What are the other psychoactive compounds in cannabis, delta-8 and 10-THC?
Most people who know more about cannabis know that the psychoactive substance in the plant is THC, or more precisely: delta-9 THC. But the plant produces two more types of THC, namely delta-8 and delta 10-THC. How do these substances differ from each other, and what are the effects? In this blog, we will go into more detail about what is known about this.
The features of delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 HTC
The cannabis plant produces a large amount of cannabinoids, and until now we assumed that THC was the substance responsible was for the mind-altering effects. But it turns out that three different types of THC are produced, namely delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 HTC. Below we list the most important features.
Delta-9 THC
Anyone who is somewhat familiar with the world of cannabis knows that delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive substance. When scientist Mechoulam in Israel analyzed the various active substances in cannabis, he discovered delta-9 THC. This discovery subsequently led to the unraveling of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its receptors. Mechoulam studied how THC binds to receptors in the brain and how the substance affects thinking, coordination and memory. Delta-9 THC is the only one of the three types of tetrahydrocannbinol that is internationally regulated.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC has psychoactive properties, but the effects are less severe than those of delta-9. The substance is an isomer of delta-9, which means that they have the same number of molecules and contain the same atoms, but they are connected to each other in a different way. Their properties are therefore partly similar. They bind to the same receptors in the brain and body and both cause a high. Delta-8 THC also increases your heart rate and can cause euphoria.
Delta-10 HTC
In fact, you don't often encounter delta-10 THC in cannabis because it only occurs in very small amounts. Mostly delta-10 THC is synthesized by humans. It was first developed in the 1980s. Not much is known about the effects of this cannabinoid. Experience reports show that it may have a stimulating effect and that it has a positive effect on your mood, unlike the relaxing effects of delta-9.
How do the THC variants differ from each other?
These psychoactive cannabinoids are therefore quite similar in chemical structure. But there are also some differences.
Difference in effect
For example, delta-9 THC is the most powerful of the three and delta-8 has milder effects. Delta-10 occupies an exceptional position, because it is generally assumed that this cannabinoid has a slightly different effect profile. But it is anyway difficult to clearly indicate how the effects of delta-8 and delta-10 differ from those of delta-9 THC, because not enough research has been done into this.
Safety
And what about the safety of these three cannabinoids? We know that delta-9 THC scores low in terms of toxicity to the human body. Because delta-8 and delta-10 THC are very similar in chemical structure to this cannabinoid, we could assume that these substances are also safe. But the way in which these substances are obtained should also be taken into account. If they are extracted using chemicals, this can certainly affect safety.
Efficacy
There are also differences between delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 HTC in terms of operation. All three bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but there are differences in terms of affinity with these receptors. Delta-9 effectively has the best connection with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The connection of delta-8 and delta-10 seems to be THC, as can be seen from research, less powerful and efficient.
Delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 THC in cannabis
Both delta-8 and delta-10 THC are only produced in very small quantities in the plant, so you can hardly notice the specific effects of these cannabinoids. And while delta-9 THC is of course (fortunately) present in larger quantities.
Agreements
There are differences between these three cannabinoids, but they are fairly subtle. There are also some similaritiesn. All three of course have psychoactive effects, although to varying degrees. In addition, these substances are created by a chemical reaction. Delta-9 THC is created by heating, which converts THCA into THC. Delta-8 and delta-10 are created by adding chemicals to existing cannabinoids.
Which type of THC is the best?
Did you want to experience the different effects of these three types of THC? That can be quite difficult. Delta-8 and delta-10 THC cannot yet be extracted by the regular user at home. You can therefore only experience the effects of these substances in combination with all other cannabinoids in cannabis. Also, not enough research has been done into the effects, making it difficult to say which type of THC is the best.
If you are looking for a specific effect, you can take a look around our shop. Each strain describes its effects, whether it gives energy or relaxes (such as the CBD Medical mix), what the taste is and whether it percentage of CBD and THC is high or low. This way you can find exactly the strain that suits you. Hopefully more research will be done into the different (psychoactive) cannabinoids in cannabis, so that we can use this knowledge to benefit from all the possible benefits of this plant.
