While delta 8 THC has been in the spotlight now for a while, slowly but surely, other minor cannabinoids are getting attention. One of the latest to fall under the radar is delta 10 THC.
Delta 10 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC, may share some similarities with delta 8 THC, and may even have its own unique effects. What is delta 10 THC, how does it work, and what are the effects? While this up-and-coming cannabinoid may not be well-studied, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide of all there is to know right now.
What is Delta 10 THC?
Delta 10 tetrahydrocannabinol is one of several types of THC found in plants that make up the cannabis family, which includes cultivars dubbed as hemp. Like other active compounds in cannabis, delta 10 is a cannabinoid that interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While most people are just now learning about delta 10 THC, this cannabinoid was actually first discovered a few decades ago in the 1980s. And, this cannabinoid may have mildly psychoactive properties.
Delta 10 is only present in trace amounts in cannabis and hemp, but the cannabinoid can be synthesized by altering other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD). Most commercially available delta 10 THC products contain the synthesized version of the cannabinoid because it would be too costly and time-consuming to harvest enough natural delta 10 from raw plant material.
How Does Delta 10 THC Work?
Delta 10 interacts with the ECS much like other forms of THC and other cannabinoids. However, there has not been enough research to fully understand the mechanism of action once the cannabinoid enters the body.
Due to being an isomer of delta 9 THC, it is likely safe to assume delta 10 THC acts on the same cannabinoid receptors. For reference, delta 9 works by binding to CB-1 receptors, which may disrupt nerve system pathways and produce the trademark euphoric effects.
Benefits of Delta 10 THC
Unfortunately, delta 10 THC has not been well-researched enough to date to offer much in the way of well-established results like pain relief or other health benefits.
There is a growing body of anecdotal evidence that suggests delta 10 is not as psychoactive as either delta 8 THC or delta 9 THC. Nevertheless, a lot of people claim that the cannabinoid does offer some level of energetic euphoria without a heavy sense of sedation. For this reason, there is some speculation that delta 10 may eventually be considered a good therapeutic option for some ailments because it can be used without such intense psychoactive effects.
Soon after delta 10 was discovered in the 1980s, researchers tested the cannabinoid on pigeons along with delta 9 THC to get a good comparative look at the effects. The only conclusion was that delta 10 was not as potent but still psychoactive to some degree.
Side Effects of Delta 10 THC
With a lower potency level than delta 9 THC, the side effects that tend to come with just about all types of THC may still be possible with a reasonably sized dose. For example, you may experience:
- Mildly dry mouth
- A slightly altered state of perception
- Mild physical relaxation
- Slightly increased appetite
- Slowed reaction times
- Red eyes
To deter the possibility of more worrisome side effects, it is important to only trust delta 10 THC products from a reputable source. Certain chemicals may be used in the synthesizing process, and, these chemicals must be properly purged from extracts before being used in products. Look for brands that offer delta-10 that is lab tested by a third party to ensure purity.
Is Delta 10 THC Legal?
Currently, delta 10 THC found in hemp is legal on a federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp and hemp-derived extracts legal as long as they do not overshoot the 0.3 percent delta 9 THC rule. However, as it is with delta 8 THC, some states like Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and several others have enacted their own legislation regarding delta 10.
Another important point is there is another Farm Bill due to come about in 2023 that may have more tightly worded terminology that could change what is deemed federally legal when it comes to the types of THC found in hemp. All this considered, delta 10 may not be legal in all states but is available for now in most.
Delta 10 vs Delta 8 and Other Cannabinoids
Just as there are differences between delta 8 and delta 9, there are also key differences between delta 10 THC and other forms of THC. Delta 10 shares several attributes with the other forms of THC. It may be intoxicating, it can be found in all forms of cannabis, and potentially has similar actions in the ECS.
Scientifically speaking, delta 10 THC is an isomer of delta 9 THC, just like delta 8 THC. An isomer basically means that when it comes to chemical structure, it has a different atomic arrangement but the same formulary or makeup. Therefore, delta 10 THC does have a slightly different atomic arrangement than other forms of THC. And, as expected, the effects of delta 10 THC may be similar to other types of THC, possibly even intoxicating to some degree.
Because there is so little formal research into delta 10, it is difficult to give a thorough and fair comparison. Nevertheless, anecdotal reports seem to point to a few key differences:
- Delta 10 is not as potent as either delta 8 or delta 9
- Delta 10 may offer a more uplifting or energizing effect than delta 8 or delta 9
- Delta 10 may be better for people looking for creative focus and daily stress relief without fatigue
Experience Delta 10 THC with the Full-Spectrum Experience
Even though there is still a lot to learn about the latest addition to the THC lineup, delta 10 THC is bound to gain more traction as scientific communities take more interest. Until then, you can experience delta 10 in full-spectrum hemp products like those available here at TIMBR Organics. Be sure to take a look at our collection of hemp pre-rolls, hemp flower, and hemp cigarettes, which always deliver the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes for your smoking pleasure.
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