What we know about the THC alternatives

Interest in THC alternatives like Delta-8 and Delta-10 has grown rapidly. Global Google searches for “Delta-8” alone increased by over 700% from 2020 to 2021. In the past, cannabis lovers only had to keep an eye on the two big cannabinoids: THC and CBD. Now there’s a fast-growing family of cannabinoids Understand how THC develops its own family tree.

While Delta 9 THC is widely considered OG, you can now find Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC products on the market. What are these new forms of THC, how are they different, and what do we know about them?

What are THC isomers?

Both Delta-8 and Delta-10 are isomers of Delta-9 THC. Isomers are compounds with similar, though not identical, structures. The differences between isomers can be small from a structural point of view, but they can also produce significantly different experiences.

The current state of THC alternatives

THC alternatives are a very recent addition to the cannabis industry’s product, legal and scientific landscape. And although both Delta-8 and Delta-10 occur naturally in hemp and cannabis plants, they occur in very small amounts. Currently, the naturally occurring versions of these compounds are not the ones found in most – or probably all – products. Delta-9 THC isomers such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THC-O are currently synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.

As semi-synthetic compounds, if not properly purified after synthesis, Delta-8 and Delta-10 products can contain unsafe impurities, along with other unknown by-products that have not been evaluated for safety and may or may not show up in third-party labs tests. When purchasing these products, consumers should ask questions, look at Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from independent laboratories to verify cannabinoid content and safety, and buy from trusted manufacturers.

The legality of these connections also moves in a gray area. The DEA recently made comments that could be interpreted as supporting the legality of Delta-8 and Delta-10 when derived from hemp CBD, even though many states have banned both compounds. Before purchasing either Delta-8 or Delta-10, it is important that you understand the legal status of these connections in your home state.

Delta 10 vs Delta 8

So what is the difference between Delta-10 and Delta-8? There is still little scientific data to guide us, but a study conducted on pigeons supports the idea that both Delta-10 and Delta-8 are less intoxicating than Delta-9.

In a consumer survey, people reported that Delta-8 produced a milder high than Delta-9 with fewer side effects like anxiety and paranoia. Delta-8’s lighter experience is supported in a human research study, and it was also shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in a study in pediatric cancer patients. Another study conducted on cats suggests that it may have sedative properties, while another study conducted on mice suggests that delta-8 has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically.

Information about Delta-10 is even harder to come by, but most anecdotal accounts claim that it has a more uplifting effect compared to Delta-8. In this Reddit thread, some people compare the effects of Delta-10 with a sativa strain versus Delta-8, which has more indica-like effects. It appears that Delta-10 may be milder than Delta-8, although personal accounts vary.

bottom line

If this is your first time consuming either Delta-8 or Delta-10, follow the old adage to start low and go slow; Start with a low dose and give yourself plenty of time before increasing. This is especially true for edibles, which can take up to two hours to kick in.

While delta 8 and delta 10 THC induce a milder high than delta 9 THC, you can still overdo it. Consume responsibly.