Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is one of the most important compounds found in cannabis plants. Responsible for producing the feeling of ‘high’ in a person, this psychoactive compound is finding plenty of uses in the world of medicine.
Delta-9 THC is the naturally occurring compound that reacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). In short, delta-9, commonly known as THC, makes the user euphoric.
Even though THC has a notorious reputation, it has some derivatives that are ‘less potent’. Delta-8 THC causes a lower high than Delta-9, with the same benefits intact. Meanwhile, Delta-10 THC is gentler than both of them when it comes to making the person feel high.
Even though THC is infamous, this article goes into detail about the benefits each of these types can give to the user. In addition, it compares Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 THC with each other and explains why these drugs have become so important in the first place.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Known for alleviating stress and anxiety, delta-9 THC is the type of cannabis that causes a high. It works with the receptors present in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). Once consumed, it binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors strongly, causing one to feel euphoric.
Delta-9 is a natural compound that can be found in cannabis sativa plants. If consumed in large quantities, it can lead to addiction. However, some medicinal benefits associated with it have made it popular for treating epileptic and multiple sclerosis patients.
If the percentage of delta-9 is more than 0.3% by weight, it is considered to be cannabis and falls under Schedule I drugs.
How much THC is in Delta 9? – The THC concentration can range from 12% to 20% or more in a delta-9 strain.
Benefits
If properly administered, it is safe to use Delta-9 THC. Overall, it offers a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Insomnia
- Pain relief
- Nausea
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Moreover, it is used to create dronabinol (marinol) for increasing appetite in HIV patients, patients taking chemotherapy, and anorexics.
Consuming it in large quantities can cause:
Side Effects
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Dry mouth
- Increase in appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Lack of thinking and speech
- High dosages can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and panic attacks.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8, although similar to Delta 9, is less potent. Unlike the latter, which is intoxicating, the former is a ‘nicer younger sibling’. In short, it is famous for causing a mild ‘high’.
Researchers have found that delta-8 binds weakly to the CB1 receptor, which lowers its effects. In addition, Delta-8 users claim it’s not as strong as Delta-9, making it a viable alternative. However, research has not backed up this claim.
It is also called ‘diet weed’ due to its ability to produce a mild high with anti-inflammatory effects. Even though it is a synthetic compound, it occurs at 0.1% or less naturally. Therefore, it is produced in labs from delta-9 THC, or CBD.
How much THC is in Delta 8? Concentrations of THC in Delta-8 are about 15%–20%.
Benefits
Since it offers a “mild high” with the same medicinal benefits as Delta-9 THC, it has become quite popular. Apart from providing relaxation and energy, it is used to treat:
- Multiple sclerosis patients
- Provides pain relief and has anti-inflammatory
- Treating Insomnia
- Treating cancer patients
Side Effects
THC taken in large quantities can cause harm to the user. Although less potent than delta-9, it nevertheless carries a fair share of side effects, such as:
- Irregular blood pressure
- Uneven heart rate
- Slow breathing
- Gradual loss of sense of time
What is Delta 10 THC?
Delta 10 THC also comes from hemp CBD and is less psychoactive than both Delta 8 and 9. Users consuming the product feel relaxed and calm and boost their concentration.
Users often switch to Delta 10 because of its milder potency as compared to the other two. Similarly, it offers the same psychoactive benefits as you would find with the other THC isomers but with fewer effects.
There are a lot of gray areas when it comes to Delta 10, and more research is needed. Nevertheless, it is quite popular among cannabis users who seek recreational activities and medicinal benefits.
How much THC is in Delta 10? Usually, about 10.5% THC is contained in Delta 10.
Benefits
Research is still ongoing to determine if Delta-10 is a nicer substitute or not. However, the cannabinoid offers the following uses:
- Provides more focus.
- Mood simulation
- Treats depression
- Treats stress
- Anti-inflammatory
Side Effects
Just like any other psychoactive compound, Delta 10 has the following side effects:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lack of coordination
- Upset stomach
Delta 9 vs. Delta 8
Delta 8 is preferable to delta 9, as the former binds less strongly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors than the latter. It means delta 8 is less potent than delta 9, making it favorable for consumption.
Delta-8 is not a natural compound in hemp plants, unlike delta-9. It is made by converting delta-9, or cannabidiol (CBD), to derive the same medicinal benefits as the former.
Although Delta-9 has considerable regulations in place, the same is not the case with Delta-8. It is because of its uneven status and its derivation from CBD that it falls under the gray zone of selling and consumption.
Delta 9 vs. Delta 10
Delta 10, which is less potent than the two THC types, holds the same medicinal properties. Unlike the natural compound, delta 10 weakly binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our ECS system.
Although both types are cannabis sativa strains, Delta 10 is more sativa-high. Apart from inducing a milder high, it finds use in treating cancer and HIV patients.
Much research is needed for delta 10, but it is a good alternative to delta 9. Moreover, delta 10 is relatively new and has much lower levels of THC content than its counterpart.
Differences
Both delta-8 and delta-10 THC are nicer alternatives to the naturally occurring delta-9 THC. With just a slight difference in chemical structure, each THC type has a wide range of benefits to offer.
Selling both Delta 8 and Delta 10 is a subject under discussion. Before consuming any of the delta THC products, you must check if the compound is legal in your state. Due to a lack of regulation, these THC types are self-administered and consumed via smoking, gummies, and tinctures.
Some of the key differences are highlighted below:
| Factors | Delta 8 | Delta 9 | Delta 10 |
| Psychoactive effects | Lesser than delta 9 | High | Lesser than delta 8 and 9 |
| Origin | From Hemp CBD | From marijuana | From Hemp CBD |
| Molecular structure | Double bond on 8th carbon atom | Double bond on 9th carbon atom | Double bond on 10th carbon atom |
| Dosage | 10 – 40 mg | 5 – 20 mg | 5 – 45 mg |
| Side effects | Mild | Mild to Moderate | Very Mild |
Is it legal to use Delta THC 8, Delta THC 9, and Delta THC 10?
There are many loopholes in federal law, which makes the regulation of these compounds a difficult task. The law prohibits the THC content from exceeding 0.3% by weight, which will be classified as marijuana. However, if the content is less than 0.3%, it is hemp and legal for use.
However, both delta 8 and delta 10 are hemp-derived and less potent than delta 9. While many states prohibit the use of synthetic cannabinoids, both delta-8 and delta-10 derivatives can fall into the gray zone of legality because of this reason.
Nevertheless, Delta 8 and Delta 10 continue to find recreational and medicinal purposes, making them popular alternatives to delta THC 9.
Final Thoughts
THC is the main compound that intoxicates the user once it is consumed. However, research has found plenty of medicinal uses for each THC type. Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 are the most famous types of THC that have become popular among cannabis users.
While delta-9 is a natural compound and is found in cannabis, delta-8 and delta-10 are synthesized products of the former. Even though there are differences in the three types in terms of their chemical structure, level of potency, and range of side effects, all of them provide more or less the same benefits.
A user going for any of the delta THC derivatives must first educate themselves about their uses and side effects. Moreover, they should check its legal status before jumping to conclusions. While some states prohibit delta THC, there is ambiguity in the law when it comes to delta 8 and delta 10.
FAQs:
- What is a high level of delta-9 THC?
Any concentration of THC delta-9 greater than 0.3% by weight is considered to be high level and classified as marijuana.
- How is delta-8 THC made?
Delta-8 is made chemically from either CBD hemp or delta-9 THC.
- How long does delta-8 THC stay in your system?
It depends on the amount of dosage taken. However, its effects can last from a few hours to more than 30 days.
- How long does delta-8 THC get you high?
The high effects of delta-8 can last up to two to eight hours, depending on consumption.
- What is delta-THC?
It is a major compound found in cannabis sativa plants and causes a state of ‘high’. Delta 9 is the natural compound, while delta 8 and delta 10 are synthetic and made from either CBD hemp or delta 9 itself.