Delta-8 vs Delta-10: What’s the Difference?
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When it comes to Delta-8 vs Delta-10, people don’t always understand the difference. However, there are some essential factors to keep in mind that impact how and where you buy them.
To begin, it’s important to recognize the bounty that cannabis plants offer to us. These plants contain an array of chemical compounds. Among them are compounds called cannabinoids.
Today, you mostly hear about two major compounds: THC and CBD. However, many people don’t realize how many forms of THC exist within these plants.
THC - or tetrahydrocannabinol if you prefer the technical name - is quite potent as a cannabinoid. Moreover, it carries psychotropic properties, which cause the “high” people associate with the plants.
In recent years, the interest in these other forms of THC has grown quickly. Generally, people have a great interest in the euphoric effects as well as the health benefits. Still, we all know about the legal issues around “THC,” right?
What people don’t realize is that the legal issues mainly apply to Delta-9 THC. That’s why there’s such important differentiation between these cannabinoids.
So, how many forms of THC are there?
To put it mildly, there are a lot. Today, though we want to focus in on Delta-8 and Delta-10. Or rather, we want to look at Delta-8 vs Delta-10. While they sound incredibly similar to their illegal cousin, they are both quite different.
Moreover, the law doesn’t restrict their use! Intriguing, right?
So, let’s take a look at delta-8 vs delta-10 and answer a few key questions about these two cannabinoids.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Similar to Delta-9, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that exists in both hemp and marijuana. However, unlike its cousin, Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid. This is because it only occurs naturally in small, trace amounts.
With its low availability in hemp, the extraction process is quite difficult. However, this compound possesses some similar psychoactive properties. Still, despite the structural similarity to D-9, the intoxicating effects are far less potent.
Due to this, Delta-8 poses less health risk in comparison to D-9. For many people, the effects of D-8 fall somewhere between CBD and Delta-9 THC.
Similar to CBD, products with D-8 help with relaxation, reduction of stress and anxiety, sleep, pain and inflammation, and more. The key difference between D-8 and CBD is that Delta-8 binds to your CB1 receptors. Like Delta-9, this allows it to produce a euphoric feeling.
Delta-8 vs Delta-10: How Different Are They?
Before we dive into Delta-8 vs Delta-10, let’s talk similarities. Both of these compounds interact with your endocannabinoid system. Moreover, they both influence how this system interacts with the rest of your body.
Additionally, Delta-8 and Delta-10 both bind to the CB1 receptors in our central nervous system. They also have an affinity with our CB2 receptors. However, the way they bind with CB2 is still not clear. In particular, that’s true of Delta-10 since it’s such a new discovery.
Okay, now let’s get to it: Delta-8 vs Delta 10. Let’s dive in!
Psychoactive Properties
To cut right to it, every THC compound has the capacity to produce a “high.” However, in these three compounds, the intensity of the high varies quite drastically.
Delta-9 offers the most intense psychoactive properties among the cannabinoid family. For some, this has the propensity to cause discomfort, migraines, hallucinations, paranoia, and more. On the other hand, both Delta-8 and Delta-10 have weaker psychotropic effects.
- Delta-8 THC: This compound gives you a mild yet uplifting high. Aside from a general buzz, it tends to promote relaxation and a higher appetite.
- Delta-10 THC: This compound produces a milder high even in comparison to Delta-8.
When comparing the two forms of THC, some users say D-10 is a Sativa while D-8 is more of an Indica. If you’re new to these terms, that essentially means that Delta-10 has a weaker potency as a sedative. Moreover, it offers more of an energizing effect.
Additionally, Delta-10 tends to improve your capacity for focus and creativity with a weaker euphoria. Alternatively, Delta-8 offers deeper relaxation and even serves as a sleeping aid for some users (without the side effects typical of sedatives).
Where Do People Source Them?
In the Delta-8 vs Delta-10 fight, the source is essential for many people. Those who love the more natural approach to these products tend toward Delta-8 and CBD.
Generally, producers derive Delta-8 THC from hemp. However, the compound tends to be in low concentrations in many hemp strains. As such, many companies utilize a chemical conversion process called isomerization to make extraction easier.
On the other hand, Delta-10 is not found in natural cannabis. When it is available, it’s often in such small amounts that it’s nearly impossible to obtain from natural material.
Oftentimes, companies use raw hemp extract or CBD isolate with additives or solvents and acids to create the compound.
Structural Differences
When it comes to Delta-8 vs Delta-10 THC, the chemical structure of the compounds is quite similar. In fact, Delta-10 shares many similarities with Delta-9 as well. The key difference lies in the placement of a C=C double bond.
While Delta-8 and Delta-10 THCs both have this same double bond in their structures, the difference in placement makes them quite different chemically. Put simply, this changes how they interact with our bodies.
Delta-9’s placement increases its affinity to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. On the other hand, the placement in D-8 and D-10 makes them far less reactive. Moreover, that’s why we see such reduced levels of intoxication in these compounds.
Delta-8 vs Delta-10: Are There Side Effects?
Unfortunately, the research on D-10 THC is so new that there’s no documentation to show us side effects. However, with the increasing popularity of Delta-8 THC, there has been some consistency in a few side effects.
Here’s what people say about it.
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Anxiety and disrupted coordination when someone takes too much
- Dryness of the eyes and mouth
Generally, these side effects are typical for anyone who uses a cannabinoid in high doses.
The Legality of These Compounds
In the Delta-8 vs Delta-10 discussion, both compounds fall into a legal grey zone.
While we aren’t here to provide any kind of legal advice, we maintain that both compounds are legal at the federal level. However, the laws vary at the state level.
This includes some jurisdictions that bar the entry of products.
So, if you’re interested in Delta-8 or D-10 THC products, be sure to check out your local laws first.
For example, here are a few states that DO NOT allow Delta-8.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Utah
When it comes to Delta-10 THC, there’s not really any regulation or legislation in place. However, it’s probably good to follow the rule that those states above won’t be allowing Delta-10 THC products in either.
Still, there are three points that specifically determine the legality of these products in the rest of the country.
- Products derive the extract from natural hemp - not marijuana
- Any product must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC
- Products must NOT be synthetically produced from Delta-9 THC
When it comes to synthetic products, it would be easy to produce both Delta-8 and Delta-10. However, this form of production is not considered safe because D-9 is a Schedule I substance. That’s why it is essential to understand how a company sources its Delta-8 in its products.
THC & Drug Testing
When it comes to Delta-8 vs Delta-10, both have the potential to cause a failed drug test. It’s not really about the 0.3% D-9 content. Instead, this is really just a matter of the fact that all THCs break down to a similar set of metabolites.
That’s what a drug test looks for, so it doesn’t really differentiate between Delta-9 or Delta-8.
Generally speaking, complete expulsion of the body takes anywhere from 2 days to a year. Often, this depends on what part of the body the sample comes from.
Even when you aren’t a frequent user, it’s important to remain mindful of how close to a test you consume any THC compound. This isn’t really a Delta-8 vs Delta-10 situation.
For example, if you consume a D-8 product and have a test the morning after, you have a 99% chance of failure. This is because there hasn’t been enough time for your body to eliminate the metabolites yet.
If your work requires frequent drug tests, or you expect one in the near future, your best bet is to avoid any THC products. Not fair - we know.
Delta-8 vs Delta-10: Final Thoughts
As you consider the Delta-8 vs Delta-10 debate, it’s good to consider what’s available from a trusted source. Both compounds offer benefits. However, that’s only if you stay responsible with your dosage.
With irresponsible behavior comes some unkind side effects. Check out the recommended dosage on any product you try and stay aware of how it impacts your body.
Like any cannabinoid, D-8 and D-10 impact people differently depending on body weight, medications, health conditions, and other factors.
If you aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, check in with your doctor. When you want to use Dela-8 products to treat something, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. With their go-ahead, look for a suitable product from a company you trust.