Although resembling a lot in chemical structure, Delta 10 THC and Delta 8 THC are two distinct Cannabis-derived products in terms of potency and effects on the users. 

Despite the presence in small amounts as compared to Delta 9 THC which is found in great abundance in the plant, both of these cannabinoids are quickly gaining popularity. 

However, people often confuse the two with each other as they are THC isomers. Isomer is usually referred to as those chemical compounds that resemble in chemical formula but are slightly altered in chemical structure. This different structure tends to give them their distinct properties and effects on the human body. It is best to learn the differences between them to evaluate which one will suit you the best. 

Let us discuss these two amazing cannabinoid strains in depth!

What Is Delta 10 THC?

Delta 10 THC is a positional isomer of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with a double bond at the 10th position in the chain of carbon atoms. 

Unlike the other more recognized forms like Delta 9 THC, it is one of the scantily present cannabinoids and hence, there is still much to learn about this compound. 

How Is Delta 10 THC Made?

One interesting fact about Delta 10 THC is that its discovery was unintentional. As far as the story goes, an accident or some outdoor-grown biomass purchase by Fusion Farms in California led to the contamination of one batch of cannabis with a fire retardant. While trying to salvage some THC through the distillation process, the crystals formed as a result helped in the identification of this compound. Regardless, it took months to know the difference between Delta 10 THC and other cannabinoids like CBC and CBL through rigorous testing.

As Delta 10 THC naturally occurs in only trace amounts in the cannabis plant, it is not easy to manufacture or extract in large quantities. 

The oil containing tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THC-A) from the plant is heated to manufacture various forms of THC compounds through the chemical process of decarboxylation. Then, the end product is refined to isolate this particular cannabinoid. 

How Does Delta 10 THC Work? 

Delta 10 is still considered a novel and rare compound. There are also not a lot of research studies present on its mechanism of action or working in the human body. 

From what limited literature we could find, we know that unlike Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 THC has a lesser affinity to binding with CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This is the reason that the effects caused by Delta 10 are much less intense as compared to the potent effects induced by Delta 8 or 9. 

As it has less psychoactive properties, it is often combined with other products like CBG (Cannabigerol) and CBC (Cannabichromene) to increase its efficacy. 

Some Benefits Of Delta 10 THC

Delta 10 THC is a must-try for users who are not looking for getting an intense high. According to the users on Reddit, it provides milder uplifting effects that can be a great plus for kickstarting your day with a creative and energy-filled spirit. 

Users also claim to feel more relaxed and stress-free, and that too with less anxiety and paranoia as they feel with other CBD strains.

Some Side Effects Of Delta 10 THC

As it is a mild form of cannabinoid, the human body is known to easily tolerate it. There are only a few instances noted where the users felt any kind of adverse effects with the usage of Delta 10 THC. 

Nonetheless, the side effects it produces are mild-moderate. 

It can induce:

• Mild weakness or lethargy
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Red eyes
• Increase in appetite
• Altered senses
• Dry mouth

What Is Delta 8 THC? 

Just like Delta 10, Delta 8 is also a positional isomer of THC. The only structural difference between the two is the double bond that is present at the 8th position in the carbon chain atoms instead of the 10th. 

Compared to Delta 9 THC, the most abundant psychoactive compound in cannabis, Delta 8 is less potent and causes mild highs. Hence, the name “Marijuana Lite.” However, it is still considered stronger than Delta 10. 

Although it was discovered earlier than Delta 10, there is still not a lot of literature present on this cannabinoid as it is also scarcely present in the cannabis plant. However, the latest advancement has led to the manufacturing of concentrated forms of Delta 8 THC isolated from hemp-extract CBD in the lab also. 

How Is Delta 8 THC Made?

Just like Delta 10, Delta 9, THC is not found abundantly in the cannabis plant. However, industrialists have found a way to synthetically manufacture it from the CBD extracted from hemp. This process involves using a solvent like ethanol or carbon dioxide. 

The next step consists of isomerization assisted by an acid catalyst like hydrochloric acid to speed up the chemical reaction. It results in a good amount of concentrated Delta 8 THC and some other by-products, which are separated by meticulously refining the end product. 

How Does Delta 8 THC Work?

Just like most other cannabinoids, Delta 8 also interacts with the receptors present in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the human body. The basic function of the endocannabinoid system is to induce neuronal communication and influence physiological functions such as discomfort, unease, metabolism, inflammation, learning, development, and whatnot. 

Certain enzymes act on the delta 8 when it combines with CB1 receptors within the ECS. It then sends the neuro-synaptic signals to the different organs to work accordingly to gain strengthened physiological function. 

Some Benefits Of Delta 8 THC

Although there is a lack of any solid scientific research and proof that studies the potential effects of Delta 8 THC, there are a few studies that have tried to evaluate its usefulness in comparison to Delta 9 -the most popular cannabinoid present in cannabis plants.

A research study conducted just last year found that Delta 8 provides most of the health benefits of Delta 9 and that too while facing fewer side effects. According to it, most of the users experienced relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, sensitivity to time, etc. The best thing was that most didn’t feel any paranoia or anxiety felt with the usual hemp-derived products. 

Moreover, some users on Reddit say that although it’s not as strong as Delta 9, it still provides increased focus and a great feeling of euphoria. 

Some Side Effects Of Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 naturally occurs in small quantities in the cannabis plant. This is the reason that most of this cannabinoid available in the market is synthetically manufactured by using strong acids and solvents that might be harmful if not regulated properly. 

Although the adverse effects reported with Delta 8 usage are relatively low compared to Delta 9, there are still some that might be worrying for the users. 

Here are some of them: 

• Problems faced with short-term memory
• Confusion  
• Altered sense of time
• Drowsiness
• A few instances of anxiety and paranoia
• Bradycardia or tachycardia
• Low blood pressure
• Numbness
• Vomiting

Delta 10 THC VS Delta 8 THC: How To Differentiate?

Which One Is Better?

Well, there is no one answer to this question, as it mostly depends on your preference and what type of properties you are looking for in your desired cannabinoid. 

Delta 8 is more potent than Delta 10 and hence, provides more psychoactive effects. While the latter is milder and comes with softer effects on the users.

Speaking in a nutshell, Delta 10 is better for you if you are looking for:

• A soft high with pleasant effects.
• Less psychotropic effects.
• Relaxation with no to minimal drowsiness.
• Good focus and energy levels.
• Avoid experiencing many side effects.

However, Delta 8 is better for you in case you are intending to experience the following: 

• A strong high that can last for some good time.
• A good pain management remedy.
• Relief from stress and anxiety for extended periods.
• Stimulate your appetite.
• More cost-effective than Delta 10.

The best way to find which one is better for you is by trying them out for yourself and seeing how your body reacts to it. One product that suits your friend might not have the same reaction as you. 

It’s better to start small with smaller doses in a form that is easily available to you, like vape or gummies, and check for yourself if it suits you or not. 

Do Delta 10 And Delta 8 Show Up On Drug Tests?

Both cannabinoids can show up in a drug test and can cause you to fail it. Most of the drug tests are not able to differentiate between the different THC isomers. As Delta 9 shows up in these tests, there is no doubt that Delta 8 and 10 would not. 

Though, the estimation of how long the metabolites can remain in your system mostly depends on your body’s metabolism. Generally speaking, the traces can remain in your body for a few days to several weeks.

That is why, if you are aware that you might be having a drug test coming up, it is better to avoid using any of the two products. 

Some Of The Best Delta 8 And Delta 10 THC Brands 

Finding safe and authentic THC products might not be easy online, especially when there are no regulations set in place on a federal level. 

However, we have a few vendor names in mind that we think are genuine and sell high-quality Delta 8 and 10 THC products. 

Here are some of them:

• Grassroot Harvest
• Supernatural Botanical
• Exhale Wellness
• Fab CBD
• Bud Pop
• Cheef Botanicals 

Conclusion 

Both Delta 8 and 10 THC are not found in abundance naturally. This is the reason that they are not as popular as the Delta 9. 

Regardless, they are also slowly gaining their fan base, considering their potential health benefits with lesser experiences of adverse effects- especially anxiety and paranoia. 

Although Delta 8 has more potent psychoactive effects, Delta 10 still provides a mild and pleasant high with other benefits. Also, Delta 8 is readily available at cheaper rates than Delta 10 -as the latter is still considered a novel product that is not manufactured in large quantities. All in all, both have their own set of pros and cons. Hence, choose wisely!