Delta-8 Indica vs Sativa

Before we jump right in, there are a few things we need to get squared away about Delta-8 Indica vs Sativa in general. Hemp and marijuana are both a flowering herb in the cannabis family. The difference between the two is the amount of THC present in the flower. Hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis plants can be split into three subspecies: Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis. Ruderalis plants don’t generally produce desirable traits for breeders and cultivators which is why you really only see Indica, Sativa or hybrid strains. Both hemp and marijuana can be classified as Indica, Sativa or hybrid and each classification has fairly universal characteristics.

Characteristics of Indica

Indica plants are stalky and short with broad leaves and a relatively short growing season.  Indica tend to produce a total body relaxation  so they are generally preferred for evening consumption. They are often the best for pain and inflammation and people tend to utilize them for arthritis, fibro-myalgia, and cancer.

Characteristics of Sativa

 Sativa plants tend to be taller and less bushy with thinner pointy leaves. Considered uplifting,  they can enhance creativity and energy. Many consider Sativa to be better at addressing conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Characteristics of Hybrids

Hybrids are just new strains, bred from the parents of different types of cannabis. In the attempt to create a new variety that offers the best of all worlds, any strain can be crossed. Although, Sativa/Indica blends are common,  it is entirely possible to to use two Sativa parents or combine Indica with other Indica.

What determines Indica or Sativa

What determines the subspecies Indica or Sativa might surprise you. It is not the presence or absence of particular cannabinoids but actually a terpene that makes the distinction. Mycrene to be precise. Terpenes are molecules within the plant  that are cousins of cannabinoids like CBD and THC. They are responsible for the differences in aroma from strain to strain. Terpenes provide something more than just specific odors, they are essential in achieving the entourage effect.

What is Mycrene

Myrcene, is the most common terpene in found in cannabis and is most associated with drowsiness. it is useful as a sleep aid and in battling conditions like anxiety. If the volume of myrcene is under .5% in a particular strain, the strain designated a sativa. The strain is deemed to be Indica when Myrcene is greater than 0.5%.

Why is this important

 This is important because since it’s the terpene Mycrene and not cannabinoids that determine either the indica or sativa subspecies, you can expect the same effects any time you use cannabis. In other words, whether the dominant cannabinoid is CBD, THC, CBN, CBG or any other cannabinoid, the Indica and sativa traits will remain consistent.

What’s next

It might seem straight forward but like a lot of topics in the cannabis space, it’s not as simple as it seems. In the next blog we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of  Delta-8 Sativa vs Delta-8 Indica.