Delta 8 vs. Delta 9 vs. Delta 10

Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 are all different versions, or isomers, of the cannabinoid THC. All isomers of THC, including Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 will show up on a drug test.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that make up the cannabis plant. There are between 80 – 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis, with most of them producing no psychoactive effects. The two most popular cannabinoids are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is most often used for medicinal purposes due to its calming benefits on the body that do not get users high. In contrast, THC is psychoactive. It is the compound responsible for making consumers feel “high.”

Isomerization

Isomerization occurs when the molecules of one compound are rearranged to form another. Isomers of THC are created to produce varying effects, as well as to increase THC potency. New, additional molecules are known as isomers of the original.

Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 are all THC isomers. All THC isomers can be responsible for the same side effects: nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, cottonmouth, etc. In contrast, when it comes to the different desired results, they may all “lean” in different directions.

What is Delta 8?

The 2018 Farm Bill made certain hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. Over the counter CBD products are derived from hemp, which contains little to no THC. These products cannot contain enough THC to produce the psychoactive effects that make the consumer feel high. But as many people know, CBD cannot reach its full effectiveness unless at least trace amounts of THC are present.

Delta 8 is a completely synthetic THC molecule derived from hemp CBD. The THC molecule is formed by chemical conversion and has its double carbon bond located at the eighth chain. It is controversial because it creates THC molecules from the hemp plant, where there typically would be little to none at all. The addition of Delta 8 allows up to 0.3% THC to exist within the product, a trace amount that may allow the CBD to work better. Delta 8 is banned in 20 states and counting.

What is Delta 9?

Delta 9 is formed by heating up THCa molecules during the extraction process. The double carbon bond of finished molecules is located at the ninth chain. It is more potent than Delta 8 and believed to have more calming effects. Delta 9 is considered to be the “natural form” of THC, so it is usually referred to as THC.

What is Delta 10?

Delta 10 is derived from hemp, similar to Delta 8. The molecule’s double carbon bond is located on the tenth chain. The main difference between Delta 10 and Delta 8 are the psychoactive properties. While it is much less potent than Delta 9, Delta 10 can still get consumers high. However, the effects of Delta 10 are more cerebral, and closely resemble the high of a sativa strain. In contrast, the effects of Delta 8 are more like those of an indica strain. Delta 10 is still relatively new and rare, but several states have already banned it.

Why Go For a THC Isomer?

CBD products found anywhere besides a recreational or medical dispensary are derived from hemp, not cannabis. The hemp plant, unlike cannabis, contains little to no THC. So these products are not likely to produce significant noticeable results because as previously stated, at least trace amounts of THC must be present for CBD to be fully effective.

THC isomers such as Delta 8 and Delta 10 allow trace amounts of THC to exist within CBD products, whereas they would often otherwise contain none at all. This gives consumers living in states where marijuana is illegal an opportunity to still benefit from CBD that has been enhanced with trace amounts of THC for full effectiveness.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. For High CBD Products & More

Smyth Cannabis Co. Recreational Dispensary offers high quality flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, topicals and more. Our friendly budtenders will help you pick a high CBD product best suited for both your needs and your budget. Visit us today at our Lowell, MA dispensary to learn more about our lab tested cannabis products. Or, check out our menu to see what we currently have available for high CBD products.

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