Delta 10 vs Delta 9

Choosing a hemp-derived THC product can seem a little tricky. You will notice that THC products are available in delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10, but what does this mean? We have the ultimate guide you need to understand the difference between delta 10 vs delta 9 THC.

What Is THC?

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 chemical compounds. These chemical compounds are known as cannabinoids. THC is the most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis, and it contains psychoactive properties that give users a “high.”

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, and there are three different classifications of THC found in the cannabis plant—delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10.

Delta 9 THC is the most abundant THC isomer. Because of this, many products contain delta 9 THC. In fact, many full-spectrum CBD contains delta 9 THC.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is short for trans-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 9 THC gets its name from the location of the double bond on the chemical chain. It has a double bond located on the 9th carbon chain in the compound. Many THC products contain delta 9 THC because it is the most abundant THC isomer. It is considered a major cannabinoid of hemp. Delta 9 THC products are legal to purchase when they contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.  

What Is Delta 10 THC?

Delta 9 THC is short for trans-delta 10-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta 10 THC is found in very small amounts in the cannabis plant. Because of this, delta 9 THC is synthesized with other substances to create a delta 10 THC product.

When delta 9 THC is synthesized to create delta 10 THC, it affects how the delta 10 THC product reacts to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your brain. This is why it’s important to always choose delta 10 THC products from a reputable retailer that can provide lab testing results to verify the product's legality. 

Are Delta 9 and Delta 10 Products Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived delta 9 THC legal on a federal level. Because delta 9 THC is the most abundant THC isomer in cannabis, much of the language in the Farm Bill is addressed toward delta 9 THC. However, both delta 9 THC and delta 10 THC products are federally legal as long as they contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.

Because the Farm Bill doesn’t contain language about delta 10 THC, its legality can be misunderstood. Because delta 10 is a derivative of delta 9 10, it is generally considered legal in the same states that delta 8 THC is considered legal. However, you should always check your state's laws to ensure that hemp-derived THC products are legal to purchase and use.

Can Delta 9 or Delta 10 Products Show Up on a Drug Test?

A drug test is designed to detect THC even when delta 9 and delta 10 THC products are legal to purchase in your state. This causes you to risk failing a drug test when taking delta 9 or delta 10 THC products. Delta 9 and delta 10 THC products generally only stay in your system for a few days after taking them.

We recommend only taking delta 9 or delta 10 products in their recommended dosage amounts. If you take more than the recommended amount, the THC isomer may stay in your system longer than needed.

What Are the Effects of Delta 9 and Delta 10 Products?

Even though delta 10 is a derivative of delta 9 THC, they can produce two somewhat different experiences for users. Some users have experienced a more intense experience from delta 10 products, while others compare delta 10 THC to delta 8 THC. Much of this is because of how delta 9 THC is synthesized to create delta 10. This process can cause delta 10 to have stronger or weaker effects than delta 9 THC.

Delta 9 and Delta 10 THC both produce similar effects in the body. The most common effects that consumers feel when using delta 9 and delta 10 products include the following:

• Elevated mood
• Increased happiness
• Elation
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Tranquility
• Increased appetite
• Increased laughter or “the giggles”
• Jubilation

Are There Side Effects of Delta 9 or Delta 10 Products?

Delta 9 and delta 10 products are safe to use, but there is always a chance that you can experience an adverse reaction when taking the product. Some of the most common side effects include the following: 

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Paranoia
• Fear or nervousness
• Nausea

If you begin to feel side effects or an adverse reaction, don’t panic. It’s completely normal, and the effects will eventually wear off. Try to rest or relax by listening to music, watching TV, closing your eyes, or reading a book. The adverse reaction will only last between 3 to 5 hours if you have taken the recommended serving size of the product.

The Effects of Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 THC products are known for creating relaxing, tranquil, and calming experiences for users. Even with the psychoactive effects that delta 9 THC can create, there are still calming and relaxing effects that users get to experience.

The Effects of Delta 10 THC

The effects of delta 10 THC can vary among products. Since delta 10 THC is synthesized in a laboratory for products to be created, it can cause different effects. Most of the effects users experience when taking delta 10 THC products are energetic rather than relaxing. While delta 9 THC products may help induce sleep, delta 10 THC can help you focus and retain attention.

How to Use Delta 9 and Delta 10 Products

You should always take the recommended dosage amount listed on the product. Most THC products take between 30 and 90 minutes for the effects of the product to be felt. Once you begin feeling the effects of the product, you should expect the effects to last between 3 to 5 hours. If the effects have not been felt 90 minutes after taking the first dose, you can take one additional dose of the product.

Keep in mind that taking more than the recommended dose of delta 9 THC can cause the effects of the product to last as long as 6 to 8 hours.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

Delta 9 and delta 10 THC products share similarities and differences. They are both a specific form of THC that attach to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system to give you a high.

Delta 9 THC is the most prominent form of THC found in many cannabis products, including full-spectrum CBD products. Because of this, along with the abundance of delta 9 THC found in cannabis, delta 9 THC is often considered the most trusted form of THC.

However, this doesn’t mean delta 10 THC can’t be trusted. It just means that the extraction process of delta 10 THC is more intricate and involved than delta 9 THC. Additionally, delta 10 THC requires delta 9 to be synthesized to create delta 10 THC products which can cause delta 10 THC products to have a slightly more or less effect on the body than delta 9 THC.