What Is Delta-10 THC?

This article provides an overview of delta-10 THC. We elaborate on the source of delta-10 THC, its effects and health benefits, potential side effects, and differences between delta-10 and delta-8 THC. After reading this guide, you’ll also learn where to look for high-quality delta-10 products.

Everyone is familiar with delta-9 THC — but I wouldn’t throw such a bold statement regarding delta-10.

You may have heard of delta-8, which has become popular thanks to its milder effects and better safety profile.

But what is delta-10 THC?

Using that logic, it’s within reason to assume that delta-10 is another variant of the THC molecule with unique effects and benefits.

Though it’s hard to keep up with the trends in the cannabis space, we make sure to provide you with the most accurate information so that you don’t get lost in the sea of confusion.

Let’s jump into discovering what delta-10 THC is — and how to use it to optimize your health.

What is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs in cannabis plants only in trace amounts.

Similar to delta-9 THC, it can get you high, but its psychoactive potency is lower. This makes delta-10 THC similar to delta-8 and other isomers that are less potent than regular THC.

Roger Brown, president, and CEO of ACS laboratory, a lab that analyzes hemp-derived products from 48 states, says that delta-10 THC is another psychoactive cannabinoid that they see more often in commercial cannabis products.

Delta-10 THC is commonly converted from CBD using mature hemp flowers. It’s a similar process to how delta-8 is extracted. Because hemp is legal in all 50 states, so are hemp-derived extracts — at least theoretically.

So far, 14 states have banned delta-8 and delta-10 products.

In states where both cannabinoids are legal, delta-10 products are usually available in tinctures, gummies, vape carts, and pre-rolled joints.

Does Delta-10 THC Get You High?

Yes. Since delta-10 is an isomer of THC, it binds to the same receptors as delta-9.

However, it has a lower binding affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system; even lower than delta-8, which is already less potent than delta-9.

This makes delta-10 THC a decent pick for beginner users who are afraid of getting too high for the first time. The side effects of taking too much THC include anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, sweaty hands, and a drop in blood sugar.

The effects are more cerebral but don’t overstimulate the nervous system, hence the lack of mental discomfort. Delta-10 THC products also don’t create such a strong body load as high-THC indica strains.

What’s the Difference Between delta-10 THC and delta-8 THC?

Both versions of THC are made by extracting CBD oil first from industrial hemp. The resulting extract is then converted into either delta-8 THC or delta-10 THC. Different catalysts and reactions are used to create different THC isomers.

Delta-10 THC is more difficult to extract than delta-8. It must be thoroughly refined, so you usually don’t end up with high levels of it. If you see a product claiming that there’s 99% delta-10 inside, you’re likely looking at a scam. Most of the time, delta-10 THC is blended with delta-8 THC.

Is Delta-10 THC Safe to Use?

Delta-10 THC alone is safe to consume. However, it’s the purity of delta-10 THC products that raises safety concerns.

The delta-10 THC market is unregulated, with no standards when it comes to manufacturing, lab testing, and labeling practices.

The lack of regulation creates room for fly-by-night companies churning out contaminated, mislabeled delta-10 THC products.

That’s why you should always look for current certificates of analysis (CoAs) from a third-party laboratory when you buy delta-10 THC online.

What Does Delta-10 THC Feel Like?

Delta-10 THC can get you high, but the buzz gets nowhere near the intensity of delta-9 THC from marijuana.

Delta-10 THC is thought to be even less potent than delta-8 THC, which carries 50% the strength of delta-9.

The effects of delta-10 THC are reported to be more energizing, resembling the profile of strains like Lemon Haze, Super Silver Haze, Sour Diesel, or Durban Poison.

In contrast, the effects of delta-8 THC lean more towards those produced by strains like Wedding Cake, Blueberry, and OG Kush.

Delta-10 THC works better for daytime use if you want to enjoy the signature cannabis buzz but remain functional throughout the day.

Keep in mind that these effects aren’t based on any scientific analysis; every person reacts differently to cannabinoids, so it’s best to try both to see which one fits you better.

Benefits of Delta-10 THC

Delta-10 THC comes with similar health benefits to other THC isomers, including relief from:

Anxiety
Depression
Loss of motivation
Loss of appetite
Pain
Inflammation
Nausea
Vomiting

Other benefits of buying delta-10 THC include:

Available online for purchase
Made from industrial hemp
More of a psychoactive experience than CBD
Milder effects than delta-9 THC
Energizing sativa-like effects

Is Delta-10 THC Legal?

Delta-10 THC products are federally legal as of this writing. That’s because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives across the board.

This is what makes delta-10 so popular — cannabis aficionados living in states with hostile weed laws can purchase delta-10 THC because it comes from hemp and has less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.

However, similar to delta-8 THC regulations, delta-10 THC can be regulated by individual states according to their own rules. So far, 20 states have banned THC isomers, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

Where to Get Delta-10 THC Products

The availability of delta-10 THC products is scarce at the moment. This will soon change within the next years, as manufacturers improve their extraction methods to make them even more efficient.

Currently, a few brands offer delta-10 THC oil, carts, and delta-10 THC edibles. The delta-10 market is expected to reach the same spot as the delta-8 space, both when it comes to popularity and product range.

Once the basic formats start off with success, new products, such as delta-10 THC hemp flower will start emerging.

Key Takeaways on Delta-10 THC

Delta-10 THC is a novel cannabinoid that is making big headlines in the cannabis community.

It’s even less potent than delta-8 THC, a milder isomer of delta-9 that has conquered the hemp market recently.

If you’ve never tried psychoactive cannabinoids, delta-10 THC offers a decent place to start. Its effects on the mind are smooth and energizing, providing effects similar to the ones produced by sativa cannabis strains with low-to-moderate THC levels.

Always make sure to purchase your delta-10 THC products from reputable sources that publish current certificates of analysis regarding the purity and potency of their products. Independent laboratories analyze delta-10 sample and check for common contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, mold, bleaches, etc.