Gone are the days of using “THC” as shorthand for “delta-9 THC.” Now that scientists can more easily study cannabis plants, we know there are many “THCs” in the hemp plant. And, as the recent surge in demand for delta-8 THC shows, there’s a growing appetite for hemp-based THC alternatives.

Although delta-8 is the most prominent THC isomer in today’s hemp market, other THC-related compounds have begun filtering into vape shops. For instance, searches for “delta-10 near me” have skyrocketed in the past few months. Delta-10 THC is similar to delta-8 in many aspects, but delta-10 fans suggest it’s unique enough to deserve a separate category.

How Does Delta-10 Compare With Delta-8 THC?

Chemically speaking, there’s only one significant difference between the THC cannabinoids delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10. The number associated with each of these compounds refers to the placement of a double-bond.

If you were to examine these compounds under a high-powered microscope, you’d see delta-10 has this special bond on its tenth carbon chain. Unsurprisingly, delta-9 and delta-8 have a double-bond on the ninth or eighth carbon chain, respectively.

OK, now we know why chemists place these cannabinoids into separate categories. But does this teensy-weensy difference significantly change delta-10’s effects?

There’s no empirical evidence examining delta-10’s impact on the human endocannabinoid system. However, plenty of anecdotal testimonies suggest delta-10 gives users a slightly different “high” than other THC-related cannabinoids. 

Notably, people who try delta-10 claim they experience a “head-rush” effect similar to a mild sativa strain. Delta-10 customers also often say they feel tingling temples, euphoria, and a boost in energy.

These effects are unique from delta-8 THC, which tends to be associated with sedation and body-heavy relaxation. Indeed, many hemp connoisseurs have likened delta-8 strains to “indicas” and delta-10 products to “sativas.”

While the effects of delta-8 and delta-10 may differ, most customers claim they’re less intense compared with delta-9 THC. Again, we don’t have scientific data to back up these claims, but the current consensus is that delta-8 and delta-10 aren’t as psychoactive as the delta-9 found in weed.

Could People Legally Buy Delta-10 THC In The USA?

From a legal perspective, delta-8 and delta-10 are in the same boat. There are conflicting reports about whether delta-8 and delta-10 fit the 2018 US Farm Bill’s specifications for “legal hemp-derived products.”

However, a US Court of Appeals recently argued that delta-8 products are OK if they have ≤ 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. According to this ruling, any hemp-derived THC-related product that doesn’t exceed 0.3 percent delta-9 is allowed under federal law.

That being said, many territories don’t recognize the difference between these THC molecules. A few states have already put forward bans on delta-8 substances, and delta-10 may soon follow.

Delta-10 hasn’t faced as much legal scrutiny as delta-8 because it’s less popular. However, as more weed-restrictive states learn about delta-10, it’s unlikely they’ll treat it more favorably than delta-8 THC.

Customers need to review the laws in their hometown before searching for “delta-10 near me.” Despite the recent favorable federal rulings for delta-8 THC, each state could create local bans on THC isomers like delta-8 or delta-10.

So, Where Can People Find Delta-10 Near Me?

If you Google “delta-10 near me,” you won’t find as many results as “delta-8 near me.” Even though delta-10 has gained a lot of exposure on social media, it’s nowhere near as prominent as delta-8. However, many delta-8 brands reviewed on Real Tested CBD have begun experimenting with delta-10 vape carts, flowers, and tinctures.

We’d recommend starting at Real Tested CBD’s Delta-8 Resource Center for more details on the emerging hemp THC industry. You could also check out our unbiased reviews of delta-8 THC brands to better understand how to evaluate delta-10 products for safety.