The Complete Guide to Delta-10 THC

Pretty much everyone is familiar with THC, but you’re probably not as familiar with its newly discovered cousin, Delta-10 THC. Researchers are excited about this elusive cannabinoid on account of its untapped therapeutic potential, but what exactly is it? And more importantly, what can it do for you?

What Is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis and hemp plant. It’s one of hundreds of cannabinoids present in the plant, working in conjunction with other compounds like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. It’s not a naturally occurring cannabinoid but is created via specific chemical reactions.

Delta-10 should not be confused with the familiar tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. The classic THC is sometimes referred to as Delta-9 THC because it contains a double bond in the ninth carbon chain. Delta-10 has the same molecular makeup as Delta-9, but the double bond is located in the tenth carbon chain.

Whereas Delta-9 is the dominant cannabinoid found in the plant, Delta-10 is produced in very low concentrations.

Its origins aren’t 100% certain, but the popular story is that the cannabinoid was discovered by technicians at Adelanto, California-based Fusion Farms. The company purchased outdoor-grown cannabis biomass to make concentrates, but they didn’t realize that their product had been treated with a fire retardant for protection against wildfires.

After extracting the chemical properties of the biomass, they noticed the emergence of unusual crystals. Upon early examination, they thought the crystals consisted of cannabichromene (CBC), another minor cannabinoid, but the chemical structure wasn’t a perfect match. Finally, after several months of examination, the mystery compound was identified as Delta-10 THC.

Because Delta-10 is an artificial cannabinoid created with the help of a catalyst, processors use complex extraction and alteration methods to produce it. Most commonly, Delta-10 is produced by chemically altering CBD isolate or crude. Crude CBD can be altered using carbon and vitamin C derivatives, while CBD isolate can be altered with the use of solvents.

Can Delta-10 THC Get You High?

Delta-10 THC has some psychoactive effects, but not as much as the classic Delta-9. If you consume a hemp-based Delta-10 product with little to no Delta-9 THC, you might expect psychotropic effects that are about half as strong as you’d get with whole-plant cannabis. Delta-10 is more subtle, and the effects aren’t quite the same.

But as with any cannabis derivative, the effects are influenced by the dosage. If you take a microdose (2-5mg), you might hardly notice any buzz at all. However, if you consume large amounts of Delta-10, you might feel significantly impaired.

How Does Delta-10 THC Affect the Body?

Because Delta-10 is still a recent discovery subject to ongoing study, researchers don’t yet know the precise physical or therapeutic effects that it can have on the body. Because it’s a degraded form of THC with a slightly different molecular structure, it is believed to interact with the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in a manner similar to—if not identical to—Delta-9 THC.

Anecdotally, this cannabinoid has been associated with energizing and euphoric highs similar to those common with sativa cannabis strains. It may promote focus and creativity. Different people can respond to cannabinoids in different ways, so your experience may vary.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal?

The legality of Delta-10 THC is a bit complex. As long as the product is derived from hemp (any cannabis sativa plant containing .3% THC or less), it is classified as a hemp product and therefore legal for consumption at the federal level. However, each state has its own rules pertaining to hemp, so you’ll need to refer to the laws where you live.

If a Delta-10 product is derived from cannabis plants (plants containing more than .3% THC), it is only legal for public consumption in states that permit recreational cannabis use. In medical-marijuana states, it may also be legal for patients with a medical cannabis card.

Is Delta-10 THC Safe?

Delta-10 on its own is believed to be generally safe and well-tolerated. If you have a cannabis intolerance condition like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, you should avoid Delta-10 products. However, for most people, this cannabinoid is safe as long as it was extracted and processed responsibly. The best extraction techs use non-toxic, food-grade methods to process Delta-10 without the use of harmful pesticides.

When purchasing a product, look for a trusted cannabis company and make sure that the product includes a certificate of analysis (COA). When examining the certificate, ensure that the product is pesticide-free, contaminant-free, and also free of residual solvents. And finally, start with low doses and increase gradually until you fully understand your tolerance.

Can Delta-10 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Delta-10 THC can show up on a drug test, so avoid taking it if you might be subject to random testing. Degraded forms of THC are molecularly similar to standard THC, and the body metabolizes them much in the same way. The liver converts the THC molecules into metabolites like 11-OH-THC, and those metabolites are what conventional drug tests look for.

Your likelihood of failing a drug test depends on when you last consumed Delta-10 THC and the type of test being administered. For example, THC metabolites will usually be detectable on a blood test for up to 2 days (though occasionally much longer, especially for chronic users). The metabolites will be detectable on a saliva test for 1 to 30 days (depending on your frequency of use) and on a hair test for up to 90 days.

How Do You Take Delta-10 THC?

As with any cannabis- or hemp-based product, it’s important to monitor your dosage when using Delta-10 THC. Start small, and increase gradually. Your optimal starting dosage will depend on your health, body weight, and gender (among other factors), but 5 to 20 milligrams is generally a good starting dose. Smaller people should start on the lower side of the dosage range while larger people can start with closer to 20mg.

If you don’t achieve the desired effect right away, increase your dosage by 2 to 5mg each day until it feels just right. Remember, though, that Delta-10 is not as psychoactive as Delta-9, so the goal isn’t to get baked. You should achieve just a moderate buzz.

What Types of Delta-10 THC Products Are Available?

Because Delta-10 THC is still the new kid on the block, the cannabis industry doesn’t have a lot of products on the market just yet. The good news is that companies like Botany Farms and the Hemp Collective are already ahead of the curve with potent distillates that can be dabbed, combined with other hemp/cannabis products, or mixed into foods and beverages. Some companies are making hemp-based distillates with up to 80% Delta-10 THC.

If you’re looking for a bit more variety, Delta Effex offers Delta-10 vape pens, cartridges, and even tinctures that you can take sublingually or mix into foods and beverages. Save on Cannabis has verified Delta Effex coupons, so check back often to save 15% or more on these state-of-the-art products.

The Difference Between Delta-8 vs Delta-10 THC

Don’t confuse Delta-10 THC with Delta-8 THC, another degraded form of THC that has been showing up in various products. Delta-10 is genetically similar to Delta-8, but it features its double bond in the tenth carbon chain while Delta-8 has it in the eighth carbon chain.

The biggest difference, from a largely anecdotal standpoint, is how the compound works inside the body. Delta-8 THC is known for encouraging more of an indica effect, promoting relaxation, appetite, sleep, and possibly blood pressure support. Delta-10 seems to have more sativa properties, promoting energy and focus.

It’s also worth noting that Delta-10 seems to be slightly less psychotropic than Delta-8 products, though not by much.

Why You Should Care About Delta-10 THC

Research into Delta-10 THC is still in its preliminary stages, but it may prove to be a viable cannabis alternative for individuals seeking to enjoy some of the benefits of THC without the harsh buzz—and with fewer legal restrictions prohibiting its use. By discovering and isolating more cannabis compounds, researchers are opening the door for a wide range of more precise treatments and targeted products. Delta-10 may just be the next chapter of that story.

If you’re curious about this up-and-coming compound, try it for yourself and let us know what you think. Does it live up to the hype? Is the benefit worth the cost? Tell us your experience.

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