By Mathew Fairfax | Jan 26, 2024

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – Demystifying the Delta Difference

By Mathew Fairfax | Jan 26, 2024

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Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10? Most people are familiar with Delta 9 THC. Delta 9 is the THC that was in your Dad’s grass growing up. In years past, it was assumed that when THC was mentioned, it was Delta 9. Most people were unaware that there are many variations of the molecule. But now, newcomers are bursting onto the scene. Delta 8 THC is all the rage, and Delta 10 is right on its heels.

As consumers trying to make sense of it all, the questions about the “Deltas” abound. Do they all make you high? Is one more potent than another? Is Delta 8 natural? Which forms of THC are legal? There are over 200K Google searches a month for Delta 8 alone in the US. Most people conducting these searches are trying to understand the difference between the Deltas. We are here to help!

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – Molecular Structure

It is time for an organic chemistry lesson comparing Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10. Ok, don’t panic. There won’t be a test and we are only using pictures.

The graphic above shows the molecular structure of Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9. The only difference between the two molecules is the location of the double bond in the ring structure on the left side of each diagram. The red circle highlights the double bond location. In Delta 9, the double bond is between the 9th and 10th carbon in the ring. The double-bond is between the 7th and 8th carbons in Delta 8 THC.

The Delta 10 molecule is not represented here but I bet you can predict where Delta 10’s double bond is located.

CBD or Delta 9 for Sleep? Which One is Right for You?

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – Do They Have the Same Potency?

They all have a psychotropic effect. All will produce the euphoria commonly referred to as a “high.” This is because the molecular structures described above are so close to one another that they similarly interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your brain.

For the most part, your body can not differentiate between the Delta. However, there is anecdotal evidence (not scientifically tested, just reported in social media and by cannabis companies) that suggests Delta 8 may be less potent than Delta 9. This may be real or a fabrication created to soothe public and legislative concerns.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – Are they Natural Compounds

Yes and no. They all occur naturally in Cannabis sativa (hemp and marijuana varieties).

But, Delta 9 is produced in a much higher concentration than Delta 8 or Delta 10. Delta 8 and Delta 10 are produced in such a low concentration that it is not economically feasible to extract and refine either from hemp or marijuana.

How are Delta Cannabinoids Made?

So, how do companies like RedeemRx produce Delta 8 products? The answer is simple. We use our normal CO2 or alcohol extraction processes to pull out the cannabinoids in hemp flower.

Then, we perform a reaction in our manufacturing facility using heat and acid to convert the CBD into Delta 8 THC. This is how all commercially available Delta 8 THC is made. If a company tells you differently, they are not being transparent.

*RedeemRx does not currently produce Delta 10 products.

Why are Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC becoming so Popular?

Delta 8 and Delta 10 popularity is on the rise because they are not Delta 9 in the eyes of current legislation. Delta 9 THC is specifically called out on the DEA list of Schedule I substances. Schedule I substances are deemed illegal because they are considered by the Federal Government to have no medicinal use and carry the potential for abuse.

Of course, much peer-reviewed research indicates, even proves, that Delta 9 THC and most of the other cannabinoids for that matter have many therapeutic uses. The science is way ahead of the legislation on this one.

Essentially, Delta 8 and Delta 10 fit nicely through a legal loophole. The opinion of those in favor of Delta 8 and Delta 10 is that it is protected by the Farm Bill. At this time, the legality is just an opinion. It has not been adjudicated.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – The Loop Hole in Federal Law

How does this loophole work? The Delta 8 and Delta 10 loophole is grounded in the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill made hemp and hemp-derived products legal in the US again. I say “again” because they were initially made illegal in 1937 by the Marijuana Act and further demonized in the 1970’s by the Controlled Substances Act. This was a “cut of our nose despite our face” move by the federal government as up until 1937; hemp was a cash crop providing fiber for rope, feed for animals, paper pulp, hemp oil and seeds for human consumption.

The full story behind political strategy and public opinion battle is an interesting read. It is full of political lobbying by corporations (like the pulp industry), racist social motivation, and government propaganda playing on the fears of the American people.

If you are curious check out this NIH article as a good synopsis of the social and political forces that have demonized marijuana and hemp over our country’s history.

A critical turning point in hemp’s history in the US was the appointment of Harry J. Anslinger was the first head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in 1937.

Simply put, the Farm Bill made it legal for farmers to grow cannabis sativa varieties with less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight (hemp). The bill also made the production and sale of cannabis products derived from hemp federally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

Initially, there was no problem. However, enterprising CBD companies soon found that they could convert CBD into Delta 8 THC in an economically feasible manner to produce products that contained more than 0.3% THC. Since the Delta 8 produced is technically derived from hemp, the industry considers it legal under federal law. But not everyone agrees. If you are curious about the new 2023 Farm Bill, check out our blog.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – The DEA’s Opinion

No law exists that expressly names hemp-derived Delta 8 or Delta 10 as illegal on the federal level. Many in the industry rest on the DEA opinion sent to the Alabama Board of Pharmacy in 2021 that appears to indicate that Delta 8 extracted from hemp is legal. But, the language leaves room for interpretation.

However, DEA Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section Chief Terrence Boos made a statement in May of 2023 at the agencies Supply Chain Conference stating that, “Arriving at delta-8-THC by a chemical reaction starting from CBD makes the delta-8-THC synthetic and therefore, not exempted by the [Agriculture Improvement Act],” Boos wrote, referring to the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp. He further added that, “Any quantity of delta-8-THC obtained by chemical means is a controlled substance.”

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – Concentrations for Commercial Products

The loop hole mentioned above has resulted in an interesting situation. Since Delta 9 is specifically called out in the Farm Bill and as a Schedule I Drug, the potency of any product containing hemp-derived Delta 9 can not exceed 0.3% by weight.

However, since Delta 8 and Delta 10 are not specifically mentioned in regulations, they can exceed the 0.3% rule. We find it a bit ironic that a natural extract that is for all practical purposes identical to the lab covered Delta’s is the most restricted. But, honestly, the inconsistencies in hemp regulation defy rational thought. It is mostly emotion and politics.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – Drug Testing

When it comes to drug testing Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10, it doesn’t matter. They will all test positive on a drug test. The fact of the matter is that most drug tests are not looking for the actual THC molecule. The tests are looking for the compounds your body converts THC into in your liver. The metabolites of THC, no matter the delta.

Delat 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – What are the side effects?

If you are looking for Delta products then you are aware that they cause dose dependent euphoria. This requires that you plan your usage for times when you do not need to drive or operate equipment. Depending on the dose, you may be in an excellent state of mind to do creative things like art, writing, or even organizing your closet.

While adverse effects are rare, some people do not tolerate THC well. Depending on the dose, they may experience anxiety or in extreme cases paranoia. When it comes to the possibility of addiction, there is a risk of psychological addiction. Physical addiction resulting in physical withdrawal symptoms are almost unheard of. Irritability, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, and anxiety are the most likely physical symptoms to be reported.

It is important to note that most case studies concerning psychological addiction or the very rare physical addiction to THC involve smoking marijuana. Today’s marijuana is extremely potent with unpredictable variations in THC concentration. When you purchase products containing any of the Delta’s from a reputable manufacturer, the dosage should be that stated on the label claim. If taken as suggested, the dosage will be much more predictable.

RedeemRx Delta Cannabinoid Products

Currently, RedeemRx offers Delta 8 THC products in the form of gummies and softgels. These products work well for sleep and relief from aches and pains. We also offer full spectrum CBD oils with less than 0.3% Delta 9. But be on the lookout, Delta 9 gummies for sleep, mood, and mind are coming soon!

Full Spectrum CBD Oil Optimal Spectrum – 1500mg

$69.99 — or subscribe and save 30%

Simple, Pure, and Effective! Each 30ml bottle contains 1500mg of our Optimal Spectrum CBD oil. Best for dosing mild to moderate symptoms, this oil is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes maximizing the Entourage Effect. This product does contain THC below the legal limit of 0.3%. Offered with a dropper or sprayer.

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Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10 – That’s a Wrap

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs Delta 10……….Pharmacologically, there is not much delta. All will show up on a drug test. All will produce a euphoria. Their molecular weight and structure a identical for all practical purposes. The only real difference is how each are manufactured. Delta 8 and Delta 10 are produced by converting CBD in the laboratory.

In our humble opinion, the most important consideration is, do you trust the manufacturer? Are they transparent? Do they provide third party test results to demonstrate product purity and potency? Do they engage with their customers to answer questions and provide customer service?

Here are RedeemRx, we strive every day to provide the highest quality products, reasonable pricing, and excellent customer service. We are always happy to answer your questions. Our passion to to provide products that are GROWN BY NATURE AND PROFECTED BY SCIENCE.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9 Vs Delta 10,/H2

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