The cannabis industry is experiencing tremendous growth currently, with new cannabinoids being discovered and others being synthesized in the laboratory. This significant growth has led to the discovery of new cannabinoids, which are isomers of THC, such as delta-8 and delta-10 isomers.
Cannabinoids are compounds that can be synthesized in the laboratory or be naturally obtained through various extraction processes. Natural cannabinoids are also known as phytocannabinoids and include CBD, delta-9 THC, CBG, and CBN and are mainly obtained from hemp and marijuana. Synthesized cannabinoids include delta-10 THC and EXO THC, which are synthesized in the laboratory through a process known as carboxylation. These isomers of THC have different isomeric structures that differ from each other in the location of the double bond carbon bond; in particular, delta-10 THC is located on the carbon 10, 10a, which results in the difference in the effects they have on the user. Delta-10 THC synthesis that resulted in its constituent crystals is just but recent discovery. This article seeks to discuss the side effects of these compounds.
Side Effects of Delta 10 Gummies
Ingesting delta 10 infused gummies comes with potential side effects such as mouth dryness, eye dryness, and reddening, anxiety, especially when one takes large doses of this compound. Below is a discussion of each effect on how the body responds to create such side effects.
Mouth Dryness/Cottonmouth
Cottonmouth or dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of smoking cannabis flower, whether Delta 8 or 10. As long as the Delta-10 molecule is present and active in your body, you will likely feel thirsty. To avoid this, many people drink a lot of water when taking Delta 10. However, a common misconception is that dehydration occurs; this is not the case. It is caused by the action of enzymes on your salivary glands. Delta-10 molecules interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system, parallel to the central nervous system. The endocannabinoid is responsible for regulating enzyme production. Thus, delta-10 molecules bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, causing receptor signal inhibition. This causes the salivary glands, which are located on the floor and the sidewalls of the mouth, to lower their production of saliva resulting in one feeling a dry mouth. Prolonged use of delta 10 gummies may result in oral problems as saliva is important in the mouth, i.e., it contains enzymes responsible for washing the mouth and is also used in various digestion processes.
Anxiety
Although Delta 8 effectively alleviates paranoia and anxiety, consuming too much of it may cause you to feel uneasy. Bergamaschi et al. (2011) noted that excessive amounts of anything, even though Delta 10 is considered to have some of the psychoactive qualities of both Delta 9 and Delta 8, may cause anxiety in certain people. When Delta 10 became legal, obtaining a uniform dose was also possible. In contrast, if someone decides to take things too far, they will almost surely experience negative effects. Furthermore, because everyone is unique, the effects of Delta 10 may change from one individual to the next. It is one of the reasons why Delta 10 gummies should only be used in small amounts and at low doses. It takes a while to take effect, so the user should have a well-thought-out dose strategy. One way of avoiding this effect altogether is to conduct a test on yourself and determine what amount is suitable for you and then progressively increase the dosage with time.
Eye Dryness
People who wear contact lenses may not be surprised by this. Consider how you would feel if you had left your eyes open for a minute. It entails rubbing your eyes constantly in an attempt to restore some moisture. Constant blinking replenishes moisture in the eyes. In addition, they help wash out dust particles that come in contact with the eye. Ingesting delta 10 THC interferes with the production of various body fluids and enzymes. Delta-10, like most other active cannabinoids, can induce these changes due to their interaction with the ECS, which according to Bioque et al. (2013), is responsible for controlling various homeostatic functions. Effects such as dry mouth last only as long as Delta 10 is present in your system. Once the body breaks down this compound through various metabolic processes, this sensation of dry eyes will fade as the effects of the medication wear off.
Loss Of Focus
Delta-10 is an isomer of THC, which implies that it has the psychotropic effects of delta-9 THC. According to Ligresti et al. (2016), the ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endogenous cannabinoids and is found both in the brain and in various parts of the body. In particular, the ECS is composed of CB1 receptors, which are mainly found in the brain. Delta 10 THC and other isomers of THC have anandamide properties, an endogenous cannabinoid that binds effectively to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Delta 10 THC exhibits properties of anandamide with high levels of efficacy. This ability to bind to receptors causes inhibition and prevents receptors from communicating effectively. The loss of the ability to pass signals causes the psychoactive effect since most CB1 receptors are in the brain regions associated with memory, locomotion, and mood. Inhibiting neural signals in these areas may result in loss of focus for respective individuals, especially when taken in high dosages.
Delta-10 Dependence and Tolerance
In addition to alcohol, cocaine, and opioids, THC and its constituent isomers appear to affect the same reward circuits as these substances. Epidemiological studies of long-term cannabis users, clinical populations, and controlled withdrawal and tolerance experiments have all provided evidence of cannabis dependency. Tolerance to delta-10 can manifest itself in various ways, including changes in mood, psychomotor performance, sleep, arterial pressure, body temperature, and antiemetic effects. One of the most important characteristics of delta-10 dependency is an obsession with the substance’s usage, which leads to a compulsion to use and relapse or recurrent use of the substance. According to Copeland & Pokorski (2016). More than half of those who use delta-10 and its variants appear to have ‘impaired control’ over their usage of the drugs. Symptoms like irritability, anxiety, desire, and sleep disruption have been reported between 61 and 96 percent of cannabis users who have stopped using the drug.
Conclusion
Delta-10 THC is a relatively new isomer of THC that has been successfully crystallized just recently. It differs from delta-9 in its structure and thus exhibits mild effects compared to the latter. However, it still does exhibit some of the side effects associated with delta-9 THC. These include anxiety attacks, loss of focus, and mouth and eye dryness. Most of these effects are due to high dosages above normal. However, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before using these cannabinoids.
References
Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H. C., Chagas, M. H. N., De Oliveira, D. C. G., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F., … & Crippa, J. A. S. (2011). Cannabidiol Reduces The Anxiety Induced By Simulated Public Speaking In Treatment-Naive Social Phobia Patients. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219-1226.
Bioque, M., García-Bueno, B., Macdowell, K. S., Meseguer, A., Saiz, P. A., Parellada, M., … & Bernardo, M. (2013). Peripheral Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation In First-Episode Psychosis. Neuropsychopharmacology, 38(13), 2568-2577.
Copeland, J., & Pokorski, I. (2016). Progress Toward Pharmacotherapies For Cannabis-Use Disorder: An Evidence-Based Review. Substance Abuse And Rehabilitation, 7, 41.
Ligresti, A., De Petrocellis, L., & Di Marzo, V. (2016). From Phytocannabinoids To Cannabinoid Receptors And Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological And Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiological Reviews, 96(4), 1593-1659.
I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.
- Bell Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - April 19, 2024
- Products That Assist with Stress Relief - September 21, 2023
- TRÈFLE – THE ROAD TO THE 15TH - July 29, 2023
