You’ve likely heard of CBD by now. CBD has been hailed as one of the best health supplements of the last decade.
CBD was once the most popular cannabinoid. However, there are now many hemp-derived cannabinoids being touted the “next best thing.” Delta-10 THC is one of these compounds.
In, CBD vs. Delta-10 THC we will explore the similarities and differences between these two cannabinoids. We will also explore why you might consider taking both.
CBD vs. Delta-10 THC: Compare and Contrast
Delta-10 THC
- Benefits – provides focus and energy
- Side effects – similar to delta-9 THC, dry mouth, increased appetite, red eyes, feeling ‘high’
- Dose – 5-50 mg per dose
- Legality – federally legal, varies by state but legal in most states when hemp derived
- Psychoactive – mildly
CBD
- Benefits – Powerful health supplement for overall well being as well as pain relief, anxiety and stress relief, and more
- Side effects – Consuming too much can lead to lethargy
- Dose – 20-60 mg
- Legality – Federally legal if hemp-derived
- Psychoactive – No
Why Combine The Two?
There is a lot of discussion these days about stacking Delta 10 with CBD products, with good reason.
One of the main reasons for this is that delta-10 is a slightly more stimulating cannabinoid than delta-9 THC.
This makes it an excellent supplement to use during the day, while at work or school, or working on a project. The only problem is that taking higher doses of delta-10 can sometimes be anxiety-inducing.
If you’ve ever gotten too high from cannabis consumption, you are probably familiar with this feeling. Your heart starts beating fast, your thoughts begin to race, and it can make people feel uncomfortable in social situations. These adverse effects of anxiety and paranoia are no fun, yet there is some good news.
CBD can actually balance out a THC high. CBD has a relaxing effect and binds to a different receptor than THC. It binds to the CB2 receptor which is not responsible for psychoactivity.
This is why people are taking CBD with their delta-10, to balance out the effects of the high and avoid anxiety.
People usually take a 1:1 dose of CBD and delta 10. This is because the doses are so similar. Some people will use approximately 1 mg CBD with every mg delta 10.
It’s not a perfect science, but it works for many people. The general idea is that you should take a dose of CBD just before, or after, you hit the vape pen.
What’s Delta-10?
Like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC. This means that all of these compounds have almost the same chemical makeup but with varying arrangements. This slight difference can cause a big difference in effect and how these cannabinoids interact without bodies.
All three are naturally produced within the cannabis plant in varying amounts. Marijuana (high THC cannabis) has significantly higher levels of THC than hemp plants.
If you don’t know the difference between hemp and marijuana see here.
Because delta-10 occurs in such small amounts in the hemp plant, it has to go through a special and intricate process of extraction.
The most efficient way that many manufacturers use, is to extract CBD and then add chemicals that help to facilitate a reaction known as isomerization.
Sometimes, very harsh and toxic chemicals are used in the extraction process. If these chemicals are not removed from the final product, it can be very unsafe.
That is why it is very important to buy from credible sources that offer third-party lab tests on all of their products.
CBD vs. Delta-10: Effects
Delta 10 is a psychoactive cannabinoid. While it is milder than delta-9 THC and even milder than delta-8, it is still psychoactive.
However, it is more on the energizing side when it comes to its effects. This makes it popular for people who have a lot to do but also want to get high.
It is often reported to feel very creative and energetic. It can be compared to Sativa strains like sour diesel, while delta-8 is more similar to Indica strains. CBD isn’t psychoactive at all but has calming effects.
CBD vs. Delta-10: What Is It?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis. It falls alongside delta 9 THC and CBN.
Because it is so abundant in the cannabis plant and has been around for longer than delta-10, CBD has more research backing it than other cannabinoids. Newer cannabinoids like delta -8 and delta-10 are still in their infancy when it comes to scientific research.
However, CBD has many hurdles to clear and still needs FDA approval. It did win a major victory when the FDA approved Epidolex (a prescription drug containing CBD that is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy).
That being said, there is a good amount of research behind CBD. Significantly more than other cannabinoids, aside from D9 THC.
CBD is also much easier to find than delta 10 because it is far more abundant in the market currently. Delta 10 is fairly new to the market.
CBD vs. Delta 10: Effects
CBD has to be legally extracted from hemp with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. So most CBD products have less than 0.3% THC unless you are in a state that has legalized recreational THC use.
This cannabinoid is not psychoactive, it binds to a different receptor in our brain than THC. It binds to CB2, which doesn’t cause psychoactivity and instead creates a feeling of relaxation and eases anxiety. It is also an excellent pain reliever as it eases inflammation in the body. CBD has many different benefits and creates balance and homeostasis within our bodies.
Many people use it after a long day to calm down or when they are feeling anxious. It is also used as a sleep aid.
CBD vs. Delta 10 – How It Works
Researchers discovered the complex system of hormones, receptors, and enzymes that makes up the “endocannabinoid” system (or ECS) in the mid-90s.
As we mentioned earlier, both CBD and delta 10 THC affect the ECS in different ways.
The ECS plays a role in almost every aspect of health and is responsible for maintaining “balance” or homeostasis within the body.
Below is a list of some of the many roles of the ECS:
- Immune system responses
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Metabolism
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Mood
- Learning
- Memory
- Motor control
- Sleep
- Cardiovascular system
- Muscle formation
- Bone growth
- Liver function
- Reproductive system
- Stress
- Skin and nerve function
Current research supports the idea that an ECS malfunction or deficiency could be a factor in many health issues, including those that we don’t know about like migraines and fibromyalgia.
Although we don’t know much about ECS, or how it works yet, studies have shown that cannabinoids’ interactions with ECS offer great therapeutic potential. There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not CBD binds to the CB2 receptor or merely interacts with both receptors and modulates them.
In summary: The main difference between delta 10 THC and CBD is in the way they act at the ECS receptors. Delta 10 activates these receptors, while CBD “modulates” them. This makes existing endocannabinoids better at their job.
CBD vs. Delta-10: Final Thoughts
These cannabinoids serve different purposes, many of which are still being discovered.
Fortunately, we don’t have to pick one or the other. In fact, you may get better results by combining them.
If you decide to experiment with them, try them one at a time before you dive into stacking them. This will help you differentiate between how each one feels on its own.
Have you tried delta-10 or CBD? Which do you prefer? Do you stack them? Let us know!
References Used
- Russo, E. B. (2016). Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency reconsidered: current research supports the theory in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, and other treatment-resistant syndromes. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 1(1), 154-165.
- Sampson, P. B. (2020). Phytocannabinoid Pharmacology: Medicinal Properties of Cannabis sativa Constituents Aside from the “Big Two.” Journal of Natural Products, 84(1), 142-160.
