Delta 10 vs. Delta 8 What Are The Differences

Delta-10 and delta-8 are two types of THC derived from cannabis, with plenty of similarities. However, if you are getting into the weeds (pun intended) as you try to navigate the ever-growing world of consumer cannabis products, you may be wondering if there are any significant differences between these two compounds. 

After all, with similar names and only a minor, two-digit numerical difference, you may be thinking the two are virtually the same. However, there are some important and distinguishable differences when it comes to delta-10 vs. delta-8, and understanding them is key when it comes to purchasing the right products for the cannabis effects you are seeking. 

We will start with the basics of THC and CBD to guide you through how we extract (or create) these cannabinoids and what sort of effects they produce.

Cannabinoids: How They Work

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, and you might think of them as the "external partners" to natural compounds we produce in our own bodies, which are called endocannabinoids. 

Our endocannabinoid system is one of the most incredible and complex features of the human body; it is responsible for homeostasis, which is a way of describing how our bodies optimize a variety of functions.

The way external cannabinoids work in this system is by binding to receptors and then producing similar effects to the endocannabinoids. Because of this, there is growing interest in the two most popular compounds from the cannabis plant, THC and CBD. The more we learn about how they work with our bodies' own complex systems, the more we see their potential for a wide variety of therapeutic effects.

THC and CBD products are now a huge part of the health and wellness industry, but they are not "one size fits all." Seeking relief with cannabis could mean different things to different users, who could be looking for products that help with sleep issues, anxiety, fatigue, pain management, inflammation, and more.

Even those only casually acquainted with the cannabis market are typically aware of the main difference between THC and CBD: the former is associated with a "high," and the latter is not. But once you start using labels such as "delta-8," there is even less understanding about what these names mean and how these compounds work in our bodies.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC, is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant; that plant has two varieties: hemp and marijuana. Even though the marijuana plant produces this cannabinoid, it does not produce it in especially large quantities. 

Enter science.

In order to make delta-8 THC and its many benefits available to more people, it is often synthetically produced from CBD, which is derived from hemp. The CBD is turned into delta-8 by exposing it to a catalyst, which creates a chemical reaction. Hydrochloric acid is one common catalyst used in this process.

Delta-8 quickly earned the nickname "diet weed" thanks to the fact that it is perceived as a "lighter" high than that of delta-9 THC (the compound found in large concentrations in the marijuana plant). Delta-8 is described as less intense than delta-9, which is preferable for some users.

Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 is showing promise in terms of its medicinal and healing effects. For example, it may be used as part of a pain-management protocol, to aid with sleep issues, or to reduce anxiety.

Delta-8 THC has not been as widely studied as delta-9, so we still have a long way to go in terms of fully understanding its potential uses and benefits, but the results thus far look promising.

What Is Delta-10?

Delta-10 THC is similar to delta-8 in its origins. The concentration of delta-10 THC in marijuana plants is extremely low, so delta-10 is synthetically produced from hemp-derived CBD in order to make it available in larger quantities for consumer products. 

It shares in common with delta-8 (and also delta-9, for that matter), a chemical formula, but its atoms are arranged differently. The numerical part of the naming of these compounds refers to where the double carbon bond occurs in its makeup: in the case of delta-10, the double carbon bond is in the tenth position.

Delta-10 is a psychoactive compound just like delta-9 THC; however, users report a high they describe as more "clear-headed" than that of delta-9. Delta-10 is growing in popularity among those who use cannabis products with the goal of boosting creativity and productivity as opposed to seeking a high while camping or hanging out at a music festival.

This illustrates how truly remarkable cannabis is in its effects. With hundreds of compounds, this plant really does offer something for everyone, which is why the consumer market for THC and CBD products continues to grow. 

Delta-10 Vs. Delta-8: What Are the Differences?

At this point, you may be wondering how delta-10 and delta-8 might differ from one another. You now know that both of them are produced synthetically from hemp-derived CBD since they are not present in large enough quantities in marijuana strains, and you know that they have psychoactive effects. 

Both compounds have been the subject of increased attention from the cannabis consumer product industry, and it is safe to assume you will see more products containing delta-10 and delta-8 in the future.

As those products are manufactured and made available, it will become even more important for consumers to understand the differences between delta-10 and delta-8. Sometimes, even subtle differences in compounds can mean important distinctions in the way they affect us once smoked or ingested. 

The differences between delta-10 and delta-8 are best summed up by users as follows:

• A "high" from delta-8 is described as calming, relaxing, and focused.
• A "high" from delta-10 is described as uplifting and energizing.

The rule of thumb to remember when deciding between delta-10 and delta-8 is to ask yourself, "Am I looking for a relaxing experience or an energizing one?" 

In the case of delta-8, "relaxing" does not necessarily mean this cannabinoid will have you slipping into your PJs and drifting off to dream. It just means you will be calm and clear-headed, so it might be your go-to cannabis on a day when you know you have a lot on your plate, and you want to tackle it effectively and without anxiety. 

Delta-10, on the other hand, might be your go-to cannabis when you know you need more of an uplift, but without quite as much potency as delta-9 THC.

Whether you are using products containing delta-8, delta-9, or delta-10, be sure you are always purchasing them from a trusted manufacturer like Snoozy. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we are proud to offer high-quality, lab-tested products made in the USA.