Delta 10 vs Delta 8 – Understanding the Differences - June 12, 2022

Did you know that the cannabis plant contains more than 500 chemicals? While research on most of them is lacking, there has been a lot of focus on the Delta 10 vs Delta 8 debate.

Ever since these substances were introduced, they have taken over the cannabis market. Perhaps, this is because they offer potent effects, while also being easy to manage. However, most people are still afraid to try them out as they feel they might be as strong as Delta 9.

Delta 9 is highly potent, and not something for a beginner to try. But, that is not the case with the aforementioned delta variants. So, let’s understand more about them in detail and how Delta 8 and Delta 10 differ from each other.

What Is Delta 8?

Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid naturally found in small amounts in the cannabis and hemp plants. It reacts with the CB1 receptors in your brain and when consumed in the right quantity, imparts calming and slightly euphoric effects.

However, it is not advisable to consume Delta 8 in high quantities as you may experience intense psychoactive effects, along with nausea, paranoia, dry mouth, and in some cases, anxiety.

These side effects are rare as long as you stick to the recommended dosage or serving size. Delta 8 is half as potent as Delta 9 and will most likely just give you a mellow head high. Moreover, Delta 8 boosts creativity and allows you to focus on the task at hand. As a result, you feel more productive rather than feeling sleepy. It also takes a bit longer than Delta 9 to work.

Now, Delta 8 has become pretty popular considering the amount of D8 products there are today. From gummies and smokes to drinks and vapes, you can find it all.

But, one thing you should know is that the Delta 8 products you find in the market are infused with hemp derived D8. But, since D8 is naturally present in minute quantities, it is synthetically produced from other abundantly found cannabinoids such as CBD. This is what most D8 products are made of.

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What Is Delta 10?

Delta 10 is a psychoactive, minor cannabinoid found in the hemp and cannabis plant. It is only present in trace amounts in both, and is therefore not very easy to extract.

Similar to Delta 8 THC, it reacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system to provide calming and uplifting effects, reducing stress and tension. There is also some ongoing research to study its medical benefits.

If you consume Delta 10 in large quantities, you may not experience a lot of psychoactivity as compared to the other variants. However, there are lots of other differences between Delta 10, and Delta 8 that can give one edge over the other. So, let’s take a detailed look at them.

Delta 10 vs Delta 8 – What’s the Difference?

There are some considerable differences between these two variants, such as:

• Molecular Structure

  • Delta 8 and Delta 10 are isomers of Delta 9 THC. So, there is a very slight difference in their molecular structures. This difference is the reason why they react differently inside your body and have different levels of psychoactivity.
  • Delta 10 has a single bond on the 10th carbon ring, while Delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon ring. As a result, the latter is 50-65% as potent as Delta 9, and 20-30% more potent than Delta 10.

• Effects

  • Delta 8 is stronger than Delta 10 despite their very similar chemical structures. It provides a mild, long-lasting high that is still more potent and long lasting than Delta 10.
  • Delta 8 provides calming and relaxing effects, along with a very mild high while Delta 10 is uplifting, and energizing with a lower high. The former is also known to boost appetite while the latter has little to no effect on appetite.
  • Delta 8 is a much more suitable alternative to Delta 9 than Delta 10, as D10 simply cannot match the desired effects. The former also has a higher bioavailability with the endocannabinoid system than the latter.

• Source

  • Delta 8 is a micro cannabinoid. It is available in very small quantities in the hemp plant. It can be an expensive and time consuming process to extract such trace amounts. This is why manufacturers synthesize it from hemp based CBD, using a chemical process called isomerization.
  • Delta 10 is present in hemp in minute quantities, which is why it is also synthetically produced using CBD isolate or raw hemp extract. Additives like acids and Vitamin C derivatives are used during the synthesization process to make Delta 10.

Also Read: Delta 8 vs Delta 9 THC: What’s the Difference?

Delta 10 and Delta 8 – What Is Their Legal Status?

Currently, Delta 8 is in a sort of a legally-gray area, as all its products available in the market are derived from hemp and not the marijuana plant. According to the FDA Farm Bill of 2018, the definition of legal hemp strictly mentions Delta 9. The Bill legalizes hemp on the condition that it should contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. As a result, Delta 8 could be sold “legally” because it was simply not mentioned in the bill. However, the following states have recently banned it:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Montana
• New York
• Nevada
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Utah
• Washington

As for Delta 10, it is fully federally legal in 38 American states. Since Delta 10 products are made from hemp-derived D10, it allows manufacturers to produce and sell it legally. However, Delta 10, too, was recently made illegal in the states mentioned below.

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Delta 8 and Delta 10 are similar in the sense that you do not need a recommendation to buy and use these cannabinoids. As long as the products are hemp derived, you can legally order them online and use them without a professional’s recommendation. However, this exception does not apply to cannabis. You will have to have a medical evaluation with a licensed physician to use the same. Online Medical Card can help you connect with the right doctors and complete the process.

Delta 8 vs. Delta 10 – What’s Better?

You cannot simply pick whether Delta 8 or Delta 10 is better for you. First, you’ll have to consider the differences. Then, you also have to consider other things and ask yourself these questions-

• What do you want to use it for?
• Are you looking for mild symptoms or something more potent?
• Do you want to feel relaxed or energetic and productive?
• Is it legal in your state or not?

Besides this, you also need to be aware of your tolerance. If you have experience with cannabis or derivatives, you may be able to handle Delta 8 and Delta 10 easily. If not, it’s best to consult a professional or just stay safe and microdose.

Conclusion

Delta 10 or Delta 8, whichever may be your choice, each one can be helpful in improving your health and overall wellness when used properly. Both cannabinoids are therapeutic and effective in managing several health problems such as stress, anxiety and pain. But, many minor differences such as we’ve discussed above can give you a better idea about which one suits you best. So, in the debate of Delta 10 vs Delta 8, which one will you side with? Make a decision and order your favorite to experience the benefits.