Delta 8, Delta 9, & Delta 10 THC: What Are the Key Differences?
Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or brand-new to the world of cannabis, you may have heard about the new conversations surrounding three increasingly well-known cannabinoids: Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, and Delta 10 THC.
All three are one of more than 100 cannabinoids that the Cannabis plant naturally produces. Hemp and marijuana are two classifications of Cannabis, and cannabinoids can be sourced from either. (Hemp is defined as cannabis having less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC while marijuana is defined as having greater than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.)
Even for the experienced cannabis enthusiast, sifting through all of the information can be overwhelming – which is why we’ve created a go-to guide that makes it easy to understand the various isomers of THC.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC (often simply referred to as Delta 8) is an isomer of the well-known Delta 9 THC, the molecule that creates the effects associated with the traditional “high” of cannabis.
Like Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is one of a hundred-plus natural cannabinoids found in the hemp and marijuana plants. However, Delta 8 THC is only present in very small amounts. Therefore, Delta 8 THC products are usually made through a process that involves manufacturing Delta 8 THC using hemp-derived CBD.
Consumers report a myriad of benefits of Delta 8 THC, including an uplifted mood, relaxation, pain relief, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and nausea.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is also a cannabinoid found in hemp and marijuana plants, though we often hear it talked about in conjunction with marijuana consumption. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce an array of effects, including the well-known psychoactive “high.”
Consumers have reported positive effects of Delta 9 THC, ranging from euphoria and pain relief to increased appetite, reduced nausea, and improved anxiety symptoms.
What is Delta 10 THC?
Delta 10 exists only in trace amounts in marijuana and hemp, much like Delta 8. Though there is still much to learn about the mechanism of Delta 10 THC in the body, it is generally believed that it interacts with the CB1 receptors when ingested in high amounts.
Consumers describe the benefits of Delta 10 THC as including effects similar to sativa-dominant cannabis strains, including euphoria, improved mood, and increased focus and energy.
Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 10 THC: Similarities and Differences
Molecular structure
A key difference between Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC is each one’s molecular structure. Whereas Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain, Delta 8 THC has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain. To the everyday consumer, this scientific detail might not seem important, but it actually plays an important part in the difference between the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.
Because of Delta 8 THC’s structure, it has a slightly lower affinity for the CB1 receptor, one of the primary receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. In other words, Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC interact slightly differently with your body.
The molecular structures are also slightly different if you’re evaluating Delta 8 vs. Delta 10. In Delta 10 THC, the double bond is located on the 10th carbon (not the 8th).
Effects and overall experience
One of the easiest ways to understand the differences between Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 THC is to think of their effects on a spectrum:
- Delta 9 THC has the most intense effects, specifically on an individual’s thought process, perceptions, memory, and experience of pleasure. With Delta 9 THC, you can expect the effects of the “high” commonly associated with marijuana.
- Delta 8 THC is, in comparison, much less intense. Often described as a much milder form of Delta 9 and likened to an indica in terms of its effects. Consumers have noted that Delta 8 seems to have less of a sedative effect, and less noticeable psychoactive effects, than Delta 9.
- Delta 10 THC is also less intense, but it has been compared to a sativa regarding its effects. Although we are still learning about the potential potency of the effects of Delta 10 THC, many consumers say it is like a milder form of Delta 8.
For consumers who have experience with both isomers of Delta 9, a key difference between Delta 8 and Delta 10 is how and when they prefer to enjoy each. Many individuals turn to Delta 8 for nighttime use, whereas Delta 10 is more popular for daytime. However, like any cannabis product, deciding the best application is an entirely personal choice.
Legality
THC sourced from marijuana falls under federal and state regulations for cannabis. This means that if you live in a state that has legalized the medical or recreational use of marijuana, you can legally purchase marijuana-sourced THC (assuming you are of legal age). But if your state has not yet legalized cannabis, then you cannot. What’s more, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.
In contrast, cannabinoids from hemp (including Delta 8 THC, CBD, and others) are loosely addressed in the 2018 Farm Bill. This federal legislation legalized hemp farming and distribution, making hemp-derived cannabinoids accessible in all states. If you’re interested in trying Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, or Delta 10 THC, this means that if you purchase a version manufactured from CBD (hemp-sourced), then you are legally in the clear in all 50 states.
It’s important to be aware that marijuana and hemp laws are constantly evolving and that it is your responsibility to make sure that you can legally purchase the cannabis products you’re interested in your state.
Explore Premium-Quality Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 THC Products for Sale from CannaBuddy
So, how do you know the best form of THC for you? Ultimately, it comes down to your personal goals and preferences – but with all three versions available from CannaBuddy, browsing all your options just became much easier.
Our hemp-derived Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta-10 THC are made by brands committed to the highest quality standard, so you can be confident that you’re purchasing products you can trust. CannaBuddy has done all the hard work, sourcing the industry’s most reputable brands and products and curating an exceptional selection of first-rate THC products. We offer product options to suit every lifestyle, from edibles and tinctures to vape cartridges and pre-rolls.
Check out our full selection of products, or contact our team for more information now!
Featured Image: Shutterstock/BenLJohnson