While delta-8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) has been making headlines lately as one of the latest derivatives of CBD, there is yet another cannabinoid, delta-10 THC (delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol), that may reach the same levels of interest and demand as delta-8 is currently seeing. 

This is already leading to some exciting new products such as delta-10 pre rolls, vapes, tinctures, gummies, and more. And while delta-8 shows some resemblances to the indica cannabis strains due to its more sedative, relaxing body high, delta-10 resembles the effects of sativa cannabis strains with a more energetic, stimulating, and heady high.

Since both delta-8 and delta-10 are derived from CBD, which is in turn produced by hemp, these two substances enjoy the same legal freedoms of other CBD derivatives meaning that they can often be found in states where only CBD has been legalized.

What Is Delta-10 THC?

Like delta-8, delta-10 THC is similar in structure to the famous and well known delta-9 THC which is one of the most well-known cannabinoids that produces a high when smoking marijuana. The difference lies in the chemical structure. Delta-8, 9, and 10 are all isomers of each other, meaning they contain the same chemical make-up but are arranged differently. 

How Does Delta 10 THC Work?

The placement of one double bond within the compound’s carbon chain is what makes the difference, with this double occurring on either the 8th, 9th, or 10th carbon in the carbon chain, respectively. Although it doesn’t sound like much of a difference, it is enough to alter some of the effects of delta-8 and 10 compared to the classic delta-9 THC. 

Like delta-8 which was discovered in a lab back in the late 60s/early 70s, delta-10 was also synthesized in 1984 by the father of cannabinoids Raphael Mechoulam, however his methods used a range of toxic chemicals and so it was written off and forgotten about for decades.

Delta-10 was only recently rediscovered when Californian-based cannabis company Fusion Farms purchased cannabis that had been exposed to both fire retardant and fire damage from the huge amounts of fires California experienced at the time. They continued with their distillation process as normal, but their distillate contained abnormal white crystals which was further distilled for scientific analysis. After being classified as delta-10 THC, an isomer of delta-9, trials began to find safer and repeatable methods for producing this compound.

Why Are People Interested in Delta-10 THC?

Like delta-8, delta-10 produces a weaker high than delta-9 or regular marijuana, which is great since delta-9 is often too strong for some users and beginners due to the way that these plants have been selectively bred for extremely high levels of THC.

Unlike CBD which is what the compound is normally derived from, delta-10 does in fact interact with the body’s cannabinoid system to get you high. Being slightly weaker means that people can enjoy the high without being overcome by the high, creating a more relaxing, enjoyable experience.

The amount of scientific literature on the substance is small and so we can’t say exactly how it affects the body, however looking at delta-8 and delta-9, we see that these compounds bind to the cannabinoid receptors within the brain and nervous system to create their high, and delta-10 may do just the same. 

One of the main benefits of delta-10 is that it can be derived from CBD, making it a CBD product that doesn’t contain any of the federally controlled substance delta-9 THC. This means that it can be sold in states that have legalized CBD which provides easy access for anyone interested in the effects of THC and cannabis.

How Is Delta-10 Extracted?

You don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals or fire retardants in the production of delta-10, because it is made by creating chemical reactions within CBD using carbon or vitamin C derivatives. Some processes do incorporate solvents and acids in parts of the process, but this is all done under food and medical-grade settings that ensures the highest quality product without any contaminants.

Ways to Consume Delta-10

Because delta-10 exists in trace amounts in the different cannabis plants, in order to get large amounts of it, it needs to be produced from synthesis from CBD. It has already however made its way into the consumer’s world in:

• Delta-10 Pre-Rolls
• Delta-10 Vapes
• Delta-10 Topicals
• Delta-10 Edibles
• Delta-10 Tinctures
• Delta-10 Flowers

It’s important to note that delta-10 flowers and pre-rolls are simply cannabis or hemp flowers that have had the delta-10 compound added, rather than being a particular breed of cannabis that produces high amounts of it.

So far, the most popular of these products is delta-10 vapes and tinctures due to the fact that users can easily combine delta-10 with delta-8 for a more rounded experience where the body and relaxing high of delta-8 is mixed with the stimulating and energetic high of delta-10.

Where to Buy Delta-10 Products?

Because business is already starting to boom, you can find delta-10 products in both cannabis dispensaries, CBD and hemp stores, as well as online and it is deliverable to most states in the USA.

Some great options include the tinctures and vapes offered by Binoid as well as those by Effex, edibles and capsules by Superstrain, or the pre rolls offered by CBD Supply MD, although as the market matures, you can expect a much wider range of delta-10 products.

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