any delta 8 strains at all, remember that this is not delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol and won’t be as intense. With a delta 8 high, you also likely won’t experience the uncomfortable side effects of delta 9 because it’s believed that delta 8 interacts with the body differently.

Sativa vs. Indica Products

So now you know the main differences between Sativa delta 8 vs. Indica delta 8, hybrid vs. Sativa, and a Sativa high description, so you know what to expect with the different delta 8 strains. Now let’s talk about Sativa vs. Indica edibles, Sativa vs. Indica gummies, and the difference in a Sativa vs. Indica tincture. Each brings a particular offering that meets a variety of needs for different folks. 

Delta 8 Sativa vs. Indica Tincture.

What does Sativa do to you? A Sativa tincture will likely offer a stimulating effect, perfect for a morning ritual to start your day. An Indica tincture will still be a great start to your day if you’re more on the “high strung” spectrum of things. You’d also likely enjoy an Indica tincture before bed or after a long day because it may help in maintaining you “soften the edges” and allow you to move through your evening with more ease. With a tincture, it dissolves under the tongue and enters the bloodstream through the membranes in the mouth. The activation is much quicker with a tincture versus an edible like a gummy. 

Delta 8 Sativa vs. Indica Gummies.

Gummies are always a popular option for those stepping into the hemp world for the first time. Sativa delta 8 gummies will work similarly to a tincture, except the gummies are considered an edible, meaning they’ll need to process through the liver before hitting the bloodstream. Sativa and Indica gummies will offer a longer-lasting high than a tincture, although both have their merits. 

When you’re looking for delta 8 products that might meet your needs, it’s always a great idea to read what other people have to say about the specific delta 8 strains and products like this delta 8 gummies review. Some other delta 8 products worth looking into are vaping, capsules, and even topicals. There’s a little something for everyone!

The Entourage Effect Explained

It’s worth mentioning the Entourage Effect when talking about the hemp plant. The hemp plant is packed full of over 100 different major and minor phytocannabinoids, delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol included. It’s also got other beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids that you don’t want to miss out on. The Entourage Effect is when a product has a broad-spectrum formulation of all the botanicals inside it, rather than a single compound being isolated and offered as a stand-alone. 

Imagine the compounds being people. If you are sitting in your house watching a TV show alone, you’ll probably act a certain way. Then you meet up with a group of your very best friends, and you act a different way. You even feel a different way. It’s the same with The Entourage Effect. Each of these compounds works together to offer more benefits than they could if you were taking them individually.

Which Are The Best Delta 8 Strains For You?

When you’re seeking out the best delta 8 strains for you, it’s best to start with your experience level. Are you a beginning user, never having tried hemp before? Or do you regularly consume different variations of hemp, and you’re looking to add to the experience with delta 8 products? 

The good news is that no matter which strains or products you opt to try, you’re going to experience the delta 8 benefits associated with them. What does Sativa do to you? A typical Sativa high description involves an uplifted, and stimulating atmosphere. What does Indica do to you? A common Indica high description is one of a more calm, “soft,” content state. 

For beginner users.

If you’re brand-spankin’ new to delta 8, or any hemp products, you’re going to want to ease into the experience. Of course, you’re an adult and can do what you like, but you likely won’t have a positive experience if you go too much too fast without seeing how sensitive your body is to the phytocannabinoid. Any Sativa or Indica delta 8 strains will likely be fine, depending on what you seek. 

For some who are true beginners to consuming hemp, you may feel that your high is a lot more intense than you were anticipating, especially if you don’t have a delta 9 high experience to compare it to. Start small, and work your way up. If you’re taking an edible, give it a couple of hours at least before you take another. 

Oftentimes when people are new to enjoying delta 8, they may take another serving too soon after the first, thinking that it wasn’t enough. And then bam! That first serving kicks in, and you’ve got the next round already processing, and you’re climbing higher than you bargained for. The good news is that delta 8 isn’t as intense as delta 9, so that climb likely wouldn’t be as intense as it could be, but it’s still best to avoid this situation your first time around.

For experienced users.

The experienced hemp users might have a better idea of what they’re aiming for. Oftentimes, experienced users may take more of a hemp product like delta 9. More could be nothing or a lot depending on a lot of factors like: 

With delta 8, the amount you consume will likely be a bit more because it’s a much smoother, milder, and prolonged high. More of delta 8 might be similar to experiencing more, so you can easily start small and then work your way up. If you know that you can chill on 10 mg of delta 9, perhaps try an entire 25 mg delta 8 gummy and see how it compares. 

How to choose the perfect strain.

Choosing the perfect strain is kind of like choosing your favorite beverage. Is it morning or evening? Are you looking for an energy boost or to relax a bit? Do you prefer bitter or sweet? Do you want a light uplift or a more intense high to “let go” of your worries for a little while? 

Do you want support for your everyday wellness routine? Go for a hybrid or Indica delta 8 strain. What does Sativa do to you? If you want to feel more support with maintaining a sense of calm — try a Sativa delta 8 strain that is smooth, gentle, and effective. Both of these delta 8 strains will offer benefits depending on what you’re after. You don’t have to assign one or the other to daytime or night as each type can meet your needs at any point during the day.

The Best Delta 8 Strains For You

Now that you know the different delta 8 strains, we hope you can make a more informed choice about what type of delta 8 is best for you. Of course, within those two dominant strains of Sativa and Indica, there are probably thousands of strains with all kinds of wild names like Sour Space Candy and Bubba Kush. If you’re looking to try some delta 8, take a look at our Delta 8 Legalities page to learn about the legality of delta 8 in your area. If you’re ready to try the best Delta 8 Gummies 1000 mg right now, order them right here!

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.