What is Delta 10 THC?
A “new” phytocannabinoid has made its way into the news lately: delta 10 THC. This isomer of the most famous delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) looks and acts similarly as other types of THC, though research remains limited.
In this blog, you will learn:
What Delta 10 THC is
How Delta 10 THC differs from other types of THC
How labs test for Delta 10 THC
What is Delta 10 THC?
Delta 10 THC is an “accidental” cannabinoid discovered in 2020 when cannabis plants were exposed to a fire retardant chemical, causing a chemical reaction that yielded delta 10 THC. Lab analysts concluded that delta 10 THC is technically a synthetic cannabinoid, the fire retardant is the catalyst that caused the reaction. And though delta 10 THC was first mistaken as Cannabichromene (CBC), it is a distinct compound now making its way to store shelves.
Delta 10 THC reportedly offers a similar but less intense intoxication than delta 9 THC. However, much like its cousin delta 8 THC, delta 10 can be synthesized from federally-legal hemp plants, where producers convert delta 10 from cannabidiol (CBD) through an isomerization process. This conversion is not viewed as natural, and creates a legal gray area for this new plant derived cannabinoid.
What is known about Delta 10 THC so far?
Research into delta 10 THC remains limited due to its recent discovery. What we know about delta 10 THC we mainly infer from other isomers. For example, one hypothesis posits that delta 10 THC is likely a CB1 receptor agonist, interacting with the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) in much the same way as delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC. If that theory holds, delta 10 THC might be a candidate for additional research into whether it might offer therapeutic benefits.
Much of what is known about the effects of delta 10 THC come from anecdotal stories. Consumers report a similar intoxication as delta 9 THC but less potent, similar to delta 8 THC. Since no preliminary animal studies or clinical trials have been performed on delta 10 THC, little else can be said about the plant derived cannabinoid for certain.
Delta 10 THC legality
The regulations regarding delta 10 THC are unclear, and as it is such a new discovery it remains in a grey area. Currently, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency maintains that all synthetic THC are considered schedule I controlled substances under federal law. That would technically make delta 10 THC illegal. However, federal legislation complicates matters.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the domestic cultivation and processing of hemp, which extractors are now using to produce delta 10 THC from hemp-derived extract. This is because delta 10 THC can be produced using CBD – no delta 9 THC required whatsoever. A similar dilemma is facing regulators around delta 8 THC, which many states have preemptively moved to ban. Delta 10 THC remains the new kid on the block and has thus far skirted the scrutiny applied to delta 8 THC.
Delta 10 vs. Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC
The first and biggest difference to understand about delta 10 THC is that it is a synthetic cannabinoid only created by way of a catalyst (the fire retardant). Delta 9 THC is naturally abundant in many cannabis plants, while delta 8 THC can be naturally present in small amounts (although much hemp-derived delta 8 THC is created from CBD found in industrial hemp). Delta 10 THC, though, doesn't appear to form on its own.
To get beyond that, it's important to understand the chemical make-up of these compounds and what is meant by the "delta" numbers. As isomers of delta 9 THC, delta 10, and delta 8 THC are very similar in chemical compound structure. The major difference is the location of a double bond around the THC molecule; where that bond appears determines whether the compound is delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, delta 10 THC, or another variety of THC.
Since these compounds are so similar, it follows logically that they may behave similarly in terms of the potential benefits they offer. However, it's clear they have their differences. Delta 10 THC is less intoxicating than delta 9 THC for example, so what else about it might be different? Time and research will yield more answers.
Delta 10 in laboratory testing
Delta 10 THC is often mistaken for CBC, even in lab tests. However, delta 10 THC can be identified and quantified by using the same process by which CBD potency is measured. This involves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which identifies and quantifies all phytocannabinoids contained in a product. It works by isolating cannabinoids with the use of a Diode Array Detector (DAD) or Photodiode Array Detector (PDA). HPLC has become the leading method of cannabinoid potency testing. It also has proven useful for identifying and quantifying delta 10 THC.
In addition, due to the unregulated nature of the delta 10 THC market, cannabis testing for safety is critical. As an extracted product, delta 10 THC products could be contaminated with harmful levels of residual solvents, which are required to separate the cannabinoids from the plant material. Further, it is always important to test for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, and other dangerous sources of contamination.
To ensure your safety regarding delta 10 THC, prior to purchasing or consuming it is important to certify that cannabis testing results are authentic. Test results can include an analysis of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbes, mycotoxins, and other potentially hazardous contaminants. In a highly unregulated space like delta 10 THC, cannabis testing results are even more important than usual, and will quickly differentiate quality products from those to avoid.
Delta 10 THC is the new kid on the block
The recent discovery of delta 10 THC – and the lack of clear regulations – has incentivized producers to develop a range of delta 10 THC products. And while many have yet to reach store shelves, they are on their way. When they arrive, it is essential that responsible brands set themselves apart by demonstrating product quality and safety through detailed cannabis testing. In New Jersey, True Labs for Cannabis performs thorough, meticulous cannabis testing not only for delta 10 THC potency, but also potential contaminants to ensure product quality is above reproach.