Chronic anxiety is one of the most common mental health problem in the developed world. Affecting up to 1 in 3 adults globally, managing the effects of anxiety has become a crucial life skill for many. Within this context, it isn’t surprising to see that the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids have been getting renewed attention.
While it is well-established that THC in its widespread Delta-9 form can help people manage their anxiety symptoms, much less is known about the capabilities of Delta-10. But what exactly is Delta-10 THC? How does it work? And does Delta-10 help with anxiety? Read on below to find out.
What is Delta 10?
When most people hear “THC,” they think about Delta-9 THC. This is the most common THC variant because it occurs abundantly when cannabis undergoes decarboxylation. However, it is wrong to assume that this makes Delta-9 the only kind of THC, let alone the only one that is important.
Delta-10 is one of the least-known isomers of THC. Its existence was shrouded in mystery for the longest time until it was discovered by accident in the 1980s. The reason why Delta-10 remained unknown for so long is because it can only form by putting Delta-9 through a series of chemical reactions, usually involving extreme temperatures. Only very recently have more eco-friendly and efficient means of synthesizing Delta-10 THC been developed.
Does Delta-10 Help with Anxiety?
Due to Delta-10’s rarity, scientific studies on its therapeutic benefits are limited. The specialized processes required to synthesize Delta-10 further complicate things. However, from the evidence we have, it is safe to say that Delta-10 is similar to Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC.
Chemically, the three share a lot in common. Hence, Delta-10 may have value in anxiety relief. Delta-9 and Delta-8 have proven themselves time and time again as one of nature’s most potent remedies for anxiety, chronic stress, and related conditions.
Delta-10 For Anxiety and Depression
Like other forms of THC, Delta-10 is a viable natural remedy for conditions like anxiety and depression. This is because it directly interacts with the nervous system and counteracts the chemical processes that lead to stress reactions, including fight-or-flight responses.
It also makes you feel physically at ease, which can help with sociability and reduce feelings of anxiety. Whereas high doses of Delta-9 THC are known to cause excessive anxiety, Delta-10 does not exhibit this problem. This is what makes it particularly useful for this symptom.
Delta 10 Effects
At face value, you would expect Delta-10 to generate the same psychoactive effects as other THCs. Broadly speaking, this is the case, though the full answer is a bit more complicated.
While it is true that Delta-10 is THC and, therefore, causes a “high," the way its effects express themselves is quite different. A Delta-10 high is quite milder compared to what you would get from Delta-8 or Delta-9. This is because the isomer’s bonds to the endocannabinoid receptors in our nervous system aren’t quite as strong.
Based on user experiences, Delta-10 highs are said to be more “buzzy” than what you get from Delta-9. Instead of hitting your whole body, Delta-10 offers more of a localized head high. Those prone to feelings of paranoia, fidgeting, or physical anxiety when consuming Delta-9 should feel at ease with Delta-10 because of these slight but meaningful differences.
Delta 10 vs Delta 8
The field of alternative THC products remains crowded. Until recently, the only alternative for Delta-9 was Delta-8 THC. Now that Delta-10 is becoming widely available, an obvious question arises: which is better?
Of course, there is no objective answer here, just as there is no “better” option between Delta-9 and Delta-8. However, we can try and explore the differences between these two isomers to find out which is right for you.
At first glance, Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC share a lot in common. They both bind to the same endocannabinoid receptors in our brains, and their chemical structures are also similar. Both THCs can generate that classic high that we all crave, though the way it manifests itself can differ between the two.
Whereas Delta-9 is much more potent in its display of psychotropic effects, Delta-8 is mild and toned-down. It provides a smooth, controlled, and easy body high that can last for quite a while. By contrast, many compare Delta-10 to a low-potency Sativa strain. Its effects are much more localized and mental rather than physical, providing a higher sense of alertness while toning down stressors and treating anxiety symptoms.
You will sometimes read blanket statements like “Use Delta-10 during daytime for energizing, then Delta-8 at night for winding down and relaxing”, but this is not really accurate. The exact strain, dosage, and the unique needs and preferences of each user matter.
One area where Delta-8 scores brownie points is availability. While the supply of Delta-10 THC is steadily improving, we’re not quite there yet. This is because Delta-8 can be extracted from CBD since it is naturally found in hemp in very small volumes. The process of synthesizing Delta-10 remains much more complex, and as a result, you might have to look harder to find it.
Benefits of Indica vs Sativa
Indica and Sativa are the two major subspecies of the cannabis plant. Each produces different effects and engages the body and mind slightly differently from the other. Whether a strain is “Sativa-like” or “Indica-like” (even in the case of hybrid strains) is a key determinant of whether it’s suitable for a particular user.
So, what is the difference between a Sativa and an Indica high? Simply put, Sativas induce more of a “head high”: a generalized feeling of energy, activity, motivation, and euphoria, often including bursts of creative thinking and sociability. By contrast, the trademark of Indica marijuana is its “body high” – a relaxed, almost sedated feeling of carefree dreaminess or the "couch lock."
However, this distinction between Indica and Sativa isn’t 100% accurate. There are plenty of Sativa strains that can fool even the most seasoned veterans with their potent body highs, and vice versa. However, for the general consumer, choosing between Indica vs. Sativa is an important step in finding the cannabis strain that’s right for them.
How to Use Delta-10 for Anxiety
Delta-10 THC is gaining more traction as an alternative anxiety treatment. Already, it is available in many forms for this purpose. Edibles, such as gummies, are probably the most popular THC product many users are familiar with. While they take some time to show their effects (as they need to be digested first), they are generally very efficient, and allow you to be relatively precise with keeping track of your dosages.
Liquid tinctures and oils are other great options. You can add them to drinks, apply them topically, and more! This makes them really versatile. Since they’re usually directly extracted from the live plant, they also tend to contain fewer artificial ingredients than edibles.
By far the most au naturel option for a Delta-10 product for anxiety is flower. These are usually dipped in highly-concentrated Delta-10 hash oil, or something similar. Depending on your preference, you can smoke, steep it into a tea, or vape it.
Speaking of vapes, this important market segment of the cannabis industry has not ignored Delta-10. Delta-10 vape carts are readily available from many major brands. Vapes are popular because they are potent, act quickly, and are convenient and simple to use.
Where to Buy Delta-10 for Anxiety
Delta-10 is not as widespread or easy to buy as Delta-9 and Delta-8, but that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to get. The vast majority of the Delta-10 market is still concentrated online. As of now, there are a dozen major brands and vendors that sell Delta-10.
Some even go the extra mile offering Delta-10 THC products produced entirely from organic CBD, making them legal to sell in almost every state. You might also see Delta-10 products appearing in dispensaries near you, though for now, this is mostly restricted to a handful of major cities in “green” states like Colorado, California, and Arizona.
Best Delta-10 for Anxiety
So, which is the best Delta-10 product for anxiety? Of course, the final answer depends a lot on your own preferences, but below, we have rounded up some options to make your decision easier.
Best Delta 10 Cart
Delta-10 vape carts are, for the most part, still in their infancy, and not many retailers have them yet. However, at Botany Farms we decided early on that Delta-10 THC deserves more representation within the cannabis community, and thus we sought to create our own Delta-10 THC Vape Cartridge.
Based on one of our favorite strains, the classic Pineapple Haze, this cart offers a strong burst of classic Sativa euphoria, creativity, and energy that can last all day long. Delta-10’s unique effects profile makes sure that despite the cart’s considerable potency, you won’t get drowsy, shaky, or anxious at any point.
Before consuming delta 10 for anxiety, it’s important to talk to your therapist about it. Ensure that you are receiving the right guidance if you’re currently under treatment, and only buy from reliable, clean sources.
