The emergence of new “legal” THC variations
These days, most people have heard of THC and CBD, but the recent emergence of new, different types of THC give cause for us to learn a little more about them. As it turns out, what we’ve known simply as THC all these years, more specifically, is actually Delta 9 THC.
Then, along came Delta 8 THC, which is similar to Delta 9 in terms of effects but only around half as potent and federally legal. And now we also have Delta 10 THC, to further confuse matters.
I was keen to learn what the effects and benefits of Delta 10 were, so I did a bit of research on it and then tried it for myself. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more too, as I answer questions like, what is Delta 10 THC? Is it legal? Is it safe? And the question on everyone’s lips, does Delta 10 also get you high?
Delta 10 breakdown
Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol has been rapidly gaining in popularity over the last couple of years, but there’s still some confusion as to what it is. Especially when it comes to what the difference is between Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 THC.
What is Delta 10 THC?
Like Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 THC is a naturally occurring, bioactive chemical compound that can be found in cannabis and hemp plants. However, it’s found in such small amounts that the Delta 10 products you see in-store and online are more likely to be manufactured in a lab from CBD.
The Delta THC’s have almost identical molecular structures. The one big difference is that they all feature a double bond in a slightly different place, Delta 9’s double bond is between carbon’s nine and 10, while Delta 10’s double bond is found between carbon’s 10 and 11.
This difference may look insignificant to the untrained eye, but as you’ll see it makes a huge difference to the resulting compound’s overall effects.
More on phytocannabinoids here
Does Delta 10 get you high?
Delta 10 THC can and will get you high just like regular Delta 9 THC, but Delta 10 appears to be a lot less potent. In fact, like Delta 8, Delta 10 is said to be around half as strong as Delta 9 THC.
So how high will it make you? How high Delta 10 can make you feel will depend on how high your current tolerance to THC is. As always, we recommend that you start slow and increase your dosage until you find your perfect high.
Will Delta 10 fail a drug test?
Yes, Delta 10 will cause you to fail a drug test as it breaks down in the body in the same way as Delta 9 THC and therefore can be detected by any drug test that is testing for THC metabolites.
THC metabolites can stay in your system for between two weeks and three months, depending on your duration of use.
If you have any reason to think you’ll be drug tested in the next few months, I’d highly recommend you avoid any type of THC product and limit your CBD consumption to broad-spectrum (THC-free) products only.
Is Delta 10 safe?
The Delta 10 compound itself is considered safe to consume, but because the Delta 10 found in products is created in a lab using toxic chemicals, Delta 10 safety can also be affected by manufacturing methods affecting the product quality.
This is why it’s important to find a supplier that provides third-party lab results that verify both the products potency and purity. Make sure your Delta 10 products are tested for pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, mycotoxins, and (most importantly) residual solvents.
Is Delta 10 THC legal?
Delta 10 THC is considered to be legal at the federal level, as long as it’s manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. The Hemp Farming Act made hemp, defined as cannabis with 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC, and all of its derivatives legal in 2018.
However, because of its similarity at the molecular level and its ability to make you feel high, some people argue that Delta 10 is an analog of Delta 9 THC, which would then automatically make it illegal under the Federal Analog act of 1986. The question is, which law supersedes the other?
My experience with Delta 10 THC
I scored myself a Delta 10 vape cartridge to try it for the first time. When it turned up, I was really surprised to find out that what I had been sent was actually Delta 8 and Delta 10.
After I did a little more research, I found out that many “Delta 10 products” also contain Delta 8 to boost the effects of Delta 10. This isn’t because Delta 10 isn’t strong enough on its own, it’s actually because it’s much more difficult to make, so presumably they use a mix to try and keep the prices down.
How strong is Delta 10?
The potency of Delta 10 is roughly equal to Delta 8, which makes it around half as strong as Delta 9 THC. Although I’m unable to verify the potency personally, as I have only tried a D8/D10 cart mix, I’ve read hundreds of reports on Reddit that agree with this.
So what does Delta 10 feel like?
The uplifting psychoactive effects of Delta 10 makes this compound one of my favorites from the Delta series. When I’m in a good head space, I’m fairly outgoing and sociable and I found that Delta 10 compliments my happy place to perfection.
I feel high, but noticeably more positive than any other high I’ve experienced. Delta 10 definitely provides more of a euphoric high than other types of THC, making me more prone to the giggles than usual. I also feel more energized and motivated than I normally do. Relaxed and calm but not lazy and couch-locked.
Delta 10 vs Delta 8
So, what’s the difference between Delta 8 and Delta 10? If they both have a similar potency, then which one should you choose, Delta 10 or Delta 8?
Some of the main differences between Delta 10 and Delta 8 include the types of effects they offer and their price. The easiest way to describe the difference in terms of effects would be to compare them to Sativa and Indica (even though this is incorrect usage of the terms).
Delta 10 offers more uplifting, euphoric, and energizing effects, usually associated with cannabis sativa strains, whereas Delta 8 THC’s effects are often more sedating.
Delta 10 is also a lot more expensive because it’s much harder to make. This is why many Delta 10 products actually contain only a small amount of Delta 10, mixed in with Delta 8 THC.
If you tend to seek out Sativa strains from your cannabis, then you’ll appreciate Delta 10 benefits more than most.
Where can you find Delta 10 THC for sale?
If you want to buy Delta 10 THC, then I recommend that you buy it online, after checking that the product comes with third-party lab results verifying the product’s contents and purity. Make sure that the lab results are from a licensed, accredited lab, such as ACS Laboratory or New Bloom Labs.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to do the research yourself, then worry not as I’ve already found some great companies that provide Delta 10 products with easy access to potency and purity lab results online (check out my article about “Best Legal Highs” here).