Cannabinoid Confusion: Understanding Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC

You may have heard of Delta 8, Delta 9, or Delta 10 THC, but what are they – and are they really different?

When we talk about cannabis, the THC that is typically referred to is Delta-9-THC. Delta-9 THC is the tried-and-true classic, most commonly responsible for the high people associate with cannabis. Where things get complicated when we talk about Delta-8, Delta-10 and other cannabinoids (the chemical compounds in cannabis responsible for its effects).

To understand the difference, we can look at the Agriculture Act 2018, which separated hemp from cannabis. The big difference between the two is that hemp specifically contains less than 0.3% delta-9-THC (on a dry weight basis). However, as we all quickly found out, delta-9-THC isn’t the only intoxicating cannabinoid. Using federally legal hemp, operators have been able to convert CBD into delta-8-THC, delta-10-THC, and other intoxicating cannabinoids (usually through a chemical process called isomerization).

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Delta 8 and delta 10 THC have minor differences in their chemical structure compared to delta 9 THC. By using hemp and keeping the delta-9 THC concentration below 0.3%, humans have created THC isomers, which it is technically federal legal.

In terms of effects, delta 8 and delta 10 THC are generally considered to be similar but slightly less potent than delta 9 THC. Still, these cannabinoids are intoxicating, and the somewhat questionable regulatory standards that surround them can result in erratic potency.

RELATED: What’s the Difference Between Delta-9 and Delta-10 THC?

While these are some of the most common, they’re not the only intoxicating cannabinoids out there. Others like THC-P and HHC are made through similar chemical processes to delta-8 and delta-10 THC. THC-P and HHC are also intoxicating, with some even claiming that THC-P is more potent than standard delta-9-THC due to more effective binding to your endocannabinoid receptors.

While there is a wide range of intoxicating cannabinoids with more to come, consumers should still exercise caution when using them. Since most of these products are developed without many restrictions or testing requirements, some can be quite harmful.

RELATED: What Is THC-O, and Why Is This Psychedelic Cannabinoid 3x Potent Than THC?

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A similar chemical compound known as THC-O (acetate) was used for its intoxicating effects, but we now know that heating THC-O can form ketene, a compound that’s quite toxic to your lungs. The DEA also recently took the position that most forms of THC-O are not actually found in hemp (despite the ability to convert CBD to THC-O), making THC-O as illegal as your standard Delta at the federal level -9-THC-rich cannabis.

While many of these cannabinoids may be legal at the federal level, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily legal in your state. Additionally, the hemp-derived cannabinoids industry could be in for a significant shock with a 2023 version of the Farm Bill coming out this year.