With so many novel minor cannabinoids hitting the market, you’re probably curious about trying some of them and if you’ve heard about Delta-11 THC, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re dying to get your hands on some.
Before you do try new cannabis products, it’s always a good idea to know what you’re getting yourself into. We’re doing a deep dive into what Delta-11 THC is, how it’s made, its potential benefits, and everything else you might want to know.
Buckle up and let’s learn together.
What is Delta-11 THC?
11-hydroxy-THC is the fancy name for what we usually know as Delta-11 THC. It’s another one of the more than 100 cannabinoids that have been discovered so far, all with different effects and benefits.
While you might think it’s found in trace amounts of cannabis like other cannabinoids, this compound has a pretty interesting starting point: your own body. So how exactly is Delta-11 THC produced? We’ve got the tea.
How is Delta-11 THC Made?
Unlike most other cannabinoids, Delta-11 THC isn’t actually found in cannabis. Instead, this compound is created when you metabolize regular, run-of-the-mill Delta-9 THC.
Delta-11 THC is what happens when you eat edibles. Your body turns regular Delta-9 into an even more potent chemical, hence the overpowering high that edibles often bring about.
How Does 11-Hydroxy-THC Work?
When you eat THC edibles as opposed to smoking them, your body processed the cannabinoids differently. Instead of going directly into your bloodstream, it’s metabolized by the liver and broken down into 11-hydroxy-THC.
The liver is the one at fault for making edibles so much more potent than other forms of ingesting cannabis. When drug-metabolizing enzymes like cytochromes P2C9 or CYP2C9 come in contact with regular THC, it turns it into the much more potent Delta-11 THC.
Because the THC is metabolized before the effects set in, you’re bound to feel much stronger and more psychoactive results. When your body turns Delta-9 THC into Delta-11 THC, long-lasting feelings and intense experiences are sure to follow.
Delta-11 THC Effects
While the physiological effects are similar to regular Delta-9 THC, Delta-11 THC may be much more psychoactive.
Here’s what you can expect from a Delta-11 THC edible experience:
- Strong mental and physical psychoactive experience
- Relaxation
- Happiness and euphoria
- Reduction of stress
- A sense of physical relief
Delta-11 THC is a rare and lesser-known form of THC that has recently been discovered in some cannabis strains. While there is limited research available on its effects, it is thought to have similar properties to Delta-9 THC, the most well-known and abundant form of THC in cannabis.
Some preliminary studies suggest that Delta-11 THC may have psychoactive effects, although the intensity and duration of these effects may vary depending on the individual and the method of consumption. It is also possible that Delta-11 THC may produce different effects than Delta-9 THC due to differences in their chemical structure.
However, it is important to note that Delta-9 THC is still illegal under federal law in the United States, and the legality of Delta-11 THC may vary depending on state and local laws. Furthermore, obtaining products that contain Delta-11 THC may be difficult, as it is not yet widely available in the market.
If you are interested in exploring the potential effects of Delta-11 THC, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional and to only obtain products from reputable sources that have been properly tested and labeled.
Delta-11 THC Benefits
Not enough research has been done on Delta-11 THC, but most people like it because of its long-lasting and potent psychoactive effects.
Because all cannabinoids interact with your own endocannabinoid system, which in turn, regulates and mediates a lot of your body’s vital cognitive and physiological processes, it’s safe to say that Delta-11 THC may have similar benefits to other THC cannabinoids.
Still, the jury’s still out until more conclusive studies are conducted.
Cannabis Edibles Last Longer
The main reason why some people prefer cannabis edibles over different ways of consuming THC is that the effects can last much longer. While smoking a joint might keep you high for 1-2 hours, doing edibles might mean you’ll be tripping for hours upon hours.
Infused Foods are More Sedative and Psychoactive
Another reason why people love edibles is because of how sedative and psychoactive the effects are. While any THC cannabis product will have you seeing stars, edibles are definitely a go-to for a trip you won’t forget. You’ll feel a way more intense body and mind high, which might have you couch-locked or having a laugh attack for no apparent reason.
Is Delta-11 THC Safe?
It’s hard to say for sure whether Delta-11 THC is 100% safe, but it’s thought to be just about as safe as other cannabinoids.
Still, the structural similarity to other cannabinoids that have never been found to be toxic is a good indicator that Delta-11 THC is probably safe for consumption, although we suggest talking to a medical professional before indulging.
Because it’s similar, although more intense, you might come across the same pesky side effects that you might suffer from when trying other cannabinoids:
- Overwhelming psychoactive experience
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Long-lasting effects
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Red eyes
Delta-8 vs Delta-11
The difference between Delta-8 THC and Delta-11 THC basically comes down to simple structural differences, although they’re similar. It’s also been speculated that Delta-11 THC is more potent than regular Delta-9 THC, while Delta-8 THC isn’t as potent as Delta-9, although it is still psychoactive.
Is Delta-11 THC Legal?
If you want to turn Delta-9 into Delta-11 by ingesting edibles, it should be legal anywhere where the recreational or medicinal use of cannabis is legal.
While there aren’t any laws prohibiting Delta-11, especially since the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s possible you might not be able to access it in places where Delta-8 legality is on the line. Isolated Delta-11 THC may not be legal in the following places:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
- Washington
Does Hemp Contain Delta-11 THC?
Isolated Delta-11 THC, which isn’t exactly the same as 11-hydroxy-THC, is a legitimate cannabinoid found in trace amounts in hemp. Although there isn’t a lot of information out there about this novel cannabinoid, it’s been known since the early 1970s.
Because it can be found in hemp, it’s technically federally legal as long as it’s found in hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC.
Does Delta-11 THC Get You High?
Delta-11 THC can most certainly get you high. In fact, it’s thought to be more potent than regular Delta-9 THC which is the most common psychoactive cannabinoid.
When metabolized in the liver, it may be up to 10 times more potent than regular THC. Still, you can also find different ways to consume it, like vaping. In that case, try taking a hit and waiting at least half an hour to gauge its effects and take it from there.
Delta-11 THC is a relatively new and rare form of THC that has been discovered in very small quantities in some cannabis strains. It is not yet clear whether Delta-11 THC produces psychoactive effects or gets you high in the same way as Delta-9 THC, which is the most well-known and abundant form of THC in cannabis.
Currently, there is limited research available on Delta-11 THC, and more studies are needed to determine its effects on the body and mind. It is important to note that Delta-9 THC is still illegal under federal law in the United States, and the legality of Delta-11 THC may vary depending on state and local laws.
If you are interested in exploring the potential effects of Delta-11 THC, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional and to only obtain products from reputable sources that have been properly tested and labeled.
How to Buy Delta-11 THC
If you want to make the most of Delta-11 THC, you might want to consider getting your hands on Delta-9 THC edibles and letting your body do the work. As long as you’re living somewhere where the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana is legal and you’re overage, this shouldn’t be an issue.
If you don’t live somewhere where the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is legal, it might be worth it to see how the current 2018 Farm Bill affects your state. In most places, Delta-9 THC and other hemp-derived cannabinoid products are totally accessible, with some exceptions.
