Delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 are all different tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) forms. The THC found in cannabis plants is typically delta-9 THC.

Cannabis plants contain dozens of different cannabinoids. These plant-based chemicals each have their own unique effects on the human body.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one such cannabinoid. Another commonly known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When we refer to THC, we’re typically talking about delta-9 THC.

However, there are other forms of THC out there. Delta-8 and delta-10 are found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. These cannabinoids have similar chemical structures to delta-9, and all three chemicals can make you feel intoxicated or “high,” but their effects can be slightly different.

Read on to learn more about delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC forms.

Although delta-8 is similar to delta-9 THC, it has a slightly different chemical structure. This difference in chemical structure might mean that it has different effects.

Delta-8 naturally occurs in cannabis plants in small amounts. As such, delta-8 products are typically made by synthetically converting CBD or delta-9 THC into delta-8. Very little is known about the effects of synthetic cannabinoids.

A 2023 study surveyed delta-8 users. About half of people surveyed used delta-8 for medical reasons, specifically:

The study found that consumers felt that delta-8 was an effective substitute for delta-9. In some cases, they felt that delta-8 had less intense side effects.

A 2022 study authored by the same researchers surveyed 521 delta-8 users, many of whom claimed that the side effects of delta-8 products were not as bad as those of regular cannabis.

Anecdotally, delta-8 users on forums claim that delta-8 makes them sleepy and relaxed. Many people also claim that it stimulates appetite, a common effect of cannabis known as “the munchies.”

Another 2022 study that looked at U.S.-based internet search queries found that people are becoming increasingly interested in delta-8 THC.

Public interest in delta-8 was particularly high in states that restricted the use of cannabis, which suggests that delta-8’s popularity is increasing because people think it may be a legal alternative to delta-9.

However, there’s currently limited research into delta-8 THC. More studies are necessary to better understand the possible benefits and risks.

Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in cannabis plants. When you buy products that contain THC, you’re typically getting delta-9 THC.

THC is perhaps most well-known for making people feel intoxicated or high.

However, it might also have health benefits. According to a 2023 article, it might help with:

A synthetic form of delta-9 THC is used to create dronabinol (Marinol), a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nausea or vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy, as well as HIV-induced anorexia.

There’s very little research on the possible benefits and side effects of delta-10.

Anecdotally, delta-10 users claim that the high is mellow but energizing. People also claim that they feel more euphoric after consuming delta-10.

However, because there’s a lack of research, there’s no proof to verify these claims.

Typical side effects of THC can include:

  • red eyes
  • dry mouth (“cotton mouth”)
  • increased appetite (“the munchies”)
  • difficulty thinking and speaking
  • slowed reaction times
  • anxiety
  • rapid heart rate
  • memory loss

The FDA has said that it received 104 reports of adverse events in people who used delta-8 products between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022.

The reported adverse effects include:

A major issue with delta-8 and delta-10 products is that they’re not regulated. This means that it’s difficult for consumers to figure out whether they’re buying legitimate, high quality products.

There’s no way to ensure that these products contain what manufacturers claim they contain or that they’re free from harmful contaminants.

At a federal level, delta-8 and delta-10 are technically legal. This is because the Farm Bill of 2018 made hemp legal to buy, sell, and grow. The bill defined hemp as a plant containing less than 0.3% of delta-9 THC by weight.

Because the Farm Bill focuses explicitly on delta-9 and not delta-8 or 10, delta-8 and 10 products that are derived from hemp could fall into a legal gray zone.

It’s more complicated than that, though. Because cannabis plants contain only trace amounts of delta-8 and delta-10, they’re usually made synthetically.

Many states have laws against synthetic cannabinoids. Whether delta-8 and delta-10 are synthetic cannabinoids is debatable: Both appear naturally in cannabis plants, but the legal definition of “synthetic cannabinoid” can be broad enough to include any cannabinoid that is made synthetically, including commercial delta-8 and delta-10 products.

Both delta-8 and delta-10 are explicitly restricted in certain states. Given the controversy around delta-8 and delta-10, it’s possible that lawmakers will soon introduce more state-level laws that restrict these cannabinoids.

You can find out about your state’s laws by looking at the Norml.org map of cannabis-related legislation.

THC is the chemical in cannabis that is responsible for making you feel intoxicated. It can also have medical benefits. The THC found in cannabis plants is typically delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 and 10 THC are becoming increasingly popular. However, the safety and benefits of delta-8 and delta-10 are unclear.

More research is necessary to better understand the benefits and side effects of delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10.