The Main Differences between Delta 8 and Delta 10

The Main Differences between Delta 8 and Delta 10

People have become more accustomed to marijuana and hemp-derived products over the years, especially as they started to discover the benefits of the cannabis sativa plant.

In the U.S. alone, around 18% of Americans – 48.2 million individuals – have tried marijuana at least one time back in 2019. Marijuana is actually an illegal drug, yet it is the most commonly used one. [1]

But today, people have more options when it comes to marijuana and hemp products. They can choose between products that contain Delta 8 or Delta 10, two different types of THC – each with its own benefits and effects. Although you may see Delta 8 and Delta 10 products in various stores, you may be confused when it comes to which one to choose as you might not know what makes them different.

This guide focuses on the main differences between Delta 8 and Delta 10. So, let’s start looking into the two types of THC, how they work, and what they can bring into your life.

How Do Delta 8 and Delta 10 Work?

Delta 8 and Delta 10 are both cannabinoids that are produced by the cannabis sativa plant. The compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system of the user, producing certain effects like relaxation, pain relief, nausea relief, and improved sleep. [2]

The two enter your body the same way: through your gastrointestinal system. While there, the cytochrome P450 enzymes of the liver metabolize the THC compounds. Because of this process, a good amount of the Delta 8 and Delta 10 is turned into individual metabolites.

Next, the THC and metabolites start circulating through your bloodstream and dispersing throughout the body. Some of the areas where the THC and metabolites tend to disperse are the peripheral organs, central nervous system, brain, fat tissue, and immune cells.

Delta 8 and Delta 10 will then start taking effect. They will cause a small psychoactive effect that will change your mood and may provide certain benefits, but also potentially bad effects in some individuals.

How Are They Made?

Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC are both cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis sativa plant. However, they are only produced in very small amounts by cannabis and hemp. More specifically, they may only be present in amounts of up to 1%. [3]

This would obviously be an issue. Not only would it make Delta 8 and Delta 10 products limited, but also very expensive – therefore, not many people would be able to buy them. But producers found a way to work around it and obtain more THC to add to their products.

Manufacturers are using a process known as “structural isomerization” to synthesize both Delta 8 and Delta 10 from CBD, but also from Delta 9 THC. This process involves using certain organic solvents to change the molecular structure of naturally sourced CBD and turning it into the desired type of THC, either Delta 8 or Delta 9.

There are other aspects you should know regarding Delta 8 and Delta 10 and how they’re made.

For instance, Delta 8 is usually made with higher amounts of CBD in it. Meanwhile, Delta 10 THC tends to include other cannabinoids, such as CBC and CBG.

Where Can You Obtain Them?

The easiest way to get your hands on products with Delta 8 or Delta 10 is by ordering them online. Various online shops sell items containing one of the compounds, so doing some research will allow you to find the right manufacturer for you.

But if you’d rather see the product in real life, you may also be able to find products with Delta 10 or Delta 8 in U.S. dispensaries. This is usually the case in states where medical marijuana is legal.

If you live in a state where medical marijuana is not legal, finding Delta 8 and Delta 10 in dispensaries is not possible. Still, you may find other cannabinoids that could be great alternatives to the two types of THC.

Why Do People Use Delta 8 Or Delta 10?

People seek Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC because they provide various benefits. They go beyond the satisfying high sensation you may experience after consuming more generous amounts of the compound. Actually, some of these benefits also include health improvements.

Delta 8 is known to boost relaxation while producing a pretty mild high sensation. The user will be calmer and may even be able to sleep, even if they used to deal with insomnia before the Delta 8 consumption.[4] The compound can also decrease anxiety and stress.

On top of that, Delta 8 is known to boost brain health,[5] increase appetite, relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

Delta 10 is a bit different in terms of benefits. Unlike Delta 8, this compound is better for people who want to stay alert, focused, and have more energy. It affects one’s body and brain differently – which is why some people may prefer Delta 10 instead of Delta 8.

Delta 10 THC can be useful in increasing your energy levels, while improving your alertness, creativity, and focus. [6]

What is even better is that the high you experience after consuming the compound is quite smooth. It’s not too intense and it will not make you feel bad – it’s rather euphoric.

What Makes Them Different?

When it comes to their chemical composition, both Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC are similar to Delta 9 THC. They are THC analogs. At the same time, they have a few differences that should be pointed out.

The carbon chain’s double bond is where you will see the difference. The double bond’s location is different in both Delta 8 and Delta 10. The double bond will occur in the 8th carbon bond in Delta 8, but in the 10th carbon bond in Delta 10.

To someone who doesn’t know a lot about chemical structures, this may not seem like it’s that special. But it’s this slight difference that makes the two types of THC have different effects on your body and make them interact with the cannabinoid system differently.

Pricing is another aspect where the two THC forms are different. Because Delta 8 is more popular, it is produced in higher amounts, and this makes it cheaper. Only in the first 8 months of 2021, there were 22.3 million searches for Delta 8 THC,[7] showing how much interest people have in this substance.

Meanwhile, Delta 10 is pricier, because there is less demand for it.

Is It True that Delta 10 Doesn’t Get You as High as Delta 8?

Something that many people don’t know when they try to choose between Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC is that the two substances cause different high levels. It can be pretty confusing, and many individuals might make the wrong choice, assuming that one is stronger than the other.

But here is the fact – Delta 8’s high will be much stronger than Delta 10’s. This is because it’s more potent. On top of that, the CBN content that is often increased in Delta 8 also raises its potency levels. Therefore, anyone who consumes it should expect to get higher than if they consumed Delta 10.

Because Delta 8 is more potent and results in a more intense high, it gained more popularity in the U.S.

But if you don’t want to get started with a strong high, you may want to consider Delta 10. It won’t result in a full body high, and it’ll be easier to manage as a beginner.

Although Delta 8 is more potent than Delta 10, one thing’s for sure – they are both weaker than Delta 9 in causing the high.

Will They Show Up on Drug Tests?

If you ever take a drug test after using Delta 8 or Delta 10, you shouldn’t be surprised to fail it. Using too much of the THC forms will easily make the compounds show up on blood or urine tests.

Drug tests generally check for the THC metabolites circulating through your body. The metabolites are the result of your body processing Delta 8 and Delta 10. So, failing a drug test can happen if these metabolites are detected.

Can You Use Delta-8 and Delta-10 in All States?

Federally, both Delta 8 and Delta 10 are legal. As long as products contain less than 0.3% THC as the 2018 Farm Bill states, they can be sold without breaking the law. [8]

Still, each state has its own laws surrounding Delta 8 and Delta 10. Thus, the compounds may not be that easily found in some states. This is why you have to check the legality in your area before you attempt to use Delta 8 and Delta 10.

Both THC forms are illegal in several states, but Delta 10 is legal in more states than Delta 8. For instance, Delta 10 is illegal in 11 states, whereas Delta 8 is illegal in 17.

Are Delta 8 and Delta 10 Safe?

Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC are both safe for the most part. They provide pleasant effects and can even help fight or treat specific health conditions. Also, between the two, Delta 10 is perhaps the safer option because it doesn’t cause such an intense high. Delta 8 is more potent, so it may be a bit more dangerous to use as it impairs your coordination and judgment.

Typically, how safe Delta 8 and Delta 10 are will depend on the manufacturer. The cleaner their extraction processes are, the better. Checking the COAs will tell you how safe the products are.

So far, there have been no cases of overdoses that brought someone to a near-death state or were actually deadly. But we cannot ignore the fact that Delta 8 and Delta 10 may carry some risks.

They are psychoactive compounds and will affect your thoughts and coordination. You may be at higher risk of injury after consuming them. Furthermore, using any of the THC types while getting medication for various health conditions could lead to side effects, as the substances might clash.

If the manufacturers also use unsafe solvents to make the THC, you may experience problems such as lung damage and others.

You should also keep in mind that the two have not been approved by the FDA for use as drugs or as ingredients for drugs. While research shows that Delta-8 THC was useful in treating nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy,[9] we’re still not at the point where the compound is approved by the FDA. Delta 10 has not been approved either.

Tips to Consider Before Using Delta 8 or Delta 10

Don’t rush – you may be eager to start your journey with your THC type of choice, but before jumping into it, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips to consider:

If you have high blood pressure, refrain from using Delta 8 or Delta 10 THC. It may only worsen your condition.

In case you’ve been diagnosed with any specific health conditions or issues, you shouldn’t take any of the two THC types.

Talk to your doctor regarding the right dosage of Delta 8 or Delta 10 if you’re unsure which amount is safe for you. Otherwise, simply start with the smallest amount available and then slowly build your way up until you reach the perfect one.

Consult your doctor regarding the potential side effects of Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC. This is especially important if you are already taking other medications, as the THC might interfere with them.

Conclusion

Delta 8 and Delta 10 are both types of THC, but they are different in many ways. It’s important to understand these differences before you start using one or the other. Make sure to check the legal status of the compound in your state first and look for a trustworthy provider to order products with Delta 8 or Delta 10.