Over the past five years, the legalization of hemp and its non-psychoactive derivatives has led to an explosion in research into cannabis-based compounds. Delta-10 is one of the latest cannabinoids to be isolated from the plant. It is uniquely popular among those who love cannabis but feels anxious or paranoid when consuming delta-9 THC. This article will offer a brief introduction to the product and how it is made.
Delta-10 is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp plants with a structure similar to that of delta-9, the primary active component in marijuana. The primary difference is that smoking delta-10 flower doesn't bind to the CB1 receptors in the brain. It also links with fewer anxiety-inducing effects as a result. The cannabinoid offers many of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, but instead of inducing unwanted anxiety, paranoia, and other effects, it promotes feelings of focus and clear-headedness alongside its uplifting and relaxing effects.
Delta-10 THC is technically a minor cannabinoid. This is because it is found in hemp plants in trace amounts. However, the amount of naturally occurring delta-10 in any cannabis plant is low enough. Therefore, it wouldn't be commercially viable to sell plant extracts of delta-10 alone. As a result, most reputable manufacturers produce semi-synthetic compounds.
Don't be frightened by the name. In this case, the phrase semi-synthetic simply means that the delta-10 molecules are produced by altering other naturally occurring cannabinoids in a lab. This is similar to those associated with producing purified extracts. One of the most popular ways to get Delta-10 is to cultivate CBD oil from hemp. Then, you can chemically alter it to create delta-10 THC.
Delta-10 has a much more interesting origin story than most semi-synthetic and plant-derived cannabinoids. The compound was supposedly first discovered more or less by accident when firefighters dropped flame retardants near an outdoor marijuana field. Some of the plants absorbed the fire retardant. Then, when they were distilled to form marijuana extracts, the resulting distillate contained white crystals.
The crystals were analyzed in an independent lab and were shown to be similar in chemical structure to a better-known naturally occurring cannabinoid, cannabichromene (CBC). A more advanced, NMR data analysis was used to isolate the chemical structure of the crystals. These are similar to delta-9 but different enough to merit labeling them a separate cannabis-based compound.
After the initial discovery of delta-10, the molecule was discovered to exist in cannabis plants in nature as well. Scientists found ways to both isolate the compound in minute quantities and to produce it commercially in safer ways that did not require the use of fire retardants. Now, pure delta-10 is produced in labs using a process known as isomerization.
Manufacturers use the same process to convert CBD into delta-10 as they do to manufacture delta-8 THC. When performed correctly, this process involves converting CBD into delta-10 using a targeted chemical reaction. Then, they employ advanced refinement methods to remove any CBD or solvents left over, producing a pure delta-10 isolate.
Because this extraction process requires specialized equipment and skill, consumers must find reliable manufacturers. Look for an online vendor that has a reputation for producing quality cannabis-derived products. Remember, to also ask about third-party testing. Only products that have independent testing can be truly guaranteed to be 100% pure and free from contaminants.
