Delta-10 THC: Is It Safe, and How Does it Compare to Delta-8 THC?
Key takeaways:
Delta-10 THC isn’t naturally found in cannabis. Instead, it’s typically made by applying chemicals to CBD that’s extracted from hemp. This newer cannabinoid is growing in popularity as a milder version of delta-9 THC. But there’s no research on how it affects your brain or body.
Delta-10 THC and delta-8 THC are both considered less potent versions of delta-9 THC (the natural form of THC in cannabis). But they both have psychoactive effects and can cause a positive result on a cannabis drug test.
Like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC products aren’t regulated. This means they may contain unsafe chemicals or different ingredients than what are listed on the package. Until there’s better regulation and more research, it’s safer to choose state-regulated cannabis products over delta-10 THC.
Table of contents
Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-10 THC, is a new addition to the growing number of THC products on the market. But what is it, and how does it compare to other forms of THC?
While the buzz may make it sound appealing, it’s important to be aware of the safety concerns and legal gray areas surrounding this new cannabinoid. Here’s what you should know about delta-10 THC.
What is delta-10 THC, and what does it do in the body?
When we talk about the THC in cannabis, we’re usually referring to delta-9 THC. This is the form of THC that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. Delta-9 THC is known for causing a cannabis “high.” But it’s also used medically for symptoms such as pain and nausea.
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Delta-10 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC. This means it’s almost identical to delta-9 THC, with one small difference in its chemical structure. Because of this, delta-10 THC seems to have a similar effect to delta-9 THC in the body. But the change in its chemical structure means that delta-10 may also affect you differently than other forms of THC.
The problem is, delta-10 THC isn’t found in cannabis plants the way that delta-9 THC is. Most cannabis plants contain only a trace amount of delta-10 THC — if they contain any at all. So there’s little-to-no research to help us know exactly what this chemical does in your body when you consume it.
How is delta-10 made — is it synthetic?
If delta-10 THC isn’t found in cannabis plants, then where does it come from?
In most cases, delta-10 THC is made from cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is another chemical that’s found naturally in cannabis plants. Manufacturers use heat and chemicals to convert CBD into delta-10 THC. This means that delta-10 is a semisynthetic or “derived” cannabis product.
Delta-10 THC is different from synthetic weed, such as K2 or Spice. Those are fully lab-made chemicals that bear little resemblance to the natural cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’ve also been banned in the U.S. since 2012.
But the process of making delta-10 isn’t regulated, even though it’s made from natural sources. So there’s no way of knowing what impurities might end up in the final product — more on that later.
Delta-8 THC: What to know about the risks and possible benefits of this semisynthetic cannabinoid.
The dangers of synthetic weed: With names like K2 and Spice, these products may seem harmless, but they can cause dangerous effects.
Using cannabis safely: Learn about safe and responsible cannabis use with this GoodRx guide.
How does delta-10 compare with delta-8 or delta-9 THC?
As mentioned, delta-10 THC hasn’t been well studied. So there’s very little scientific research to confirm how it may compare to other forms of THC.
Delta-8 THC is another semisynthetic form of THC. It’s made from CBD in a similar way as delta-10 THC. Both delta-8 and delta-10 THC are considered less potent than delta-9 THC. But they can both produce psychoactive effects when they’re consumed.
People report that delta-10 THC makes them feel more alert and active. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, has a more relaxing, calming effect, according to a survey published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
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While these effects may sound appealing, keep in mind that they’re based on personal reports, not scientific studies. So we don’t know for sure how these semisynthetic products compare with one another, or if they’re safe to consume.
Is delta-10 THC safe?
We don’t have enough information to consider delta-10 THC safe to consume. There are several concerns when it comes to the safety of delta-10 products:
There are no clinical studies on delta-10 THC. That means we can’t confirm its safety or effects in humans.
Delta-10 products aren’t regulated. So there’s no way to know what you’re actually buying. Without standardized labeling and third-party testing, a product labeled as delta-10 THC might actually contain delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or a mix of different cannabinoids.
Delta-10 products may contain unsafe chemicals. Similar to delta-8 THC, these products can be harmful and even toxic to consume.
Until there’s more research and stricter regulation, it’s best to avoid using delta-10 THC. If you’re curious about it, consider talking to a healthcare professional who understands cannabis and can guide you to safer options.
Is delta-10 THC legal?
Technically, delta-10 THC is legal under the federal 2018 Farm Bill if it’s made from hemp. The law defines hemp as any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Since most delta-10 THC is made from CBD that’s extracted from hemp, it’s classified as legal under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). But most experts view this as a legal loophole, since delta-10 THC is made by chemically altering CBD instead of directly extracting it from the hemp plant itself.
Delta-8 THC is also considered legal under this rule, but many states have chosen to ban or limit it because of safety concerns and lack of regulation. Since delta-10 THC is even newer, states are still figuring out how to regulate it. But they’re likely to follow a similar course of action. And federal laws around these THC isomers could change at any time.
Will delta-10 THC use cause a positive result on a drug test?
Yes, delta-10 THC (and delta-8 THC) will likely lead to a positive cannabis drug test — even if the test is only designed to look for delta-9 THC. This includes both urine and blood tests.
A positive drug test happens with delta-10 THC because most drug tests look at the byproducts formed when your body breaks them down. And your body processes all forms of THC the same way. So using delta-10 products won’t protect you from testing positive for THC.
What are alternatives to delta-10 THC?
The safest alternative to delta-10 THC are cannabis products sold within a legal, state-regulated dispensary. This could be a medical or adult-use (recreational) program. But the added regulation around how these products are made, packaged, and sold helps protect your safety. The possible benefits and side effects of the natural cannabinoids found in these products are also better understood and have more research behind them.
If you’re interested in delta-10 THC for medical reasons, talk to a healthcare professional about your specific needs. They can often offer self-care practices as well as over-the-counter and prescription treatment options you may not know about.
The bottom line
Delta-10 THC sounds like it comes straight from the cannabis plant. But similar to delta-8 THC, it’s actually made by applying chemicals to hemp-derived CBD. Delta-10 THC is often marketed as a gentler version of delta-9 THC. But it can still make you feel high and is likely to show up on a drug test. And there’s no clinical research on what it does to your brain and body when you consume it.
The process of making delta-10 THC isn’t regulated. So there’s a risk of consuming toxic chemicals left behind in the finished product. There’s also no guarantee that delta-10 products even contain what’s on the label.
Currently, delta-10 THC sits in a legal gray area, but this loophole is controversial. Choosing regulated cannabis products from state-licensed dispensaries is a safer option. For your safety, consult with a healthcare professional before adding a new cannabis product to your wellness routine.
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References
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