What is Delta 10 THC?

Cannabis contains dozens of compounds, some of which we’re still discovering. You've probably heard of Delta 9 THC - the THC that is found in recreational and medical marijuana. You have probably been seeing Delta 8 THC showing up in CBD products these days; however, you might not have heard of the Delta 10 cannabinoid. This compound is becoming more widely understood, but there is still a long way to go.

So what is Delta 10 THC, and why is it and other THC-based compounds showing up all over the place?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Delta 10 potential health benefits, effects, safety concerns, and if it could be a good choice for you. 

Delta 10 THC compared to other cannabinoids

Delta 10 THC is just like Delta 8 and Delta 9 in the sense that it’s a cannabinoid found in cannabis. These are called isomers and are deemed federally legal when they come from the hemp plant.

So, what’s the difference between Delta 10 THC and other Delta cannabinoids?

In layman’s terms, each of these isomers has the same chemical makeup. The difference comes down to the way that the chemicals are rearranged. 

Like Delta 8 and Delta 9, Delta 10 interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body. But its unique chemical makeup means it has slightly different effects than the other isomers and, potentially, different benefits. 

How is Delta 10 THC Made?

Delta 10 is made like a number of other popular cannabinoids on the market today. Delta 10 THC derived from hemp is made by chemically altering either crude CBD or CBD isolate. 

The problem is that the Delta 10 cannabinoid only occurs naturally in trace amounts in the hemp and cannabis plants. Up until now, Delta 10 THC has been incredibly difficult to extract or manufacture. This process also means Delta 10 may be less potent than Delta 9. 

What else does this all mean? 

Essentially, it means that we are far behind in learning how D10 works and what we could potentially use it for. With new isolation and the ability to have synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol, we may be on the path to learning more about these topics and gathering more definitive answers. 

The Benefits of Delta 10 THC

When we’re talking about Delta 10, we keep coming back to the same tricky reality: there just haven’t been a lot of studies done on Delta 10 benefits, risks, or effects. 

So what does that mean?

It means that most of what we know comes from personal reports. When it comes to Delta 10 benefits, the information is pretty much what users have reported. 

Here’s what people who have used Delta 10 THC say about their experiences: 

A mild, pleasant high

Delta 10 THC has psychoactive properties, and most users say that Delta 10 benefits include a pleasant high or mild euphoria that helps them feel energetic and mentally stimulated. 

Mental stimulation

People frequently cite that using Delta 10 THC has energizing effects, and using Delta 10 products helps them feel more focused and creative. This is in stark contrast to Delta 9, which tends to cause people to feel sluggish (causing “couch-lock”) or have sedative effects. 

No anxiety

While everyone has their own unique experiences, many users say that Delta 10 is less likely to cause them to feel anxious or paranoid, a common side effect of Delta 9 and other strains. 

Calming effects

Although earlier mentioned that Delta 10 THC may offer mental stimulation, many users also say Delta 10 seems to have a relaxing effect, reducing stress. 

Ease physical discomfort and pain relief

Like many other cannabinoids, Delta 10 may have the ability to relieve pain due to the way Delta 10 THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

Is Delta 10 THC Legal?

Delta 10 exists in a legal gray area covered by overlapping and often contradictory legal regulations. State, local, and federal legislation don’t always agree on if Delta 10 is legal any more than they do on other cannabis and hemp products. 

In most areas in the United States, Delta 10 is more or less treated as a federally legal substance. Under the 2018 Farm Bill passed by Congress, hemp and hemp-derived products are legal under federal law. 

Because Delta 10 THC is made from hemp plants and contains comparatively low levels of Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 vape cartridges, gummies, and other products are federally legal…technically. 

Nevertheless, THC products of any kind are sometimes still treated as controlled substances by state and local authorities. 

Ultimately?

It’s important to review your state laws before buying Delta 10 gummies, edibles, vapes, or other substances. There may be local or state specifications that prohibit their use.

The following states deem Delta 10 THC Not legal, as well as Delta 8 products:

Delta 10 THC vs Delta 8 THC vs Delta 9 THC

Delta 8 and Delta 9 are more widely known, but we’re still learning about Delta 10. So what’s the difference?

Each of these is called a cannabis isomer. That means that they all have the same chemical formula. The key difference is that the compounds are arranged differently. And THAT means that each isomer has a unique effect and profile.

The Delta 10 cannabinoid is essentially the same as the other two — in the sense that they have the same chemical makeup. But because of its unique formula, it has its own effects. 

So, how does Delta 10 THC compare to Delta 8 and Delta 9?

The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes also varies from product to product, and this can also affect the way you experience each isomer. 

Delta 8 occurs naturally in the cannabis plant in very small amounts. It needs to be isolated and concentrated for human use. Because of its chemical makeup, it doesn’t produce as strong a high as many other compounds, such as Delta 9. 

Delta 8 is known for:

• Causing feelings of relaxation and sleepiness
• Soothing nausea
• Reducing anxiety
• Improving sleep quality 
• Pain relief

Even if you don’t know Delta 9 by this name, you know what it does — this is what we are referring to when we talk about THC. Its full name is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is responsible for the psychoactive high from regular marijuana usage, including feelings of euphoria and altered senses. 

Delta 9 is the strongest of these cannabis isomers. Among other effects, it is known for:

• Producing a strong sense of euphoria and relaxation
• Causing an altered sense of time
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Mood changes
• Changes in brain function, including thinking and problem-solving

The Delta 10 cannabinoid is interesting when it comes to effects. While it does cause a psychoactive high, it isn’t the same kind of mind-altering high that the other compounds cause. 

Instead, Delta 10 THC may have effects such as:

• Euphoria - Like Delta 9, Delta 10 can cause a euphoric high, making users feel happy, giddy, or talkative. However, the results are generally less intense than with other psychotropic cannabinoids. 
• Mental stimulation - Many people report feeling sharper or more creative after consuming Delta 10.
• Energy - D10 may cause an increase in energy, drawing a sharp contrast to the soporific experience of many cannabis compounds. 
• Mild relaxation.
• Lowered psychotropic effects - Delta 10 may have a significantly lower psychoactive effect than Delta 9 or even Delta 8. 

Delta 10 Side Effects

So what about side effects?

When it comes to this question, we bump up, again, against the old annoying answer — we don’t really know!

Here, we are operating yet again on hearsay rather than clinical studies, because there just haven’t been extensive ones conducted. 

Generally, it seems like the reported side effects of Delta 10 use are closely aligned with those of other cannabinoids and THC isomers. People might experience stomach upset, dizziness, fatigue, lack of coordination, or altered senses. 

One notable difference seems to be — according to people who have used Delta 10 as well as Delta 9 — the absence of the typical anxiety and paranoia that can come with cannabis usage. 

Will Delta 10 THC Show up on a Drug Test?

Some cannabis compounds (like CBD) are rumored to be a better option for people who have to pass drug tests because they supposedly don’t cause a positive result. While there isn’t a lot of data to confirm whether Delta 10 will show up on a drug test, it is still a variation of THC. It might exist in a legal gray area, but it may still be able to trigger a positive. This becomes more likely if you use it heavily or frequently. 

So what’s the bottom line?

We need to do more research on how long Delta 10 stays in your system and whether it will cause users to fail a urine or blood test. But for now, it’s best to tread carefully and avoid using it if you must pass a urinalysis or blood test. 

Is Delta 10 THC Better Than Delta 8 THC? 

When it comes to finding which is better, there is no right answer. Ultimately, whether a certain compound is “better” than another depends on the effect you are looking for. 

Bear in mind that everyone has a unique response to cannabis compounds, too! While some people respond well to Delta 10, others may have a bad reaction to it (or no reaction at all).

In general, D10 is a good choice for people who want to experience:

• A pleasant but mild high
• Better focus and energy
• Lower psychotropic effects
• Relaxation without sleepiness 
• Creative stimulation

So what’s the bottom line?

Ultimately, the only way to find out what substance is better for you is through trial and error. Start small with gummies or vapes and gauge your reaction. If you don’t like it or don’t have the reaction you are hoping for, you can always try something else. 

How to Know if Delta 10 THC is a Good Choice For You

When it comes to knowing if Delta 10 THC is a good choice for you, there’s no need to rush. 

Ask yourself what you’re looking for from usage — do you need help sleeping? Are you trying to focus on work? 

The former is probably not going to be a good fit for Delta 10, while the latter might. 

As usual, it might take a bit of trial and error to find out what method and dosage is right for you — such as Delta 10 gummies, vapes, or something else. 

At VIIA Hemp, we’re all about helping people find the right cannabis and hemp derivatives for their needs. If you’re looking to try out Delta 10, we offer several flavors of Delta 10 vapes in our online store. These products are safely manufactured and clearly labeled to help provide the best experience — no matter how you’re looking to dive in.