Is Delta-8 Or Delta-10 Stronger?

Something that you might be aware of is that there are a few different types of THC. The regular type of THC that you are most likely familiar with is Delta-9 THC. When you go to purchase cannabis in a dispensary, and it is labeled as having a certain THC percentage, Delta-9 THC is what is being referred to.

This is the so-called baseline. However, there are also two other major types of THC that you need to know about, which are Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC.

Today, we are here to do a Delta-10 vs Delta-8 comparison. To begin with, what makes them similar, what makes them different, and what are they? One of the main things that we are here to explore today is whether or not Delta-8 THC is stronger than Delta-10 THC.

Yes, both of these are cannabinoids found in both the cannabis and hemp plants, and they are quite closely related. Funny enough, both of the types of THC we are talking about today however are generally man-made and synthesized out of CBD and hemp plants, as opposed to being extracted naturally from raw plant material.

On that note, in case you are worried, both Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are legal according to US federal law. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, any cannabinoid that is derived from the hemp plant and does not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, should be considered legal.

Although both have a very relaxed legal status and although they're both called THC, there are some differences between them that you need to know about. Let's figure out what they are.

Key Takeaways

• Both Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are isomers of Delta-9 THC. They are all closely related, but not quite the same.
• Is Delta-10 stronger than Delta-8? No, Delta-8 is the stronger of the two and may be up to twice as potent.
• Delta-8 THC may produce more of a notable psychoactive high, it's more potent, and generally more sedating in nature, whereas Delta-10 THC is milder and more energetic.

What Is Delta-10 vs Delta-8 THC?

To make an accurate comparison, you need to know that Delta-9 THC is the major form of THC found in cannabis plants, and it is found in high quantities, and is therefore referred to as a major cannabinoid. Delta-9 THC, along with CBD, are the two major cannabinoids.

However, there are also over 110 other cannabinoids, all of which are generally considered minor cannabinoids, and this is because they usually only occur in very small quantities in both cannabis plants and hemp plants. As you can rightfully assume, Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are both viewed as being minor cannabinoids.

The issue with both of these cannabinoids is that they occur in such small quantities that extracting them from raw plant matter is not feasible. It would cost too much money and take too much plant matter. For this reason, both Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are generally synthesized out of CBD or Delta-9 THC, something we will discuss in greater detail further below.

Furthermore, synthesizing Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC out of CBD and the hemp plant also technically means that they are legal under federal law. If these cannabinoids were however extracted directly from the cannabis plant, then they would most likely not be considered legal.

Next, both Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are isomers of Delta-9 THC. This means that they are chemical variants of Delta-9 THC. In other words, they are very closely related to Delta-9 THC, but not quite the same thing.

Also, an interesting note about Delta-10 THC is how it 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 this cannabis was harvested and analyzed, this specific cannabinoid was found, and shortly after it was discovered how it is made.

Also worth mentioning is that Delta-9 THC is by far the most researched of all types of THC, followed by Delta-8 THC, and then Delta-10 THC. Compared to the other two types, there is somewhat limited scientific information available about Delta-10 THC, although there are a few facts that we can share.

How Are Delta-8 And Delta-10 THC Made?

As mentioned before, due to both legal issues and economic feasibility, both Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are generally not extracted directly from plant matter. Not only would it be too costly and time-consuming, but would also quite likely result in an equal product.

This means that for Delta-10 THC and Delta-8 THC to be economically feasible to retail, and for them to be 100% legal under federal law, they must be derived from the hemp plant. This is where things can get a little complicated. The process starts relatively the same.

First, the hemp plant is taken and CBD is extracted out of it. That CBD is then turned into a semi-synthetic version of Delta-9 THC through a process known as Lewis acid catalyzation. Scientists then use a method known as isomerization which converts the semi-synthetic Delta-9 THC into either Delta-8 THC or Delta-10 THC. Isomerization takes one molecule and turns it into a slightly different molecule, or an isomer of the original molecule.

The processes of isomerization to turn Delta-9 THC into either Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC are fairly similar, although the chemicals used to create the reactions that cause the chemical change to occur are somewhat different. As you will see further below, this process of isomerization also results in a slight difference in the chemical composition of both cannabinoids. The main takeaway here is that the Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC you are familiar with are both synthetically produced.

What’s The Difference Between Delta-8 And Delta-10?

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

The Chemical Composition

This first difference might seem minor, but it leads to virtually all of the other differences that we will discuss further below. In terms of the chemical or molecular structure, the double bond that occurs in both molecules occurs on a different atom.

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

This might seem irrelevant, but this actually affects how well both of these cannabinoids bind with your endocannabinoid system, and therefore what effects they have and how potent they are. For instance, the placement of the double bond on Delta-8 THC might just explain why it is a bit more potent than Delta-10 THC.

Interactions with the ECS

Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC, just like Delta-9 THC, interact with the cannabinoid receptors in your body. The human body contains what is known as the endocannabinoid system. This consists of a series of receptors, cannabinoid receptors, designed to absorb, process, and bind with various cannabinoids, both those that occur naturally in your body and those that you take in from various sources.

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

For any cannabinoids to produce an effect on you, they must be able to bind with these cannabinoid receptors. As mentioned above, the placement of the double bond in the atoms of both of these cannabinoids affects how well they interact with your endocannabinoid system.

Delta-8 THC interacts quite significantly with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which is why it has a wide variety of effects and potential benefits on both the mind and body. 

However, the Delta-10 THC cannabinoid has a much lower affinity to bind with both 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 exactly what the differences in benefits of both of these cannabinoids are, as well as what the benefits of both cannabinoids individually are, you can assume that Delta-8 THC has more benefits than Delta-10 THC.

Once again, the reason for this is that Delta-8 THC is thought to have a much higher affinity to bind with CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.

Generally speaking, both of these cannabinoids are thought to have a variety of potential benefits. Both Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC may have analgesic or painkilling properties and they may both be anti-inflammatory.

Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC may also have the potential to regulate mood by affecting serotonin and dopamine transmitters, and they may also help reduce stress by affecting cortisol levels. They can both be relaxing and calming in nature, and both can potentially put you in a better state of mind in general.

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

As you can tell, the possible benefits from both cannabinoids are quite similar, if not the same. The difference however lies in the potency or extent of the benefits that you get from these cannabinoids. 

Because Delta-8 THC has a higher affinity to bind with your 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 & Potency

One of the biggest differences between both of these cannabinoids is how potent they are. If you recall, we said that Delta-9 THC was the baseline here. It is assumed that 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 the way in which both interact with your endocannabinoid system, is likely to blame for the difference in the extent of the benefits that both cannabinoids may be able to produce.

Delta-8 THC also tends to produce much more of a notable high. Delta-8 THC, in terms of the high that you may feel from it, is fairly similar to Delta-9 THC, but not quite as pronounced. You will likely feel a substantial head high characterized by some elation, euphoria, happiness, mental calmness, relaxation, and general cognitive impairment.

Delta-8 THC may make you feel a bit slow and groggy, and it will impair both your cognitive abilities and your fine motor skills. Furthermore, Delta-8 THC may also produce a very mild body buzz characterized by heaviness of the limbs, possible tingling, and general muscle relaxation, along with sedation. An important note here is that Delta-8 THC can make you feel somewhat tired and foggy.

Delta-10 THC on the other hand does not produce nearly as pronounced of a high as Delta-8 THC. The high from Delta-10 THC tends to be much more relaxing, subtle, and nuanced. 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.

An interesting note here is that many people also 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 a bit more energizing. Therefore, most people would agree that 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, but not necessarily limited to, fatigue, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, red eyes, an altered sense of time, and short-term memory issues. With Delta-10 THC, there is still more research required to determine exactly what the possible side effects are.

However, based on firsthand accounts and anecdotal evidence, it would appear that the side effects are somewhat similar, although not nearly as common or pronounced. Due to the lower potency of Delta-10 THC, the side effects also tend to be less frequent, and when they do occur, less severe. Furthermore, Delta-10 THC usually should not make you feel fatigued or sleepy.

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

To summarize what was discussed above, Delta-8 THC should feel something like a Delta-9 THC high, but just not as strong. You will most likely feel a barely pronounced 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.

You should also feel a fairly pronounced body high, which means that you should feel a bit heavy, tingly, and just like you're going to sink into the couch. Delta-8 THC also tends to be a bit 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 produced by Delta-10 THC will still likely make you feel a bit happier, calmer, and relaxed mentally, and should also relax your body a little bit.

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 a bit more energetic and uplifted. Delta-10 THC just produces a nice, calming, and relaxing feeling, all without making you way too high.

How Strong Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is between 50% and 60% 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?

Although exactly how much stronger Delta-8 THC is than Delta-10 THC is not known, but based on current knowledge, it is safe to assume that it might be up to 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 psychoactive high from as little as 5 milligrams or 10 milligrams of Delta-8 THC. However, if you have a relatively high THC tolerance, or you are a large person, you may need 20 milligrams of Delta-8 THC to feel any psychoactive effects. If you are looking to get very high, maybe to the same level as Delta-9 would bring you, you may need to consume up to 50 milligrams of Delta-8 THC.

Can You Take Too Much Delta-8 THC?

Technically speaking, just like with Delta-9 THC, it is virtually impossible to overdose on Delta-8 THC. There have been no recorded deaths or overdoses caused by this form of THC, or by Delta-10 THC. That said, it is still possible to take too much of it. Taking too much Delta-8 THC can still make you feel a bit paranoid and anxious.

This is interesting because many people prefer Delta-8 THC over Delta-9 THC. After all, it's not nearly as potent and therefore doesn't result in paranoia and anxiety happening nearly as often. However, there is still such a thing as too much of a good thing, and if you take way too much Delta-8 THC, you may still suffer these 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 the two, up until this point, has not shown to be dangerous or negative in any way. 

With that being said, there is still more research required to determine without a doubt whether or not these two cannabinoids are ideal to mix. However, in all likelihood, mixing them together is not dangerous.

Which Is Better, Delta-8 Or 10?

Whether Delta-8 THC or Delta-10 THC is better really depends on a variety of factors. Realistically, which one is better depends on what you are looking for.

• If you want a cannabinoid that will produce a notable euphoric and psychoactive high, then Delta-8 THC is the better one as it is much more potent.
• If you want to feel a bit high, but not overly so, and more just relaxed than anything else, then Delta-10 THC is likely the better one for you.
• If you are looking for something that will help you get a good night's sleep and make you feel a little bit sedated, then it is Delta-8 THC that you want.
• If you're looking for something that will help make you feel a bit more energetic and uplifted, something that is ideal for daytime use, then Delta-10 THC is likely best.
• If you are looking to maximize the potential benefits of THC in general, especially pain relief and inflammation relief, it is likely Delta-8 THC is best.
• If you are looking for something very mild and subtle that will just help you relax and make you feel a bit calmer, it is likely Delta-10 THC is best.

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 also 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.