Delta 8 THC, a lesser-known cousin of Delta 9 THC, has been gaining popularity in the cannabis community since its federal legalization under the Farm Bill of 2018. Thousands of users around the country have flocked to the compound due to its close proximity to delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, but despite having similar effects, the two cannabinoids are different.
Delta 8 Explained
The biggest and arguably most influential difference between them is that delta 8 is about half as strong as delta 9, gaining the nickname of “weed lite” among users and “delta 9’s nicer younger sibling” within some scientific communities.
While this lessened potency may seem like a downside at first glance, it actually has its perks. Because delta 8 is less psychoactive than delta 9, it’s also less likely to cause adverse side effects, such as anxiety or paranoia, in users, making it the perfect compound for those looking to take advantage of cannabis’s relaxing, pain relieving, appetite stimulating, or sleep promoting benefits without the risk of anxiety or panic attacks.
Compound | Effects | Potency |
Delta 8 | Pain relief Better Sleep Calmness Increased appetite |
Mild |
Delta 9 | Relaxation Lessened anxiety Increased appetite Happiness or euphoria Improved sensory perception |
Strong |
Delta 8 is most commonly derived from hemp—it occurs in minute amounts naturally and researchers are able to create it from hemp-derived CBD through isomerization, a process through which professionals are able to rearrange the molecules in one compound to turn them into another. This is possible because all cannabinoids, from CBD to THC, come from CBGA, or cannabigerolic acid, also known as “the mother cannabinoid.”
Because delta 8 is made from hemp, it is considered federally legal and legal in a vast majority of states, making it much more accessible for users than marijuana-derived cannabinoid products which may only be legally available in states where recreational marijuana is legal.
Disposables & Strains
Since the rise of delta 8 products, delta 8 disposable vapes have become one of the most popular options for users seeking a convenient and discreet way to reap the benefits of this mild and mellow cannabinoid. That said, choosing the right disposable vape isn't just about flavor or potency—its effects will have lots to do with what strain you choose to consume.
Different strains have different effects, potencies, and even flavors and aromas, so choosing the correct strain is vital to achieving the experience you crave. Let’s delve a little deeper into disposable vapes and the importance of picking the right strain.
Before we dive into how to choose the right strain, let's first better understand delta 8 disposable vapes. These devices are pre-filled vaporizer pens that contain delta 8 distillate, a concentrated form of the cannabinoid. As delta 8 products, disposable vapes typically have the following properties:
● A smooth, mellow buzz
● Relaxation
● Appetite stimulation
● Pain relief
● Sleep promotion
Disposable vapes are designed for one-time use and are typically discarded once the cartridge is empty, making of their main advantages an unrivaled convenience to other ingestion methods. Additionally, they offer discretion and ease of use, meaning users can take them anywhere and enjoy the benefits of delta 8 on the go easily and comfortably.
That said, disposable vapes also have some downsides. For example, because they come with a pre-attached battery that cannot be recharged, they aren’t as environmentally friendly as other vaping options like delta 8 carts. It’s also important to note that even though delta 8 itself is completely safe to use, smoking or vaping anything can have a negative impact on the lungs, so frequent disposable vape users need to stay aware of how much they’re vaping and how this can affect their lung health.
Apart from delta 8’s proprietary characteristics, the distillate in disposable vapes is mixed with natural terpenes and other cannabinoid elements to create a smooth and flavorful vaping experience. Which terpenes and elements are added depend on the strain you pick, and terpenes themselves have their own sets of effects. Let’s take a closer look at what kind of strains are available when purchasing delta 8 disposable vapes.
Cannabis, like many other plants, comes in strains. While they all come from the same plant cultivars, these variations can make all the difference in how its effects will manifest or which benefits they provide. Cannabis strains are typically divided into three categories: indica, sativa, and hybrid. Although all types of cannabis, these strains differ in effects and properties, making them better suited for different purposes.
Indica Strains
Indica strains are known to be relaxing and have sedative effects, they are typically higher in CBD than sativa strains, making them the winning option for users seeking pain relief, a sleep aid, or a boost in appetite. Their higher levels of CBD, however, don’t necessarily mean that these strain types are lower in THC than sativa or hybrid strains.
Typically, indica strains are best reserved for relaxing and unwinding after a long day, feasting on a delicious meal, relieving aches and pains, and falling into an incredibly restful sleep.
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains, on the other hand, are known to cause energizing and uplifting effects. These types of strains are lower in CBD, meaning their effects are more cerebral than physical, unlike indica strains.
Sativa types are commonly used to fuel creativity, productivity, and energy, making for an electrifying high that can have users flying through their to-do lists or being the life of the party.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains, as you may have already guessed, are created by breeding indica and sativa strains in order to create an offspring that contains properties of both. These can be indica- or sativa-dominant, so their effects largely depend on lineage and parent characteristics.
These strains often offer a more balanced high between the brain and body, successfully providing effects that are both energizing and relaxing.
Choosing the right strain is essential for achieving your desired effects. When selecting a strain, there are several factors to consider, including its potency, potential benefits, effects, and flavors.
Potency
Delta 8 strains can vary in potency, meaning that, even though delta 8 is generally milder than delta 9, the strain you choose can have an effect on how high it makes you. This is largely due to the entourage effect, a natural phenomenon in which different terpenes and cannabinoids act in unison to enhance each other’s properties and effects.
Choosing a strain with an adequate potency for your tolerance can determine whether you’ll enjoy your experience or surpass that threshold and end up having a bad time.
Potential Benefits & Effects
Potential benefits and effects are also pivotal aspects to consider when picking the strain for you. Do you want to feel sedated, pain-free, and relaxed, or would you rather be energized, creative, and productive? Are you planning on waking and baking before work, going out with friends, or staying in and watching a movie on the couch?
Different strains have different uses, so determining what effects you crave is absolutely essential when choosing the right strain.
Flavors & Aromas
Lastly, terpenes have their own sets of flavors and aromas. Although a secondary determining factor, this can make your experience less or more enjoyable depending on the kind of flavors you want from your vape. Do you prefer earthy or fruity flavors? Floral or diesel aromas? What tastes and smells you prefer can help you narrow down your strain options.
It’s Your World
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preferences. There is no one universal “best” strain. Only you can determine what you like, how you want to feel, and what you want to taste. In other words, this is all you, chief!
While delta 8 disposable vapes are among the most popular ways to enjoy the compound, carts are another similar product that can achieve the same result. They both work by vaporizing delta 8 distillate and allowing you to inhale it, and they both take a few minutes to kick in and can last up to a couple hours. Their main difference stems from one using a rechargeable battery and the other employing a single-use battery.
Disposable vapes are typically more discreet and portable than cartridges. They are smaller and more lightweight, making them easier to carry around. They also don't require any additional hardware, making them more convenient for users who want a hassle-free experience.
Disposable vapes are a great option for those who want to try different strains without committing to a larger purchase. Once you settle on vaping oil as your ingestion method of choice, purchasing a cart and battery could be a way to reduce your waste—but only if you don’t mind the constant charging and maintenance.
Disposable Vapes | Carts |
Single use battery | Rechargeable battery |
Non-detachable | Detachable |
Kicks in within minutes | Kicks in within minutes |
Whether you’re smoking, vaping, or eating delta 8, choosing the right strain is among the most important aspects of achieving your desired effects. Think about how you want to feel and what you want to use delta 8 for. Remember, all strains have different effects and uses, so be sure to ask yourself what you want to gain from delta 8 as you navigate the world of strains. The choice is yours!
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