A cannabis compound that has been described as “cutting-edge” and “so elusive, laboratories often misidentify the compound as CBC (cannabichromene) or CBL (cannabicyclol)” is finally becoming better understood. Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-10 THC) is a need-to-know cannabinoid, and here’s why.
- What Is Delta-10 THC?
- Does Delta-10 Get You High?
- Is Delta-10 Safe?
- How Is Delta-10 Created?
- Is Delta-10 Legal Everywhere?
- What Are the Side Effects of Delta-10?
- The Differences Between Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC
- Delta-10 THC vs. Delta-8 THC
- Delta-10 THC vs. Delta-9 THC
- What Types of Delta-10 THC Products Are Available?
- Final Takeaway
What Is Delta-10 THC?
Simply put, delta-10 THC is one of the hundreds of types of cannabinoids, or active compounds, that can be found in the plant. This compound is only available in trace amounts, which is why it is elusive and easily misidentified. Considering the nature of delta-10 and its evasion from the microscopes of researchers, it should come as no surprise that there is very little research available on it, unlike delta-9 THC (commonly referred to as simply “THC”) and delta-8 THC.
Despite the limited availability of research on delta-10, ACS Laboratory can provide some insight on it. One of the more valuable hypotheses regarding delta-10 suggests that it can bind with the CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system. Based on this hypothesis and anecdotal accounts, delta-10 induces a mellow but energizing state that leaves the consumer feeling jovial. However, there is currently no research to support this, and it’s important to keep in mind that cannabis affects everyone differently.
Does Delta-10 Get You High?
You may be wondering whether delta-10 can get you high, what it feels like, and whether it will appear on drug tests. Anecdotal reports and David Reckles from Private Label Hemp Lab indicate that delta-10 can deliver psychoactive effects that make you feel subtly high. Highly potent THC products have been linked to a host of adverse effects, but delta-10 promises euphoric effects at mild levels. Additionally, you can expect delta-10 to be picked up on drug tests since delta-10 is a derivative of THC.
While there are no scientific findings about delta-10’s effects, Reckles shares his view on delta-10’s potential and what it feels like by stating, “Delta-10 is going to be insanely popular because it offers euphoria and increased focus, without the paranoia and anxiety some users report from Delta-9 [more on this comparison in upcoming in the upcoming sections].”
Is Delta-10 Safe?
The consensus is that delta-10 THC is safe for consumption, especially considering that we are already consuming trace amounts of the compound when we consume cannabis. However, some experts have concerns about the laboratory methods being used to extract and produce delta-10 products. According to Reckles, “If Delta-10 products aren’t made with the proper knowledge, supervision, and testing, companies could be creating unsafe or illegal products.”
Referring to companies that are experimenting with delta-10 product offerings, Reckles adds that “they may not know how to preserve a clean environment or understand the chemistry behind what they’re doing. As a result, they may inadvertently create extracts with residual solvents, acids, or Delta-9 THC. Customers should always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove the product was tested and deemed safe.”
How Is Delta-10 Created?
Much like the various other forms of THC, delta-10 THC occurs in cannabis plants naturally in trace amounts but is most often created by chemically converting hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) in a lab. According to Reckles:
“You can technically create any delta you want–Delta-8, Delta-9, or Delta-10–by chemically altering CBD isolate or CBD crude. As of today, however, I’ve learned it’s significantly harder to produce Delta-10 THC than Delta-8. Eventually, I’m sure very smart PhDs will figure it out. Then they’ll start working as consultants and share the formulas with manufacturers to help them acquire the right machinery, systems, and processes. When that happens, Delta-10 production will still be more complicated than Delta-8, but it will also be more commonplace. We’re just not there yet.”
Is Delta-10 Legal Everywhere?
Unlike delta-9 THC, which is federally illegal, delta-10 lies in a legal gray zone. That’s because most delta-10 products are made from hemp-derived CBD, which was made federally legal by the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have taken it upon themselves to explicitly prohibit delta-10 products. So while this exciting compound is comparable to a perfect mix between the CBD and THC we know and love, it may be best to check in with local regulations before seeking delta-10 THC.
According to Binoid, a delta-10 retailer, the cannabinoid is currently illegal in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Utah
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Rhode Island
Because delta-10 products are so new to the market, it’s important to make sure your products come with certificates of analysis that ensure they were lab-tested. ACS Laboratory warns consumers by stating, “Delta-10 products aren’t like smokable hemp, which includes dried flower only. If delta-10 products aren’t made with the proper knowledge, supervision, and testing, companies could create a nightmare scenario for people who inhale highly toxic pollutants.”
What Are the Side Effects of Delta-10?
As for whether delta-10 THC has any side effects, the available information and research vary quite a bit. On the one hand, there are reports of adverse side effects such as anxiety, confusion, vomiting, and loss of consciousness, among others, which are associated with much more potent cannabis products. Other potential side effects of delta-10, which are largely similar to the adverse effects of delta-9 THC, include:
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Slowed reactions
- Difficult with speaking and organizing thoughts
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
On the other hand, there are reports of delta-10 THC having no significant adverse side effects. According to ACS Laboratory, delta-10 THC could actually be equally beneficial to delta-9 THC with less adverse side effects. However, cannabis consumers will be sad to know that “you won’t find naturally occurring high delta-10 THC strains on the market today.”
The Differences Between Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC
With all the new cannabinoids emerging on the market, it’s critical to understand the major differences between them before making any purchases. Let’s compare and contrast the three most common types of THC: delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10.
Delta-10 THC vs. Delta-8 THC
Delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC are isomers of each other, meaning they have the same chemical formula but different molecular structures. When it comes to the type of high, delta-8 and delta-10 are quite different. Reckles explains that delta-8 delivers effects associated with indica strains (calming, sleep-inducing), while delta-10 reflects the effects most commonly associated with sativa strains (uplifting, energizing).
Additionally, delta-8 is considered to be more potent than delta-10. Though unconfirmed, the effects of delta-8 are also thought to last longer than those of delta-10. Lastly, delta-8 has gained a reputation for inducing the munchies, but experts are still unsure if delta-10 has the same effect on consumers’ hunger.
Delta-10 THC vs. Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC is the most naturally abundant cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. In contrast, delta-10 is only naturally available in trace amounts. Unlike delta-8 and delta-10, which currently exist in legal gray zones due to their hemp origin, delta-9 THC is most commonly extracted from cannabis plants and is federally illegal in the U.S.
If you’re in search of something strong, delta-9 THC is the ideal choice. The strength of its effects surpasses both delta-8 and delta-10. In addition to being weaker than delta-9 THC, delta-10 is also known to deliver a more clear-headed experience, making it ideal for daytime tokes.
What Types of Delta-10 THC Products Are Available?
If you’re sold on delta-10 THC, keep reading. While the delta-10 market is not nearly as robust as the delta-9 market, there are a number of different ways to consume this exciting new cannabinoid. You may come across delta-10 products at your local dispensary, but many must be bought online. Before purchasing any of them, however, be sure to request a certificate of analysis.
- Flower and pre-rolls: There aren’t delta-10 strains, but rather strains that have been sprayed with delta-10. Check out The Hemp Haus and Crumbs.
- Tinctures and oils: Delta-10 THC can be purchased in the form of tinctures that are placed under the tongue or added to food and beverages. Check out Diamond CBD and Binoid.
- Vape cartridges: One of the most common ways to consume delta-10 THC is by vaping it. You can opt for either a disposable pen or one with a replaceable cartridge. Check out Cannabuddy and JustDelta.
- Edibles: Perhaps the easiest way to ingest delta-10 is in edible form—because who doesn’t love some intoxicating gummies and chocolate? Check out JustDelta and Shift Edibles.
- Concentrates: Finally, delta-10 can be dabbed by purchasing wax or shatter. Check out The Green Dragon CBD and Serene Tree.
Choosing the right delta-10 product can be daunting, so here are some pointers:
- If you want something that will provide immediate effects, consider flower, pre-rolls, or vapes.
- If you want to avoid smoking, opt for edibles, tinctures, or vapes.
- If you want something inconspicuous, consider tinctures and edibles.
- If you want to maximize the effects of your delta-10, go for dabs.
Final Takeaway
With mildly energizing effects and legality in many states across the U.S., delta-10 THC is quickly becoming a go-to for many who can’t or don’t want to consume delta-9 THC. The compound also has a low reported number of adverse effects compared to delta-9. However, it’s important to remember that cannabinoids affect everyone uniquely.
If you’re interested in working delta-10 THC into your wellness plan, be sure to consult a medical cannabis doctor or cannabis coach.
This article was originally published on 7/23/21. Updated on 11/28/22.
