Delta 10: Everything You Need to Know

Across cannabis and hemp new cannabinoids seem to be constantly popping up. So many in fact- we have struggled even as industry professionals focused on innovation- to stay in the loop. Much of this exploration seems to be catalyzed by a desire from industry professionals to always have the "newest-newer-new-new" or the stronger 'thing'. This has certainly led to some interesting innovations in the space but it's also led to some downright reckless releases that have been potentially harmful and/or dangerous to consumers. Of these cannabinoids reaching the market, some are native to cannabis and CBD plants while others are not and have to be synthetically made from plant-native compounds like CBD isolate. While there is much to learn about nearly all of the cannabinoids on the market, we and many other responsible and informed industry professionals have the most pause with compounds not native to the plants. The reason is that cannabis and CBD plants have been consumed for a long time and there haven't been any major concerns arising from the consumption that we have seen or found yet. This positions the consumption of native plant compounds as being considered generally safe. Another topic to discuss is the dose or amount in which the compounds are consumed but that is another topic we will cover soon. So of the native compounds, Delta 10 is one of them that is found in very trace amounts in the plant. It a much lesser-known cannabinoid that has garnered attention. However, it is crucial to approach Delta 10 with skepticism due to limited research and manufacturing concerns. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins of Delta 10, the associated concerns, and why exercising caution when considering its purchase is essential.

Delta 10 is a naturally occurring minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. While it shares a similar molecular structure with more prominent cannabinoids like Delta 9 and Delta 8, its properties and effects are still not well understood; including its impact on the short and long-term health of users.

Unlike Delta 9 THC, which is primarily responsible for the potent psychotropic effects of cannabis, and Delta 8 THC, which does the same but at somewhere around 75% potency of Delta 9- Delta 10's effects remain largely unexplored but have been reported by consumers to be significantly milder than the other compounds. Some consumers report euphoria or energizing effect but we have not found this to be true in our internal R&D trials performed across different product types with different D10 potencies given to consumers for unbiased feedback. For the more euphoric or uplifting effect, we have seen HHC and our Daytrip blend work better (our Daytrip Live Resin blend (in various products) pairs sativa-leaning cultivars with additional stimulating cannabinoids to guide this outcome).

Here is a simplified explanation of the general process used to convert cannabinoids into Delta 10. There may be variations of this process but this is the general pathway:

1. Isolation of starting material: The process begins with extracting CBD or Delta 9 THC from cannabis plants through methods like CO2 extraction or solvent-based extraction.
2. Conversion of CBD or Delta 9 THC: To convert CBD or Delta 9 THC into Delta 10, manufacturers typically employ chemical reactions that involve exposing the cannabinoid to heat, acids, or other catalysts.
3. Isomerization: The chemical reactions performed during the conversion process cause rearrangements of the molecular structure, resulting in the formation of Delta 10 THC.
4. Purification: After the conversion, the resulting mixture may undergo purification steps to remove impurities, residual chemicals, or byproducts from the process. Purification techniques may include filtration, distillation, or chromatography.

Again it's important to note that the specific details of the conversion process can vary between manufacturers. This includes the chemicals and conditions used during the conversion process. These differences lead to variations in the purity, quality, safety, and potential side effects of the final Delta 10 product. Given the complexities and potential risks associated with the conversion process, it further highlights the need for caution when considering Delta 10 products. The lack of standardized manufacturing practices and quality control can contribute to inconsistencies and potential health concerns. Especially since some of the things used in the process can be unsafe and many manufacturers do not follow rigorous batch testing standards like we do to ensure the final product purity before consumption.

1. Mislabeling: Delta 10 in most cases is actually D6A10A, not the D10 claimed on the label. Many products reporting to contain D10 do not actually. This should cause pause in the reputability of these products and brands and the safety overall. If a product is claiming to have things it does not, what may it contain that's not listed, and are companies who are not transparent in labeling doing the other things necessary to ensure a safe product?
2. Purity and contamination risks: Due to the chemical conversion process used to create Delta 10, the purity and quality of products on the market may vary significantly. Poorly manufactured or contaminated products could pose health risks to consumers, including the presence of residual chemicals or impurities.
3. Lack of regulation and oversight: The emerging nature of Delta 10 has created a regulatory gray area. As a result, the production, distribution, and labeling of Delta 10 products may not be subject to stringent standards or regulatory oversight. This lack of accountability increases the likelihood of encountering untrustworthy or subpar products.

Given the concerns surrounding Delta 10, exploring alternative options is advisable. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

1. CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is a widely studied non-psychotropic cannabinoid known for its potential therapeutic benefits. It offers a safer and more extensively researched alternative to Delta 10, with a range of products available in our online store.
2. Delta 9 THC: Has also been more widely studied and is a more potent option anyways so why take the risk? (We also offer shippable Delta 9 products that are legal and safe to consume).
3. Our Delta 8 THC: If you're looking for a compound somewhere between CBD and Delta 9 we rigorously test our Delta 8 products to ensure safety and efficacy.

While Delta 10 may pique curiosity, the lack of scientific research and the absence of regulatory oversight makes it a dubious choice for consumers. The uncertainties surrounding its effects, potential risks, and product quality necessitate caution. Prioritizing safety and informed decision-making is vital when considering any cannabis-related product. Opting for well-researched alternatives like CBD or Delta 9 THC can provide a more reliable and predictable experience. As the cannabis industry evolves, stay vigilant, rely on reputable sources, and make informed choices based on scientific evidence to safeguard your well-being. We are one of the good guys- feel free to call if you have questions about this or other products. We build products for many of the industry's biggest brands as well as our own and have industries stemming from the cannabis industry. We are dedicated to creating the highest quality, safe, effective goods we can and are passionate about sharing information and empowering the industry with information. Please share this article if you found it helpful and feel it could inform others! See an error or fact that could be more clear? Let us know! We peer review our content to ensure accuracy but new studies are always occurring and ideas in this industry date fast so feel free to reach out if you feel something should be reviewed again."

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