Delta-10 vs. Delta-8: What's The Difference? (2024)

Delta-10 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC, the main component of cannabis that alters a person’s mental state, says Sean Norris, Ph.D., director of chemistry for MC Nutraceuticals in Golden, Colorado. Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formulas but different arrangements of atoms, leading to variable chemical and physical properties.

Delta-9 THC is the most commonly known THC, as well as the type of THC most often used for psychoactive effects, according to Dr. Norris. While delta-10 THC naturally occurs in hemp and cannabis plants, it’s found in such small amounts it’s not efficient to extract it from the plant, he explains.

Delta-10 THC is commonly derived from delta-9 THC through a chemical reaction including a base and heat. Because delta-10 is found in such small amounts in the cannabis plant, if we want large amounts of it, we have to make it, says Dr. Norris, adding that delta-10 is a rare compound, so it’s easier to derive it from delta-9 than extract it.

Potential Benefits of Delta-10 THC

Limited research explores the effects of delta-10 THC, says Dr. Norris. However, from consumer reports, delta-10 THC may have milder effects than delta-9 THC because it interacts with the body less strongly, he adds. In other words, when it goes through digestive or enzymatic processes, its interactions with the body are not as strong as with delta-9 THC, leading to a weaker psychoactive effect, he says. “From consumer reports, it [may have] a slight energizing effect where [delta-10 users] feel more alert and active without feeling paranoid or anxious,” according to Dr. Norris.

Potential Risks of Delta-10 THC

Quality is an important factor to consider with delta-10 THC, says Joseph Friedman, a medical cannabis pharmacist at Acannability, a go-to source for information on hemp and marijuana products, in Chicago.

Third-party laboratory testing is important when it comes to delta-10 THC products, he explains. If delta-10 products aren’t made with the proper knowledge, supervision and quality testing, they may be contaminated with highly toxic pollutants, such as heavy metals, microbes and pesticides, says Friedman. “[Delta-10 products] may also contain illicit and highly psychoactive levels of delta-9 THC,” he adds.

Friedman recommends looking for a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure a product’s potency and quality.

Delta-8 THC is another isomer of delta-9 THC, says Friedman. “Though it’s naturally occurring in cannabis, delta-8 THC can be converted in a laboratory from CBD and delta-9 THC,” he explains, adding that it’s more commonly produced from CBD. A chemical reaction that uses heat and acid produces delta-8 THC, says Dr. Norris.

Potential Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC products are becoming more popular because some consumers are interested in finding a product that’s more potent than CBD gummies or oilbut less potent than delta-9 THC, says Friedman.

Individuals who use delta-8 THC may experience similar pain-relieving and anti-nausea effects as those who use delta-9 THC, continues Friedman. Meanwhile, some of the common side effects of delta-9 THC, such as brain fog, anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth and red eyes, are reportedly less common with delta-8 THC use, he says. “Instead, many consumers report having a clear mind and feeling relaxed after consuming delta-8,” he explains.

Potential Risks of Delta-8 THC

Consuming large amounts of delta-8 THC may lead to concerns like toxic psychosis, says Friedman. Toxic psychosis may result from genetic risk, brain development issues, severe trauma or exposure to chemical stressors, explains Friedman. There is a limited body of evidence showing delta-8 THC causes toxic psychosis, but a strong body of evidence that shows that continued use of delta-9 THC is associated with the development or exacerbation of psychosis, says Friedman. Since delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC both act on the same CB1 and CB2 receptors, the risk of developing psychosis may be similar between the two substances.

Poor quality control and misleading product labels are other issues that can emerge in the marketplace, he adds. “Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find a label on delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC or CBD product that displays the percent or milligrams of the active ingredient that is higher or lower than is actually contained in the product.” This may pose a risk if the product is THC because “the user may consume multiple units that may produce an uncomfortable psychological experience which may impair the ability to drive safely or perform other activities safely,” explains Friedman.

Delta-8 THC may enhance relaxation and calm without producing anxiety, according to Dr. Norris. Meanwhile, delta-10 THC may lead to feelings of euphoria and increased focus, he says.

Are Delta-10 THC and Delta-8 THC Legal?

Tetrahydrocannabinols like delta-10 THC and delta-8 THC are illegal when produced from cannabis, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. If a drug is closely related chemically to a Schedule I substance, it’s also classified as a Schedule I substance and therefore illegal per the Federal Analog Act. As delta-10 THC and delta-8 THC are almost chemically identical to delta-9 THC, a Schedule I substance, they’re also considered illegal in states where delta-9 THC is illegal. Meanwhile, the FDA has issued several warning letters to companies marketing delta-8 THC products in such a way that they could easily be mistaken for traditional chips or snacks, among other violations.

While cannabis remains illegal on a federal level, each state follows its own laws regarding medical and recreational use. An individual interested in consuming cannabis products should review the laws in their state prior to purchasing and using any cannabis-derived product.

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