Weed edibles have been popular among cannabis users for decades, but the products have long evolved from their early days in pot brownies. The THC edible market has seen some of the most revolutionizing changes, with products from THC-infused honey to cheesy and spicy-infused chips. One type of edible, however, seems to reign over all the others in terms of popularity among users: THC gummies.
But gummies can be infused with multiple different kinds of tetrahydrocannabinols, or THCs, including delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10. Although all are somewhat similar, these compounds have their differences in effects and potencies. So, what are the differences and similarities between delta 8 gummies, delta 9 gummies, and delta 10 gummies?
Also known as delta 9 THC or simply THC, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. As delta 9 binds with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, such as CB1 receptors, it creates effects in the body. In addition, it releases dopamine, which is closely linked to feelings of euphoria. Stress, sleep, pain, and other bodily functions are moderated by CB1 receptors, which is why delta 9 is so effective at treating ailments relating to them.
Because delta 9 interacts with our cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters, it has many potential benefits. In spite of the fact that THC properties vary by individual depending on factors such as weight, age, tolerance, and metabolism, the compound has been shown to have the following general effects:
Cannabinoids such as delta 9 are popular as recreational compounds, but they also have many potential medicinal uses. As a matter of fact, historical evidence indicates that humans discovered cannabis's medical benefits thousands of years ago, and have been reaping them ever since. As per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, delta 9 may be helpful in treating ailments related to:
Although delta 9 has many potential benefits, both medicinal and otherwise, some evidence has also been found showing the compound to have adverse effects. Among the most common side effects associated with cannabis are dry eyes and a dry mouth; thankfully, these side effects are also the easiest to treat. Just pour yourself a cold glass of water and use some eye drops.
There are, however, other, less common potential risks associated with delta 9 THC, including:
In spite of some uncomfortable side effects, THC's long-term effects do not seem too severe. The World Health Organization indicates that the compound does not pose a significant risk to users and its abuse is rarely reported.
Often referred to as delta 8 or delta 8 THC, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is another naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It shares a similar chemical composition with its close relative, delta 9, which is cannabis' main psychoactive compound. The molecular structures of these molecules are very similar, with one notable difference: delta 9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom, while delta 8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom.
Despite their similar chemical structure, delta 8 and delta 9 have different effects due to their different arrangements of atomic bonds. According to some research, delta 8 is roughly half as powerful as delta 9 and less likely to cause adverse effects like anxiety and paranoia. These effects are often associated with delta 9.
The main selling point of delta 8 is its similar psychoactive experience to delta 9, but with dramatically reduced paranoia and anxiety risks. Unlike regular THC, its moderately low and extremely manageable high gives users a buzz without leaving them completely lethargic.
Often referred to as "diet weed," delta 8 has many of the same properties as delta 9, although to a lesser degree. Among these effects are:
Delta 8 still has the same relaxation and pain-relieving effects as delta 9. While using delta 8, however, your mind will remain at ease, and you will feel a sense of clarity. The compound can be effective at bringing the mind into a productive state at low doses, but at high doses, it can become sedative.
Delta 8 is much milder than regular THC, but it can still cause some of the adverse effects associated with it. Staying hydrated and picking up eye drops from your local drugstore can relieve the usual dry mouth and red eyes, but there are some other, slightly more serious side effects that may include short-term memory loss and a rapid or slow heartbeat.
Good news, however, is that delta 8's side effects are also very manageable due to the compound's mild psychoactive potency. Often referred to as "delta 9's nicer younger sibling," delta 8 doesn't appear to cause some of the more uncomfortable and disorienting side effects of the compound, such as anxiety and paranoia, and even if users experience these side effects, they feel more manageable than those associated with delta 9.
Another psychoactive cannabinoid found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant is delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as delta 10 or delta 10 THC. Delta 10 also has a similar chemical composition to delta 9 but differs in one important way. Delta 10 has a double carbon bond on the tenth carbon, while delta 9 has one on the ninth carbon.
Each tetrahydrocannabinol interacts differently with the body's drug receptors depending on where the double bonds are located. In other words, this double bond placement determines how high a compound can make a user. Due where in the carbon chain its double bonds are placed, delta 10 is also much less potent than delta 9. Delta 10 is thought to be 20-30% less potent than delta 8, which is half the potency of delta 9.
Due to its reduced potency, Delta 10 is the perfect compound for beginners. While it still provides a psychoactive experience, it allows you to control your head. Anecdotal evidence is more abundant than scientific evidence when it comes to delta 10's effects and benefits. Users of the compound claim that it is energizing, focusing, and creative. Essentially, delta 10 behaves like Sativa cannabis strains. By simulating your brain, the compound promotes alertness, productivity, and more, rather than relaxing you to the point of sedation.
Delta 10's muted psychoactive potency also has less frequent and less pronounced side effects, including anxiety and paranoia. This compound is often used to treat anxiety without the feeling of total sedation. Furthermore, delta 10 does not produce the euphoric effects associated with delta 8 or delta 9. Rather, its calming and relaxing effects lift low moods and provide energy.
Based on user reports, delta 10 may promote:
It is still possible to experience some of the well-known side effects of cannabis, despite delta 10's extremely mild potency. Many of them, such as dry eyes and dry mouth, are uncomfortable at worst and can be quickly relieved. Delta 10's more serious side effects include headaches, anxiety, and low blood pressure, which usually only occur at high doses.
As delta 10 is such a mild cannabinoid, many people underestimate its potency, ingesting much more than their bodies and tolerance level can handle. In order to prevent any major side effects, start low and slow, then work your way up to your desired high. The trial-and-error process may seem tedious, but it's better to perfect your dosage than to take too much and end up having a bad experience.
All of these compounds can be tremendously beneficial (and fun), but the question regarding which is best it somewhat complicated. What you should be asking is not which one is better, but rather which one works better for you. Some may automatically assume that delta 9 is better because it’s the most potent of the three, but the reality is that the compound wouldn’t seem best to someone looking for reduced strength.
At the end of the day, which one of these cannabinoids you choose depends exclusively on you. If you’re looking for a classic cannabis high with the plant’s full potency, delta 9 will work best for you. If you still want a moderate psychoactive experience but are afraid of running into side effects like anxiety and paranoia, go for delta 10. If what you want is a mild, energizing buzz, delta 10 is your best bet. Everyone looks for a different effect from weed, and only you know which compound is most compatible with your body’s needs.
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