Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most popular cannabinoids found in cannabis. Although delta 9 THC is the most abundant of the psychoactive components in cannabis, the delta 8, 10, and 11 varieties have proven to produce similar psychoactive effects with some unique properties of their own. Join us as we look at the psychoactive cannabinoids found naturally in cannabis and hemp plants.
What Is Tetrahydrocannabinol?
THC is a compound found in cannabis that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body and brain. When THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system and brain, it produces effects on the mind and body. This can be experienced as euphoria, a difference in perception of space and time, tingling sensations, and more, also referred to as a cannabis “high.”
Different variants of THC may produce more or less potent effects, but each delta-variant creates a unique combination of relaxation, euphoria, heightened sensory perception, pain relief, and more. Just remember to stick to your dosage and wait long enough before taking more so you can get the most out of your experience.
We usually compare delta 9 THC to hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD as it has been used for centuries and its effects are well-known. However, comparing delta 10 THC to delta 8 THC is a bit more challenging as there are not really any products with equal levels of each cannabinoid (and free from any other cannabinoids) on the market. CBD can moderate the effects of delta 8, 9, and 10 THC, making it especially difficult to get products with certain delta THC isolates.
What Are The Benefits Of Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC has a very similar chemical structure to delta 9 THC, its effects are more subtle and manageable. Many medical users prefer using delta 8 THC due to these less intense psychoactive effects. Delta 8 THC is often used for the following reasons:
- Stress
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Bipolar disorder
What Are The Benefits Of Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC is the most potent psychoactive cannabinoid, making it a favourite among many recreational users as well as those who struggle with severe medical issues. Responsible for the “high” effect of cannabis, this cannabinoid has proven to be effective in helping with:
What Do We Know About Delta 10 THC And Delta 11 THC?
There is very little research on delta 10 THC and delta 11 THC in general, but delta 10 THC seems to produce a mellow yet energising high with euphoria. However, it is difficult to verify these claims due to a lack of studies.
Comparison Of THC Variants
| THC VARIANT | CHEMICAL STRUCTURE | PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS | SOURCE |
| DELTA 8 | Double bond on the 8th carbon atom in the molecular chain. | Produces moderate psychoactive effects, often described to be milder than delta 9 THC. Expect a clear headed high with relaxation and a lower likelihood of paranoia. | Extracted from hemp or synthesised from CBD. |
| DELTA 9 | The most well-known form of THC with a double bond on the 9th carbon atom. | Specifically known for its strong psychoactive effects, delta 9 THC provides users with the typical “high” associated with cannabis. | Found naturally in cannabis plants; most abundant in cannabis plants with a high THC content in general. |
| DELTA 10 | Double bond on the 10th carbon atom in the molecular chain. | Users can expect moderate effects from delta 10 THC, producing a generally more mellow and energising high than delta 9 THC. However, more research is necessary to know the full extent of delta 10 THC’s effects. | Extracted from cannabis or synthesised in a laboratory. |
| DELTA 11 | Double bond on the 11th carbon atom in the molecular chain. | While limited research is available on delta 11 THC, its effects are most likely very similar to other THC variants. | Delta 11 THC is usually not derived from natural sources and is synthesised for research. |
How Are Different Types Of THC Produced?
Delta 9 THC stands out from the other deltas due to its source – it is found in very high concentrations in the cannabis plant. Containing up to 30% of delta 9 THC, smoking or vaping the buds will produce strong psychoactive effects. The extracted oil is also highly concentrated and can be used for edibles or vaping.
On the other hand, delta 8 THC and delta 10 THC are found in very small quantities in cannabis and hemp plants. In order to produce commercial delta 8 THC and delta 10 THC products, hemp-derived CBD is converted into other cannabinoids via heat or chemical catalysts. The same goes for delta 11 THC.
Which THC Gives You The Best High?
Due to its sheer potency and psychoactive strength, it is no surprise that cannabis-derived delta 9 THC produces the strongest and longest lasting high. For a more toned-down experience with the same benefits and having a lower chance of experiencing side effects, many users prefer delta 8 THC products.
Delta 8 THC is generally half as potent as delta 9 THC, while delta 10 THC is even milder than delta 8 THC. There is not much research on the potency of delta 11 THC. However, in terms of the “best” high, it will depend on the user. If you are looking for potency, delta 9 THC is the way to go. If you are looking for a milder experience with less likelihood of anxiety and/or paranoia, delta 8 THC or delta 10 THC might be a better option.
Delta 8, 9, 10, and 11 THC are variants of the psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Due to the differences in their molecular structure, each variant produces slightly different effects that may be more tailored to users’ needs. Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC provide milder psychoactive effects than that of delta 9 THC, which allows users to experience the benefits of THC with a much lower chance of paranoia or anxiety. There is not currently much research on delta 11 THC, although its effects are likely similar to the other THC varieties.
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