Delta 8 jumped onto the scene with a vengeance and is available almost everywhere. Buying it is a straightforward process — until you see the lengthy list of cannabis strains and other options. 

Chances are, choosing the “wrong” one won’t be a big deal, but it can suck the fun out of the night if you’re expecting something motivating and end up crashing.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of delta 8 THC, and explore popular sativa strains, indica strains, and hybrid strains with delta 8. We’ll also help you choose the right strain for your goals, what you can expect from each, and how to buy the best.

What is Delta 8 THC Flower? 

There are no cannabis strains currently available that produce more than 1% delta 8 THC by weight. It’s also very unlikely breeders will produce these strains because there are no enzymes in the plant responsible for making this cannabinoid. 

What this means is that the plant doesn’t make delta 8 THC itself. This cannabinoid forms when delta 9 THC starts to break down. Most of it is converted to CBN, while small concentrations are converted to delta 7, delta 8, delta 10 THC, or HHC. 

So what exactly is delta 8 THC flower? 

Delta 8 flower is made by spraying or coating hemp flower (or marijuana flower) with delta 8 THC distillate. This is why the popular delta 8 THC flower strains share a lot in common with the most popular hemp strains or marijuana strains. Manufacturers take the most popular strains available and bump up the delta 8 content and a catchy new name.

Some companies will even spray the flower with D8 distillate and then coat it in an extra layer of delta 8 THC kief — producing what’s commonly referred to as delta 8 THC moon rocks.

Choosing the Right Strain: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?

Strains fall into one of these camps, though the differences between each are less distinctive than they used to be; there’s more to it than simply asking “sativa or indica.” 

Hybrids add to the mix, bringing their own set of rules. They give us a lot more to choose from, and we’re grateful, but it makes decision-making more complicated as to which one strain is the best for us.

Despite this, knowing whether a strain is an indica, sativa, or hybrid gives hints about what you can expect from it. 

Think of these as children — they’re from the same family and have similar traits, yet simultaneously be opposites in how they look and behave.

1. Indica Delta 8 THC Strains

Cannabis indica is the short, chubby kid that likes to sit around; not athletic or overly ambitious; friendly, but content to be quietly sitting alone.

This species of cannabis plant grows small and bushy with dark green leaves. It’s traditionally higher in CBD and more relaxing than sativas.

Popular Delta 8 THC Indica Strains

Indica strains are widely known as the “nighttime” strains because of their relaxing effects and calming, sometimes sedating nature. Many describe indica effects as body-heavy, easing tension, and promoting pain relief or stress reduction.

Indicas can be beneficial for winding down at the end of the day or managing chronic pain.

2. Sativa Delta 8 THC Strains

Cannabis sativa is the tall, thin older brother that indica hates being compared to. He’s wildly popular because he’s always fun — the life of the party, full of wild ideas. 

This species is the opposite of indica: tall, thin, more uplifting, and has higher amounts of THC.

Popular Delta 8 Sativa Strains

Sativa strains and sativa dominant strains are considered to be the “morning coffee” of the cannabis sativa category, and they help boost clarity, motivation, and focus. Delta 8 sativas maintain these energetic traits but reduce the risk of anxiety typically associated with standard THC.

These daytime strains from the sativa plant are perfect for daytime use or creative projects, delivering a gentle jolt without overwhelming intensity.

3. Hybrid Delta 8 THC Strains

Hybrids are a cross between one sativa parent and one indica parent — it’s kind of like the middle child that can do whatever it wants. Maybe it’ll be full of life, and maybe it won’t. Though difficult to understand, everyone loves this kid’s versatility and obstinate opposition to fitting into any box.

Breeders combine indica and sativa to get specific traits and distinct effects, making the possible combinations almost endless.

Hybrid strains offer the best of both worlds—ideal if you need mild energy plus relaxation, or relief without total sedation. The ratio of indica effects to sativa effects can vary widely, so read product labels carefully.

High-Delta 8 THC Hybrid Strains

How is Delta 8 Used?

You can use delta 8 THC in the same way you’d use marijuana. It can be smoked or vaped and comes in tinctures, edibles — pretty much anything you want. 

Delta 8 THC isn’t abundant in hemp or marijuana flower; the amounts are too minimal to cause any effects. Instead, it’s extracted from hemp using a special process called isomerization. 

Manufacturers then use the delta 8 to make tinctures, edibles, vape carts, or flowers. 

Is Delta 8 THC Flower Legal?

Delta 8, because it’s from hemp, is federally legal, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp and hemp products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. 

Some states have banned it, however, so check local laws before you buy anything.

How to Find the Best Delta 8 Strains

You know what strains you want to try, so what’s next? There’s probably a local store, and it might have what you want — unfortunately, even if it does, many vendors don’t supply test results for delta 8. 

The only way to get a potent delta 8 that isn’t full of chemicals or other “extras” is to buy from a vendor that third-party tests its products. 

Some local shops do test, but it’s an expensive process and only adds to these stores’ already-high costs — and it’s only possible if it manufactures the delta 8 itself. Most act as a third party and buy from a manufacturer (many of the same ones you have access to online).

Buy online from vendors with verifiable tests if you want the best delta 8 THC but don’t want to spend a fortune. This is the best way to check lab results, vendor credentials, and customer reviews while saving money.

Conclusion: Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid — Which Delta 8 Strain Is Right for You?

Delta 8 sativa & indica hybrid options are as varied as the people who use them. Sativa strains provide an energetic boost, indica strains offer deep relaxation, and hybrid strains marry both worlds. Finding your perfect match depends on preferences around pain relief, sedation, motivation, and other cannabinoids you might crave.

Regardless of your choice, always verify the product’s quality. Seek out transparent labs, consistent potency, and reliable vendors so you can enjoy all the benefits delta 8 THC offers without any undesired surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Hybrid Delta 8 Strain Good for Beginners?

Hybrids are usually great for beginners because they give you a nice balance — not too energizing, not too sedating. They’re mellow enough to ease you into things, helping with relaxation, mood boosts, or mild stress relief. Pure indicas or sativas can sometimes be intense for new users, so hybrids offer a comfortable middle ground.

2. Are Delta 8 Strains Safe for Everyone?

Delta-8 THC is safe for most people, but everyone’s sensitivity is a bit different. Some people feel fine, while others may be more sensitive, especially if they have health issues or take medications regularly. If you have any serious medical conditions or concerns, chatting with your doctor first is always a good idea.

3. Will delta-8 test positive?

Yes, delta-8 can show up positive on a drug test. Most standard drug screenings can’t tell the difference between delta-8 and regular THC. So if you’re getting tested, it’s safest to avoid delta-8 altogether to prevent surprises.

4. Will delta-8 get you stoned?

Yes, delta-8 does get you high, just not as strongly as regular THC. The feeling tends to be lighter, calmer, and more clear-headed. You might feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or even a little creative, but not usually overwhelmed or intensely stoned.

5. How Does a Dry Herb Vaporizer Compare to Smoking Delta 8 Flower?

A dry herb vaporizer is typically gentler and tastier than smoking delta-8 flower directly. Vaporizers heat the herb without burning it, preserving more of the flavor and beneficial compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids. The effects might also feel smoother and cleaner compared to traditional smoking methods.