A closer look at Delta-11 THC
If you’re curious about legal THC products, then it’s no wonder you’ve found yourself on this page. Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC products have been available for a few years now (check out the best legal THC highs here), but Delta-11 THC products are a much newer arrival.
With this in mind, we decided it was high time we took a closer look at exactly what this cannabinoid is, how it differs from the other forms of THC on the market, and how it feels. Let’s dive straight in shall we?
What is Delta 11 THC?
Delta 11 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that can be found in both cannabis flower and hemp flower, albeit in very small amounts. Its chemical structure is similar to Delta-9 THC, but there is a double bond found between the 11th and 12th carbon chain as opposed to the 9th and 10th, found in Delta-9.
Is Delta 11 THC the same as 11 Hydroxy THC?
No. Although a search for Delta 11 THC will return multiple results about 11 Hydroxy THC, these two substances should not be confused. Unlike Delta 11, 11 Hydroxy THC is not a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis, but a byproduct created by your liver when you digest THC.
Most cannabis users agree that different consumption methods can have an impact on the effects. 11 Hydroxy THC is estimated to be around four times stronger than Delta 9 THC and is the main reason why cannabis edibles are often reported to feel more potent than oils or smokables.
Will Delta 11 THC show up in a drug test?
Although Delta 11 THC hasn’t been tested in this manner, one of the substances that drug tests aim to detect is 11 Hydroxy THC.
When Delta 9 is converted to 11 Hydroxy THC, it is referred to as 11 Hydroxy Delta 9 THC. We also know that when Delta 8 passes through the liver, it is converted into 11 Hydroxy Delta 8 THC, so we can make an educated guess that Delta 11 would also convert into another form of this byproduct (11 Hydroxy Delta 11 THC).
Learn about other cannabinoids
Delta 11 THC benefits
The benefits of Delta 11 THC are currently unknown, as although scientists are aware of its existence, it hasn’t been the subject of any research as of yet. A recent paper from www.worldhealth.net presented evidence supporting the health benefits of Delta-8 THC and due to its similarity in chemical structure to Delta 11, we imagine that they may well turn out to be fairly similar, but with no research supporting this, no-one can say for sure.
However, what we do know is that plant cannabinoids such as this imitate our body’s own naturally occurring endocannabinoids. Our endocannabinoid system is responsible for the regulation and mediation of many of our body’s vital cognitive and physiological processes, which is why cannabinoids appear to help such a wide variety of illnesses and relieve so many different symptoms.
Delta 11 THC effects
UPDATED (NOV 2023): A few weeks ago I noticed a few different brands selling Delta 11 products. I got hold of some and from what I can tell (and despite their labeling), these products aren’t Delta 11 THC at all, but 11 hydroxy THC instead.
So, while I’m here, I might as well report on 11 hydroxy THC’s effects instead! Because if you buy any “Delta 11” that’s on the market right now, I’m 99% sure that you’ll end up with 11hxyTHC too.
A quick note on this cannabinoid, btw, is that none of the products I found were pure “Delta 11”, but always contained a blend of cannabinoids such as Delta 8, Delta 10, etc. So the effects I experienced were not solely from the 11-hxy-THC.
I tried vape carts from several companies and noticed almost immediate mind and body effects. Some of the feels I had included total relief from stress and anxiety, super chill and relaxed, happy, and ever-so-high.
I found the experience to be more psychedelic than other cannabinoid blends, but then again I always thought that eating weed was more psychedelic than smoking it, so that makes sense. Second to this, I think this might be the most joyful and euphoric cannabinoid I’ve tried so far.
Plus, with this kind of full body relaxation, I imagine that this compound will offer fantastic relief from many symptoms, such as pain and spasms.
Delta 11 side effects
Although no-one can say for sure, Delta 11 THC is expected to have the same side effects as the other Delta THCs, including dry mouth, dry and/or red eyes, dizziness, impaired coordination and motor control, fatigue, and drowsiness.
11 hxy THC also carries the same adverse effects as the Deltas.
How strong is Delta 11 THC?
As far as I know, no-one knows how strong Delta 11 THC is yet, because we haven’t had any to test. The information available online is very misleading and confusing because many websites are talking about 11 hydroxy THC and calling it Delta 11.
But if you are wondering how strong these “Delta 11” products are against other cannabinoids on the market, then here’s a quick comparison against other (real) Delta THCs:
- Delta 11 vs Delta 8 – Delta 11 is approximately six x more potent
- Delta 11 vs Delta 9 – Delta 11 is approximately three x more potent
- Delta 11 vs Delta 10 – Delta 11 is approximately ten x more potent
Delta 11 products
As I said before, I’m 99% sure that there are no true Delta 11 THC products on the market right now, but if you want to try 11 hydroxy THC then I recommend choosing a vendor that has their products tested by third parties and LABELS THEM CORRECTLY (in other words, avoid companies selling “Delta 11 THC vapes” because, as of right now (May 2023), there is no such thing.
One such (honorable) vendor is Binoid CBD. You’ll notice that their website offers pretty much every minor cannabinoid on the block, but rather than falsely advertise Delta 11 vapes and Delta 11 gummies, they’re clearly labeled as 11 hxy THC carts and gummies.
You can read my full and honest review of Binoid’s products here.
Sign up to our newsletter to keep up with all the latest news on minor cannabinoids, legal cannabis products, as well as all the latest research on them.
Is Delta 11 THC legal?
Hemp-derived Delta 11 THC is a federally legal substance according to the 2018 Farm Bill and in May 2022 the Ninth Circuit also confirmed that they qualify as federally legal cannabinoids. However, all forms of THC (including Delta 11) have been banned at the local level by 17 US states.
To see if hemp-derived THC cannabinoids are legal in your state, then click here (add link to the “is D8 legal in my state” article).
Is Delta 11 THC safe?
Due to the lack of research and products on the market, I wouldn’t feel comfortable speculating about the safety of it. Despite its similarity to other forms of THC on the market, they are still different chemical compounds and the one small change it has in its chemical structure (to other forms of THC) may have a bigger impact on safety than anyone could know.
Why are there so many types of THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a term given to a specific group of cannabinoids that can be found in cannabis and hemp plants. Although Delta 9 THC is usually the most dominant variety, small amounts of other types of THC, such as Delta 8, Delta 10, and Delta 11 can also be found in most cannabis and hemp flower.
All cannabinoids have multiple forms, but the chemical structure of THC allows it to have more than most because it features a chain of carbon bonds with one double bond somewhere in this chain. This means its structure can be altered easily by rearranging the placement of the double bond.
