Of the 100-plus naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant, few have received more attention in the last year than delta 8 THC and delta 10 THC.
Though neither delta 8 nor delta 10 are new — they have always existed in hemp and marijuana plants — their widespread availability is a new and exciting development.
But what actually sets these two cannabinoids apart?
This guide will help you understand the differences between these two compounds, how they might benefit you in different ways, and even provide you with some brand suggestions.
Delta 8 and delta 10 are both available online and at licensed dispensaries in states where they are legal.
The following are some of the most trusted and reliable sources of high-quality delta 8 and delta 10 products:
1. Area 52’s Delta 8 THC Pen (BEST OVERALL)
2. Finest Labs’ Delta 8 Gummies (VALUE PICK)
3. Binoid CBD’s Delta 10 THC Tinctures
4. Delta Extrax’s Adios MF THCa Live Sugar Gummies
5. Apollo’s Delta 8 THC Gummies
6. Diamond CBD’s D10, D8 Gummies
7. Mellow Fellow’s Creativity Blend Live Resin Disposable Vape
8. 3Chi’s Delta 8 Gummies
Pros & Cons of Area 52’s Delta 8 THC Vape Pen
Very high potency distillate (99% purity)
Save 15% for the next 30 days using the code below
Available in both disposable vape pens and vape cartridges (510-threaded)
Thousands of 5-star user reviews.
Order risk-free with a lax 30-day return policy
Free gift included in all orders over $50
With a biochemist serving as one of its co-founders, Area 52 has carved out a niche as a brand rooted in science and focused on customer experience.
This company’s delta 8 products are consistently among the best around, including its classic Delta 8 THC Vape Pen. Delivering 3 mg of delta 8 in each puff, Area 52 Delta 8 THC Vape Pens are exceptionally potent while still offering relaxing, mellowing benefits.
Area 52 also carries some killer Delta 8 Gummies that split the difference between the traditional effects of THC and CBD. Made from all-natural hemp-derived cannabinoids, these gummies are also vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
COUPON CODE: Use FIRST15 at checkout for 15% off your next purchase.
Pros and Cons of Finest Labs’ Delta 8 Gummies
Save 10% using the coupon code below
Carts and gummies are fairly priced, considering high quality and potency.
Products are backed by third-party testing, keeping users safe.
Flavored using the company’s own high-end cannabis-derived terpenes
Very high potency (recommend starting with just ½ gummy)
Finest Labs was founded in 2020 and has earned rave reviews for its vapes and gummies. Their philosophy? It revolves around combining a passion for nature with real science to produce ethical cannabis products that change how we use terpenes.
Finest Labs’ Delta 8 Gummies are designed to highlight the relatively mild effects of delta 8 compared to delta 9 THC, which is ideal for relaxing and de-stressing.
That said, they’re also extremely potent — at 25 mg of THC per gummy — so choose your dose carefully depending on your tolerance. These gummies can take a bit of time to kick in compared to vaping, so be sure to give yourself 60 to 90 minutes before taking more.
If vapes are more your thing, you can try Finest Labs’ Delta 8 THC Vape. Potent, easy to use, and made with hemp extract and natural terpenes, Finest Labs Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridges are a convenient and discreet option for enjoying delta 8 whether you’re out and about or chilling at home. They’re also fast-acting, usually offering effects within 10 minutes, and made from Farm Bill-compliant industrial hemp.
COUPON CODE: Save 10% off by using the code FINEST at checkout.
Pros
Offers a series of delta 8 and delta 10 products with unique combinations.
Only uses high-quality, organic hemp in THC products.
Positive reviews for both the effect and taste of most products.
Cons
The product page isn’t user-friendly, with very little product information.
Some of the lab results are outdated.
Binoid was founded in 2018, and this Los Angeles-based brand was built on the belief that CBD is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Since that time, Binoid has added a wide range of other cannabinoid products to its lineup, including gummies, vapes, wax dabs, and tinctures featuring delta 8 and delta 10.
If you’re looking for something that kicks in quickly without burning your throat, the Delta 10 THC tinctures are a solid option. At 1000 mg of delta 10 THC in each bottle and 33.33 per dropper, you’ll feel an uplifting boost of focus. You’ll also find a Certification of Analysis for each product on Binoid’s website to verify its quality and ingredients.
Pros
Brand focuses on high-quality ingredients and natural flavors.
Each batch is tested for purity and consistency, so what you see on the product label is what you get.
Lots of flavor and strain options for different effects.
Cons
Once you buy, you’ll be stuck with the product because of a poor return policy.
Some products have artificial ingredients.
One of a handful of companies in charge of innovating new delta 8 products, Delta Extrax, has been focused on emerging cannabinoids since it opened its doors in 2020. With products aimed toward both wellness and recreation, this brand offers a tremendous selection and has earned glowing reviews for flavor, potency, and customer service.
If you’re looking for a novel gummy experience, try Delta Extrax Adios MF THCa Live Sugar 12000 mg Gummies. Available in multiple tasty flavor options, they come in jars of 20 gummies, each of which contains a highly potent 600 mg blend of delta 8, delta 9, THCP, and THCa.
Pros
25 mg of delta 8 for uplifting, relaxed feelings and sensations.
Include only natural and vegan-friendly ingredients.
Cons
Only two flavor options are available.
Most recent Certificates of Analysis from 2023.
Can’t ship products to many states.
Since its early days offering high-quality hemp-derived CBD products in 2016, Apollo CBD has expanded to include other new and exciting cannabinoids, like delta 8 and THCa. Apollo offers gummies, smokeables, and tinctures that are all third-party lab-tested and triple-checked for quality.
Although Apollo’s delta 8 options are currently limited to gummies, its premium D8 THC Gummies are well regarded for flavor and potency. Vegan and made with natural flavors — including Very Berry and Mango Passion flavors — the gummies each contain a powerful 25 mg dose of delta 8 and are available in jars of 20, 40, or 60.
Pros
There is little risk in purchasing with a 100-day guarantee.
An energizing blend of delta 8 and 10 without huge amounts of caffeine.
Cons
Doesn’t list exact measurements of cannabinoids.
May contain artificial flavors.
Pricier compared to many products with similar ingredients.
A Florida-based company founded in 2015, Diamond CBD offers one of the widest selections of cannabinoids in an equally diverse array of forms. Vapes, tinctures, topical applications, edibles — you name it. Lab reports are listed on the company website, and Diamond CBD offers an impressive 100-day guarantee.
Delta 8 and delta 10 THC are both well-represented in Diamond’s product line, especially in their Hyper D10, D8 Gummies. The mix of the two cannabinoids is designed to reduce stress while also producing a focus that will help you in all of your creative endeavors.
Pros
Produces a euphoric, energetic feeling without paranoia as a side effect.
Convenient, easy to use, and compact for ultimate user-friendliness.
Cons
Reusable vapes cause a lot of waste.
Need to purchase your own battery separately.
No detailed ingredients list on the product page.
Although Mellow Fellow is a relative newcomer to the world of cannabis products, having opened its doors in 2021, this brand has established a reputation for high quality and rigorous testing. Its founding team includes a PhD chemist and an innovative pharmacist who have helped create a wide-ranging array of products.
Mellow Fellow is arguably known for its disposable vapes, first and foremost. Vapes like the stimulating yet relaxing Creativity Blend feature a balanced mix of delta 8, delta 10, CBD, CBG, and HHC with live resin for flavor. The same blend is also available in gummy form.
Pros
Provides vegan and gluten-free options for those with specific diets.
Great products for relaxation and potential mild pain relief.
Cons
Some lab reports are too old to trust.
Doesn’t provide a satisfaction guarantee, so you have to keep the product.
Can be a little overpowering for new users.
One of the most established and well-respected brands in the cannabis business, 3Chi was founded in Irvine, CA, in 2003. In 2019, it became the first U.S. brand to market legal THC products after 3Chi researchers developed a method to extract pure delta 8 THC from hemp.
Today, 3Chi offers a huge array of ways to enjoy delta 8, including potent 25 mg Delta 8 Gummies in strawberry, black, raspberry, and watermelon. These powerful gummies will give you a calming body sensation while giving your mind a euphoric bliss, perfect for a relaxing evening on the couch.
Both delta 8 and delta 10 are naturally occurring cannabinoids. They are found in all hemp and marijuana plants, but the plants produce only a small amount of them, especially compared to the much more common delta 9 THC. Because there isn’t generally enough in cannabis plants to extract, the majority of these two cannabinoids available on the market are created in a lab.
Scientists use a chemical reaction to convert CB into delta 8 and delta 9. Contrary to what is sometimes reported, the lab process doesn’t make them synthetic; they are still naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from plants.
Who’s ready for some science? Both delta 8 and delta 10 are isomers of delta 9 THC. That means they have the same molecular formulas, but their atoms are arranged a little differently. More specifically, delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom of the chain, while delta 10’s double bond is on the 10th carbon atom. This is where they get their numbers.
Okay, so why does the atom chain make such a difference? Well, these minor chemical differences impact the pharmacological effects of delta 8 and delta 10. Both have psychoactive effects, much like delta 9, but slight differences make them suitable for users with varying goals.
Whichever cannabinoid you prefer is based on what effects you’re looking for, such as whether you are looking for relaxation vs. energy or a psychoactive experience vs. therapeutic benefits. Experiences with both compounds may vary, but here’s how the effects of delta 8 and delta 10 generally break down:
Delta 8 is known for relaxation and mild euphoria, making it potentially beneficial for anxiety and pain management, as well as improved sleep. A 2022 study referred to delta 8 as delta-9’s “nicer younger sibling” [1].
It found that the most common effects felt by users of delta 8 are relaxation (71%) and euphoria (68%). On top of that, users thought that delta 8 had much fewer negative side effects — like paranoia or higher heart rate — compared to delta 9.
Unfortunately, delta 10 has been studied much less compared to the other forms of THC. Some people say that delta 10 is more uplifting and invigorating (and less sedating) than other cannabinoids. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that it provides more energizing effects, helping users focus better on complicated tasks.
Both cannabinoids are generally considered safe when used responsibly. That being said, lack of regulation can lead to quality control and labeling issues, which makes it all the more important that users source their delta 8 and delta 10 THC from reputable brands.
Common side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, short-term memory disruptions, and impaired motor skills. Though these cannabinoids are thought to be weaker than delta 9 THC, consuming too much of any THC can result in side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and brain fog.
Call it a loophole or a legal gray area, but the legal status of delta 8 and delta 10 can be difficult to pin down. What we can say is that cannabis products that comply with the 2018 Farm Bill are legal on a federal level.
The bill makes a distinction between hemp plants and marijuana plants, defining cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight as “hemp.” When the products are under that limit, they are federally legal.
However, state laws still apply to the regulation of “hemp” products, and they vary widely and often change. Before you buy delta 8 or 10 from an online store, double-check the specific restrictions in your state.
The choice between delta 8 vs. delta 10 THC largely comes down to your tolerance and the type of experience you’d like to have. Here’s a basic breakdown of who tends to benefit most from each type of cannabinoid:
Delta 8 is generally considered better for those who are less experienced or have a lower tolerance. While it isn’t, strictly speaking, less potent than delta 10, its effects are more relaxing and less stimulating. Delta 8 is also suitable for therapeutic use, and a 2021 report found that more than half of all users chose delta 8 to help manage health or medical conditions [2]. You can buy delta 8 THC products online legally in roughly 50% of the US.
Delta 10 might be a better option if you’re an experienced user seeking an energizing, uplifting effect similar to the “high” you might experience with delta 9 THC. Though it may still have therapeutic applications, especially in smaller doses, delta 10 is generally thought of as more stimulating.
Regardless of which cannabinoid you choose, there are several additional factors you should consider. Always research the brand reputation of any company you buy cannabis products from. Read first-hand customer reviews and check to see if the brand makes its third-party lab test results publicly available.
Still want to learn more about delta 8 and delta 10 THC? Here are the short answers to some of the most common delta 8 and delta 10 questions.
Delta 10 is not necessarily stronger or more potent than delta 8, but it is reported to have different effects. Many users find delta 10 more stimulating, while delta 8 is viewed as more calming and relaxing.
Yes, there are some products that like to balance the stress-relieving effects of delta 8 with the stimulating effects of delta 10. But be careful about taking too much when combining cannabinoids; start with a low dose and wait for the effects to fully kick in before taking more.
Unfortunately, there’s not much research on the long-term effects of delta 8 and delta 9 THC. With that in mind, we’d suggest using these products with caution, giving yourself some time off to give your body a break.
Check local laws, as state regulations on cannabinoids can vary significantly and are subject to change.
Delta 8 is generally preferred over delta 10 for sleep due to its relaxing effects. Some users report falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer with delta 8. Delta 10, on the other hand, is known for stimulation, so you won’t want to take this cannabinoid before bed.
Yes, both can potentially trigger positive results. Avoid taking delta 8 or delta 10 if you expect to have to take a drug test that screens for THC.
For most THC products, keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve potency. Storage requirements vary depending on different ways of consuming THC; check storage requirements for vapes, tinctures, edibles, and other products.
Vaping or tinctures offer fast-acting relief, whereas gummies kick in more slowly but offer convenience for precise dosing and longer effects.
Prices vary, but many brands offer highly affordable products. The cost is often comparable to other cannabinoids, such as delta 9 THC. You should also take advantage of deals, like the coupon codes offered by companies like Area 52 and Finest Labs.
Be cautious, as laws that regulate Delta 8 and Delta 10 products differ by state and country. Make sure to check airline regulations and local laws before traveling.
Kruger, J.S., Kruger, D.J. Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? J Cannabis Res 4, 4 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00115-8
Kruger, D. J., & Kruger, J. S. (2023). Consumer Experiences with Delta-8-THC: Medical Use, Pharmaceutical Substitution, and Comparisons with Delta-9-THC. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(1), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0124
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