Is Delta-10 Legal in Mississippi?

What Is Delta-10 THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical compound primarily responsible for marijuana's psychological effects. Delta-10 THC is a tetrahydrocannabinol isomer found in trace amounts in Cannabis sativa plants. When consumed, Deta-10 THC binds and activates cannabinoid receptors in the brain associated with pleasure, time perception, coordination, thinking, and memory. As a result, activated brain cells release dopamine, creating euphoria, which may change the user's memory, concentration, movements, and sensory perceptions. 

Delta-10 THC induces side effects in some users, such as anxiety, tachycardia, sedation, short-term memory loss, motor skill impairment, and dry mouth. However, these reactions mainly occur when users ingest Delta-10 THC in large doses above their tolerance levels. Users who consume Delta-10 THC products in moderate amounts can enjoy an uplifting and relaxing sensation free from intense euphoria and an energy boost. 

Delta-10 THC is sometimes recommended medically as a neuroprotector to aid in memory-related issues such as neuroplasticity. Also, Delta-10 THC is used as an appetite stimulator, energy booster, and pain reliever. Because Delta-10 THC affects the limbic system (the part of the human brain involved in emotional and behavioral responses), it can help in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. 

Delta-10 THC products are usually sold in formulations such as gummies, topicals, oils, vape cartridges, chocolate bars, dabbing syringes, smokables, powders, and tablets. Some Delta-10 THC products are hemp-derived, while others are extracted from marijuana plants. Because Delta-10 THC exists in small amounts naturally, cannabinoid product manufacturers usually obtain the compound semi-synthetically by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from industrial hemp and converting it to Delta-10 THC.      

Is Delta-10 THC Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, Delta-10 THC is legal in Mississippi for medical and recreational use. Mississippi voters approved Measure 65, a citizen initiative, on November 3, 2020, which legalized cannabis-derived THC products for medical use in the state. As a follow-up to Measure 65, Governor Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2095 (the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act) into law on February 2, 2022. The provision of Section 2 of Senate Bill 2095 specifically lists Delta-10 THC as one of the THC isomers that can be used medically. A patient must be diagnosed with a severe medical condition by a qualified healthcare practitioner and registered with the Mississippi medical cannabis program to be eligible for cannabis-derived Delta-10 THC. 

The United States Congress introduced the 2018 Farm Bill, which was later signed into federal law on December 20, 2018. This law legalized industrial hemp and its derivatives, including Delta-10 THC, in the United States. In line with the 2018 Farm Bill requirements, Governor Reeves approved Senate Bill 2725 (the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act) in July 2020, establishing the state's guidelines for producing and selling hemp-sourced THC products. Mississippi residents may purchase hemp-sourced Delta-10 THC products containing a maximum THC concentration of 0.3% at local stores or from online vendors. Cannabis-sourced Delta-10 products cannot be shipped into Mississippi because marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the United States Controlled Substances Act. Conversely, hemp-sourced Delta-10 THC products can be shipped into Mississippi, provided they are obtained from legitimate sources.      

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

Delta-8 is another active cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa plants. Like Delta-10 THC, Delta-8 THC is not present in significant levels in the cannabis plant, so both cannabinoids are often manufactured synthetically from industrial hemp-derived CBD. Although Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC interact with the body's endocannabinoid system in the same way, they produce different effects on the body. Delta-8 THC causes a stronger ''high'' than Delta-10 THC because of a slight difference in their molecular structures. Delta-8 THC is about 20 - 30% more potent than Delta-10 THC. 

Users often feel relaxed and sleepy after consuming Delta-8 THC products. Conversely, Delta-10 THC provides an uplifting sensation with increased motivation and vitality. As a result, cannabinoid users often prefer consuming Delta-8 THC products in the evenings and Delta-10 THC products during the day.    

Delta-10 vs. Delta-9

Delta-10 THC is different from Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, due to the placement of double bonds in their molecular structures. The double bond of Delta-9 THC is located on the ninth carbon chain, while the double bond of Delta-10 THC is on the tenth carbon chain. This disparity affects how Delta-10 and Delta-9 THC compounds interact with the body when consumed. 

Delta-9 THC is approximately two times more potent than Delta-10 THC. First-time users of cannabinoid products are usually advised to use Delta-10 THC, because it is milder, to reduce the risk of psychosis from high doses of Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 and Delta-10 THC can be extracted from hemp and marijuana plants, but cannabis plants usually contain higher levels of Delta-9 THC than Delta-10 THC. Delta-10 is considered federally legal because the 2018 Farm Bill does not categorically prohibit the use of hemp-derived Delta-10 THC products.           

How Long Does Delta-10 Stay in Your System?

Although Delta-10 THC differs from Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC in its molecular arrangement, drug screenings cannot detect the difference. Delta-10, Delta-9, and Delta-8 THC have the same molecular formula and interact with the body's endocannabinoid receptors in similar manners. They are also converted to the same metabolites and these can be identified by drug tests. 

The euphoric effect of Delta-10 THC typically kicks in 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion and lasts for about 7 hours. Conversely, the ''high'' from inhaling or smoking THC fades after about 2 hours. Delta-10 THC can show up in a drug test for approximately:

  • 90 days in hair samples
  • 36 hours in saliva
  • 12 hours in blood
  • 21 days in urine   

Where to Buy Delta-10 in Mississippi

According to Senate Bill 2095, registered medical marijuana patients may use cannabis-sourced Delta-10 THC in formulations such as ointments, oils, tinctures, suppositories, beverages, and edibles. Delta-10 THC products derived from marijuana are readily available at medical marijuana dispensaries. Per the provisions of Senate Bill 2095, medical cannabis dispensaries cannot sell cannabis-derived THC to patients below 21 years unless they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. 

The provisions of the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act allow businesses to manufacture and sell hemp-sourced Delta-10 THC products in formulations such as oils and edibles. Mississippi residents can order Delta-10 THC products online or purchase them at retail shops. Senate Bill 2725 does not have a minimum age requirement for Delta-10 THC product buyers in Mississippi, but retailers do not usually sell such products to persons below 21 years. 

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Mississippi Delta-10 THC Overview