Delta 8 vs. Delta 10

Delta 8 vs. Delta 10

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Since the isolation and availability of CBD (cannabidiol), the cannabis industry has taken off with isolating different cannabinoids and bringing them to the market. From a consumer perspective, though, this can be tough to keep up with; once you think you’ve figured one thing out, there’s already something else newer out there. But we’re here to help. This blog will detail everything you need to know about delta 8 vs delta 10 THC products — what they are, what the difference is, the legality of each, and how each of them could benefit you.

Differences in Effects

Both delta 8 and delta 10 are closely related to delta 9 THC — the main psychoactive component in cannabis. However, the subtle differences in these compounds create effects that are starkly different from regular THC.

Delta 8 Effects

Delta 8 has effects similar to indica strains of cannabis. Users report that delta 8 creates a smooth, mellow, and relaxed state, without the anxiety and paranoia that some people experience with traditional THC. This is because delta 8 is only about half as psychoactive as delta 9 THC. Lower doses of delta 8 create a slight sense of euphoria, decrease anxiety, and increase sociability. Higher doses of delta 8 can make you lethargic — perfect for dosing before bed if you’re a troubled sleeper. Delta 8 is also associated with increased appetite.

Delta 10 Effects

Delta 10 has effects similar to sativa strains of cannabis. Users report that delta 10 creates a mild euphoria while also elevating mood, increasing drive and focus, and boosting energy levels. Delta 10 is perfect for daytime use when you need to stay alert and focused on a task. And, like delta 8, delta 10 offers these benefits without the anxiety and paranoia associated with delta 9 THC.

Chemical Structure

The reason that these cannabinoids create different effects in your body has everything to do with their chemical structures. Delta 8 and delta 10 are both structurally very similar to delta 9 THC. The main difference in the makeup of these structures is the placement of the double bond in the carbon chain. As their names suggest, the double bond occurs on the eighth carbon bond in delta 8 THC, on the 9th carbon bond in delta 9 THC, and on the 10th carbon bond in delta 10 THC.

So what does any of that mean, and why does it matter? Well, these small changes in the makeup of these structures change the way they interact with our bodies. These structures are built to interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located mostly in the brain and throughout the body, and CB2 receptors are mostly in the immune system.

Delta 8 and delta 10 bond primarily with CB2 receptors, while delta 9 bonds primarily with CB1 receptors. This is the reason that delta 9 THC is primarily psychoactive, while delta 8 and delta 10 have more effects on the body than the brain.

Legality

Delta 8 and delta 10 THC both remain federally legal. However, some states have banned one or both of these products.

Delta 8 Is Illegal in these States:

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Kentucky
Idaho
Iowa
Michigan
Mississippi
Montana
New York
North Dakota
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Washington

Delta 10 Is Illegal in these States:

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

Dosage

The dose for both delta 8 and delta 10 is between 25-50mg. However, experiences will differ based on the user, their weight, their experience, their tolerance, and other factors. Some users may experience the desired effects on as little as 10mg, while others may want to take more than 50mg to achieve their desired results. Beginners should start with a small dose, say 10-20mg, record their experiences, and slowly increase the dosage from there.

Extraction

So how are these compounds made? Because these compounds are found in such trace amounts in naturally occurring cannabis and hemp plants, it is not feasible to extract these compounds directly from plants. Rather, these compounds are created in a lab.

The process is… complex, and it’s basically the same for both delta 8 and delta 10 THC. Both of these structures are created through a process called “isomerization” — defined by Britannica as ” the chemical process by which a compound is transformed into any of its isomeric forms, i.e., forms with the same chemical composition but with different structure or configuration and, hence, generally with different physical and chemical properties.”

So, both delta 8 and delta 10 THC start out as CBD. Pure CBD isolate is used, and through a series of chemical processes, delta 8 or delta 10 are created from the CBD structures. Again, this is possible because these all have the same chemical composition, but in different structures.

Interestingly, though it is possible to change CBD isolate into both delta 8 or delta 10, creating delta 8 is reportedly much, much easier. This is the reason why the market is so heavily saturated with delta 8 products, while there are only a few delta 10 products around right now. Research is constantly catching up, though, and we won’t be surprised to see more and more delta 10 products hitting the market in the near future.