Introduction To Delta 9 THC Vs Delta 10 THC

Posted on August 27th, 2021
Today, people debate Delta 9 THC because more people than ever want to explore cannabis use. Some hope to manage underlying health or medical conditions. Others use cannabis for recreational purposes. But here’s what everyone may not know: cannabis comes in different variants. And we name them based on the different cannabinoids that they contain.
For many years, the cannabis world united behind a single word: THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Yet, what we called THC, was actually Delta 9. And it turns out that’s just one of many variations of this psychoactive substance.
Recently, we’ve been exploring another THC variant: Delta 8. Now, you can consider this THC variant Delta 9’s more responsible, gentler cousin. So it may be a better option if you’re concerned about getting “high”.
And guess what? There’s another new cannabinoid, which goes by the name of Delta 10. Just like Delta 8, it’s also received positive feedback. But with all these emerging THC variants, and with more likely to come, we know you have questions. After all, it’s a really exciting and interesting time for cannabis enthusiasts and the cannabis community. But, it can still be confusing. So that’s why we’re offering you this guide, which takes a closer look at the new and old versions of THC.
What Is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 is the best-known THC variant. You’re probably familiar with this version, even if you don’t know much else about cannabis. And that’s likely due to a few different reasons.
First, this variant has the highest concentrations in cannabis. (Hovering around 2.1 to 3.5%.) That makes it easier to extract and market. Plus, some cannabis plants are specially cultivated to contain much higher levels. Which means that, with proper care, your plant could yield 25% Delta 9 concentrations. And sometimes even higher levels.
Delta 9: Pros And Cons
When compared to other THC variants, Delta 9 still produces the most powerful psychoactive effects. (That’s the sensation people refer to as a “high.”) It is also the main reason why many people feel apprehensive about using THC products. Even in the face of their reported medical and health benefits. At the end of the day, people worry about the paranoia, confusion, hunger, or anxiety that may occur after using Delta 9.
This is particularly true for people using cannabis to manage unwanted symptoms. Many people want relief. But they prefer to remain lucid and maintain focus.
At the same time, many enthusiasts feel the benefits far outweigh these THC side effects. They also find that THC products help them manage pain, relax, and even get their creative juices flowing.
With such high popularity, manufacturers made THC more accessible. Now consumers can enjoy cannabis in various forms. And these include flowers, edibles, concentrates, gummies, and more.
What Is Delta 10 THC?
If this is the first time you’ve heard about Delta 10, you are certainly not alone. After all, scientists just recently discovered this variant. In fact, we owe its discovery to a natural disaster.
Yes, you read that right. The Delta 10 discovery came about when a California-based company bought cannabis plants to produce new concentrates. Unfortunately, the plants were exposed to chemicals found in fire retardants. (This exposure happened because of wildfires in the growing region.)
As the company carried out its usual production processes, one lab technician picked up a crystal formation. Then, they purified these white crystals to carry out further testing.
After completing an HPLC data analysis, the lab found that the crystals shared similarities with CBC (cannabichromene). But they were also different when compared to other well-known cannabinoids.
From here, they launched an NMR data analysis in a specialty laboratory. And that’s where they identified these crystals as the Delta 10 variant. Since then, we’ve refined and improved the extraction process. So, today, it’s reached a stage where it’s reliably produced commercially.
What Is Delta 10? 
Delta 10 is one of many active compounds naturally present in cannabis plants. It shares psychoactive and many other similar properties with its cousins in the THC family.
Now, we just recently discovered this compound. So we have limited information about its properties. But it may emerge as a winner when it comes to the Delta 9 vs Delta 10 battle. And for very good reasons. After all, if you thought Delta THC 8 was less psychoactive than Delta 9? Then just wait until you try Delta 10! Because it happens to be even milder.
What Separates Delta 9 THC And Delta 10?
To begin with, the THC experience that Delta 10 offers is very different when compared to Delta 9 according to limited studies and countless testimonials. It becomes important for old-timers and cannabis newbies to know about these differences since it allows users to make better decisions before choosing a product:
Potency
Delta 10 might still cause you to get a high, but not as close to Delta 9. As a reference point, Delta 8 is said to be 34% to 50% less potent when compared to Delta 9. Experts are suggesting that Delta 10 is less potent than Delta 8, which is a favorable characteristic that many of the THC enthusiasts prefer.
Potential Health Benefits
Delta 9 is better known for recreational purposes and uses, but users report experiencing many different health benefits. Here are a few symptoms that using THC may help alleviate:
– Migraine
– Seizures
– Anxiety
– Insomnia
– Depression
– Inflammation
– Nausea
– PSTD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
– Pain
– Loss of appetite
Delta 9 is also responsible for stimulating the brain which helps to release a neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Dopamine is what causes the feelings of euphoria linked with marijuana. However, Delta 9 is also responsible for causing adverse reactions, that often vary from person to person.
Delta 10 is one of the THC isomer’s of Delta 9, which means there are good reasons to believe or think that it will probably offer similar or maybe even better health benefits. What’s even more positive is that the initial studies show that Delta 10 doesn’t result in the side effects associated with Delta 9.
These assumptions are already backed by “anecdotal” evidence as more people start to experience the various benefits of Delta 10.
Delta 9 THC Vs Delta 10: Which Is Safer And Better To Consume?
Based on consumer reports, Delta 10 appears to be the safer option when compared to Delta 9. It provides a THC experience that is similar but without resulting in psychotropic effects which many people prefer to avoid.
As Delta 10 becomes more widely known and increases in popularity, it will carry on drawing the interest and attention of governments, researchers, and scientists from across the globe. We probably won’t have to wait very long before the confusion or cloud surrounding this promising variant will be lifted.
Takeaway
It seems that the debate between Delta 9 vs Delta 10 might be settled for now. The latest member to join the THC family is set to take over from the “traditional” Delta 9.
If you are interested in trying out a product containing Delta 10, we still suggest starting with the lowest dosage and taking things slow, since the information available about this latest THC variant is still relatively limited. Most importantly, ensure that you only buy your THC products from reliable and reputable sources.
