If you’re new to the world of cannabis, chances are you’ve searched the internet for all things cannabis-related.
You may have learned that there is a difference between what is referred to as ‘marijuana’ and hemp. It is likely that you also may have picked up a few facts about CBD…
Like, it’s usually derived from hemp and not ‘marijuana.’ Or that CBD has a ton of beneficial properties…
As a beginner, you might be familiar with THC dominant and CBD dominant flower, but have you ever heard of Delta-8 flower?
No worries if not, we got you covered.
If you are already a pro and know all about the different cannabinoids and forms of cannabis flower, keep reading, there’s something in here for you too.
Back to Delta-8. D8 is a lesser-known cannabinoid that has recently gained popularity. To seasoned cannabis users, you are probably well-aware of this cannabinoid.
However, for a new user, Delta-8 may still be a foreign concept to you…
It caters to fans of regular CBD products but with a more psychoactive kick to it. Compared to Delta-9 THC, it is described as a more peaceful and blissful experience. This is because it lacks the potential to bring anxiety and paranoia. Sold?
Let’s get into the detailed guide for beginners (and cannabis connoisseurs)
What Are Some Delta 8 Flower Strains?
Delta 8 is short for delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (or Delta 8 THC). It comes from the same plant as CBD. It is a naturally occurring cannabinoid within the cannabis plant. However, it occurs in very small amounts, so manufacturers use a technique called isomerization. This process rearranges the chemical makeup, rendering it a close relative to CBD and THC.
Furthermore, D8 is an isomer of CBD, which essentially means it has some of the same compounds, however, the atoms are rearranged which produces different effects on the body.
Like we said earlier, Delta-8 naturally occurs in very low quantities within the hemp plant. This is why chemists and D8 manufacturers put it through a process that converts the cannabinoids into higher amounts to make it financially profitable and viable.
Additionally, to make a smokeable product, processors add Delta 8 material to dried hemp flower to get the benefits and qualities of Delta 8. This is how Delta-8 flower is made.
Different Types of Delta 8 Strains?
Generally, there are three types of CBD or cannabis flower: Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, and Hybrid strains.
Because CBD strains tend to be a mixture of both Indicas and Sativas, you will see the term “dominant” used a lot. Ultimately, no strain is 100% Indica or Sativa, strains are usually leaning more towards one or the other.
For example, in the cannabis world you may see a strain that is described as ‘Indica dominant’ this just means that the strain will most likely affect you as an Indica strain would.
For the most part, especially because of the prominence of cannabis in this modern-day age, as well as all the cross-breeding and cloning that’s occurred – most strains are hybrids.
A hybrid strain contains both Indica and Sativa characteristics.
Indica and Sativa have opposite effects. Hybrids, on the other hand, can produce effects anywhere in between. Every strain is different and has varying effects on a person depending on how their tolerance and experience with cannabinoids is in general. To determine the best Delta 8 CBD strain for you, it is important to experiment with each of them and find what you like.
Sativa
Sativa-dominant varieties are made from the Cannabis Sativa plant. They contain lower amounts of CBD, which make the effects more cerebral. These strains are great for people who want to be productive and mentally stimulated.
What you can expect from a Sativa strain:
- Increase in energy
- Feeling inspired
- Mental clarity
- Spike in overall creativity
Indica
Cannabis Indica can be described as a type of hemp plant from which Indica dominant strains originate. This strain of CBD produces a “whole-body effect” which is more a physical experience than mental. Indica-dominant cannabis strains have higher CBD content, which contributes to its relaxing qualities.
Indica-dominant strains help with:
- Reducing stress & anxiety
- Boosting mood
- Increasing overall relaxation
- Assisting with better sleep & insomnia
Hybrid Strains
As we mentioned briefly above, hybrid strains are composed of a combination of both Indica and Sativa strains. The characteristics of the hybrid strain depend on their parent plants. Hybrids have a wide variety of effects, so it is difficult to succinctly explain all of them.
For the most part, you can expect a combination of the effects listed above.
How Does Delta-9 Fit In?
While Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both isomers of CBD, there are a few key differences…
Delta-9 THC is what is famous for delivering a potent and stereotypical high. It is the psychoactive component of the hemp plant. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive, it binds to a different receptor in the body.
Delta 8 THC is closely related to D9 THC as it is essentially a milder version of Delta 9 THC. Some D9 is twice as strong as Delta-8 THC. However, both D9 and D8 can cause euphoria, munchies, and giggles.
Delta 9 can also cause negative effects such as paranoia, anxiety, mental fog, forgetfulness, and impaired motor skills.
This is why many people prefer Delta 8 THC products, they offer more of the euphoria and beneficial effects and less of the anxiety and paranoia or other undesirable effects.
Delta 9 is classified federally under the 2018 Farm Bill (a bill that legalized CBD and other hemp products) as a marijuana product. This is largely due to its intoxicating effects.
Delta 8 is a middle ground between CBD and Delta 9. CBD is not intoxicating at all, while Delta 9 is very psychoactive. Delta 8 lies somewhere in the middle as a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid. Additionally, it lies in a legal gray area, but we’ll talk more about that in this article.
How Many Delta-8 Strains Are Available?
Any CBD strain is capable of being converted to a Delta 8 strain. There are approximately 700 CBD strains out there. That means there could theoretically be 700 Delta 8 varieties. But there are only a few strains of CBD that you really need to concentrate on. This is because these are the strains known to have the highest amount of cannabinoids and thus, medicinal effect.
We’ve highlighted some of the most popular strains below to help you get a head start:
Hawaiian Express
This Sativa-dominant strain gives you the feeling of a tropical vacation with its floral vibes. You feel energized and refreshed by the airy, tropical notes that dance across your tongue like fresh-sliced mango and pineapple.
Intake of this strain has been reported to increase social interaction, which is a great benefit for anyone looking to go from introvert to the life of the party.
Check out our selection of Hawaiian Express flower.
Lifter
This strain will make you feel lifted atop a pine tree canopy. Lifter provides the woody and earthy scent of the outdoors with an additional slice of lemon. It is a hybrid strain with a citrusy and earthy aroma that increases clarity melts away feelings of fatigue or exhaustion. It is both stimulating and balancing. This is due to its terpene profile which is dominant in pinene and limonene. We go more in-depth with terpenes in this article.
If you’re looking to experience the crisp and enlivening feelings of the lifter strain look no further than Chronic Guru!
Cookies
Girl Scout cookie season arrives early this year thanks to the delicious Delta 8 strain’s nutty baked freshness! However, this is not the type of cookie that you would expect to see sold by girl scouts knocking at your door. This Delta 8 strain comes from an Indica dominant hemp plant. It will transport you into a post-dessert state of sweet serenity that is beyond anything your favorite Thin Mints could ever achieve.
Gorilla Glue
Although we wouldn’t recommend using this strain to keep your hair in place, these sticky buds are a great way to start your day. This complex strain is infused with notes of coffee and citrus that exude a perky aroma that will feel uplifting and activating.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a great way to rev your engines! This Sativa dominant hybrid produces a strong, spicy-smelling vapor from high-quality cannabis flower. This strain will give you a sharp focus and an abundance of energy. It’s a great way to get your day started.
Skywalker OG
This Delta 8 strain represents the iconic Jedi Knight. Funnily enough, this strain provides more of a grounded feeling than a head-in-the-stars sort of feeling. Nonetheless, this strain will bring you peace to the Force within you…
All jokes aside, this strain has sweet and citrusy hop notes that eventually fade into a spicy pine finale. If you enjoy creative and mellow effects from your CBD, this is the strain you are looking for.
OG Kush
A legendary classic that is beloved by smokers all around the world, OG Kush delivers the best of both worlds. OG Kush is a blend of Indica & Sativa. It’s a sweet, lemony-pine scent that produces a full head and body experience that can reduce stress levels.
We actually do a deep dive into CBD OG Kush in this article.
Zkittles
Similar to the colorful, chewy candies, the tropical explosion of fruity flavors in this strain leaves a lasting, tangy taste on your tongue. Indica-dominant Delta 8 helps you unwind at night without feeling groggy and fatigued like other Indica strains.
How To Use Delta-8 Flower?
If you are curious as to how Delta 8 flower is made by way of CBD flower, we’ve got you covered in this article: “Delta-8 THC Flower: What Is It?”
Moreover, using Delta-8 THC flower is one of the most effective and popular ways to enjoy the effects of Delta-8.
However, there are many versatile ways to use Delta 8 flower.
Smoking
Inhaling CBD flower smoke is one of the fastest methods to experience its effects. The Delta 8 is activated by burning the CBD flower in a bowl, blunt, or joint. The application of heat to the flower amplifies the compound’s powerful effects.
Edibles
Yes, you can ingest Deta-8 flower! Make your own edibles and custom recipes when you add crushed flower. However, it works best if you make a cannabutter first, then add it as a concentrate to whatever you are eating. The fats in butter bind to the cannabinoids and make it more bioavailable.
Keep in mind that the effects will last longer then smoking because it has to pass through your digestive system.
Don’t want to make your own? Check out our selection of Delta-8 gummies.
Vaping
Vaping is similar in concept to smoking. However, it involves heating oil from cannabis flower using electronic sensors in a vape pen. Depending on what you are vaping, the effect can vary from stronger or lighter than smoking D8 THC flower.
Other Ways to Enjoy Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 isn’t just for smokers! There are many ways to ingest D8 THC outside of smoking…
Delta 8 oils, edibles, and concentrates come in even more varieties and strains. There are many ways to expand your options when it comes to D8 products.
To Conclude – Strains for Beginners: Delta 8
Now you should have a better idea of what Delta 8 THC flower is and how it fits into the world of CBD. Although it is produced in a lab it is not artificial. Additionally, it can give you a more euphoric feeling than regular CBD hemp and Delta-9 as it doesn’t produce the same adverse side effects.
Delta 8 THC Flower is an interesting phenomenon because it is a combination of non-psychoactive CBD flower and pyschoactive D8 THC. It is a beautiful marriage of the two, and there are many Delta-8 strains to choose from.
Here at Chronic Guru, we offer a world of alternatives to traditional medicines by providing the therapeutic properties that Delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids offer. As you continue to pursue your journey into the world of Delta-8 strains and other cannabinoids, you will find faster routes to relaxation, revitalization, and euphoria.
