Is Delta 8 Or Delta 10 Stronger?

There are different types of THC. The regular type you are most likely familiar with is Delta-9 THC. When you go to purchase cannabis in a dispensary and it indicates having a certain THC percentage, that's Delta-9 THC. It's also the main culprit behind the high you get after smoking cannabis!

However, you also need to know about Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. So, what are they? And how do they compare to Delta-9 THC? Well, hang on and learn more about these novel cannabinoids.

Key Takeaways

• Both Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are isomers of Delta-9 THC. They are all closely related, but not the same.
• Delta 8 is the stronger of the two and may be up to twice as potent.
• Delta-8 THC may produce a notable psychoactive high since it's more potent and generally more sedating, whereas Delta-10 THC is milder and more energetic.

What is Delta 10 vs Delta-8 THC?

We've established that Delta-9 THC is the major form of THC in cannabis. Also, it is found in high quantities and is therefore referred to as a major cannabinoid. Delta-9 THC together with CBD are the two major cannabinoids.

However, there are over 110 cannabinoids, all of which are generally considered minor cannabinoids. This is because they occur in very small quantities in cannabis and hemp. As such, Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are both viewed as minor cannabinoids.

Since they occur in such small quantities, extracting them from raw plant matter is not feasible. It would cost too much money and a lot of plant matter. For this reason, Delta 8 and Delta-10 THC are generally synthesized from CBD or Delta-9 THC. We will discuss in greater detail further below.

Synthesizing Delta 8 and Delta 10 from hemp CBD implies they are legal under federal law. If these cannabinoids were however extracted directly from the cannabis plant, then they would not be legal.

As isomers of Delta-9 THC, Delta 8 and Delta 10 are essentially chemical variants of Delta-9 THC. In other words, they are closely related to Delta 9, but not quite the same.

Also, it's interesting how Delta-10 THC was discovered.

Delta-10 THC was discovered in a crop of cannabis plants that were sprayed with a special fire retardant meant to keep the plants from going up in flames due to raging California wildfires. Once the cannabis crop was harvested and analyzed, it was found to have Delta 10.

Also worth mentioning is that Delta 9 is the most researched cannabinoid. Compared to other cannabinoids, there is limited scientific information about Delta-10 THC. But we know a little we can share.

How are Delta 8 and Delta-10 THC Made?

Delta 8 and Delta 10 are typically not extracted directly from plant matter. Not only would it be too costly and time-consuming, but would also quite likely result in the same product.

This means that for commercial production, Delta 10 and Delta 8 must be artificially synthesized. This is where things can get a little complicated. The process starts relatively the same.

First, CBD is extracted from hemp. It's then turned into a semi-synthetic version of Delta 9 through a process known as Lewis acid catalyzation. Scientists then use a method known as isomerization to convert the semi-synthetic Delta 9 into either Delta 8 or Delta 10.

Through isomerization, one molecule turns into a slightly different molecule, or an isomer of the original molecule. This process turns Delta 9 into either Delta 8 or Delta 10.

As you will see below, this process also results in a slight difference in the chemical composition of both cannabinoids.

What’s the Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 10?

There are a few differences between Delta 8 and Delta 10, so let's take a quick look at what these are.

The Chemical Composition

In terms of the chemical or molecular structure, the double bond that occurs in both molecules occurs in different positions.

On Delta-8 THC, the double bond occurs on the 8th carbon, whereas in Delta-10 THC, the double bond is located on the 10th carbon atom.

This might seem irrelevant, but this actually affects how these cannabinoids bind with your endocannabinoid system, as well as the potency of the effects. For instance, the placement of the double bond on Delta-8 THC explains why it is more potent than Delta-10 THC.

Interactions with the ECS

Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC, just like Delta-9 THC, interact with the cannabinoid receptors in your body. Humans have an endocannabinoid system.

This system consists of a series of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors that collectively mediate wide-ranging physiological and biological bodily functions.

There are two types of cannabinoid receptors in the ECS: the CB1 receptors, which are located mainly in the central nervous system, and the CB2 receptors, which are located in your immune system and other areas of the body.

For cannabinoids to exert their effects, they must bind to these cannabinoid receptors. As mentioned earlier, the location of the double bond in THC isomers determines how strongly they interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Delta-8 THC's binding affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors explains its broad range of effects and potential health benefits. However, Delta 10 has a much lower affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors, therefore generally resulting in a less potent high, fewer effects, and potentially fewer benefits as well.

The Potential Benefits

Although more research is required to determine the differences in benefits of these cannabinoids, it is probable that Delta 8 has more benefits than Delta 10. The reason is that Delta-8 THC has a stronger affinity for CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.

Generally speaking, these cannabinoids are thought to have a variety of potential benefits. For example, both cannabinoids may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

They may also have the potential to regulate mood by affecting serotonin and dopamine transmitters. As such, they may also help reduce stress by affecting cortisol levels. They can both be relaxing and calming and potentially put you in a better mood.

Both cannabinoids may also be antiemetic, which means that they may help to reduce nausea and vomiting. Both may also be appetite-stimulating due to how they affect hunger hormones. Delta 10 and Delta 8 may even both have neuroprotective properties, which means that they may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative disease.

As you can tell, the potential benefits of both cannabinoids are quite similar, if not the same. The difference, however, lies in potency.

Because Delta-8 THC has a higher affinity for cannabinoid receptors, it should generally also have greater effects. Delta-10 THC doesn't bind as well with your cannabinoid receptors, and therefore the benefits, although they do exist, are likely not quite as pronounced as with Delta-8 THC.

The Effects and Potency

A key difference between these cannabinoids is potency. If you recall, we said that Delta-9 THC was the baseline THC cannabinoid. Delta-8 THC is roughly 50% to 60% as potent as Delta-9 THC.

It is also thought that Delta-10 THC is only 20% to 40% as potent as Delta-9 THC. Based on this, it would be fair to assume that Delta-10 THC is therefore substantially less potent than Delta-8 THC.

Although both are substantially less potent than Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC may be roughly twice as potent as Delta-10 THC. This difference in potency and the difference in how they interact with the endocannabinoid system likely influence the extent of their benefits and effects.

Delta-8 THC also tends to produce a notable high. One that's quite close to that of Delta-9 THC, albeit not as pronounced. It's likely to induce a substantial head high characterized by some elation, euphoria, happiness, mental calmness, relaxation, and general cognitive impairment.

On the flip side, Delta-8 THC may make you feel a bit slow and groggy, and likely impair your cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. Furthermore, it may also produce a mild body buzz characterized by heaviness of the limbs, possible tingling, and general muscle relaxation, along with sedation.

Delta-10 THC, on the other hand, does not produce nearly as pronounced a high as Delta-8 THC. The high from Delta-10 THC appears to be relaxing and subtle. Although you should feel mentally calm, relaxed, and happy, you probably won't feel quite as euphoric or elated.

Furthermore, you may also experience some bodily relaxation, heavy limbs, and possible pain relief, but these effects also won't be nearly as pronounced as with Delta-8 THC. Interestingly, users report feeling a bit more creative and energetic after taking Delta-10 THC, almost like a very mild Sativa strain.

Delta-8 THC tends to be a bit more sedative in nature, whereas Delta-10 THC is energizing. For most users, Delta-8 THC is usually better for nighttime use, whereas Delta-10 THC is usually better for daytime use.

The Side Effects

Delta-8 THC may produce a variety of side effects, including fatigue, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, red eyes, an altered sense of time, and short-term memory issues. With Delta-10 THC, the potential side effects are unknown.

However, based on firsthand accounts and anecdotal evidence, it would appear that the side effects are somewhat similar but not as pronounced. Due to the lower potency of Delta-10 THC, the side effects also tend to be infrequent and, when they occur, they're less severe.

Delta 10 vs. Delta 8: How Do They Make You Feel?

Delta-8 THC should feel something like a Delta-9 THC high, but just not as strong. You will most likely feel a cerebral high and a strong body high. You'll likely feel sensations of elation, euphoria, happiness, and mental relaxation, and you'll just feel a good buzz overall.

Delta-8 THC also tends to be sedating in nature and may also induce hunger.

On the other hand, Delta-10 THC is much milder and more subtle. You won't feel nearly as cognitively impaired or as high as with Delta-8 THC. It's much more nuanced and relaxing in nature. The subtle high of Delta-10 THC will likely make you feel happier, calmer, and relaxed mentally and physically.

However, it does not impair your fine motor skills, memory, cognitive abilities, or sense of time nearly as much as Delta-8 THC. Instead of making you feel sedated like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC will likely make you feel more energetic and uplifted. Delta-10 THC produces a nice, calming, and relaxing feeling, all without making you way too high.

How Strong is Delta 8?

Delta-8 THC is roughly two-thirds as strong as Delta-9 THC, with Delta-10 THC being potentially half as potent as that.

Which is Stronger, Delta 8 or Delta 10?

How much stronger Delta 8 is than Delta 10 is not known, but based on current knowledge, it seems to be twice as strong. Whatever the case may be, Delta-8 THC is the stronger of the two.

How Much Delta 8 Should You Take To Get Really High?

If you are a beginner, you might feel a noticeable high from as little as 5 to 10mg of Delta-8 THC. However, if you have a relatively high THC tolerance, you may need 20mg of Delta-8 THC to get high.

If you are looking to get very high, you may need to consume up to 50mg of Delta-8 THC.

Can You Take Too Much Delta-8 THC?

It is hard to overdose on Delta-8 THC. There have been no recorded deaths or overdoses due to Delta 8. That said, it is still possible to take too much of it. Taking too much Delta 8 can still make you feel a bit paranoid and anxious.

This is interesting because many people prefer Delta 8 over Delta 9. After all, it's not nearly as potent as Delta 9. However, there is still such a thing as too much of a good thing being bad. If you take way too much Delta-8 THC, you may still suffer from adverse side effects.

Can You Take Delta 8 and Delta-10 THC Together?

Yes, you can take Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC together. Mixing them has not been shown to be dangerous or negative in any way.

With that being said, more research is required to determine whether these two cannabinoids are ideal to mix.

Which is Better, Delta 8 or 10?

Whether Delta-8 THC or Delta-10 THC is better depends on a variety of factors. Realistically, this depends on what you are looking for. Here's a breakdown to help you decide.

Effect Desired	Best Cannabinoid Choice
Euphoric and psychoactive high	Delta-8 THC
Mild high	Delta-10 THC
Sedation and sleep aid	Delta-8 THC
Energy and upliftment (daytime use)	Delta-10 THC
Pain and inflammation relief	Delta-8 THC
Mild relaxation and calmness	Delta-10 THC

Final Thoughts

Both Delta-10 THC and Delta-8 THC have great potential benefits for both the mind and the body. However, they are two slightly different things, so make sure that you choose the right one for you.

Delta-8 THC is more potent, produces a more notable high, and likely has greater benefits. Delta-10 THC is, however, better for daytime use; it won't make you feel quite as high, and it still has some great benefits too.

Where to Buy Delta 8 and Delta 10 Products Online

If you want to buy some Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC online, doing so right here at Botany Farms is your best bet. Some of our best-selling products include this Delta-8 THC Tangerine Dream Vape Cart, our own Delta-10 THC Pineapple Haze Vape Cart, and these super tasty Delta-10 THC Pineapple Gummies.