If you’re connected to the cannabis scene on any level — and obviously you are — you’re aware of what seems like a flood of new cannabinoids hitting the market.

Delta 8 snuck onto the scene and settled nicely, almost like it was preparing society for the rest of them. Delta 10 THC came right behind it and has established itself as a legitimate alternative to the other forms of THC already available.

Here’s Delta 10 THC: what it is, if it’s even legal, its effects, and why this fad won’t die any time soon.

What Is Delta 10 THC?

We’ll start by explaining its structure. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of what really matters — its effects.

Delta 10 is similar to delta 8 because they’re both isomers of delta 9 THC (usually just called “THC”). You probably know the rundown on the carbon chains by now, but just in case you missed it:

Delta 9 has its double bond on the 9th carbon chain; delta 8’s is on the 8th carbon chain, and — you guessed it — delta 10’s is on the 10th. This just shows how similar they are.

All three interact with our endocannabinoid system, just in varying degrees.

Learn more: Differences between Delta 9 and Delta 10

Delta 10 & the Endocannabinoid System

THC, delta 8, and delta 10 all bind to (influence) CB1 and CB2 receptors. Not sure what those are? Check out our piece on the endocannabinoid system — it’s a good read.

THC binds tightly with CB1, the one that’s mostly in our central nervous system. This is why THC causes a “high.” Delta 10 and delta 8 bind to it, too, but to a lesser degree.

How Will Delta 10 Make Me Feel?

It’s easy to think of THC, delta 8, and delta 10 in levels of potency.

THC, because of its strong affinity to CB1, is the most psychoactive. Delta 8 comes next at almost half as potent as THC. Delta 10 is slightly less potent than delta 8.

But there’s more.

THC can mess with you mentally and physically; too much can make you anxious, paranoid, and pretty much unable to move, except for when you put chips into your mouth. Delta 8 and delta 10 can cause these side effects too, but most users report these sensations are much less common than with their stronger sibling, delta 9. The general consensus is that the psychoactive effects of delta 10 is more clear-headed and functional than delta 9.

The primary difference between delta 8 and delta 10 is that Delta 10 is cerebral feels more like sativa strains, while delta 8 has effects that are more akin to indica strains.

If you’re planning on getting to work after taking cannabinoids, go for delta 10. If you’re just going to relax and unwind, delta 8 could be a better option.

Side Effects of Delta 10 THC

The safety profile and side effects of delta 10 are about the same as with delta 8. Both delta 10 and delta 8 seem to be safe, but this is primarily based on the efficacy and safety of marijuana.

Hypothetically, if THC is relatively safe, then delta 10 and delta 8 should be safe by default since they’re similar yet less potent.

Common side effects of delta 10:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Headache
• Lightheadedness

Is Delta 10 Legal?

Yes, delta 10 is legal — unless it comes from marijuana or your state says otherwise. Although, it could come from marijuana and still be legal if you live in a cool state that allows things like that.

The 2018 Farm Bill says that hemp and its derivatives are legal if their THC content is under 0.3%. Though delta 8 THC is federally legal, some states have already banned it (even states with legalized marijuana), and it’s possible delta 10 could follow suit.

So far, delta 10 is illegal in the following states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Pay attention to your local laws because they can change rapidly; however, federally, it’s legal.

Where Does Delta 10 Come From?

Delta 10 is produced the same way as how delta 8 is made. First, the manufacturer extracts CBD from hemp (this is crucial since it’s only legal if it comes from hemp). Delta 10 is in even smaller amounts than delta 8, making it impossible to extract enough without a special isomerization process.

Delta 10 requires extensive refining, making it rarer and more expensive than delta 8.

Because these processes use chemicals, it’s vital you buy from a reputable dealer.

Is Delta 10 Synthetic?

No, delta 10 is not synthetic. Even though we can’t extract enough without a bit of magic (or chemistry, as we now call it), it’s still a completely natural cannabinoid that appears in the plant without human intervention.

We just speed up the process, so there’s enough to share.

You can thank us later.

Conclusion: Is Delta 10 Worth Trying?

Delta 10 is definitely worth adding to your shopping list if you want to try something unique. It can nicely complement your daytime routine by providing a little motivation and a skip in your step. Plus, who knows what other benefits lurk beneath the surface.

As always, don’t buy it from just anywhere. You’re worth more than that. Buy the best and stay safe. And make sure it’s legal where you live.

Other than that, delta 10 gives you very little to worry about. You might even prefer it over THC.

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