Introduction and how Delta 10 THC was uncovered
For a long time, CBD has been the superstar of cannabinoids and THC, the bad boy, at least legally. Recently, the discovery and analysis of other cannabis derivatives have shown there is more to THC than the infamous delta-9 THC. The emergence of delta-10 THC may be accidental though.
A California-based cannabis company, Fusion Farms, purchased potent cannabis produced outside for the production of concentrates as they always do. But this time, it was after California experienced the onslaught of the perennial wildfire. The firefighters dropped fire retardants, which must have traveled through the air and absorbed by the outdoor plants, to combat the blazing inferno.
At Fusion Farm plant, the production process went on, as usual, the cannabis biomass was extracted and distilled. This time, the distillate contained strange white crystals. The crystals were further recrystallized to obtain a pure form for better analysis. HPLC data analysis showed the crystal is very similar to cannabichromene (CBC) but couldn't match it with any known cannabinoids. Using NMR data analysis at a specialty lab revealed the isolated crystals' identity - Delta-10 THC, a chemical compound found to be similar but superior to Delta-9 THC. It led to a series of trials to find greener and safer methods to produce the cannabinoid in a commercial quantity.
What is delta 10?
Delta-10 THC is a chemical compound present in a cannabis plant like hundreds of others. It has very similar chemical and physical properties with Delta-8 and delta-9, yet with slight but significant differences. Unlike its other molecular siblings which are readily available, delta-10 THC is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants but in very minute quantities.
According to David Reckles of Private Liable Hemp Label, the high effect of delta-10 is similar to the Sativa cannabis strain, while delta 8 THC gives the vibe of Indica.
Where can I buy delta-10 THC?
Due to the daunting task of mass-producing delta-10, you may need to search a little deeper than other isomers to get high-quality extracts of the compound. Also, since it is relatively new, most manufacturers are still cracking the best way to mass-produce products with the best concentration possible. In no time, more will join the list of daring manufacturers to meet the soaring demand of delta-10.
Like delta-8, this is not just a compound you get most from smoking some flowers. It is deliberately extracted and measured with a high-performance standard. We recommend getting your products from a manufacturer that uses safe additives and employs Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography. One way to ensure that is to look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to guarantee that the product is tested and trusted by an appropriate independent 3rd party.
What is the difference between delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10?
Besides the difference in popularity and legislation, the most apparent difference between delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 is their effects on the consumer's body. And the difference in their psychotropic effect and potential benefits may be down to the human body endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is the bodily system responsible for maintaining the immune and digestive, while also maintaining optimal functioning of the body system via cannabinoid receptors present all through the body. The receptors play a significant role in maintaining homeostasis and are predominantly CB1 and CB2.
These receptors are designed to instruct cells to carry out different behaviors depending on the compound that binds to and activates the receptors. It is theorized that the ECS responds to biological stimuli to maintain optimal bodily functioning, known as homeostasis. Delta-9 THC has the only affinity for CB2, while delta-8 THC binds more readily with CB1 and binds with CB2. The newly discovered cannabinoid, D10, behaves more like D8 than D9. The two less popular cannabinoids produce euphoria, clear-headed high, more focus with no paranoia and anxiety that delta-9 is known for.
Though the data on the effects of delta-10 on the body is still limited, it is widely known to produce a milder high than the two other siblings. Also, it seems to alter the mood and how the brain works in different ways to delta 8. Instead of the sleep and relaxing mood that delta-8 induces, delta-10 stimulates alertness, creativity, and energy to accomplish the day's task.
Most of the differences in the effects of these three closely related yet different cannabinoids are traced to their molecular structures. The difference in the double bond location, which is on the 8th carbon in delta-8, 9th carbon in delta-9, and 10th in delta-10, impacts these compounds' interaction with different receptors in our body neural pathways.
Hopefully, more insights on how the cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system and the receptors will be more detailed in no distant future.
What states is Delta-10 legal in?
The authority dilemma is how to classify known and yet-to-be-discovered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into the same legal box as delta 9-THC. The accidental discovery of D10 brings the number of isomers to 8 in number.
As it stands, delta-10 is technically legal in the country, provided it is extracted from hemp containing >0.3 THC (delta-9). And that's going by the 2018 Farm bill. In other words, other than delta-9 THC, the production, distribution, and consumption of other tetrahydrocannabinol are legal until there is a review of the law governing cannabis. Delta-10 THC might be permitted at the federal level, but the state laws override the federal regulations. And the cannabis laws are different from state to state. And thankfully, only 11 States are still yet to legalize cannabis to different extents.
Suppose you are not resident in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Alaska, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Idaho, Mississippi, Utah, and Montana. In that case, you are free to walk into any legalized cannabis store, CBD store or visit an authorized online store to get your delta-10 THC.
While the federal law didn't specify the legal age of buying cannabis-derived products, all state laws mandate consumers to be at least 21 years of age. So, suppose you are up to the legal age of 21. In that case, it is worthy to emphasize that most of the known physical and medicinal effects of consuming delta-10 THC are informational from the subjective user experiences.
What is the future of Delta 10 THC
Barring a major legislative clampdown, delta-10 THC is poised to be the go-to legal cannabinoid in no distant future. Going by the soaring demand of its sister, delta-8 THC, which is also legal, this cannabinoid can take a considerable portion of the CBD market.
While many consumers love CBD for its health benefits, a compound like delta-10 offers a mild, clear-headed high as a bonus that is too good to ignore. It feels good to have the edge off as the cannabinoid works its natural wellness 'magic.'
The only issue here is the cannabinoid can be legal or illegal depending on who you ask. Unlike CBD or even the maligned delta-9, which are present in abundance in cannabis plants, D10 must be synthesized. The cannabis law frowns on synthetically-derived tetrahydrocannabinol and classifies them as schedule I controlled substances.
Even though present in minute quantity, is delta-10 classified as synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol? That is a question that has come across the mind of every cannabis enthusiast and observer. For now, we can only keep your fingers crossed and watch the future of delta-10 play out.
How is delta-10 made?
Delta-10 THC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid since it doesn't exist readily in a natural form. Its production requires an external chemical additive, which helps to change the double bond of other isomers and cannabinoids during distillation.
As can be seen from the accidental discovery of D10, distillation is not enough to alter Delta-9 THC. The process involves a strong chemical reaction that can push the double bond in D9 clockwise to form D10. As seen in the case of fire hydrants, a strong chemical can do that that led to the discovery of the cannabinoid. Since we are talking about human consumption, edible and harmless additives in food-grade processing are the minimum safety requirement.
The best additives for manufacturing delta-10 THC depend primarily on the starting point (raw material). Does the process involve altering the chemical structure of isolated CBD or using crude CBD? Solvents and acid may be required for the former, while carbon and vitamin C additives work in the latter.
Part of the efforts to make Delta-10 safe for consumption is the series of efforts by laboratories to differentiate it from other cannabinoids, particularly the embargoed delta-9. Spearheading the efforts is ACS Laboratory, which develops a Potency 12 Test to determine and quantify up to 12 cannabinoids for valid test results.
How do you find a quality delta-10 product?
More than other products from other cannabinoids, due diligence is highly essential when purchasing delta-10 products. Besides, finding the best delta-10 extracts in this brand new market is not an easy task. It would be tempting to go for the first few brands you come across. But don't. We've compiled the top criteria you must not compromise on when choosing delta-10 products.
Brand image
The brand's image is an excellent pointer to the quality of its cannabinoid extracts. Thanks to the internet, it is easier to get the public and consumer's perception of a brand, including its customer service and delivery, with a few minutes of search.
Source of hemp
When sourcing for delta-10 extracts, it is highly recommended that you buy from a manufacturer that distinctively states where and how it sources its hemp. Some producers have this information on their websites.
Reliable Lab test results
Staying away from all products with no reliable or questionable lab test results is a no-brainer. Make sure your delta-10 product has a QR code or batch number and a mark of a reliable third-party test lab.
Manufacturing process
Since this isomer of THC does not exist naturally, the manufacturing process, which includes the addictive used, is of the utmost importance. Priority should be given to the safety, purity, and quality of the extracts.
The forms that delta-10 comes in
Going by the precedence of the earlier discovered THCs, we can safely predict many manufacturers will present this THC to their customers in similar forms. You can be sure you Delta-10 will be available in products you can comfortably ingest, vaporize or eat. Assortment of delta-10 items to forward to in the both online and offline stores include edibles like gummies, chocolate bars, and vape cartridges.
Consumers looking for the entourage effect will find delta-10 sprayed flower and pre-rolls options in some stores. Other extracts of the cannabinoid can exist in include disposable pen, tincture, dabbing syringe, and more. Whichever package of delta-10 you prefer, consider starting with a low dosage to access the effect before increasing its intake over time.