Delta-8 THC, weed, HHC, and THC have created quite a disturbance in the force, ranging from wildly popular (both recreationally and medicinally) to outright banned. For users who are fortunate enough to live in a pro-hemp state (or at least close to one) have no doubt been enticed by the wondrous selection of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Regardless if you’ve walked into a dispensary/smoke shop or stumbled across an online website, you’ve probably seen a mixture of products labeled “sativa, indica, or hybrid.” Cannabis users across the country will usually have a preference of which “strain” to choose, but for first-time or inexperienced users, selecting the “right” strain can be a bit intimidating.
Rather than blindly choosing a product and hoping for the best, keep reading to see the differences between these three options and ultimately which one is right for you. But before we get into that, it’s important you understand what cannabis is.
First Of All, What Is Cannabis?
In a previous article, we went into great detail on what cannabis is and how marijuana and hemp play into that broad category. In short, cannabis is the mother plant and both merijuana and hemp are varieties of the cannabis plant. The difference lies in the total THC content. Hemp is defined as cannabis that contains 0.3% THC or less, while marijuana contains substantially more than that. Hemp on its own doesn’t have any mind-altering effects, but thanks to modern science, hemp-derived cannabinoids can actually deliver quite the heady high. Enjoying cannabinoids that are hemp-derived offers a safer alternative to the villainized marijuana, especially when so many users have been scarred by the overwhelming intensity of regular weed.
Okay, Cannabis, Got it. But What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the compounds found naturally or created synthetically using naturally derived cannabinoids. These compounds are either psychoactive (gets you high) or non-psychoactive (will not get you high). CBD and Delta-9 THC are found in high quantities, while Delta-8 THC is found in very small quantities and requires chemical processing in order to be viable. HHC is semi-synthetic, as it is a hydrogenated form of THC, and THC-O is completely synthetic but originally comes from Delta-8 THC. Again, this is a very brief explanation of the cannabinoids and I encourage you to browse our previous articles to learn more about how these cannabinoids are made and how they compare to each other. Yet all these cannabinoids come together to create a stunning marketplace for users looking to enjoy a smooth (and federally legal) high.
What’s In A Strain?
Hemp-derived cannabinoids like the ones we just named offer a smooth and euphoric high regardless of the product consumed (more on that later). But before you go all willy-nilly and pick a product at random, you should have a basic idea of the effects from sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. Let’s take a look at each strain and the potential effects.
Indica Strains
Indica is one of the most popular strains because of its deeply relaxing effects. To help you remember the difference between indica and sativa, many users use the phrase “in da couch” as a mnemonic for how the effects make them feel. You’ll probably feel a warm weighted feeling that leaves you feeling lethargic and drowsy, with little to no desire to move from your current positions. Many users prefer indica blends after a long day to help them unwind and fall asleep more easily. Indica strains are usually recommended for evening use and you might not experience the entire high due to falling asleep quickly.
Sativa Strains
Sativa has more of an uplifting effect and has been praised for its ability to enhance creativity, sharpen focus, enhance memory, and much more. The effects from sativa strains are highly encouraged for daytime use, particularly if you’re procrastinating or unmotivated to finish necessary tasks. You may experience an enhanced sense of humor, heightened awareness, and a better awareness of your surroundings. While you can use sativa strains at night, you may have a harder time falling asleep due to its invigorating effects.
Hybrid Strains
If you can’t decide between sativa and indica strains, there’s a third option: hybrid strains! Hybrid strains are a bit of a mixed bag because there’s a lot of variety in the actual strain. This particular type of strain can have a 50/50 split of both sativa and indica, but can also lean towards one or the other. Sativa dominant strains will have more of the uplifting effects but will have some indica qualities to help balance out the effects. Indica-dominant strains can deliver more of the relaxing effects but coupled with the effects of sativa, you may experience a less intense drowsiness that can allow you to relax more naturally. Hybrid strains offer quite a bit of variety and can help with a myriad of issues, thus catering to your specific preferences.
What Products Use Which Strains?
Many products will proudly list the type of strain or the specific strain that was used in the crafting of the product. But many times, this detail is left out and you’ll have to figure out which strain is used based on its effects. For example, most gummies and edibles will leave you feeling drowsy and comfortably relaxed after about an hour. Unless specifically labeled, you’d probably be correct in assuming that most edibles are crafted with indica blends. Inhalables, on the other hand, will often explicitly state the strain type and specific blend used. Case in point would be a Granddaddy Purp vape cartridge, a known indica blend that is quite potent and well-received in the cannabis community. If you’re not sure which strain is used, you can always reach out to the company directly.
Is It Okay To Buy From Just Anywhere?
Unfortunately, the explosive popularity of cannabis products has caused the market to be inundated with brands claiming to have the finest and purest products available. Many brands will use extremely low prices or offer free samples in hopes that you won’t notice the inferior ingredients or lack of independent third-party lab testing. It’s crucial that you conduct your own research into the validity of a brand’s claims by fact-checking their lab tests, browsing customer reviews, and researching the brand itself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and educate yourself about what you’re intending to purchase and consume. You have a right to know!
Here at Erth Hemp, we pride ourselves on using premium ingredients to create wholesome products that users of all levels can enjoy. We share the information about where we get our hemp, our extraction process, and how we make our products to anyone curious enough to ask. Our products are vetted thoroughly by third-party independent labs that are knowledgeable about the industry and can safely test our processes to ensure the highest quality available. We currently offer three different product types: gummies, tinctures, and disposable vapes. Once you’ve figured out which product type you’re most comfortable with, you can browse our Delta-8 THC, Farm Bill Compliant Delta-9 THC, HHC, and THC-O options.
If you have any questions about our products or anything mentioned in this article, feel free to reach out to us via email or by phone. We look forward to sharing our vast knowledge of the cannabis industry with you, and we hope to hear from you soon! Be sure to check back soon for articles that answer frequently asked questions about cannabis, cannabinoids, and everything in between.
