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What you will learn in this post:
Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) and delta-10 (Δ10-THC) are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant known for providing a mild-to-moderate high. Both cannabinoids are legal in most states and come in different product types, from flower and vapes to edibles and distillates.
In this article, we explain the properties and effects of delta-8 and delta-10 THC cannabinoids, and how they differ from each other.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids come in three types; endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids.
- Endocannabinoids are found within the body,
- phytocannabinoids are found in plants,
- synthetic cannabinoids are made in a lab.
The most well-known phytocannabinoid is delta-9 THC due to the psychoactive effects it can produce. Some more up-and-coming cannabinoids include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC, which are also psychoactive, but not to the extent that delta-9 THC may be.
Delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC are isomers of THC (as are lesser-known cannabinoids delta-3 THC and THCp). These THC isomers are present in very minor amounts in the cannabis plant, too insignificant to extract. The products you see on the market today that contain these cannabinoids are produced by converting CBD using an acid. This process makes these cannabinoids a semi-synthetic form of the natural phytocannabinoids.
Other THC phytocannabinoids that are present in higher amounts in the cannabis plant include THCA and THCV. Another semi-synthetic form of THC, THC-O, is an acetate created by converting other forms of THC.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC was first identified by Roger Adams in 1941 and fully isolated in 1965. Delta-8 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC found in small amounts in the cannabis plant.
Products sold on the market today contain delta-8 THC that is chemically converted from CBD isolate, making it a semi-synthetic cannabinoid product.
Research suggests that delta-8 THC binds to the body’s CB1 receptors in a similar way as delta-9 THC, but in a lesser capacity, suggesting it is less psychoactive. However, delta-8 THC can produce a similar psychoactive high to delta-9 THC, depending on the dose.
Human research on the effects of delta-8 THC is limited, and reported benefits require further study before the findings can be verified. But the data we do have suggests that Δ8-THC may be beneficial in treating nausea. A recent animal study concluded that delta-8 THC’s activation of the CB1 receptors blocks pain stimulus and produces anti-inflammatory effects. And a 2022 survey on user reports of delta-8 THC concluded relaxation, euphoria, and pain relief were the top effects. (1, 2, 3)
Delta-8 THC is available in a wide range of products, including gummies, chocolate, baked goods, vape pens, extracts, and tinctures. Delta-8 THC flower does exist, but because the plant doesn’t naturally produce delta-8 THC in significant amounts, producers spray delta-8 THC distillate onto CBD flowers.
Many consumers will have an easier time finding delta-8 in edibles, like the infused Δ8-THC tablets from LEVEL, which dissolve in your mouth for a quick onset.
Learn more about delta-8 THC, how it works, and common consumption methods.
What is Delta-10 THC?
Delta-10 THC was first synthesized in 1984 by Morris Srebnik, Naphtali Lander, Aviva Breuer, and Raphael Mechoulam. Delta-10 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC found in small amounts in the cannabis plant.
Products sold on the market today contain delta-10 THC that is chemically converted from CBD isolate, making it a semi-synthetic cannabinoid product.
Research suggests that delta-10 THC binds to the CB1 receptor but less so than delta-9 THC or delta-8 THC. This would suggest that it is less psychoactive than both. Unfortunately, there has not been any research on the effects of delta-10 THC, but user reports indicate it provides a stimulating and creative experience.
Like delta-8 THC products, delta-10 THC products can come in all kinds, including gummies, chocolate, baked goods, vape pens, extracts, and tinctures. Delta-10 THC flower also exists, and similar to delta-8 THC, producers spray delta-10 THC distillate onto CBD flower.
Delta-10 vs Delta-8: What are the Differences?
Delta-10 THC and delta-8 THC are both isomers of delta-9 THC, meaning they all have very similar chemical structures, with the only difference being where the double carbon bond is located.
When it comes to the production of delta-10 THC vs. delta-8 THC, they are created similarly. Both compounds are produced by converting CBD isolate using an acid and heat. However, residual contaminants from the acids used are still being identified, so consumers should exercise caution when smoking or vaping these products.
Unfortunately, there is limited data on delta-8 THC and even less available on delta-10 THC. When comparing delta-10 vs. delta 8-THC, the former has a weaker binding ability to the CB1 receptor and thus produces a weaker psychoactive high than delta-8 THC. Some of the research indicates that delta-8 may be beneficial for reducing pain, inflammation, and nausea. User reports comparing both indicate that delta-8 THC produces a relaxing and euphoric high, while delta-10 THC produces a more uplifting and creative high. Overall, the research suggests that delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC may act similarly to delta-9 THC, but to a lesser extent.
The cost of delta-10 THC vs. delta-8 THC varies by state. Since delta-8 THC is produced in a much larger quantity than delta-10 THC, it is typically available at a lower price. Because delta-10 THC is often in short supply and costs more, fewer products are available to consumers who are exploring the difference between delta-10 THC and delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 vs Delta-10: Legality
The legality of delta-8 vs. delta-10 THC is a bit of a gray area. Currently, 27 states and Washington DC permit the sale of alternative cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-10 THC. In these states, marijuana-derived Δ8 and Δ10-THC are restricted to sales within licensed cannabis retailers. Three states – California, Michigan, and Oregon – limit the sale of these cannabinoids, whether hemp or marijuana-derived, to licensed cannabis retailers. Delta-8 and delta-10 THC are completely illegal in 18 states, regardless of how they are derived.
Federally, both delta-8 and delta-10 THC have been ruled legal in the 9th circuit because of how the 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as being “any part of the cannabis plant, including all derivatives, extracts, [and] cannabinoids, that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight.” However, the FDA has failed to implement safety regulations for producing and selling these cannabinoids. Overall, federal regulations and state laws regarding delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are in a fast-changing landscape and are subject to modification or repeal.
Below is a current chart of in what states delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC are legal, have restricted sales, or are illegal. While we try to keep this list up-to-date, rapid changes to legislation can affect the accuracy of the following table, and consumers are encouraged to check their state government’s website for clarity on local delta-8 and delta-10 THC laws.
| Legal states | States where it’s illegal | |
| Delta 8 | Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Restricted Sales: California, Michigan, Oregon | Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington |
| Delta 10 | Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Restricted Sales: California, Michigan, Oregon | Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington |
Conclusion
Overall, the data on the effects and potential benefits of delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC is limited. Research suggests delta-8 THC could be beneficial for pain, inflammation, and nausea, but little research is available for delta-10 THC. Researchers have heard from consumers in survey reports that delta-8 THC produces a more relaxing effect while delta-10 THC produces a more creative and energetic effect. However, these user reports are anecdotal, and more clinical research must be done on delta-8 and delta-10 THC to identify effects and potential benefits.
Resources
- Tagen M, Klumpers LE. Review of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC): Comparative pharmacology with Δ9-THC. Br J Pharmacol. n/a(n/a). doi:10.1111/bph.15865
- Thapa D, Cairns EA, Szczesniak AM, Toguri JT, Caldwell MD, Kelly MEM. The Cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2018;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1089/can.2017.0041
- Kruger JS, Kruger DJ. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? J Cannabis Res. 2022;4(1):1-8. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
