This In-Depth Guide on Delta-10 THC Answers All Your Questions | Does it Get You High & Where to Buy Safely

Delta 10 THC

Delta-10 THC an accidental discovery in the world of cannabis that you’re going to love. 

D-10 THC is quickly making a name for itself as the next best thing to happen to the hemp industry after Delta-8 THC

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the staple cannabinoid because it opened the doors to a greater understanding of the hemp plant. But, it’s not the best alternative for people who need something stronger… which is why we’re moving to other legal cannabinoids. 

But, isn’t that so awesome? The hemp industry is developing at a rapid pace and has so much to offer already. Let’s talk about what we know about D-10 so far. Is it legal? If it is, where to buy it.

Table of contents

  1. What is D-10 THC?
  2. How to find and buy high-quality D-10 products? 
  3. D-10 and its isomers on lab reports
  4. How does Delta-10 compare to Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC?
  5. Can it get you high?
  6. How does D-10 affect the body?
  7. Is it safe? 
  8. How to dose & dosing recommendations
  9. Types of D-10 products
  10. Is D-10 THC legal
  11. Will it show up on a drug test
  12. Potential health benefits
  13. History
  14. Frequently asked questions

What Is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol (D-10 THC) is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant in very, very tiny concentrations. So low that most extractors have NEVER had a close encounter with it. 

Chemically speaking, D-10 THC is another isomer in the group of THC isomers. Meaning, it’s an isomer of both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. 

If you are not familiar with them, isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula, same number of atoms, but different arrangement. 

You can think of them as different types of carbohydrates. Fruits, honey, and some types of vegetables contain the “fruit sugar,” fructose. Foods like pasta, bread, and vegetables contain the body’s primary source of energy — glucose. Glucose and fructose have the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of bonds. They are both sugars but play a different role in the body. 

The same goes with Delta-10, Delta-9, and Delta-8 THC. They all have the same chemical formula but differ in the position of the double bond in their structure. Delta-9 has the double bond placed on the 9th carbon atom, while Delta-10 has it on the 10th carbon atom, and so on. 

This doesn’t fundamentally change the effects of these varieties of THC. All forms will get you high. But, they do vary in potencies and exhibit different outcomes in the body. Such a seemingly insignificant, minor distinction may cause them to influence the endocannabinoid system in its unique ways. 

The THC molecule has other versions that are very poorly understood, including Delta-2, Delta-3, Delta-6, and Delta-7 THC. All of these, including D-10 and D-8, require chemical intervention to produce. 

How to Find and Buy Quality Delta-10 Products

Real talk: you should be extra careful about the quality of the D-10 products you’re buying. 

This cannabinoid is relatively new on the market, making its rounds in hemp shops and online stores. After D-8 THC products exploded in popularity, we are now seeing a surge in D-10 products. This means that bad actors may prevail, and you may end up with a potentially harmful product. All hype aside, this cannabinoid is unregulated.


Here’s how to avoid buying low-quality products:

Buy from trusted suppliers

The amount of bad actors entering the industry is multiplying by the day. If you’re looking for the gold standard, look at established brands that have been selling quality hemp-derived cannabidiol products already. 

That said, you shouldn’t blindly trust their quality statements if they’re based on false promises. For example, if the company is unwilling to share a Certificate of Analysis, ask questions and doubt their credibility. 

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Buy directly from the maker

A sure-fire way to know you’re getting a genuine D-10 product is to buy online directly from the maker. Online, you can buy from a respected retailer or product manufacturer.

If you’re looking for something to help you relax after a long day, check out the Delta-10 vape cartridge by Mr. Hemp Flower. While most vape carts average at 10% to 15% Delta-10, this one contains exceptionally high 60% Delta-10 THC. 

Our team holds the highest industry standards when it comes to testing and manufacturing. We make our products with care, so you’ll know exactly what goes into your body.

Beware unlicensed shops

Delta-10 THC has been filling the shelves of unlicensed shops like gas stations and convenience stores. These places have no protocol or quality standards to abide by when it comes to testing and purity. Instead, aim for online shops that use quality hemp and cannabidiol for their products and frequently test their items. 

Also, places like head shops, which are great for finding new, interesting, and functional glass pieces and other paraphernalia, are not the best for shopping D-10. Like gas stations, these places follow no rules or standard quality requirements for this cannabinoid.

These shops specialize in selling various products, which means they may accept cheap knockoffs of authentic brands and offer them to you. Without a legit lab report, you can’t possibly know what’s in the product. The worst thing that can happen is consuming an item that’s contaminated with toxic materials or pesticides. 

Check the Certificate of Analysis

If the product comes with a Certificate of Analysis and at a dirt-cheap price, refrain from buying it. D-10 THC is a hard cannabinoid to manufacture, so some producers create it from an illegal precursor Delta-9 THC. This happens to be one of the most stable ways to make this cannabinoid, together with converting it from CBD.

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How can I be sure the CoA is original? 

If the product isn’t clearly labeled and doesn’t trace back to the source, avoid buying it. There are also many brands that present forged CoA reports. This is a very annoying issue because it can mislead a lot of customers looking for a quality product. 

One way to avoid being a victim of bait and switch is to see if you can view the entire document or if some portions have been blurred or are inconsistent. 

Another red flag is when the report doesn’t name the lab that performed the testing and lacks a signature from the person in charge of testing. Also, if there’s no date on when the report was made and more info about how the lab performs testing, you should second guess the quality of the product. 

In the Certificate of Analysis of our Delta-10 THC product, you’ll notice that the report includes:

  • A picture of the product, marked with the sample ID and lab number; 
  • A list of cannabinoids and their concentration;
  • The name of the lab that performed the testing;
  • Lab’s accreditations; 
  • Signature of the person in charge of testing;
  • Extraction date & analysis date;
  • A few sentences on metrics used during testing.

Why does your lab report list two different types of Delta-10 THC? 

If you open the labs of our Delta-10 vape cart, you’ll notice these two versions of the substance (and their percentage):

  • (6aR,9S)-delta-10-THC
  • (6aR,9R)-delta-10-THC

What are they? Are they the same as D-10, or are they separate molecules? 

In short, (6aR,9S)-delta-10-THC and (6aR,9R)-delta-10-THC are the versions of D-10 THC known as stereoisomers. We’re going to stick with one of its stereoisomer groups (the 6aR one) because they are most commonly found in hemp-derived D-10 THC products. 

D-10 THC has two more stereoisomers: (6aS,9R) and (6aS,9S). The hemp-derived forms of D-10 THC (half synthetic rather than fully synthetic) possess the (6aR) hand rather than (6aS) one. 

Stereoisomers are isomers with the same composition (parts) but different orientation of their atoms in space. Unlike structural isomers (think: Delta-9, Delta-8, Delta-10 THC), stereoisomers are optical isomers. 

They represent the same structural isomer (Delta-10), but mirror images of one another much like a left and a right hand. 

To understand these molecules, consider how your hands fit into gloves the right hand doesn’t fit easily into a glove for your left hand and vice versa. Now, if you think of the CB1 receptor as the glove considering that THC compounds have an affinity toward this receptor you can imagine that it has a specific shape that fits one of these stereoisomers. So, only one fits into the receptor to activate it more strongly. 

Most D-10 THC products are a mix of both versions (including the Mr. Hemp Flower Delta-10 Vape Pen), but some can be purified to only one isomer. Unfortunately, no human studies have been made that would compare the potency of strength or effects between these two isomers. 

We can only reference one study performed on pigeons. The study showed that the (6aR,9R) isomer was the one to trigger a THC-like behavior in the pigeons. The (6aR,9S) isomer, on the other hand, didn’t exhibit any behavior that indicated a THC-like effect. 

NOTE: When the study was performed, researchers used the old numbering system. That makes Delta-2 THC mentioned in the study a Delta-10 THC according to today’s new numbering system. 

This means that Delta-10 is present in several versions that may produce different effects and can be tested separately for their potency. 

You can think of them in terms of the range of distinct rose smells. 

When you smell a rose-scented product, it always radiates an incredible aroma. The ingredient responsible for the signature rose scent is known as rose oxide. However, this compound doesn’t exclusively have a sweet odor, but it can also feature a minty, fruity, and even citrusy aroma. 

The reason why one chemical can have so many different odors? Well, like Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol, rose oxide is not a single chemical. In fact, it has four different stereoisomers. 

All four isomers have the same number of atoms but a slightly different optical arrangement. The distinct arrangement of atoms contributes to the way each rose oxide reacts when paired with the olfactory receptor in our nose hence the variety of smells. 

That said, we need more studies performed on humans that will provide clarity on the potency and effects of D-10 and its isomers. But, based on these findings, we can say that you should look for products that contain both isomers. 

Delta 10 Cart

Does Delta-10 THC Get You High? 

Yes, Delta-10 can get you high, but not like Delta-9 or Delta-8. Because D-10 is a new molecule, we have little information about its intoxicating properties. Researchers have yet to explore the effects and safety of this compound. The only information we have is anecdotal from people who’ve tried it (our team included). 

Here’s what we know about D-10’s intoxicating properties so far:

  1. It’s less intense than Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC — or the primary intoxicating compound of cannabis — is strongly in the lead when it comes to potency. At least, when compared to Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC. Both of these THC isomers are roughly half as potent as Delta-9 THC and don’t cause the same level of anxiety and paranoia

  1. It exhibits sativa-like effects

But, when it comes to the effects it causes, D-10 exhibits more sativa-like attributes, while D-8 leans towards indica. This means that D-10 is more stimulating and promotes greater euphoria, creativity, alertness, and focus. Delta-8 THC is sedative and relaxing. 

D-10 is better than Delta-9 for promoting a flow state because it promotes increased focus without the paranoia and anxiety typically caused by THC. Due to its uplifting and energetic effects, D-10 is perfect for daytime use, while Delta-8 is better for nighttime use because it promotes sleepiness. 

Such mildly intoxicating compounds are believed to be the future of cannabis. Users are now looking for a natural remedy that helps them with pain or anxiety but still keeps them functional. Most want to avoid the intense mind-altering effects and extreme alertness. 

How It’s Made? 

You won’t find any natural hemp or marijuana strains high in D-10 THC. So the only way to try it is through manufactured products. Obtaining this cannabinoid is a complex process of using various scientific methods to transform hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) into D-10. 

This cannabinoid is made by chemically altering CBD isolate or crude CBD through the use of solvents and acids. Once isolated, the cannabinoid is measured through potency tests via a similar protocol as other cannabinoids. 

Licensed, high-tech labs use Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery to measure D-10’s potency in extracts, edibles, and flower. Due to their similarity, one of the main concerns for labs is to accurately discern D-10 from cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabicyclol (CBL). 

How Does Delta-10 Compare to Delta-9 and Delta-8?

It’s a bit challenging to compare D-10 to other cannabinoids due to lack of scientific research. But, if we combine science and anecdotal evidence, here are the similarities and differences:

delta 10

Widely different, D-10 and cannabidiol (CBD) could complement each other. We need more research on this substance, but this duo may deliver a balanced and enjoyable high while enhancing the entourage effect. 

How Does Delta-10 Affect the Body

The mechanisms of action of this substance in the body are not well-researched. But, as a THC isomer, D-10 likely interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way as other THC compounds. 

Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC have binding affinities towards CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system. As you know, these receptors are responsible for producing varying levels of psychotropic effects.

Is Delta-10 THC Safe? 

That’s a good question, which brings us back to the importance of third-party lab tests. As a pure, isolated cannabinoid, D-10 shows to be as safe as any other hemp cannabinoid. Meaning, the danger of consuming this cannabinoid comes from bad actors selling polluted, untested products.

Third-party lab tests from verified labs are even more critical for D-10 than they were for CBD. Suppose D-10 products are not made by experienced chemists who have the proper knowledge and operate in a licensed testing facility. In that case, you might end up with a nightmare of a product that’s full of harmful residual solvents or pesticides. 

Or, it may contain high levels of Delta-9 THC, which can get you into legal trouble. As a customer, make sure you always look for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to prove the product’s safety through testing. Don’t get fooled by all these pretty products wrapped in aesthetically pleasing packaging that come without a lab report. Run in the opposite direction if the company refuses to show you the labs upon request. 

Delta-10 THC Dosing Guidelines

The question about the dosing of hemp concentrates remains pretty murky. Most people experiment with the dose because there’s no clear understanding or standardization of dosing. So, if you’re wondering how much should you take, just go back to the golden standard:

Start low and gradually increase the dose as effects show up (or don’t). 

Ultimately, it all comes down to the way your body receives this hemp-derived compound. Although D-10 is roughly half as potent as D-9 THC, it’s important to remember that listening to your body’s reaction to D-10 products is essential.

If you’ve tried D-8, you’re likely to be more experienced with dosing because most users report that they are similar in potency. 

Here’s how to determine how much D-10 to take

  • Low tolerance Delta-10 dosing (beginner) – 5mg – 15mg per use. Start with the lowest dose of 5mg and wait an hour to see how your body responds. Increase the dose each hour by 5mg until you reach a threshold dose. The threshold dose is when you’ll notice a notable change in cognition. 
  • Medium tolerance Delta-10 dosing (intermediate) – 15mg – 45 mg per use. If you’ve used Delta-8 in the past, you can go with a higher dose right off. 
  • High tolerance Delta-10 dosing (advanced) – 45mg – 150mg per use. If you’re a seasoned user of Delta-9 or Delta-8, you can go for the higher doses. 

Therefore, the working dosage range of D-10 is somewhere between 20mg and 60mg. The dose is likely to vary depending on the individual’s size, weight, tolerance, and metabolic factors. Play around with the dose by increasing it gradually until you reach the optimal. 

If you’ve never tried any hemp-derived THC product before and you decide to get our Delta-10 THC vape cart, take a couple of short puffs and notice how you feel before you increase the dose.

Types of Delta-10 Products

This cannabinoid isn’t as widely available in the same product forms as CBD and Delta-8. For now, D-10 can be typically found in vape carts, disposables, and tinctures. But, this won’t last for too long. We expect to see it accessible in the same forms as all CBD and THC products including gummies, concentrates, hemp flower, etc.

Let’s look at the most common D-10 product forms:

Delta-10 THC Vape Carts

If you’re a fan of vapes and cartridges, you know inhalation is the fastest way to feel the effects of any cannabinoid. While you can go for the option of vaping D-10 distillate in a dab rig, nothing compares to the safety and convenience of a vaporizer. Vaping distillate is more damaging to the lungs and requires dabbing experience.

The vape carts heat the extract to the evaporation point while keeping it below the point of combustion. This is important because combustion produces toxic and dangerous compounds, including carbon monoxide. 

Make sure to use a pure D-10 vape cart that doesn’t contain any oils or vitamins. Some of these ingredients can be dangerous when vaporized. So, if you come across new brands that offer cheap products that sound too good to be true, they probably are. 

Most D-10 products are sold at a higher price than D-8 products because the manufacturing process is more complicated. Many dirt cheap vapes have been found to contain unsafe levels of heavy metals like lead. 

Delta-10 THC Distillate

You will certainly be able to find Delta-10 products made from distillate the initial form of cannabis extract characterized by high potency. Distillate is the simplest form of cannabis products that you can add to an electric vaporizer, consume it directly, or create your own tinctures and gummies. This form of extract is very potent, and if you’re a beginner, it’s easy to use too much of it. 

Delta-10 THC Tinctures

When diluting a distillate from its highly concentrated form typically using an oil base processors create tinctures. Tinctures are easier and safer to use, typically through digestion or sublingual administration. 

If you’ve ever used a CBD tincture, you know that you can either swallow the oil directly or hold the tincture under your tongue for a minute or two before swallowing. When consumed sublingually, the capillaries under the tongue absorb the substance.

Delta-10 THC Capsules and Gummies

Both capsules and gummies offer a convenient way of using and dosing cannabis products. Capsules are gel material filled with distillate, tincture, or oil. They provide a precise and consistent dose of D-10 with the same intensity and effects. 

Gummies are the same, but instead of a gel capsule, the extract is infused into a flavored gummy candy. They also offer a precise dose in each piece. 

These two product types are perfect for people who take THC every day and want a clean and simple approach to consumption. Just make sure you are properly informed about the company that sells the gummies, and each gummy offers the amount of D-10 as advertised. Also, edible products take some time to work, so be sure to wait before you take another dose.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal?

Just like with Delta-8 THC, the legality of Delta-10 is complicated. More complicated, even. 

Technically, Delta-8 is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as it’s made from hemp the federally legal cannabis variety with less than 0.3% THC. If it’s made from marijuana (cannabis material with over 0.3% THC), this cannabinoid is illegal. 

The issue is that both hemp and marijuana varieties don’t produce a meaningful concentration of Delta-8 THC. Therefore, manufacturers chemically alter hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to make Delta-8.

With Delta-10, the situation is a bit different because the cannabinoid could be considered “more synthetic” than others. Delta-10 THC is an artifact of cannabinoid production, which makes it semi-synthetic. The cannabis plant produces D-10 THC in its early stage, so this substance cannot be found in the plant like Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC can. 

To create this cannabinoid, chemists first convert the CBD into D-8 THC or D-9 THC and then into D-10 THC. These synthesization processes occur when the compound is exposed to a catalyst. 

Unlike Delta-8 THC, distillation alone cannot push the original compound to transform into Delta-10. The transformation requires special conditions, which makes D-10 more synthetic compared to a natural cannabinoid. 

Because this compound requires human help to be synthesized, it’s likely to be considered illegal by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). 

In fact, the DEA recently stated that all “synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols” are illegal and considered a Schedule I substance on a federal level. The debate is set on the central question around the potential “synthetic” nature of D-10 THC. 

This is a fairly complex issue because it can go both ways since the DEA hasn’t defined what the term “synthetically derived” encompasses. Most experts are leaning towards the legality of D-10 because it’s derived from natural molecules like cannabidiol (CBD). 

Compared to truly “synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols,” this substance is present in nature (yes, scientists confirm that it’s a REAL cannabinoid). But, to synthesize it, chemists are using organically extracted, food-grade ingredients.

For now, it remains unclear how the federal government views these THC isomers derived from hemp. 

Is D-10 Legal in my state? 

Several states have explicitly banned all forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including D-10. The list is similar to the one of D-8 because they typically covered both D-10 and D-8 (and all future THC isomers). 

The latest state to legalize cannabis for recreational use is Connecticut, becoming the 19th state to incorporate liberal cannabis laws. Each state has regulated the sale of recreational weed, which makes the distribution and sale of hemp-derived products more complex. 

States with unfavorable Hemp CBD, or Delta-8 and Delta-10 laws

  1. Alaska
  2. Arizona
  3. Arkansas
  4. Colorado
  5. Delaware
  6. Idaho
  7. Iowa
  8. Mississippi
  9. Montana
  10. New York
  11. North Dakota 
  12. Kentucky
  13. Rhode Island
  14. Utah
  15. Vermont 

Delta-10 friendly/gray states

  1. Alabama
  2. California
  3. Connecticut
  4. Florida
  5. Georgia
  6. Hawaii
  7. Illinois
  8. Indiana
  9. Kansas
  10. Louisiana
  11. Maine
  12. Maryland
  13. Massachusetts
  14. Michigan
  15. Minnesota
  16. Missouri
  17. Nebraska
  18. Nevada 
  19. New Hampshire
  20. New Jersey
  21. New Mexico
  22. North Carolina
  23. Ohio
  24. Oklahoma
  25. Oregon
  26. Pennsylvania
  27. South Carolina
  28. South Dakota
  29. Tennessee
  30. Texas
  31. Virginia
  32. Washington
  33. West Virginia
  34. Wisconsin
  35. Wyoming

Will Delta-10 THC Show Up On A Drug Test?

Yes. D-10 will likely register on a drug test. Drug tests are designed to detect tetrahydrocannabinols and other specific substances deemed illegal or unacceptable. For now, the tests are not sophisticated enough to differentiate between Delta-9 THC and other forms of THC. 

If you consume D-10, you’re very likely to come out positive for THC and fail your test. 

If you have an upcoming drug testing or your workplace/school regularly subjects you to drug testing, avoid using D-10 or any THC for at least a month before testing. This shouldn’t be a problem if you suffer from a medical condition and have a medical marijuana card. 

Potential Health Benefits

Does D-10 offer any health benefits? For now, D-10’s potential therapeutic benefits haven’t been studied by the scientific community. To date, there are no animal or human studies on the health effects of D-10. 

The only information on this substance comes from a 1984 paper by Raphael Mechoulam the chemist who first identified the substance and outlined the process for synthesizing D-10 from Delta-9 THC. 

Based on the anecdotal experience of people who have tried D-10, the benefits of this substance could be easily compared to the benefits offered by Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. D-10 produces distinct after-effects and overall feel in the body because of its stimulating and euphoric nature. 

If we were to take a wild guess, logically, its effects would be beneficial for conditions different than those Delta-8 THC is recommended for. Because D-10 is on the opposite side of the cannabis spectrum (a sativa, rather than indica), it could help with fatigue and depression. 

History of D-10 THC

In 1984, the legendary cannabis scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam first discovered Delta-10 THC. In the paper published after the discovery, he outlines the synthesis of this molecule. 

The method used included harsh and toxic chemicals that made the final product unusable. The paper highlighted the Delta-2, Delta-3, and Delta-6 THC isomers, which also haven’t been studied.

This substance was recently re-discovered by a company that ordered a large amount of cannabis biomass contaminated with fire retardant from nearby California wildfires. 

After obtaining the biomass, the company’s processing team applied their usual methods to the biomass to isolate the cannabis compounds. After extraction, they distilled the extract to remove non-volatile components. 

During the process, they noticed the formation of unusual crystals in the distillate. The crystal structures were unlike anything they’ve seen before, which prompted them to dig further. 

Through repeated recrystallization, the team purified the solid and performed analysis to identify the newly isolated chemical. The scan showed that the substance closely aligned with cannabichromene (CBC) but wasn’t an exact match. They collaborated with a licensed testing facility to find answers, but the substance remained unknown even after several months of trying. 

Finally, the team used the help of a technology called nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). When the lab analyzed the isolated crystals, the data pointed out Delta-10 THC. 

While the team was convinced that D-10 was produced as a result of fire retardant contamination, further screening and experimentation with it by an organic chemist Josh Jones, Ph.D., revealed something uncommon. He found that the combination of several food-grade additives can act as a catalyst for creating D-10 THC. 

But, the method of using food-grade additives only produces low yields. After a dedicated time of work, the chemist polished a technique that had a clean yield of 70% to 80% of D-10 THC. The discovery team is currently patenting this method. 

Final Thoughts 

Delta-10 THC is another isomer of the THC molecule that’s slightly less potent. Anecdotal evidence shows that this compound is ideal for daytime use. 

Experts expect to see D-10 products explode in the upcoming years as more people seek the experience THC has to offer but from a new angle. The main hiccup is the lack of scientific research. But as more people start to take interest in it, the scientific community is more likely to explore “new” compounds. 

Delta-10 THC FAQ

D-10 is a THC compound, an isomer of delta-9 and delta-8 THC. So, yes, it does “have” THC. 

Yes. Although anecdotal evidence shows that this compound is roughly half less potent than delta-9 THC, it will still get you high.

You don’t. If the D-10 THC product is derived from hemp (and you’re in a friendly D-10 state), you can buy it without a card.

When it comes to potency, they’re on a similar level. We need more research on these two substances as most claims are anecdotal. 

Most likely. Standard tests check for tetrahydrocannabinols and are not as sophisticated to distinguish between one type of THC over another.

Read our legal disclaimer HERE. While we try to stay as up to date as possible on all state laws, you should do your own due diligence and work with a legal professional to ensure you are operating legally in your state or territory at all times.

Checkout our State-by-State Articles: 

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