What do Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, and THC-O have in common? Well for starters, all these compounds are from both hemp and marijuana plants. Delta 8 and Delta 9 in particular share very similar compositions. Delta 9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana and hemp. THC-O on the other hand is the short form for THC-O-Acetate, also known as THC Acetate and ATHC.
Although these compounds are all derivatives from the same plant, a difference between THC-O and the Delta compounds is that THC-O is synthesized. It’s also called THC-O Acetate, and it doesn’t really occur in nature- it’s a lab made cannabinoid meant to resemble delta-9 THC. Delta-8 and delte-10 THC have a double bond in their molecular structure in a different place than delta-9 THC. Delta 8’s double bond is on the 8th chain, delta 9’s double chain is on the 10th chain, and delta 10’s double chain is on the 10th chain. The different placements of this double bond impacts the effects of each cannabinoid. The difference between those three and THC-O is the acetate aspect. This is how THC-O is made:
CBD is extracted from raw hemp as the first step. Then, delta-8 THC is extracted from that CBD. To make THC-O, acetic anhydride is added to the delta-8 THC molecules. That makes THC-O acetate. The process of making THC-O is quite dangerous and should never be attempted outside of a professional laboratory.
Basic Differences Between The Delta THC’s and THC-O
Delta-8 THC- The double bond of this cannabis compound is on the 8th chain, hence the 8 in its name. This means delta-8 THC is slightly weaker in effects than delta-9 THC, but with similar results- it is psychoactive, meaning it causes a high. Some people describe it as being more on the relaxing end, more like an Indica strain of cannabis.
Delta-9 THC- The original and most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid. Double bond on the 9th chain of the molecule. Not legal in Texas and not yet Federally legal. Products can only contain delta-9 THC if it is below 0.3% by dry volume. Our Choice Spectrum products contain delta-9 THC and meet this requirement.
Delta-10 THC- The double bond of this compound is on the 10th chain, hence the 10 in its name. This cannabinoid seems as if it may be stronger than delta-9 THC, though not an extreme amount. A significant number of people note the effects are somewhat uplifting and energizing, more like a Sativa strain of cannabis.
THC-O- The Acetate version of THC, initial reports are that THC-O is quite a bit stronger than delta-9, potentially even 2-3 times as strong. Should be used with caution at first due to the strength.
Understanding Their Chemical Structure
Both Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC are known as THC analogs. This means they have a chemical composition similar to the standard Delta 9 THC. On a chemical level, the difference between both compounds is the location of the double bond within the carbon chain. Judging from its name, Delta 8’s double bond occurs on the eighth bond and the tenth in Delta 10. These little differences make all the difference about how the cannabinoids interact with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are responsible for interacting with Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC both bond with the CB2 receptors.
THC-O on the other hand is not a naturally occurring cannabinoid-like Delta 8 and Delta 9. The compound is only produced when raw cannabis is exposed to a process known as decarboxylation. This process also removes all other chemical compounds including terpenes and flavonoids and leaves behind a potent THC isolate that has no flavor or aroma.
THC-O is an analog. Analogs are compounds that have similar structures to that of other compounds but differ simply in respect to a particular component. In the case of THC-O, THC is the original compound making THC-O an analog.
Reviewing Their Effects on The Body
A major effect noticed by Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC users is the differences in effect the compounds have on their minds and body. For most users, the consensus is neither Delta 8 nor Delta 10 THC have the same potency as Delta 9. This makes the compounds a lot more ‘manageable’. That’s especially true for new users who are less likely to experience overwhelming psychoactive effects.
Delta 8 THC can sometimes be similar to indica marijuana strains and it causes a relaxed and sleepy feeling. D8 users can also experience feeling lazy or tired so it is better to use it at night or after work. Delta 10, on the other hand, is similar to the Sativa strains of marijuana and may provide an uplifting feeling, increased drive, and motivation and an increase in energy levels. Both compounds can trigger feelings of euphoria without any side effect of anxiety or paranoia. That is sometimes a side effect of Delta 9 THC.
The beneficial effects of THC are well-known to avid users of the substance. And with THC-O, users can continue to enjoy those benefits as well. The difference between both substances is in their high. With THC-O, people say effects may be spiritual and introspective, with some users describing the high as similar to that of LSD and shrooms, something not attainable with regular THC products. We have not experienced effects this strong, however.
Finally, it is important to note as with all other cannabis-related products to be careful with your usage. As a company, we regularly advise all first-time users to begin with a light dose. From there, work your way up to their optimal dose. We hope you’ve learned something about delta 8 9 and 10 in this blog!
Got questions? Let us know in the comments below!
