Cannabis plants are a blessing of nature to us in many ways. The cannabinoid industry has improved in many ways since CBD became popular in the wellness world. Do you know there are new variants of THC available in the market? THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid that possesses robust psychoactive effects, especially Delta-9 THC. So, Delta-9 is illegal in the United States. But scientists have discovered other variants of THC, delta-8, and delta 10; these drugs have lesser mind-altering effects but have many other therapeutic benefits. Many Delta 8 & Delta 10 THC products are available in the market right now. To know how delta-8 and delta-10 differ from each other and which is more suitable for your needs, keep reading.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is another cannabinoid, like delta-9 THC, present in cannabis plants (for example hemp, and marijuana). The molecular structure of these two is quite similar. But only a trace amount of delta-8 is naturally present in hemp. So, extracting it from these plants is cumbersome and expensive. Scientists have discovered a more effective method of producing delta-8 by transforming other cannabinoids like CBD into it. Many manufacturers use these methods to make the drug. It has psychoactive effects but much lesser than delta-9. Delta-8 also binds with the CB1 receptor in our brain and produces a mild euphoric effect.
What is Delta-10 THC?
Delta-10 is another cousin of delta-9 THC, present in cannabis plants. A group of scientists in Fusion Farms, California, accidentally discovered it. Before that scientists were mis-recognizing it for other cannabinoids. It also has a similar molecular and crystalline structure as delta-9. Delta-10 also offers euphoric effects, but it is less potent than delta-9 and delta-8. This cannabinoid is available only in a modicum amount (even lesser than delta-8). So, extracting it from the cannabis plants is challenging and costly.
How are the mind-altering effects of delta-8 and delta-10 different from each other?
All variants of THC can produce a psychoactive effect. But the intensity is not the same. Delta-9 is the most potent of them all. It offers you an intense high that can lead to severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, depression, and discomfort. But delta-8 & delta-9 THC products are less potent, and their mind-altering effects are also less intoxicating.
Delta-8 has half the psychoactive effects of delta-9. It gives you a euphoria that makes you feel relaxed and sleepy; many people compare these effects to the Cannabis Indica strains. According to users’ reports, it makes you feel lazy and tired, so it is better for bedtime use.
On the other hand, delta-10 has an even less intense psychoactive effect than delta-8. It makes you feel happy, uplifts your mood, boosts your energy, and drives your motivation. Many people compare these effects to the Cannabis Sativa strains. It is perfect for daytime use as it does not make you sleepy.
What is the legal status of these two types of THCs?
Delta-9 THC is mostly illegal in the United States, but Delta-8 and delta-10 products are in the legal gray area. According to Farm Bill 2018, hemp that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC is federally legal in the United States. So, even in the states where recreational marijuana (and delta-9) is illegal, these drugs are legal. But some states have laws against these products too.
Here are some states where delta-8 is specifically not legal.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- Utah
There is no restriction on delta-10 to date in any state. It is still better to check the legality before buying, selling, or carrying them around. There are some points that a manufacturer has to maintain for legal reasons.
- The products have to be hemp-derived.
- The products should not contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
- Synthetically produced drugs from delta-8 THC are illegal.
What are the benefits these THCs offer?
Both variants of THCs offer some therapeutic benefits. But they slightly differ from one another.
The therapeutic benefits of delta-8 include,
- Relaxing feeling
- Alleviating stress, anxiety, depression, and related issues
- Relieving pain and inflammation
- Change in appetite
- Improving mental health
- Calmness and euphoric feeling
- Treating insomnia
- Lowering the risk of bone diseases
The therapeutic benefits of delta-10 include-
- Improves focus and attention span
- Heightens alertness
- Boosts up energy level
- Give you a smooth euphoria
- Increases creativity
- Make you cherry and sociable
What is the difference between these THC’s chemical structures?
The term “delta” refers to the double bonds of the carbon chain. Both delta-8 and delta-10 share the same primary molecular structure as delta-9. In delta-9, the double bond occurs in the ninth carbon bond; in delta-8, the double bond lies in the eighth and delta-10 in the tenth carbon bond, respectively. These changes may not seem like a big difference, but it affects their capability of interacting with cannabinoid receptors. Delta-9 has the affinity to bind with CB1 receptors, and Delta-8 and delta-10 typically interact with CB2 receptors. The difference in their molecular structure is the primary reason behind potency.
Delta-8 vs. delta-10, which is more expensive? What are the product choices?
Currently, delta-8 products are much less expensive than delta-10 in the market. There is more amount of delta-8 present in a cannabis tree than delta-10. But that is not the reason behind the pricing, as isomerized CBD is the source of these drugs. The market demand for delta-8 is more than delta-10. So, more manufacturers, vendors, and sellers are working on that cannabinoid than the other one. Larger markets and mass productions are reasons that delta-8 is cheaper than delta-10.
There is some popular choice of products in both cannabinoids. Like-
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Vape cartridges
- Gummies
- Vape juices
- Pre-rolls
- Raw flowers
- Topicals
So now, you know the difference between delta-8 and delta-10 products. If you want to know which one is better, the answer is your preference. Both cannabinoids have different sets of therapeutic benefits. So, you can choose according to your needs. If you are looking for quality sleep at night, you can opt for delta-8, but if you want a boost in your creative energy, try delta-10. There are also mixed products available that contain both cannabinoids. You can order online and have them at your doorstep. If you have any other underlying health concerns, consult your doctor before trying these products.
