What is Delta 10?

What Is Delta-10 THC?

You already know about delta-8 THC, the new cannabinoid that differs ever so slightly from delta-9 THC. Its effects are less potent, and its enthusiasts swear by its smooth, mild, and more manageable high.  

But hey, Delta-10 THC is even newer!

This cannabinoid has made a splash in the cannabis industry, and its users have best described it as the most energizing, nootropic form of THC. 

You’re right; it’s hard to keep up with the weed trend nowadays. But don’t sweat it. By the end of this article, you will understand what delta-10 THC is? Can it get you high? How can you get it? And is it even legal?

What Is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. But unlike delta-9 THC, it only occurs in trace amounts. Delta10 THC will get you high, albeit less potent than regular delta-9 THC.

This makes it quite similar to delta-8 THC. 

Because it naturally occurs in very minute amounts in both hemp and cannabis plants, most companies looking to produce it on a large scale often create it synthetically in the lab. Like delta-8 THC, it is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives at a federal level. For these reasons, Delta10 THC is considered federally legal in all states. But a few states have outlawed both delta-8 and delta-10 THC so far. 

Comparing Delta-10 THC vs. Delta-9 THC 

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol aka delta-9 THC and delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated as delta10 THC, are both different forms of THC. 

While delta-9 THC occurs in abundant amounts in the cannabis plants (5-30%), delta10 THC occurs in negligible amounts.

Thanks to its abundance, extracting delta-9 THC is easy and cheap. Comparably, synthesizing CBD into delta10 THC is relatively pricey. 

Ideally, delta10 THC and delta-9 THC are isomers of each other.

This means that they share a similar chemical formula, in that they both possess a carbon double-bond.

According to experts, this double bond is what produces the euphoric high associated with all THCs. 

However, there is a subtle difference in the arrangement of the double bond within the structures of the two THCs.

While the double bond is placed on the 9th carbon atom in delta-9 THC, it is placed on the 10th carbon atom in delta10 THC. 

This small difference accounts for the different ways the two cannabinoids interact with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS), making delta-10 THC less potent than delta-9 THC. 

What Does Delta-10 THC Feel Like?

Delta10 THC is the newest kid on the block, meaning that clinical studies into the cannabinoid and its effects are still very young in their infancy. 

However, according to numerous anecdotal reports, Delta10 THC delivers the following effects:

• Delta-10 delivers nearly half as potent effects as delta-9 THC 
• Delta10 effects are more stimulating & nootropic. 
• Unlike delta-9, delta-10 promotes better creativity, euphoria, & increased focus. 
• Delta10 is shown as having fewer side effects than delta-9 

Thanks to these effects, delta10 THC may quickly become a staple in the cannabis industry.

While delta-8 THC will continue to take the limelight as the more sedative and relaxing cannabinoid, delta10 THC will continue to make waves as the stimulating and nootropic compound, leaving delta-9 THC somewhere in between the two. 

There is a boatload of other THC analogs on the market today whose potency compares substantially to that of delta10 THC. 

• THCC– non-psychoactive 
• THCV– nearly half as potent as delta10 THC 
• Delta-8 THC– nearly the same potency as delta10 THC, only more relaxing. 
• HHC– approximately 30% stronger than delta10 THC 
• Delta-9 THC– roughly twice as strong as delta10 THC 
• THC-O-Acetate– approximately 6 times more potent than delta10 THC, with more sedating effects. 
• THCP- more than 60 times as potent as delta-10 THC 

A Brief History Of Delta-10 THC

Though delta10 THC products only recently hit the market, the delta10 compound was discovered many decades ago.

Back in 1984, a man named Raphael Mechoulam published a paper outlining the synthesis of delta10.

But the process utilized harsh and toxic chemicals that ultimately rendered the final product unuseable. 

But recently, a California-based company called Fusion Farms discovered delta10 THC purely by accident.

The company had bought some cannabis flowers to manufacture concentrates.

Like many already know, California is prone to many wildfires, and unbeknownst to Fusion Farms, the biomass purchased was massively contaminated by fire retardants. 

Completely unaware of the contamination, the company processed the hemp as usual. But during the distillation process, they noticed a strange crystal formation in the extract- unlike anything they had ever seen before. 

After extensive tests, it was established that the chemical was strikingly similar to cannabichromene (CBC). But the crystal formations were not an exact match of pure CBC. Hence, the team dug even deeper. 

After more rigorous tests that went on for several months, it was discovered that the crystals were yet another form of THC, Delta10 THC. It turns out the plants’ exposure to fire-retardant converted delta-9 THC to delta10 THC. 

Therefore, delta-10 THC is basically an artificial cannabinoid formed by converting other forms of THC using a type of catalyst.

In this case, delta-9 THC was converted to delta10 by a fire retardant. But chemists are now looking for greener, safer methods to create D10.

One such organic chemist is Josh Jones, Ph.D. (owner of Jonesing Labs LLC).

He set out to find a more reliable method, using safe catalysts and certain food-grade radical initiators.

After lots of trial and error, Josh finally polished a reliable method that yielded approximately 70-80% delta-10 THC. 

How Much Delta-10 THC Should I Take?

Note that delta-10 THC is still very new in the scene, and studies into the compound are missing. Therefore, there is no recommended optimal dose of delta10 THC. 

What’s obvious is that delta-10 is less potent than delta-9 THC, but it’s still unclear how far off it is.

Most people who have consumed delta10 THC products say that its potency is similar to delta-8 THC (about half as strong as delta-9 THC on the same dose). 

With this understanding, the working dose of delta-10 THC can be estimated somewhere between 20mg-60mg.

But like with any other cannabinoid, novices are strongly advised to start with small doses (around 5mg) and gradually work their way up until you find a dose that works best for you. 

Additionally, because our THC tolerance, the endocannabinoid system, metabolism, weight, size, and other biological factors vary, different users can respond differently to the same dose of delta-10 THC.

The most important thing to do is experiment with different doses until you find your threshold dose (the dose that produces significant changes in cognition). 

Is Delta-10 THC Legal?

Currently, delta10 THC is considered federally legal as long as it originated from hemp, which was legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill. But this legality is debatable.

According to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), any synthetically-derived THC is classified as a schedule 1 substance at a federal level.

Whether Delta10 THC can be considered a synthetically derived THC is up for debate. But given that it is a compound that can occur naturally in hemp plants, delta10 is more likely considered a naturally-derived compound. 

While it’s still unclear how the federal government views different THC isomers, some states have taken it upon themselves to ban all forms of THC, including Delta10. 

At least 15 states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, allowing the sale of marijuana and its derivatives like various forms of THC extracts.

So far, 4 states have specifically banned synthetic isomers of THC, including Montana, Alaska, Colorado, and Arizona.

Will Delta-10 THC Show Up In A Drug Test?

Technically, all drug tests detect the presence of THC. Note that delta10 is a form of THC. And drug tests are not sophisticated enough to distinguish the different forms of THC, like delta-9 THC from delta-8 THC. 

Therefore, if you consume delta10 THC, the high chances are that you will test positive for THC and fail the test. 

If you are expecting a drug test soon, the best thing to do is abstain from delta10, unless, of course, if you have a medical exception or THC is legal in your state.

Consider detoxing for at least a month before the test to eliminate all THC from your system.

The Best Way To Use Delta-10 THC

Delta10 THC products are not widely available yet. However, we expect it to be availed in the same forms as CBD and other THC products like tinctures, distillates, gummies, vapes, capsules, and more. 

• Delta10 THC Distillates

Distillates are highly likely the first type of delta-10 THC product that will hit the shelves. That’s because most other delta-10 products are made from distillates. 

Distillates are pretty easy to use to experience the amazing benefits of delta10 THC. All you have to do is smoke it from a dab rig, electric vaporizer, eat it directly or use it to make delta-8 tinctures or gummies. 

But you’re cautioned to tread lightly as they are highly potent and can easily knock you out/overwhelm you. 

• Delta-10 Tinctures

They are made by infusing Delta10 distillate into an oil base. Cannabinoids, including delta10, are highly lipophilic, which means that they are attracted to fats.

By diluting it with an appropriate carrier oil, it becomes easier to consume and be absorbed by the body. 

Though delta10 tinctures are not available yet, they are expected to hit the market soon. Tinctures can be consumed in two ways: 

Sublingually– sublingual consumption involves placing a few drops of the tincture under your tongue and leaving them there for 30-60 seconds before swallowing.

This method delivers highly potent effects as the oil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and brain from the capillaries underneath the tongue. By bypassing first-pass liver metabolism, the method delivers near-instant effects. 

Alternatively, you can swallow the tincture drops straightway or add them to your favorite food like smoothies, soup, coffee, salad dressing, etc. Since the oil must first pass through the digestive system and liver, this method delivers delayed effects. 

• Delta- 10 Capsules

They are made by filling a capsule with Delta10 distillate, oil, or tincture. They are pretty straightforward to use as all you have to do is put the capsule on your tongue and swallow it with water. 

They come with a pre-measured dose of delta-10, e.g., 20mg delta-10 per capsule. This way, they ensure a precise and consistent dose every time you consume a capsule. 

Capsules are a simple way to incorporate delta-10 THC into your daily regimen. They are discreet and easy to consume while on the go. 

• Delta-10 Gummies

Delta10 gummies are made by infusing the cannabinoid in a delicious gummy candy. Just like capsules, they come in a pre-measured dose of delta-10 THC.

But instead of the tastelessness of capsules, they are delightfully palatable and sweet, masking any unpleasant aftertastes. 

Be careful around gummies, as their sweet flavor may lure you into consuming too much delta-10 THC. Though there are no reported cases of a delta10 THC overdose, you can experience unwanted side effects. 

• Delta-10 Vapes and Cartridges

Unlike smoking, which delivers harsh, unfiltered smokes on the lungs, vaping delta-10 THC is considered much safer as it delivers smooth vapors. 

Vaporizers heat the delta10 THC extract or flower to the point of evaporation while preventing any combustion. Unlike combustion, which produces toxic compounds like carbon monoxide, evaporation does not. 

But beware of any vapes with MCT oil or Vitamin E acetate as these additives are unsafe and can cause serious lung damages.

Similarly, steer clear of any vapes from untrustworthy brands that are too cheap, as most have been found to contain heavy metals and other contaminants. 

Current Research On The Health Benefits Of Delta-10 THC. 

Delta10 THC is brand new and hasn’t been studied so far. Currently, there aren’t any animal or human studies exploring the benefits or side effects of the cannabinoid. 

With that in mind, consumers are left to weigh the benefits and risks on their own. Therefore, approach delta10 THC products with great caution until rigorous research into the compound is done. 

Anecdotally speaking, delta10 THC effects are closely similar to delta-9s, only less potent. For instance, it produces the same high, but with more pronounced stimulating, euphoric, and creativity-inducing effects. 

This would make delta10 THC more beneficial in the cases of multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, fatigue, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and depression compared to other THC forms.

Please note that clinical studies are required to determine the accurate health benefits of delta-10 THC.

Final Thoughts:  What Does The Future Of Delta-10 THC Look Like? 

Delta-10 THC is similar to  delta-9 THC in that it produces the same psychoactive effects, only less potent.

Although discovered many decades ago, in 1984, it only recently hit the market, and substantial clinical studies into the cannabinoid and its effects are lacking. 

So far, Delta10 THC is taking the limelight in the cannabis industry.

And this trend is expected to persist. In fact, experts believe that demand for this cannabinoid will soon go over the roof as more people seek its stimulating and unparalleled creativity-inducing benefits.