With the rising popularity and legality of cannabis across the world, there are now many different forms of cannabis-derived products available on the market. The various types of cannabis carry distinct effects and have unique applications depending on the outcome that you are after. However, it can be difficult for consumers to differentiate between the newer cannabis products on the market. Sure, you may know about flowers and weed edibles, but have you heard about Delta 8 gummies and Delta 10? This article explores three forms of Delta THC and what they have to offer.
Delta 9
It may be strange to start in the middle, but we will begin with Delta 9 as it is currently the most encountered cannabis compound.
Hemp and cannabis plants contain a wide range of cannabinoids. These are compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. You may have heard of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) already; these compounds are known for their recreational and medicinal effects. THC is associated with the psychoactive effects of cannabis—the “high” that comes with consuming cannabis.
Delta 9 is a type of THC. It is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis plants. In the US, Delta 9 is not federally legal due to its intoxicating effects. However, it is legal in certain states to varying degrees. Some states allow for the recreational use of cannabis and its derivatives regardless of THC levels, while others restrict their use to medical purposes only.
The properties of Delta 9 can cause consumers to experience nice feelings of euphoria, increased focus, and well-being. However, Delta 9 consumption can also come with unwanted psychoactive effects such as an altered perception of time, giddiness, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Although most people who smoke cannabis or consume edibles will typically only consume managed doses of Delta 9, it is possible to have a bad experience if you take too much at once.
Delta 8
Delta 8 is a type of THC that is present in small amounts in cannabis plants. While it also has some intoxicating effects, it is not as potent as Delta 9 and its effects tend to come on more gradually. This makes Delta 8 a safer option for consumers who do not want to experience any side effects while enjoying the effects of cannabis. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as ‘weed light.’
Most users of Delta 8 have described it as having a mellow effect that is characterized by feelings of relaxation and peacefulness. It can also boost creativity, stimulate appetite, and help people with insomnia fall asleep faster. Delta 8 has been the focus of several medical studies, and researchers have determined that it may be beneficial for treating a range of conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and nausea.
If produced from hemp with a Delta 9 THC level of less than 0.3%, Delta 8 is federally legal in the US. This is because of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which legalized hemp and its products on a federal level. That said, certain states have specific laws that continue to prohibit the use of Delta 8 products, whether recreationally or for medicinal purposes. In states where Delta 8 is legal, it is typically sold in the form of oils, gummies, and vapes. Nonetheless, Delta 8 is easily purchased online.
Delta 10
Delta 10 is also a type of THC found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. While most of the Delta 8 and 9 products on the market may have been extracted directly from the plant, Delta 10 is found in such a small amount that it is often produced synthetically in a lab. Its potency is likened to Delta 8 in the sense that its psychoactive effects are about half that of Delta 9.
When comparing Delta 8 and Delta 10, users report that the former produces a more relaxed and sedated state, while the latter induces more of a “brain buzz” effect that is more likely to make you feel euphoric, energized, and uplifted. In this sense, Delta 8 is more suited to relieving stress after work while Delta 10 is better at boosting your mood and creativity during the day.
Delta 10 is considered federally legal if it is manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. That said, Delta 10 users must be careful when choosing their suppliers as the manufacturing process factors greatly into the quality of this product. Be sure to insist on third-party lab results that indicate purity and potency and the lack of toxins such as heavy metals or residual solvents.
Aside from Delta 8, 9, and 10, there are a whole host of other cannabinoids that may have potential benefits and effects on the human body. These can include Delta 11, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), tetrahydrocannabihexol (THC-H), tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THC-P), and cannabichromene (CBC). Many of these compounds are being isolated and researched by scientists with the hope of discovering novel treatments for various health conditions.
As cannabis culture and acceptance grow throughout the world and the US, consumers may soon have access to new forms of cannabis-derived products that offer greater benefits and enjoyment than ever before. In the meantime, do your research and choose the type of legal product that is best suited to your needs.