Is Delta-10 Legal in North Carolina?

What Is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-10 THC) is one of the cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana plants. This THC isomer only appears in trace amounts in plants, making it difficult to extract a significant quantity for the manufacturer of Delta-10 THC products. The Delta-10 THC formulations available in North Carolina include oil cartridges, disposable vapes, distillates, edibles, capsules, tinctures, and beverages. Typically, Delta-10 THC products are manufactured by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from industrial hemp and then converting it to Delta-10 THC through a chemical process known as isomerization.

Delta-10 THC binds to and activates CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptors exist mainly in hematopoietic cells (found in the blood and bone marrow), whereas CB1 receptors are mostly present in the brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Due to its interaction with these receptors, Delta-10 THC can induce a calming euphoric sensation and other physiologic effects that are enjoyable for recreational users and beneficial for treating specific medical conditions. Delta-10 THC stimulates the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps improve cognition and memory. Furthermore, Delta-10 THC can stimulate the appetite of users suffering from anorexia and increase body energy levels to help users stay focused and active throughout the day. Delta-10 THC also possesses anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate severe pain.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal in North Carolina?

Yes. The U.S. 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp at the federal level and permitted the extraction of cannabinoids (including THC) for manufacturing various products for human consumption. This law made it legal for North Carolina residents to produce, sell, and use hemp-derived Delta-10 THC products containing a maximum THC concentration of 0.3%. Furthermore, the 2018 Farm Bill allows residents to ship Delta-10 THC products from other states into North Carolina without facing legal repercussions.

Marijuana is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. Cannabis plant derivatives such as Delta-10 THC are included in the definition of marijuana under the state’s Controlled Substances Act. Consequently, in line with Section 90.95 of the North Carolina General Statutes, state residents cannot sell, buy, or carry marijuana-derived Delta-10 THC products. The U.S. Controlled Substances Act classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance and prohibits its use or extraction at the federal level.

The North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act (House Bill 766) allows medical marijuana patients in the state to use cannabis-sourced Delta-10 THC products containing less than 0.9% THC for medical purposes. However, there is no provision for the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries under House Bill 766. As a result, medical marijuana patients in North Carolina can only obtain hemp-sourced Delta-10 THC products from online retailers or local stores in the state. North Carolina does not restrict the type of hemp-derived THC product that can be sold, provided the products’ THC concentrations are within allowable limits. Delta-10 THC product sellers in North Carolina do not require special registrations or licenses to operate. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) says that the state may introduce laws to prohibit smokable THC products and other hemp derivatives. Until such a law takes effect, North Carolina residents can purchase, sell, and consume smokable forms of Delta-10 THC.

What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC?

Like Delta-10 THC, Delta-8 THC is an isomer of tetrahydrocannabinol and available in Cannabis sativa plants. When consumed, Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the cannabinoid system and produce psychoactive effects of medical and recreational importance. Delta-8 THC has a more substantial impact on the endocannabinoid receptors than Delta-10 THC.

Cannabinoid users usually ingest or smoke Delta-10 THC products for its energy-boosting effect and ability to improve cognitive performance and mental focus. On the other hand, users prefer adding Delta-8 THC products to their nighttime routines due to its relaxing effect that induces sleep. Hemp and marijuana plants contain Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC compounds in trace amounts. The quantities of these cannabinoids available in plants are insufficient for commercial use. As a result, most cannabinoid manufacturers derive Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC by converting hemp-sourced CBD through isomerization.

Delta-10 vs. Delta-9

When Delta-9 THC products are consumed in moderate amounts, users usually experience a calming effect, but in higher doses, Delta-9 THC produces euphoria with intense paranoia and anxiety. In contrast, Delta-10 THC consumed in moderate amounts gives a stimulating effect and increases users’ energy, productivity, and attention levels. Unlike Delta-9 THC, Delta-10 THC does not induce severe anxiety and paranoia. Users often prefer Delta-10 THC because it does not diminish mental focus and cognition like Delta-9 THC.

Furthermore, Delta-9 and Delta-10 THC differ in their availability in plants. Cannabis sativa plants usually contain high levels of Delta-9 THC, whereas Delta-10 THC is only present in trace amounts in these plants. Therefore, most Delta-10 THC products available in stores are derived through chemical conversion from CBD. Since the U.S 2018 Farm Bill does not restrict the extraction of Delta-10 THC from hemp, the cannabinoid is legal at the federal level.

How Long Does Delta-10 Stay in Your System?

The euphoric effect of Delta-10 THC can last up to six hours after ingestion, and the body can retain Delta-10 THC metabolites for weeks or months after its psychoactive effect wears off. Generally, THC products, including Delta-9, Delta-8, and Delta-10 THC products, show up on drug tests the same way because drug screenings are not sophisticated enough to differentiate them. The typical detection windows for THC metabolites are about three months in hair follicles and 36 hours in blood plasma. THC can show up on a saliva test for up to two days and in a urine test for approximately one month after the user’s last dose.

Where to Buy Delta-10 in North Carolina

North Carolina residents can legally manufacture and sell Delta-10 THC products. Persons who are 18 years or older can purchase Delta-10 THC products from online stores and local retail shops in formulations such as vapes, topicals, smokables, gummies, and oils.