Delta-10 Is The New Craze: Here’s What You Should Know

Just before we recover from the delta-8 frenzy, another delta compound has checked in; delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-9-THC, aka THC, is the psychoactive cannabinoid that is responsible for the typical marijuana high. Consequently, it is also why marijuana is classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), making it illegal under federal law. It is no surprise that every other compound associated with THC will attract a lot of interest and speculation at the same time; delta 10 is no exception. 

Here is everything that you need to know about the latest delta cannabinoid in the market.

What is Delta-10-THC?

Delta-10-THC is one of the numerous (over one hundred) cannabinoids that are found in cannabis Sativa. Structurally, it is an isomer of the popular THC. This means that the two compounds have the same chemical structure but a slight difference in their structures. More specifically, the two differ in the location of a double bond present in both their structures. While delta 9 has this bond on the ninth carbon chain, delta 10 is on the 10th carbon chain. 

Delta 10 is tough to come by, regardless of the cannabis cultivar (strain). This is unlike THC, which is found in significantly high amounts in some cultivars such as Ghost Train Haze, whose THC often exceeds 25%. This makes it hard to extract delta 10 from any cultivar. Usually, when delta 10 is present, it is mistaken for other cannabinoids such as CBC and CBL. 

How Does Delta-10 Work?

So far, there has not been any specific research investigating how delta 10 works. But given its similarities in both structure and effects, it is assumed that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) like its isomers, delta 8 & delta 9. Delta 10 has psychoactive properties, suggesting a binding affinity for the CB1 receptor, which regulates psychoactive activities. However, the specific mechanism through which delta 10 works has not been elucidated by science. 

Is Delta 10 Psychoactive? 

Delta 10, like delta 9 & delta 8, causes euphoria when consumed in high amounts. Of the three, THC produces the strongest euphoric effects. The psychoactive effects of delta 8 & 10 have not been compared side by side in a study. However, anecdotal reports suggest that delta 10 provides a stronger head buzz compared to delta-8. Delta 10 is considered to be Sativa-like, while delta 8 is indica-like. However, since delta 10 provides milder psychoactive effects than delta 9, it is likely to trigger fewer adverse events. This partly explains the enthusiasm surrounding this new cannabinoid.

What Are The Effects of Delta-10?

Delta 10 provides a mild high that is invigorating and Sativa-like. This means that delta 10 is likely to provide an energizing high, resulting in clear-headedness and slight euphoria. Unlike THC, the high is not overwhelming. One user described delta 10 in this way:

• Mild high compared to THC
• Lasts for 15 to 20 minutes 
• Hard-hitting 

Is Delta-10-THC legal?

Just like delta-8, the legality of delta 10 is a grey area. Technically speaking, if the delta 10 is extracted from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC), it should be legal, while marijuana-derived delta 10 should be illegal. 

The 2018 Agricultural Act legalized hemp at the federal level. Marijuana, on the other hand, remains illegal. This creates a legal grey zone for the cannabis-derived compound not expressly mentioned by the DEA because they are subject to different legal interpretations. 

The other question is, “what about synthetically derived cannabinoids?” According to the DEA, “All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain a schedule I controlled substances.” This statement implies that synthetically derived delta 10 is illegal, at least under federal law. 

The legality of delta-10 is complicated and subject to different legal interpretations. It is up to individual states to make known their stand on this issue, just like Texas recently declared delta-8 as an illegal substance. Meanwhile, canna-businesses are making the most of the opportunity that has presented itself, and the delta-10 market is growing at an exponential phase.  

High Delta-10 Strains

Unfortunately, there are no cannabis cultivars that have high amounts of delta-10. In most cases, extracting delta 10 from cannabis is economically unviable. Like delta 8, most of the delta 10 that you will see in the market is made from CBD.

How Is Delta-10 Made?

All cannabinoids found in cannabis originate from the same precursor molecule- cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This makes it possible to create one cannabinoid from another, specifically creating any delta cannabinoid from a pure CBD form. This takes place in a lab and starts with the precursor molecule CBGA to obtain CBD. The CBD is then dissolved in a non-polar organic solvent such as heptane. An acid (such as hydrochloric acid) is then added to the solvent solution. The mixture is stirred at a temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius for at least 18 hours. Once the chemical reaction is complete, the distillate is washed in sodium bicarbonate to neutralize it. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used to separate the cannabinoid parts. Test to confirm purity and potency since conversion is never 100 percent. 

 What Type of Delta-10 Products Are in The Market?

Despite delta-10 being a newish product in the market, the uptake has been impressive. Delta 10 vapes are a popular choice for consumers possible because they provide an instant head buzz. You can find the following delta 10 formulations in the market:

• Oil cartridges
• Disposable vapes
• Dabs and concentrates

As the market continues to grow, we expect to see an even more diverse product range. As the competition in the market gets stiffer, businesses will be compelled to be more varied in their product offerings.

Delta 10 Vs Delta 9

Delta-10 and delta-9 are isomers of each other; similar chemical formulas even though their structures vary slightly. Delta 10 has a double bond located on the 10th carbon chain, while delta 9 is located on the ninth carbon chain. In terms of effects, delta 9 has more potent psychoactive properties than delta-10.

Delta 9 Vs Delta 8

Delta-9 and delta-10 are isomers of each other; similar chemical formulas but different structures. Delta 10 has a double bond located on the 10th carbon chain, while delta 8 is located on the 8th carbon chain. 

While both compounds have psychoactive properties, users have described the effects differently. The effects of delta 10 have been described as Sativa-like, while those of delta 8 have been described as more indica-like. Sativa cultivars of cannabis provide a strong head buzz and mild body effects. Indica cultivars provide opposite effects; mild cerebral effects and a strong body stone.

Delta-10 and delta-8 are newish cannabinoids that are making waves in the cannabis industry. The legality of both compounds is a subject of great controversy. Industry stakeholders are eager to see whether delta-10 will oust delta 8 from its seat and garner a larger market share. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run. 

How Much is Delta-10?

At the moment, delta-10 is highly-priced because demand beats supply. The price varies based on the delta 10 formulation and the company selling it. As more investors join the space, the price will likely go slightly lower due to stiff competition. 

Conclusion

Much is going on in the cannabis space, and delta 10 seems to be causing ripples. Consumers are eager to get legally high on this compound before the DEA comes blazing guns. It is not clear whether delta 10 has therapeutic potential, but we know for sure that it has recreational value since it triggers euphoria. Now that the market is opening up, we expect to get a clear direction of the legality and potential benefits of this new cannabinoid.