Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 10 THC: Which is stronger & What's the difference?

There is no secret that a wide range of cannabinoids can be found within cannabis and hemp. And it seems the industry itself has reached a positive understanding of the CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9 in general. 

However, hitting the scene now is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in higher quality hemp and cannabis strains known as Delta-10. This spotlight compound can now be found in several market products such as Delta-10 gummies and other edibles, vapables, and even Delta-10 tinctures that can be added to any food or drink.

What exactly is Delta 10?

Delta 10 is a lesser-known cannabinoid that, as stated above, can be found in higher-quality hemp and cannabis strains. Even more surprising is that most people in the industry didn't know it existed until recently due to the influx of other market information on Delta 10's famous sister cannabinoids CBD, Delta 8, and Delta-9.  

Delta 10 is a minor cannabinoid in trace amounts of hemp and cannabis plants and starts as an isomer of Delta-9. Similar to how Delta-8 is converted, Delta-10 is also transfigured within a laboratory from Delta-9 or CBD. However, it is typically produced and predominantly extracted from Delta-9 through isomerization. Thus, transforming Delta-9 to Delta 10 or even Delta 8, being possible because they all share the same chemical compounds with different structures. 

Delta 10 was initially discovered by studying the conversion of THC to CBD, which presented the additional isomers (or contrasting classifications of THC). From a chemical standpoint, all THC isomers have a basic structure when broken down. The placement of one bond will create a divergence between different isomers. 

A way to understand that in visual terms is, Delta 8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon chain, hence the name. At the same time, Delta-9 has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain. So it makes sense that Delta-10 follows the same pattern and has a double bond on the 10th carbon chain, which is why Delta 10 stands in the legal grey area alongside CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9.  

What is the difference between Delta 8 and Delta 10?

Since these cannabinoids are so similar, the differences lay within their effects on the human body and the fact that Delta 8 can only produce one compound, whereas Delta 10 can create six different isomers (or variations of consumable strains).  

Though studies are still being done on the psychotropic effects of Delta 10, so far, it doesn't show to have the same result as straight THC or even Delta 8 when consumed. Buyers have noted that when using Delta-8 products, they have a more relaxing experience with mild psychotropic effects. At the same time, Delta 10 consumers have stated it has the opposite impact giving its users an energizing and uplifting experience, similar to a mood enhancer.  

When thinking about it in a simple format; Delta-8 would be considered more of an indicia, and Delta-10 would be regarded as more of a Sativa without the minor psychotropics. Studies have even suggested that the higher psychoactivity of Delta-8 is what causes it to have more of a sedative-like result in comparison. 

Though Delta-8 and Delta-10 may be neighbors on the carbon chain with minor chemical distinctions, it's still enough to produce those uniquely different cognitive and physical effects.  

What are the benefits of Delta 10?

Although Delta-10 may be new to the consumer market, it has been around for quite a while from a scientific standpoint. It was starting as early as the 1980s; a study conducted by scientist Raphael Mechoulam, a cannabis research pioneer, observed the effect of Delta-10 compared to Delta-9 on pigeons. Although since then, there hasn't been much lab research focused on this particular cannabinoid for obvious legal reasons until recently.  

That being said, and because I am not a medical expert, I wouldn't know that Delta-10 is the cure for any particular ailment. Although from a user standpoint, consumers have stated it seems to help them with several painful areas surrounding focus, anxiety, and pain points—especially when combining Delta-10 with other cannabinoid and terpene profiles. 

Does Delta 10 get you high?

Yes and no.

Since Delta-10 can be derived from cannabis and not just hemp, it has the potential to make you feel buzzed. Although, the Delta-10 high is less intense than Delta-8 and Delta-9.

As stated above, Delta 8 will give you more of a relaxed feel and body high. In contrast, Delta 10 will provide its users a cerebral buzz due to it having a weaker affinity for binding to consumers CB1 receptors. According to some users, Delta-10 does have that Sativa feel to it, which typically results in less paranoia and anxiety.  

Because Delta-10 strains provide effects that lean towards cerebral and uplifting, it makes it better suited for daytime use. Whereas Delta-8, as you can guess, is more suitable for taking in the evenings when it's time to wind down for the day. '

Though Delta-10 won't give users the same high feeling, consumers may be used too with other cannabis and hemp products. It is crucial to keep in mind that Delta-10 THC-based products could still have the potential of failing a drug test. Most testing equipment and compositions cannot distinguish between various THC isomers. However, if you are using Delta-10 derived from hemp, you run less of a risk of failing a drug test.  

What are the different products for Delta 10?

Because Delta-10 is still new to the market, its products are pretty limited at the moment. However, this is expected to change quickly as this new cannabinoid gains traction within the industry.  

There are currently a few trusted companies out there that do offer several products such as:

Current Delta-10 Products:

• Delta-10 Gummies
• Delta-10 Vape Juice
• Delta-10 Tinctures
• Delta-10 Hard Candies
• Delta-10 Chocolates
• Delta-10 Flavored Drink Powder
• Delta-10 Disposable Vape Carts
• Delta-10 Oil Cartridges
• Delta-10 Raw Distillates

Up and Coming Delta-10 Products:

• Delta-10 Edibles (Expanding Further)
• Delta-10 Capsules (Soft Gel and Extended-Release)
• Delta-10 Flower (Loose and Pre-Rolls)
• Delta-10 Beverages
• Delta-10 Topicals and Roll-Ons

The Delta 10 market and its offerings are very similar to the Delta 8 market and its current products as well. Because these two are so new, despite when they each came onto the scene. The industry is still working through the grey area of legalities and regulations to provide the best quality product.  

Is Delta 10 legal?

Delta-10 derived from both cannabis and hemp plants exist in parallel grey areas within federal and state legalities. Technically it is considered legal on the state level no matter what it is derived from in 29 US states. However, for it to be legal federally, it must still come from a hemp plant containing less than 0.3% THC.

Though it may sound simple, consumers still have to keep in mind that according to the DEA, "All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol remain Schedule l controlled substances." 

This means that Delta-10 derived from cannabis is (federally) illegal because of its association with marijuana. The loophole presented here is that Delta-10 derived from hemp extract and not cannabis means that it exists in a legal grey zone.  

A potential roadblock to Delta-10 becoming fully legal along with its family of happy cannabinoids would be the ambiguous language used by the DEA. 

A couple of states are currently arguing that the entire Delta family are synthetically derived, thus making them federally illegal. However, most other states such as CA, CO, and OK, to name a few, haven't put forth any effort towards regulating it from a legal standpoint. 

With that said, Delta-10 is legal, but in the same sense that the entirety of the cannabis and hemp industry is legal. It's a growing industry with new developments coming into fruition every day, and with that growth, regulations and laws will naturally follow. 

Closing Points.

If you are new to Delta 10, you should always consult a medical professional before introducing anything new to your routine. Though Delta-10 is an excellent cannabinoid with professed positive effects and properties, it cannot cure every ailment in existence. 

But if you're looking for something that still has the potential to add energy and focus and comes in fun forms like gummies or even tinctures to add to your morning coffee. Then Delta 10 would be a great avenue to explore.

Some key things to remember when finding the best fit for you as a consumer, always look for companies and products backed by SEO lab work and show the breakdown of the product's milligram and contents. Lab-tested products are essential because they are screened for contaminants such as pesticides, residual solvents, vitamin e acetate, and other unsafe carcinogens.  

Hemp-based companies, like Evan37, are one of the few in the market today that will go above and beyond in showing details behind their quality and lab-tested products. While also offering a variety of consumables like Delta-10 gummies, vapables (vape juice), and tinctures which can all be sourced confidently in a one-stop-shop. 

As it stands, Delta 10 does not provide more psychotropic effects than Delta-8 and offers a new experience from traditional Delta-9 results, especially when combined with various cannabinoids and terpene profiles. Delta 10 products can also be purchased online in most states, as long as it's produced from plants containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Written by: Ariel Horvath