In the world of tetrahydrocannabinol – more commonly known by its more famous name, THC – there are an awful lot of confusing terms being thrown around these days. Those terms mostly involve the word “Delta,” which isn’t particularly helpful if you don’t spend your days reading cannabis websites.
You’ve probably gotten far enough to understand that products like Delta-10 and Delta-9 are based on cannabinoids, which are extracted from cannabis plants. What do those terms actually mean, though, if all that you’re trying to do is get a little relief and relaxation?
Delta-10 and Delta-9 THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids that have been isolated from the cannabis plant – and although their names may be similar, they differ from one another in some very important ways. In this article, we’re going to compare the two. Let’s jump in!
What Are Delta-10 And Delta-9?
As we mentioned above, Delta-10 and Delta-9 THC are both cannabinoids that exist naturally within – and have been isolated from – the cannabis plant. Although Delta-10 and Delta-9 are two different molecules, they are isomers of one another. That means they have the same chemical formulas, but their molecular structures aren’t the same. Delta-10 and Delta-9 both have double bonds between two of their carbon atoms, but the double bonds are in different locations.
The idea that the location of one atomic bond could change the way a molecule behaves – and even affect its legal status – might strike you as surprising and even a little difficult to believe. That, however, is exactly the case when you compare Delta-10 vs. Delta-9.
Are Delta-10 And Delta-9 Legal?
Wait – did we just say, “legal status?” That’s right. As it turns out, Delta-10 and Delta-9 are treated completely differently from a legal standpoint. Delta-9 is the cannabinoid that people used to know as just “THC.” It’s the psychoactive component of marijuana, which is a federally controlled substance.
Marijuana is cannabis – but from a legal point of view, it’s one of two types of cannabis. The other type is industrial hemp, which has a Delta-9 content of less than 0.3 percent. The federal government has carved out a legal exception for industrial hemp due to its usefulness for a wide variety of purposes, making it legal in all 50 states.
While Delta-9 primarily comes from marijuana, Delta-10 comes from industrial hemp. Although the legality of the cannabis world isn’t always easy to understand, here’s a brief summary.
- Delta-9 generally comes from cannabis plants that have a Delta-9 content higher than 0.3 percent. Those plants are considered marijuana, making Delta-9 a controlled substance and federally illegal. However, many states have laws permitting the recreational or medical use of marijuana, making Delta-9 legal in those states under certain conditions.
- Delta-10 generally comes from cannabis plants that have a Delta-9 content lower than 0.3 percent. Those plants are considered industrial hemp, making Delta-10 federally legal. However, a few states have passed laws banning the sale of Delta-10, so you’re out of luck if you happen to live in one of those states.
Further adding to the confusion, some companies have actually begun to isolate Delta-9 from industrial hemp plants and sell it on the open market as hemp-derived Delta-9. The legality of hemp-derived Delta-9 has yet to be challenged in court and is beyond the scope of this article.
The short summary, however, is this: You are free to buy Delta-10 products in most states if you are an adult. State laws can change rapidly, though, so it’s wise to check your local regulations before you buy.
How Is Delta-10 Made?
Delta-10 starts out as CBD, and the conversion is performed through a process called isomerization. Most cannabinoids have similar molecular structures and will convert readily to other cannabinoids in the right environment. The process of converting CBD to Delta-10 is fairly complex.
In short, though, it involves combining isolated CBD with a solvent and adjusting its pH with acid. The mixture is heated and stirred, and when the conversion is complete, the acid is neutralized, and the solvent is removed.
After this process is complete, the only remaining step is to test the final mixture and confirm that it has the expected potency and purity. Testing is particularly important for Delta-10 products because it’s the only way to verify that the CBD was converted to Delta-10 successfully. It’s also important because harsh solvents are used in the conversion process, and it’s vital to confirm that those solvents aren’t present in the final product.
What Do Delta-10 And Delta-9 Feel Like?
Although Delta-10 and Delta-9 are both THC, that doesn’t mean they’re the same. Even a difference as small as having a double carbon bond in a different location can cause a molecule to have a different effect, and that’s definitely the case with Delta-10. Between the two, people generally say that Delta-10 seems to have a milder effect.
It feels somewhat relaxing, but people who use Delta-10 generally also report feeling energized, uplifted, and able to go about their daily business with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. Delta-9, on the other hand, can sometimes have such a strong effect that some people report feelings of “couch lock” when using it.
How Do I Buy And Use Delta-10?
Vape shops and smoke shops are the places where you’re most likely to find Delta-10 products. You’ll find an even better selection if you shop online. Since Delta-10 is federally legal and allowed in most states, you’ll have little trouble finding it but will be expected to verify your age when buying it. There are several different types of Delta-10 products on the market today, so you can choose the one that works best for your needs.
- Delta-10 Gummies: Delta-10 gummies are taken orally. Simply eat one and wait an hour or two for the effects to set in.
- Delta-10 Tinctures: To use a Delta-10 tincture, you place a dropper of oil under your tongue and hold it there for about a minute before swallowing it.
- Delta-10 E-Liquid: Delta-10 e-liquid works with any vaping device. Simply fill your device’s tank or pod and take a few puffs.
Delta-10 Disposable Vapes: Delta-10 disposable vapes are vaping devices that are ready for immediate use. You can use the device by puffing on it, and you’ll replace it when the battery dies.