We already have delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, and delta 11 – so, what’s this about yet another “delta” cannabinoid: delta 6 THC? Well, if there’s one thing that we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that each cannabinoid in cannabis serves a distinct purpose through its chemical properties, and so each one is worth exploring independent from the rest. So, we’re going to offer a closer look into delta 6 THC, explaining everything that we know about it so far, in terms of its effects, its intoxicating potential, its legality, and more.
What Exactly is Delta 6 THC?
Delta 6 THC, also known as Delta-6a10a-tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ6a(10a) THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis – that is, both hemp and marijuana – and exists in just a trace amount. It’s a THC isomer, meaning that it has the same molecular formula as delta 9 THC, with a small variation in its double bond that changes the way in which it interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system. Because of this, delta 6 THC and delta 9 THC have different properties.
If you try to research delta 6 THC, you may come across some studies from the 1960s and 70s, in which its properties were briefly explored. However, these studies are going to be extremely misleading, because at the time of those studies, delta 6 THC was actually delta 8 THC. In other words, those studies are about delta 8, and not delta 6. To date, no studies have been published about delta 6 THC.
Will I Get High from Taking Delta 6 THC?
Actually, we don’t know. Delta 6 THC has not been studied for its potential psychoactive effects, which means that we really don’t know whether or not it can get you high. Now, every other THC cannabinoid we’ve studied, including delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, delta 11, THC-P, THC-V, and so on, all have varying levels of intoxicating potential. But, since there is no confirmed data that delta 6 is intoxicating, we cannot assume that is has the same abilities – for now, at least.
Also, we want to point out that you’ll typically find delta 6 THC in cannabinoid blend products – in other words, formulas like vapes and gummies that contain delta 6 THC along with other cannabinoids that do have known psychoactive effects (THC-P, delta 8 THC, THCA, etc.). So, if you get high off of a product that contains delta 6 THC along with these other cannabinoids, we can’t say that it’s the delta 6 THC that’s largely responsible for the effects that you feel.
Does Delta 6 THC Have Any Benefits?
As we said earlier, delta 6 THC has undergone zero research, and because of that, it would be irresponsible of us to make any kind of health claims. All that we can say is that delta 6 THC, being a naturally occurring cannabinoid, does interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which has the important job of regulating physiological processes to keep us in homeostasis. Basically, that means that delta 6 THC very likely has benefits, although they haven’t been uncovered just yet. While many cannabinoids have been shown to provide ample potential benefits, like delta 9 THC, which has been studied thoroughly over many decades for its positive effects, delta 6 THC is waiting in the wings, so to speak, for medical researchers to start exploring its possibilities.
What Kinds of Delta 6 THC Products are on the Market?
Although delta 6 THC is still very new to the hemp marketplace, there are delta 6 products that you can find which contain the cannabinoid, such as:
- Vapes: Delta 6 vapes, including vape cartridges used with rechargeable vape pens, and all-in-one disposable vape pens, contain a blend of delta 6 distillate (extract) and terpenes, in a number of strain options to choose from.
- Gummies: Delta 6 gummies are delicious edibles that come in many flavors and milligram strengths. They are known to offer the longest-lasting effects out of any delivery method – up to 8 hours.
- Tinctures: Delta 6 tinctures are bottled oils that come in dropper bottles, in a variety of strengths and some flavor options as well. They are absorbed under the tongue, offering about 4-6 hours of a high.
- Dabs: Dabs (aka concentrates) containing delta 6 THC offer a very, very powerful high due to how concentrated they are, and are meant to be “dabbed,” which is to vaporize the product at a high temperature using a special device intended for dabbing.
Is Delta 6 THC a Legal Cannabinoid?
Delta 6 THC is protected under federal law as all hemp derivatives are legal as long as they contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC, as determined by the United States Farm Bill that passed in 2018. No state has banned delta 6 specifically, since it’s incredibly new, but a handful of states have outlawed the sales of psychoactive hemp derivatives ever since delta 8 THC first hit the scene as the first legal intoxicating cannabinoid to enter the hemp market. The states in which you cannot legally buy delta 6 are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Can Delta 6 THC Live Up to its THC Siblings? There’s Only One Way to Find Out!
For the time-being, delta 6 THC is something of a mystery cannabinoid, and its elusive, mysterious nature is actually a big part of its appeal if you ask the more ambitious cannabis enthusiasts out there. We don’t know what kinds of benefits it can provide – we don’t even know if it can get us high, after all – but we do know that as a natural component of the plant, it definitely has something to offer.
However, interest in minor cannabinoids like delta 6 THC is growing among researchers, consumers, and entrepreneurs, driven by the expanding cannabis industry and an ongoing reevaluation of cannabis laws around the world.
So, for the time-being, you can go ahead and check out delta 6 for yourself, in combination with other cannabinoids, at The Calm Leaf. The delta 6 products that we carry promise to offer pure, authentic, and potent servings of delta 6 THC, alongside the cannabinoids that you already know and enjoy experiencing.