Delta 10 THC: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Thanks to advancements in cannabis research, we’ve come to learn that the plant offers numerous compounds responsible for its healing properties. These compounds are otherwise known as cannabinoids. 

You’re probably already acquainted with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). That’s because these two happen to be the most popular cannabinoids in marijuana. 

But if you dig deeper into emerging cannabis research, you’ll realize that weed has at least 130 other cannabinoids. Some of these chemicals occur as distinct compounds, while others exist as isomers. 

Delta-10 THC is one of the cannabinoids in marijuana that exist as an isomer, and this article explores everything there is to know about the chemical.

What Is Delta-10?

Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol, more famously known as delta-10 THC or delta-10, is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol. 

An isomer is one of two or more compounds that share the same chemical formula but differ in the molecular arrangements of their atoms. Isomers are sometimes also known as analogs, although the two terms do not exactly mean the same thing. Analogs are compounds that resemble one another in their molecular structures but do not necessarily share the same chemical formula. 

But perhaps the best way to understand delta-10 THC is to back up and familiarize yourself with tetrahydrocannabinol. 

As we’ve already indicated, tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the two most popular cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, the other one being cannabidiol. THC offers both therapeutic and psychoactive effects. That’s in contrast to CBD, which is non-psychoactive and is used primarily for medical applications. 

Now, tetrahydrocannabinol exists in several isomers. The most popular one is delta-9 THC. But we also have lesser-known THC isomers like delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC.

How Does Delta-10 THC Compare To Delta-9 THC?

There are multiple resources where you can learn more about Delta 9 and Delta 10. But the most important thing to note is that both compounds are psychoactive because they all derive from tetrahydrocannabinol. 

However, delta-10 produces milder effects on the psyche than delta-9. And that’s the main reason the compound has gained considerable popularity in the recent past.

How Does Delta-10 Affect The Body?

Having mentioned that delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol produces milder psychedelic effects, you’re probably now wondering what those effects are. 

Note that all THC isomers influence the body through the endocannabinoid system. When consumed, delta-10 impacts a class of endocannabinoid receptors known as CB1 receptors. These receptors are widespread in various regions of the brain and central nervous system (CNS), including the neocortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and brainstem. 

The high concentration of CB1 receptors in the brain and CNS means that any compound impacting their function produces mind-altering effects. And that precisely explains why delta-10 and other THC isomers are psychoactive. 

But unlike delta-9 THC, which is more likely to induce hallucinations even when consumed in moderate amounts, delta-10 produces more pleasant effects on the psyche. Reports indicate that the compound provides uplifting and relaxing benefits as opposed to paranoia and irritability.

Does Delta-10 Have Any Health Benefits?

Delta-10 THC offers a truckload of health benefits. Ideally, the therapeutic properties of delta-10 are more or less similar to those of its parent compound – tetrahydrocannabinol. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol is prescribed for numerous ailments. The most common one is pain. THC mitigates pain by affecting specific pathways in the body involved in pain signaling. 

Delta-10 THC may also help with stress anxiety. The compound exerts its anxiolytic effects by improving the signaling of ‘bliss chemicals,’ such as anandamide and dopamine. 

Some studies also indicate that delta-10 may offer anti-inflammatory benefits. That’s mainly due to its inhibitory effects on cytokines and chemokines, two proteins that flare up inflammatory signals in the body. 

There’s a long list of other common ailments you can treat using delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol. Examples include insomnia, physical & mental fatigue, reduced attention span, erectile dysfunction (ED), etc.

What Are Delta-10 Delivery Methods And Dosage Recommendations?

There are five primary ways to administer delta-10. They include;

• Smoking delta-10 pre-rolls and other dried cannabis extracts
• Vaping delta-10 e-juices, concentrates, or dry herbs
• Administering delta-10 tinctures sublingually (underneath your tongue)
• Ingesting delta-10 edibles, including delta-10-infused gummies, chocolates, baked goods, beverage drinks, etc.
• Topically applying delta-10-enriched beauty and skincare products like ointments, salves, hair shampoos, etc.

Whichever way you choose to administer delta-10 THC depends on your desired effects. 

For instance, smoking and vaping have a relatively faster onset time. You’ll typically experience the effects of delta-10 in as little as 5 minutes after inhaling the first puff. That’s because the compound absorbs almost immediately into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your lungs. However, the effects of smoking or vaping delta-10 don’t last too long. 

On the other hand, delta-10 edibles produce the longest-lasting effects, usually up to three days after the last dose. But you may need to wait a couple of hours for those effects to kick in. 

In terms of delta-10 serving amounts, keeping your doses down is highly recommended. While delta-10 THC is easier on the psyche than delta-9, overdosing on the compound could still trigger specific adverse effects.

Summary

Delta-10 has garnered considerable attention in the recent past, mainly due to its pleasant high and numerous medical benefits. That said, it’s important to moderate your intake of this compound. That’s especially if you’re a new cannabis user. Also, check your local marijuana laws before using delta-10 or other cannabis-derived compounds.