Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 vs. Delta-10: What’s the Difference?

Within the cannabis universe, only one class of cannabinoids delivers the pleasant psychoactive effects we know and love: THC. Yes- we said “class,” because there are actually several different types of THC available.

However, three of them tend to stand out the most: Delta-8, 9, and 10.

When comparing delta-8 vs. delta-9 vs. delta-10, their shared characteristics are easy to see, like a similar molecular structure and name. But their differences, white less obvious, are just as important.

If you want to dial in your experience and curate specific effects from your edible or inhalable, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll explore the differences between Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 so you can discover which is right for you. 

As isomers, all three versions of THC share the same chemical formula, with the same number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. But it’s the arrangement of these atoms that differentiates them and changes the way they bind to our endocannabinoid receptors.

Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom of the cyclohexane ring. To translate that into simpler terms, it means that at the 9th position in the molecular ring, two carbon atoms share this stronger connection than the others. 

This specific bond is important because it helps the THC molecule fit into one of the central endocannabinoid receptors (CB1) for stronger psychoactive effects.

Alongside the ever-popular cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9 THC is one of the two most prevalent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It exists at higher levels in marijuana varieties, but you'll also find it at lower levels in hemp varieties. (Hemp is a legal category of cannabis covering all plants that contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC).

If you have experience with the effects of any THC, it’s likely going to be delta-9 since it’s the most abundant psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. As the most famous THC, it’s long been loved for its relaxing, euphoric, and sometimes sleepy effects. Depending on the serving size, it can pleasantly alter your sense of time and heighten the senses for a long-lasting and vibrant experience.

Compared with delta-8 and delta-10, delta-9’s effects are typically the strongest due to a strong binding affinity to the CB1 receptors in the brain.

Delta-9 THC’s legal status largely depends on the jurisdiction and the source. Marijuana-derived delta-9 THC is now legally available recreationally and/or medically in more states than it’s not. Still, it remains tightly regulated at the federal level.

The good news is that in 2018, hemp and all hemp-derived products were legalized federally thanks to the passage of the Farm Bill. This means hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products are legal nationwide.

However, with this hemp-derived cannabinoid, there’s an explicit limitation on its federally legal status.

A product’s concentration of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC cannot exceed 0.3% of it’s dry weight. That means you’ll usually only find legal Delta-9 in edibles, but there are innovative offerings on the market like fast-acting Delta-9 drinks and even Delta-9 THC syrup!

That said, legal interpretations vary from state to state. It’s best to double-check the local regulations before diving in.

With delta-8 THC, we encounter a very similar structure to its THC cousins, only this time, the double bond is on the 8th carbon atom of the cyclohexane ring. This means that two carbon atoms share a stronger connection at the 8th position in the molecular ring than other versions of THC.

Interestingly, this structural difference means delta-8 THC doesn't bind as strongly to the CB1 receptors, with research suggesting the effects are about half as strong as delta-9.

Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in all cannabis plants, including both hemp and marijuana varieties. However, it’s considered a minor cannabinoid because it is present in much smaller amounts than Delta-9 THC and CBD. When delta-8 THC is infused into edibles or other products, it is almost always sourced from hemp (typically synthesized from another cannabinoid like CBD) rather than marijuana.

Because of its weaker binding affinity to the CB1 receptor, delta-8 THC's effects are milder. It's still euphoric and relaxing, but people say the effects sit more in the physical body than the mind.

Once again, the legal status of delta-8 THC varies depending on where you are and where it’s sourced. However, since it is almost always derived from hemp, it remains federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill poses no limitations on the concentration of Delta-8 allowed in a product. This means you can legally purchase Delta-8 gummies, Delta-8 oil tinctures, and even Delta-8 vapes!