Delta 8 is the latest exciting trend in cannabis. This strain of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is different than traditional THC, which is Delta 9. It is also different from the lesser-known Delta 10 THC. With so many new and exciting things happening with cannabis, it can be hard to keep everything straight. If you live in a state that allows all three kinds of THC, you probably want to know how they compare to one another and which one is best for you. Find out what all the buzz is about, and read on for our comparison guide to Deltas 8, 9 and 10 and how to differentiate the side effects of each.
Why Do People Choose Delta 8 or Delta 10 Instead of Traditional THC?
You know that marijuana can get you high. Delta 9 THC is the compound that is responsible for that effect. The concentration of Delta 9 THC found in marijuana can be as high as 30%. You may have heard people talking about how marijuana is getting stronger, and there is evidence to back that up. Some people are turning to less potent forms of THC for many reasons, including the high potency with Delta 9 THC. They include people who live in states where marijuana is legal, want to experience a less harsh high or want the health benefits of THC with fewer negative side effects. Popular alternatives to traditional Delta 9 THC have emerged in recent years such as Delta 8 and Delta 10, which are both less potent forms of THC.
Our Guide to Differentiating Between D8, D9 and D10
Delta 8
What Is It?
- A less potent cannabinoid that has become very popular over the past year
- Contains a Delta 9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3%
- Has a similar chemical structure to traditional THC
- Different location of double-bond in carbon chain than traditional THC
- Known for a milder high and fewer psychoactive effects
- Seen as a middle ground between CBD and Delta 9 THC
How Is It Made?
Delta 8 is commonly made in a laboratory. Through a decades-old isomerization process, CBD is dissolved into a solvent and mixed with an acid to produce a reaction that results in Delta 8. During this process, byproducts and residual chemicals are inevitable and can be harmful, so it is important to buy Delta 8 products from companies that take steps to remove impurities.
Potential Benefits:
- Aids with pain management
- Relaxation and reduced stress
- Improved mood
- More restful sleep
- Relieves nausea and anxiety, has neuroprotective qualities and improves appetite, according to the National Cancer Institute
User-Reported Effects:
- Mellow high that is less intense and psychoactive than traditional THC
- Less likely to cause negative effects such as paranoia, anxiety and couch lock
- Makes some users feel energized, focused and productive
- Typically felt more in the body, not the mind
Delta 9
What Is It?
- The cannabinoid molecule in marijuana that produces psychoactive effects
- The traditional form of THC that people associate with cannabis
- Attaches itself to the body’s cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system
How Is It Made?
Delta 9 occurs naturally in marijuana plants. Female marijuana plants have leaves and buds that produce resin. The resin is where Delta 9 is found.
Potential Benefits:
- Aids with rare forms of epilepsy
- Helps treat nausea and vomiting resulting from cancer chemotherapy
- Improves loss of appetite and weight loss resulting from HIV/AIDS
- Relieves chronic pain
- Improves multiple sclerosis symptoms
- Can help with decreasing opioid use
- Aids in treating anxiety, depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Improves sleep
- Relieves symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
User-Reported Effects:
- Heightened sensory perception
- Altered perception of time
- Increased appetite
- Laughter
- Relaxation and pleasant euphoria
- Negative effects of anxiety, fear, distrust and panic are not uncommon
Delta 10
What Is It?
- Another newly popular, less potent cannabinoid
- Commonly made from hemp-derived CBD
How Is It Made?
Like Delta 8, it is often processed from hemp-derived CBD. The oil that results from processing the CBD is further processed into Delta 10. This highly refined substance can be difficult to manufacture, and often it is combined with Delta 8 because of the high level of difficulty of production.
Potential Benefits:
- Relieves pain
- Stimulates appetite
- Improves relaxation and reduces stress
- Neuroprotective qualities
User-Reported Effects:
- Energizing, which is why some favor it for daytime use
- Boosts creativity
- Improves perspective or outlook
- Sativa-like, cerebral effects
- Increased focus and alertness
- Minimal anxiety or paranoia
Keep in mind that using any of these substances in excess can intensify the effects that you experience. If you consume large amounts of Delta 8 or Delta 10, you may get a high with similar effects to Delta 9. Also, every person has unique body chemistry based on many factors, and you may experience different or more intense effects than other users. With any form of THC, try a small amount at first to see how it affects you, and then wait the recommended amount of time before consuming or inhaling more. Be sure to follow any recommendations and directions on the product’s label.
Additionally, you should look for THC products that have been tested by a third-party lab. The process for creating Delta 8 and Delta 10 can result in impurities. The FDA does not test these products or have much oversight over them, so it is crucial for your safety that you only purchase from companies that do independent testing.
If you have a health condition, do not use THC to postpone or replace medical treatment.
Why Choose Happy Delta 8 THC Products?
We started Happy Delta to provide you with the highest quality Delta 8 THC products on the market. We meticulously craft our products to provide superior taste, quality and efficacy compared to competing brands. Our gummies, vape carts and disposable vapes are all:
- Tested by a reputable and unbiased third-party lab with results posted to our site
- Meet federal standards limited Delta 9 THC content to 0.3%
- Made from quality hemp grown in the United States
- Made from Delta 8 that is extracted using food-grade alcohol
- Strained of all impurities, byproducts or unwanted THC
- Undergo rigorous quality control measures
Learn more: see what the experts at Happy Delta have to say about D8 differences.
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