Delta 10 THC is the new kid on the block in the cannabis industry, but technically speaking, it’s not new. Scientists have been aware of its existence from as early as 1984. There’s even a paper by Raphael Mechoulam describing its synthesis.
But the methods employed by Dr. Mechoulam were composed of harsh chemicals that weren’t suitable for human consumption. Recently, Delta 10 THC wasn’t mainstream or consumed by cannabis enthusiasts.
So, what is Delta 10 THC, and why are people interested in it all of a sudden? Delta-10 THC is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. Delta 10 is an isomer of Delta 9 or the usual THC you love and know, but D10 appears in trace amounts that are virtually unextractable from the plant. Instead, manufacturers make Delta 10 THC synthetically from other cannabinoids found in abundance in the cannabis plant.
If you were to extract it, you’d spend an exhaustive amount of time and plant material and end up with an insignificant amount. Delta-10 is so elusive that laboratories often misidentify it for CBC or CBL even when using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography methods.
Just like all the other tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 10 will cause a psychoactive high when you consume it, but it’s less potent than the high associated with Delta 9 THC. This is partly why contemporary brands want to sell it in larger quantities.
How Much Delta 10 THC Should I Take?
The optimal dose of delta 10 THC is still unknown. Delta 10 is available in many forms, such as edibles, vapes, waxes, and resin, and determining one standard ideal dose for all these forms may be challenging.
It’s not as potent as Delta 9 THC, but experts still don’t have a clear understanding of how far this difference is. Most people who have used Delta 10 THC claim the effects are somehow similar to Delta 8 — which is half as strong as an equal dose of Delta 9.
Deducing the proper dose will depend on how much Delta 10 THC is contained in the product you’re taking. For instance, a detailed review on delta 10 edibles will show you that they have Delta 10 THC content of somewhere between 20 mg and 60 mg.
Usually, when using any cannabinoid, the dose you take will likely depend on several key factors such as your weight, size, tolerance levels, and your metabolic factors. When trying out a new substance for the first time, it’s advisable to start with a very low dose—say one Delta 10 THC gummy, and wait to see how your body responds.
You can then increase the dose by doubling it or tripling it until you notice your desired effects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dosage by making subtle changes to find what works for you.
Is Delta-10 THC Legal?
On a federal level, any Delta 10 THC derived from Marijuana isn’t considered legal. This is because Marijuana is still considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance in several states. But when Delta 10 is extracted from hemp, its legality becomes something of a gray area.
The DEA clearly states that all synthetically-derived tetrahydrocannabinol are Schedule I controlled substances. But, here is the real issue of contention— the DEA didn’t define what “synthetically-derived” means.
As a result, companies are now producing and promoting fully legal Delta 10 THC from pure, safe, and potent hemp. The 2018 farm bill allowed the growth and processing of hemp both medically and recreationally, which means Delta 10 THC extracted from hemp is legal.
How Does Delta 10 THC Affect the Body?
Very little research is available on the mechanism of Delta 10 and its action on the body. It most likely reacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), similarly to other THC compounds.
Both Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC act on the ECS, and they have strong binding affinities to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the brain and nervous system. Delta 10 THC may behave similarly with both these receptors when taken in high concentrations.
Delta 10 THC Effects
Depending on the dose you take, Delta 10 has a range of effects on the human body. So, what are some of the effects of taking Delta 10 THC? Below are some of the common ones.
Slight Headaches
Just like other THC compounds, if you consume Delta 10 THC in high doses, you can expect a headache and some level of mental fogginess. Get Delta 10 products from reputable vendors, and ensure you start with low doses to avoid this.
Dry Mouth and Eyes
If you too have a low THC tolerance, you’re more likely to experience a change in your moisture levels in the body that will result in a dry mouth and eyes.
Getting Too High
Delta 19 has psychoactive effects, but they aren’t as strong as those of Delta 9 or Delta 8. Start with a low dose to test your tolerance levels as a first-time user since the effects can still overpower you. If you are unfamiliar with its intoxicating effects, you can easily experience anxiety and paranoia.
Lightheadedness
Although this effect is not a cause for concern, it usually comes up when Delta 10 overwhelms your body. You may experience lightheadedness because of the short-lived decrease in blood pressure.
It will wear off eventually, though. If you experience this effect, try lowering your dosage next time you use Delta 10 THC.
Mind Stimulation
When Delta 10 binds to your cannabinoid receptors, it regulates specific body processes. It may be psychoactive like other THC compounds, but it’s believed to have a more stimulating high that will inspire one’s creative side. It will also offer other specific effects to our emotional and cognitive state.
Energy Boost Effects
Like how Sativa strains work, Delta 10 will also have energy-boosting effects. You will also feel more alert after taking it, and as such, it is perfect for daytime use.
Conclusion
Delta 10 THC is still new, and we may only be scratching the surface of what it can do. It may be the next big thing and even surpass the popularity of its siblings, Delta 8 and Delta 9. It’s becoming appealing to cannabis enthusiasts every day because of its greater creativity boost and mental euphoria.
In terms of medical benefits, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to find the unique benefits of Delta 10 THC.