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You already know about Delta-9 THC–the illicit compound that makes you high, euphoric, and perhaps a tad bit paranoid. You may have also heard about Delta-8 THC, the molecular neighbor that you can synthesize from legal hemp for a mildly psychoactive effect. But are you in-the-know about Delta-10 THC? No problem. Delta-10 is so cutting edge, you’re about to be one of the first customers in line.
Let’s explore what we know about Delta-10 THC and why you should care.
Delta-10 THC is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids you can find in hemp and cannabis. Unlike Delta-9 however, Delta-10 appears in such trace amounts that you’d waste an exhaustive amount of time and plant material trying to extract it from natural strains. In fact, Delta-10 is so elusive, laboratories often misidentify the compound for CBC or CBL using standard High Performance Liquid Chromatography methods, according to Extraction Magazine.
HOW DOES DELTA-10-THC AFFECT THE BODY?
While very little research has been done on its mechanism of action in the body, Delta-10 THC likely interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way as other THC compounds. Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC have binding affinities towards CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, which produce varying levels of psychotropic effects. Delta-10 may interact similarly with CB1 receptors at high concentrations.
CAN DELTA-10-THC GET YOU HIGH LIKE DELTA-8 OR DELTA-9 THC?
According to David Reckles from Private Label Hemp Lab, Delta-10 can absolutely get you high. But not exactly like Delta-8 or Delta-9. Delta-9 has the most intense effect on a person’s pleasure, thought process, memory, coordination and perceptions. Delta-8 has a much lower potency in comparison and users report experiencing mild levels of appetite stimulation, and relaxation. Similarly, Delta-10 also has a lower psychotropic potency. But users report very different outcomes compared to Delta-8.
“I would compare Delta-10 to a sativa in terms of its effects, while Delta-8 is more of an indica,” said David.
David’ clients prefer Delta-8 as a sleep aid, while they opt for Delta-10 to promote greater creativity, euphoria, alertness, and energy. “Delta-10 is uplifting and perfect for daytime use,” said David.
Delta-10 also has the potential to appeal to a mass audience looking for psychoactive benefits, without the potential downsides caused by Delta-9 THC.
“I think 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.”
WILL YOU FAIL A DRUG TEST IF YOU TAKE DELTA-10-THC?
Delta-10 THC will appear in a urinalysis and may not be discernible from Delta-9. Long story short, better to be safe on this one.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT DELTA-10-THC?
“We’ve been selling thousands of Delta-8 products a day. And based on the feedback from Delta-10 so far, we’re ramping production to prepare for a similarly soaring demand. We think Delta-8 and Delta-10 have the power to turn the CBD market on its head.”
According to David, people don’t just want CBD for its natural wellness benefits. They want something to take the edge off. They want to feel noticeably more relaxed and they don’t want to have to get a medical cannabis card to do it. For these self-helpers, CBD alone isn’t always enough.
“Now that Delta-8 and Delta-10 are available, people are starting to realize these compounds are on a whole other level. Why would people want to go back to the CBD?”
IS DELTA-10-THC LEGAL?
As of this writing, Delta-10 THC derived from cannabis is illegal due to the fact that marijuana is a schedule 1 controlled substance. However, Delta-10 derived from hemp extract exists in a legal gray zone.
The DEA has said all “All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain schedule I controlled substances.” The issue with that statement is the DEA has not defined what constitutes “synthetically derived.”
As a result, companies like Nerps Brands are moving forward with producing Delta-10 from fully legal, safe and compliant CBD.
ARE THERE HIGH DELTA-10-THC STRAINS?
You won’t find naturally occurring high Delta-10 THC strains on the market today. To produce this mysterious cannabinoid, processors must carefully conduct one of a variety of scientific procedures that transforms CBD into Delta-10.
IS IT EASY TO PRODUCE DELTA-10-THC?
“You can create any delta you want–Delta-8, Delta-9, or Delta-10–by chemically altering CBD isolate or CBD crude. If you’re using crude CBD, you’ll generally create the reaction through carbon, and vitamin C derivatives. If you’re using an isolate, you’ll incorporate solvents and acids,” said David.
HOW IS DELTA-10-THC MEASURED AND TESTED?
Delta-8-THC is measured through potency tests through a similar protocol as CBD, THC and other cannabinoids. ACS Laboratory uses Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery to measure Delta-10-THC potency in edibles, flower and extracts. ACS also employs the industry’s latest reference standards to ensure we’re accurately discerning Delta-10 from CBC and CBL.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF DELTA-10-THC PRODUCTS ARE SAFE?
According to David, third-party laboratory tests are even more important for Delta-10 products than CBD flower, for example. Why?
“Delta-10 products aren’t like smokable hemp, which include dried flower only. If Delta-10 products aren’t made with the proper knowledge, supervision and testing, companies could be creating a nightmare scenario for people who could inhale highly toxic pollutants.”
For instance, these products could contain harmful pesticides or residual solvents, like what happened in the vaping market with vitamin E. They may also contain illicit and highly psychoactive levels of Delta-9 THC.
“Off-market companies might start creating Delta-10 products. But they won’t be compliant. Customers should always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to prove the product was tested and proven safe. Otherwise they’re taking a serious risk.”