Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 - Which Cannabinoid is Best?

So many new hemp-based products have come to market in recent years. We are now spoiled for choice and have the luxury of debating the merits of different cannabinoids – like delta 8 vs delta 9 vs delta 10 – in search of the perfect product.

In this post, we will explore which cannabinoid is best for your circumstances! I want to touch on various factors, including general effects, product variety, safety, and legality. If it's relevant, you bet we are going to talk about it.

Let's start our journey with short introductions of delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10 and their characteristics. After that, we can delve deeper into the comparisons.

What is Delta 9?

It makes sense to kick off with delta 9, as this is just another term for THC! Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid and usually the primary constituent of the cannabis plant. THC is the most potent tetrahydrocannabinol in marijuana.

THC is known for its psychoactive properties and is enjoyed around the world as a recreational substance – although not always legally! Delta 9 also has therapeutic potential and is legal for medicinal purposes in most U.S. states.

The hemp industry boasts an expanding selection of delta 9 products, which maximize the 0.3% THC limit set by the 2018 Farm Bill.

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 is a natural cannabinoid and a THC isomer. Its chemical structure differs slightly from THC’s. However, both cannabinoids produce similar effects.

Delta 8 is not as strong as THC, with World Health Organization (WHO) researchers estimating up to a 50% reduction in potency. But delta 8 is more energizing and uplifting than its cannabinoid cousin. 

Cannabis plants only produce tiny amounts of delta 8. Therefore, most delta 8 extract comes from laboratories, having been transformed from natural CBD or THC.

Scientists have known about delta 8 for decades, but the substance only came to national attention following the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.

What is Delta 10?

Delta 10 is a cannabinoid and THC isomer, with unclear natural origins. Researchers have spotted delta 10 in natural marijuana, but this is likely due to another cannabinoid degrading. 

As with delta 8, nearly all delta 10 extract comes from the laboratory. Chemists first made delta 10 in the 1980s, but it remained a virtual unknown until 2018. Delta 10 has two enantiomers (R and S) – the R conformation is most common.

Delta 10 is less intense and more relaxing than delta 8. However, just like delta 8 and delta 9, it is popular among pleasure-seekers and therapeutic users.

A Comparison: Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10

It's impossible to pick the "best" cannabinoid out of delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10, as people look for different things! What might be great for you could be unsuitable for somebody else, and vice versa.

There's a market for all three cannabinoids because each offers something unique. Let's compare them, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and find the ideal product for you!

Potency 

Delta 9 is by far the most powerful of the three, with delta 8 up to 50% weaker than delta 9 and delta 10 even less intense than that. But that potency brings with it an increased risk of side effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinols can cause various side effects, such as dry mouth, red-eye, an upset stomach, and negative thoughts. But these are normally mild and rare.

If you want a substance that replicates classic cannabis, a delta 9 product might be perfect. But if you haven't taken any delta cannabinoids before, the milder delta 10 could make for a better introduction.

Or you could occupy the middle-ground with delta 8! This will give you an experience comparable to THC (i.e., delta 9), while the reduced potency protects against side effects.

I always suggest taking it easy, whichever product you choose. All three cannabinoids are richly rewarding substances if you approach them the right way. But equally, a reckless approach could put you off them forever!

General effects

Delta 9 has heady and euphoric properties that make users happy and giggly and create a general feeling of mind and body relaxation. 

Many users report a heightened or altered perception of the senses, including seeing colors more brightly or experiencing changes in time perception. But these effects sound more intimidating than they are!

Perhaps the best-known and funniest effect of delta 9 is that it can make you really hungry! It manages this by engaging with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptor.

Both delta 10 and delta-8 products have similar effects, but there are some vital differences – beyond the lower strength – to consider.

Delta 8 is more uplifting, cerebral, and energizing than delta 9, making it perfect for busting fatigue during the day and enhancing creativity. However, the extra heady effects could be an issue if you get jittery with these kinds of substances.

Delta 10 is also energizing compared to THC, despite being even weaker than delta 8. Many feel uplifted yet relaxed after taking delta 10.

I recommend delta 9 products for evenings and your days off, or any time when you can indulge without having to worry about being functional. Delta 8 and delta 10 are for when you want to experience the benefits while still going about your daily life.

Therapeutic value

Researchers have studied THC’s possible therapeutic benefits much more than they have delta 8 or delta 10’s. But we can glean information from the findings on THC to make educated guesses on the possibilities of its fellow cannabinoids.

Many people find delta 9 useful in relieving physical discomfort and stress. The appetite-boosting qualities may also help promote a healthy diet. In addition, THC could enhance mood, ease stress, and relax muscles.

However, some cannot fully capitalize on these benefits due to the side effects triggered by THC. In which case, milder delta 8 and delta 10 products may be more appealing. Chemically, we know that both cannabinoids work similarly to delta 9. 

Product variety

There is much more product variety with delta 8 and delta 10 than with hemp-derived delta 9, due to the 0.3% THC cap. The strict limit means that manufacturers can only make some delta 9 products, such as edibles, capsules, and tincture oils.

In contrast, the delta 8 and delta 10 markets mirror the CBD industry, with seemingly unlimited choice. As well as the products mentioned, you can buy delta 8 or delta 10 vape juices, disposable pens, cartridges, topicals, concentrates, and hemp flower.

Consequently, you can only enjoy specific types of delta 9 experiences. Edibles and capsules are associated with slow-acting, but long-lasting effects. 

No hemp-derived delta 9 products that replicate the intensity and fast-acting nature of smoking or vaping. But delta 8 and delta 10 cannabinoids come without such limitations! 

Drug tests

The delta 9 vs delta 8 vs delta 10 debate takes a brief pause, as none of these cannabinoids will save your skin in a drug test. Research shows all three tetrahydrocannabinols produce the same detectable THC-COOH metabolite.

If anything, delta 8 and delta 10 products could make a failed drug test more likely, particularly if you are taking a higher dose to compensate for the lower potency.

Consuming large delta 8 or delta 10 doses to match the traditional delta 9 experience may push your THC-COOH levels above the drug test threshold. Regardless, don’t use any of these cannabinoids if you are at risk of getting tested.

Legality

At the federal level, delta 8, delta 9 (when less than 0.3%), and delta-10 are all legal and protected by the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill). However, the situation is more complex and fluid at the state level.

Hemp-derived delta 9 products are only banned in states that prohibit edible hemp products. But if anything, momentum may be trending toward erasing these restrictions. For example, Minnesota legalized delta 9 edibles in July 2022!

Sadly, delta 8 has become less accessible in recent times. The cannabinoid is now illegal in 21 states:

Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, and Vermont.

Delta 10 has been somewhat affected by bans targeting delta 8 products. As of July 2022, delta 10 is banned in:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah. 

Safety

Whether you are buying delta 8, delta 9, or delta 10, always go for products accompanied by third-party lab reports. Certificates of analysis with a purity section are even better, especially when purchasing lab-made delta 8 or delta 10.

Delta 9 has a 100% natural origin, so you only need to worry about if the hemp is organic and how the cannabinoid was extracted (preferably without solvents). But the lab-processing of delta 8 and delta 10 distillate makes impurities more likely.

However, there are many high-quality hemp companies making delta 8 and delta 10 products ethically and responsibly. Providing you buy from a legit vendor, the delta 8 vs delta 9 vs delta 10 battle is a dead heat in the safety department.

Interactions with prescription drugs

Cannabinoids are notorious for interfering with various prescription drugs. Research indicates that THC may inhibit the cytochrome P450 system’s CYP3A4 enzyme. It would be surprising if delta 8 and delta 10 did not do the same.

Therefore, I do not recommend using any tetrahydrocannabinols in combination with the following prescription medications:

• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Benzodiazepines
• Calcium
• channel blockers
• Hypnotics
• Immunosuppressants
• Opioids

This is not an exhaustive list – cannabinoids could interfere with other prescription drugs. Consult with your doctor if you have any hesitations or concerns. 

Buy Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 at CBD Genesis!

The delta 8 vs delta-9 vs delta 10 debate will rage on, but I hope this review has given you clarity on what to expect from each cannabinoid.

Curious to try any of these? I have picked out my favorite product for each cannabinoid that we stock here at CBD Genesis! 

CBD Genesis - Delta 8 Vape Juice

Enjoy a revitalizing and energizing experience with one of our delta 8 vape juices. Perfect for vaping solo or mixing with other e-liquids, this 1000mg (10mg/ml) product delivers pleasurable delta 8 effects to satisfy newbies and regular vapers.

The bottle has a child-resistant cap to prevent any accidents and is third-party tested and approved. If you are a vaping connoisseur who doesn’t enjoy cartridges or disposable pens, this delta 8 vape juice is the way to go. 

Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Bubblegum, Starburst, Watermelon

CBD Genesis - Delta 9 Edibles

Revel in classic delta 9 effects with these delicious, fruit-based soft chews from CBD Genesis. Made with a totally legal 7.5mg delta 9 and complementing 1.25mg servings of CBC, CBG, and CBN, this edible generates full-spectrum hemp effects.

These are gigantic gummies, sized at a whopping 3.3 grams to keep the delta-9 concentration below the 0.3% threshold. Delta 9 Gummies from CBD Genesis suit first-timers (who can split the servings if needed) and hardcore edible lovers.

Sizes: 20-count (150mg), 40-count (300mg), 80-count (600mg) 

CBD Genesis - Delta 10 Disposable Vape Pen

Experience hassle-free delta 10 vaping with a CBD Genesis disposable pen. We use a 2:1 delta 8 to delta 10 mix (and 1000mg active cannabinoids total), making this one of the most potent delta 10 vaping products on the market.

Disposable pens are incredibly convenient, superseding standard e-liquids and even vape cartridges. Our five-strain delta-10 vape pen collection includes sativa, indica, and hybrid disposables, all of which are third-party tested and approved. Strains: Amnesia (Hybrid), Cookies & Cream (Sativa), Forbidden (Indica), Sunshine (Hybrid), Zaza (Hybrid)