Cannabis uses are growing by the minute, and while you might be interested in a particular potential benefit, it might be challenging to choose the right product. 

Do you want to relax? Or maybe to enjoy a bit more of your creative energy? Or perhaps you want a potential ally in dealing with your migraines?

All these questions could guide you to what cannabis product or strain of cannabis to choose according to your needs and what you are expecting from the product.

There are many options out there, from THC to CBD to HHC, but one that’s catching everyone’s attention is Delta-8 THC. Thanks to its enhanced relaxing properties, and its reduced psychoactive effects, those seeking a similar effect to THC but without some of the negative effects associated with it such as paranoia and anxiety are turning their heads to what Delta-8 THC could offer. In this sense, you might be wondering whether Delta-8 is sativa or indica. 

Let’s break down what Delta-8 is and explore the reported effects of the sativa and indica strains to better understand their potential benefits and what the right fit for you is.

What Is Delta-8 TCH?

Delta-8 THC, or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, is gaining popularity and can now be found in many forms, including flower, oils, vape cartridges, gummies, and shatter, among others. 

This is one of the most popular cannabinoids present in hemp and cannabis plants. It can give you a mild high, less intense than the high from Delta-9 THC. A 2023 study reported that many users turn to Delta-8 THC for its potential to help them relieve stress, chronic pain, and other ailments; however, there is limited scientific evidence to support these benefits for the moment, as research is only in its initial stages. 

What Is Cannabis Sativa?

Cannabis sativa is the most widespread and popular type of cannabis plant. The main psychoactive compound in Cannabis sativa is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Users often describe it as having an energizing effect, which is why it is associated with daytime tasks.  

Alongside THC, cannabis sativa contains over 80 other cannabinoids that contribute to the overall effects, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

Current research suggests that cannabis sativa could boost appetite, potentially provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and contribute to your general well-being.

What Is Cannabis Indica?

Cannabis indica is a variety of cannabis that generally contains higher levels of CBD compared to Cannabis sativa. This means that in terms of main compounds, CBD and THC are present more or less in the same quantities.

This is why Indica is often associated with a relaxing and calming effect and is popular among those who report that it has helped them reduce stress and relieve insomnia symptoms.

Many choose to use Indica for nighttime hoping it will have a positive effect on the quality and quantity of their sleep.

Is Delta 8 Sativa or Indica?

Now, is Delta-8 Sativa or Indica? The answer is not that simple. 

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in both Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica plants. It does not inherently belong to one category or the other, as it can be extracted from either type of cannabis. For example, we offer 2 different types of strains in our Delta-8 cartridges: Master Kush, which is Indica, and Super Lemon Haze, which is Sativa. 

However, some other products, like oils, use hybrid strains. The effects of Delta-8 THC are more influenced by its chemical structure and the individual user’s response rather than the specific plant type it comes from. 

In Summary

Cannabis use is growing, with many products like THC, CBD, and the popular Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is known for giving a mild high, making it a favorite for those who want to relax, and sleep better, without strong effects. 

To know what to expect when trying it, some people ask if Delta-8 THC comes from the Sativa or the Indica plant, given that each variety has different effects. Sativa gives an energy boost and is good for daytime use, while Indica helps you relax and is often used at night to improve sleep.

But the final answer is that Delta-8 THC can come from both Sativa and Indica plants. Its effects depend more on its chemical makeup and how each person reacts to it, rather than the type of plant it comes from. 

If you want to give it a go, visit our store, where you’ll find Delta-8 THC oil, shatter, cartridge, and flower. 

References

Kuhathasan, N., Minuzzi, L., MacKillop, J., & Frey, B. N. (2022). An investigation of cannabis use for insomnia in depression and anxiety in a naturalistic sample. BMC psychiatry, 22(1), 303. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-03948-6 

Kruger DJ, Kruger JS. Consumer Experiences with Delta-8-THC: Medical Use, Pharmaceutical Substitution, and Comparisons with Delta-9-THC. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Feb;8(1):166-173. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0124. Epub 2021 Nov 19. PMID: 34797727.

Schwarz, A. M., Keresztes, A., Bui, T., Hecksel, R. J., Peña, A., Lent, B., Gao, Z. G., Gamez-Rivera, M., Seekins, C. A., Chou, K., Appel, T. L., Jacobson, K. A., Al-Obeidi, F. A., & Streicher, J. M. (2023). Terpenes from Cannabis sativa Induce Antinociception in Mouse Chronic Neuropathic Pain via Activation of Spinal Cord Adenosine A2A Receptors. bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology, 2023.03.28.534594. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.03.28.534594 

Wheeler EC, Choi P, De Howitt J, Gill S, Watson S, Yu S, Wahl P, Diaz C, Mohr C, Zinski A, Jiang Z, Rossi D, Davis JF. Cannabis Sativa targets mediobasal hypothalamic neurons to stimulate appetite. Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 27;13(1):22970. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-53516-4. PMID: 38151493; PMCID: PMC10752887.