Is Delta-9 Sativa or Indica? Here's the Full Answer

Unsure whether to choose sativa or indica? Good news: Delta-9 THC is in both. We explain the differences between each strain and how they all contain Delta-9 THC. 

Key Takeaways

• Delta-9 THC is a specific psychoactive cannabinoid that is naturally produced by cannabis plants.
• Indica, sativa, and hybrid are strains of cannabis plants.
• A particular strain of cannabis is distinguished based on various factors, including physical characteristics and the balance of hundreds of different chemical compounds, including Delta-9 THC.
• Delta-9 THC is present in all strains of cannabis, albeit at different concentrations.
• Sativa strains generally have more Delta-9 THC, while indica strains generally have more CBD. 

See More: How Long Does Delta-9 THC Stay in Your System?

Delta-9: Indica, Sativa, or Something Else?

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

"Delta-9 THC is a natural chemical compound that is present in both indica and sativa strains. A strain is defined by the overall chemical composition, including concentration of Delta-9, and the physical characteristics of the hemp or cannabis plant."

If you've ever browsed through a menu at a dispensary, you've likely seen the terms "sativa," "indica," and "hybrid." You may also have noticed different types of THC, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.

You might wonder, then, whether Delta-9 THC is a sativa strain, an indica strain, or a hybrid strain. But Delta-9 is actually none of those, and all of them at the same time. 

That's because Delta-9 THC is a specific chemical compound, one of hundreds of natural compounds produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-9 THC is the main compound responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. 

Meanwhile, sativa and indica are terms used to define different strains, or varieties, of cannabis. There are hundreds of different strains, each with its own unique traits, kind of like breeds of dogs. All these strains are grouped into three categories: indica strains, sativa strains, and hybrid strains.¹

Cannabis strains are identified based on many different characteristics. These include physical traits, like the height of the plant and the shape of its leaves. They also include the balance of cannabis compounds naturally produced by plants of that strain.

Different strains of cannabis might have different concentrations of Delta-9 THC. The variations in these concentrations might play a part in how a strain is defined, and strain genetics might be tailored with the goal of producing more or less Delta-9 THC in a specific plant. 

But Delta-9 THC, as the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, is present in all strains of cannabis. It alone is not indica, sativa, or hybrid.

In other words, asking whether Delta-9 THC is indica or sativa is a little like asking whether caffeine is arabica coffee or robusta coffee. Or, if you prefer tea, whether caffeine is in green tea or black tea. Delta-9 is a specific compound, not a strain. 

Bonus: What’s the Difference Between Delta 9 and THC?

Delta-9 THC vs. Cannabis Strains (Indica and Sativa)

That said, different strains of cannabis may have different effects. These differences can sometimes be caused in part by differing levels of Delta-9 THC. 

When choosing which Delta-9 THC products you want, it's worth noting whether they are related to a specific strain. That way, you can get an idea of the effects you might experience.

Cannabis Indica

Cannabis indica is a plant originating in the mountains of the Hindu Kush in South Asia. You might recognize the word "kush," which has become a slang term for cannabis.

Indica plants adapted to this harsh environment, and are now often distinguished by their shorter, bushier appearance. They tend to have wider leaves and quicker growth patterns.²

Typically, indica strains were associated with higher levels of CBD compared to THC. Because of this, and perhaps also because of higher levels of specific terpenes, indica strains are associated with calming effects. They are often used to help with physical discomfort and to promote sleep.³

Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis sativa plants are thought to have originated in warmer regions. That allowed them to grow tall, with narrower leaves and longer flowering cycles.⁴

Sativa strains are also associated with higher levels of THC.

As such, sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. It's often used for mental clarity, as stress relief, and to boost mood.⁵

Hybrid Strains

Sativa and indica strains aren't the only options. There's a third: hybrid strains. 

Hybrid strains are created by combining sativa and indica plants. In theory, a hybrid strain should combine the best qualities of the different strains used to create it.⁶

As such, hybrid strains are often associated with a more balanced effect. These effects can vary based on the genetics of a particular strain. As such, some strains are referred to as indica-dominant strains or sativa-dominant strains.⁷

What Influences the Effects of Delta-9 THC

Indica and sativa strains are generally associated with different effects. But many things can influence how people experience Delta-9 THC products. These include age, weight, individual body chemistry, metabolism, tolerance, diet, and even mood. 

Other Cannabinoids and Compounds

As we mentioned, Delta-9 THC is far from the only compound present in cannabis or hemp plants. There are hundreds of other compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may play a role in a particular product's effects.

For example, certain terpenes have been studied for potentially interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. And flavonoids are thought to have their own neuroprotective properties. 

Entourage Effect

For example, the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes is thought to produce a greater effect than taking specific cannabinoids in isolation. In other words, a Delta-9 THC product with other compounds would theoretically be more effective than one with only THC. The same goes for CBD. ⁸

THC Concentration

Different strains and different THC products may have different concentrations of THC. More THC usually means more intense effects. 

Modern cannabis strains are generally a lot stronger than historic ones. Back in the 1970s, cannabis typically had just 1% THC, while today most strains average at 20% and some even more.⁹

Consumption Method

Delta-9 THC can be consumed in all manner of ways. You can smoke it, of course, but there are also gummies, chocolates, drink mixes, tinctures, and many other products. 

The method you choose might affect your experience. For example, smoking allows THC to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain much faster than when eating edibles. This difference can result in noticeably different experiences.¹⁰ 

Which method you choose is up to you.

"Our Delta-8 Drink mix is a natural way to unwind," says Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow. "I scoop it into my drink, mix it up, and drink it throughout the day. This provides me an overall calming sensation."

Meanwhile, Farrow also says she uses Delta-9 THC gummies "when I'm going out to dinner with friends or my husband … or to help me sleep at night."

Whichever method you choose, make sure your product is high-quality. Clean Remedies tests its products at a third-party laboratory to ensure their quality. You can check the certificate of analysis for any product by scanning the provided QR code. 

Is Delta-9 Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products. Hemp is defined as plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

As such, products created using hemp plants are also generally considered federally legal. That includes hemp-derived THC products. State and local laws may vary. 

Can Delta-9 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Drug tests are usually designed to detect Delta-9 THC. They will do this whether the THC is derived from cannabis or hemp.¹¹

Where to Buy Delta-9 THC

It's never been easier to purchase and enjoy Delta-9 THC. Clean Remedies creates its Delta-9 THC products from US-grown, natural hemp and ships to all 50 states. 

Gummies are an increasingly popular THC product. We offer natural grape-flavored gummies, each with 5mg of Delta-9 THC and 25mg of CBD for a balanced, restorative experience. If you want something stronger, try our natural watermelon-flavored gummies, which each contain 10mg of Delta-9 THC.

Another great option is our natural blue raspberry-flavored drink mix. Each serving contains 10mg of Delta-9 THC and 50mg of CBD, a ratio designed to help deliver deep relaxation with a gentle lift of euphoria. 

For a delicious THC treat, consider our Delta-9 THC Chocolate Delight. It blends Delta-9 THC and CBD into smooth, creamy milk chocolate that's indulgent and restorative. Alternatively, grab some Delta-9 THC Sugar and make your own THC-infused chocolate creations. 

Conclusion

Delta-9 THC is a specific compound. Sativa, indica, and hybrid describe different strains of cannabis, each with different levels of Delta-9 THC.

As such, Delta-9 THC by itself is neither sativa nor indica. But how much of it is present in a particular strain can help determine whether that specific strain is a sativa strain, indica strain, or hybrid strains; sativa strains generally have more Delta-9 THC, while indica strains usually have more CBD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of High Is Delta-9?

Delta-9 is a psychoactive compound. But the specific kind of high it produces varies based on a number of factors, including your age, weight, tolerance, and mood. The high may also vary depending on the balance of other cannabinoids and compounds naturally produced by the cannabis plant. 

For example, sativa strains, which generally contain more THC, are thought to have more uplifting effects. Indica strains, on the other hand, are considered more relaxing, producing more of a body high compared to a head high.

Does Delta-9 Sativa Make You Sleepy?

Delta-9 sativa can make you sleepy. But sativa strains are usually associated with euphoric, uplifting effects. Indica strains are more associated with relaxation, which could result in sleepiness. 

Is Delta-9 the Same as THCa?

No. THCa is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, a non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC. When THCa is heated, it is converted into Delta-9 THC through a process called decarboxylation. 

Keep Reading: What Exactly Does Hemp-Derived Mean?

Sources

1. Cannabis (Weed) Strains: Types, Effects, & Differences
2. Cannabis Indica: Effects, Benefits, and Uses | Alternaleaf UK
3. Indica vs. Sativa: What’s the Difference?
4. What is Cannabis Sativa: Exploring Effects, Benefits, & More
5. Indica vs. Sativa: What’s the Difference?
6. What Are Hybrid Cannabis Strains & How Are They Created? - RQS Blog
7. How Does Hybrid Weed Make You Feel?
8. What is the entourage effect and is it beneficial?
9. The changing marijuana landscape: What you need to know
10. How Your Cannabis Consumption Method Shapes Your High 𑗅 Weedmaps
11. Urine Testing for Detection of Marijuana: An Advisory

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.