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What is Delta 11 THC?

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The world of cannabis is rich with a wide range of compounds that appeal to our senses, creating the mellow, relaxing, arousing, and cerebral effects we love. Some of these compounds are more well-known than others.

While we’re all familiar with THC and CBD, other cannabinoids are less well-known but no less important. One of these lesser-known compounds is Delta-11 THC. Here's what you need to know about it!

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-11 THC is different from the well-known THC (Delta-9 THC) and CBD.
  • Delta-11 THC is less potent than Delta-9 THC and produces mild cerebral and body effects. It also has significant pain-relieving benefits.
  • Delta-11 THC binds to CB2 receptors and can have pain-relieving effects similar to those of CBD.
  • The legality of Delta-11 THC is blurry mainly due to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalizes cannabinoids derived from hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC content by dry weight.

What is THC?

THC is the main psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, one of more than 400 compounds found in cannabis, including at least 65 other cannabinoids.

The human body produces similar cannabinoids called endocannabinoids that attach to receptors on cells, helping to regulate a wide range of physiological and cognitive processes such as appetite, pain sensitivity, mood, and memory.

Is all THC the Same?

All THC is not the same. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of 400 cannabinoids in cannabis. It is the most widely studied and understood. But there are many other cannabinoids in the plant that interact with our endocannabinoid system and many different forms of THC that have different effects on the body and brain.

The Many Forms of THC

THC comes in several different forms, including:

  • Delta-9 THC is the most abundant naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis. THC has several health benefits, and it can be used for pain relief, nausea control, and improving mood.
  • Delta-8-THC is another type of cannabinoid that is considered non-psychoactive because it doesn't have the same high effects as those produced by Delta-9 THC. However, it interacts with other receptors in your body and may also have some medicinal benefits.
  • Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is similar to THC, but it does not get you as high as delta-9 THC does. It has been found to help people with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Still, more research needs to be done on this compound about its medical benefits or side effects.
  • THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw or unheated cannabis plants. THCA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to CBD.

What is Delta-11 THC?

Delta-11 THC, or 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a chemical compound produced in the liver after your body processes THC. It's the main metabolite of THC, which means it's what your body turns THC into after you ingest it.

While Delta-11 has similar effects and binds to many of the same receptors as Delta-9, its unique structure means that it acts on different parts of those receptors. For example, both molecules can bind to CB1 receptors, but Delta 11 (11-OH-THC) binds more strongly to CB2 receptors, which can have pain-relieving effects similar to CBD.

What is 11-nor-Delta-9-THC-COOH?

11-nor-delta-9-thc-cooh is a metabolite of THC that is produced in the body. It is the primary active metabolite of THC and is believed to be responsible for most of the effects associated with cannabis use.

Is Delta-11 THC the same as 11-hydroxy-THC?

Delta-11 THC is an entirely different molecule than 11-hydroxy-THC. Delta-11 THC has less psychoactive properties; it's just a precursor to Delta-9 THC, which has been shown to have analgesic (painkilling) effects in animal studies.

Does Hemp contain Delta-11 THC?

Hemp contains all the cannabinoids in cannabis. But it's important to understand that Delta-11 THC is not psychoactive in the same way that Delta 9 is.

This is because it binds to CB2 receptors, which affect things like inflammation and pain. That means hemp products are a good alternative if you want their health benefits without getting high.

The Benefits of Delta 11

The main benefit of Delta 11 is that it binds to receptors in the brain more easily. Some studies have suggested that it might interact with other drugs like benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety) and barbiturates (help people sleep).

Delta 11 appears to be anti-inflammatory and produces longer-lasting effects because it is produced in edibles. When you eat cannabis edibles, your liver metabolizes the THC before releasing it into your bloodstream. This means it takes longer to feel the effects of eating edibles (about 30 minutes).

The effects of edibles on the body vary based on how they’re consumed. They can range from feeling relaxed and happy to becoming sleepy and sedated. The time it takes for the effects to set in depends on the amount of THC and how much you eat in one go.

THC-infused edibles are more potent than other methods of consuming marijuana because they contain high amounts of THC and CBD. These compounds pass through the stomach lining and liver before being metabolized into Delta-11 THC (11-OH-THC), which is more psychoactive than regular THC.

Delta 11 vs. Delta 8

Delta 8 is an enzyme that converts CBD into Delta-9 THC. This conversion occurs when the plant material is exposed to heat during smoking or vaporizing, which results in a higher concentration of THC.

The main difference between Delta 11 and Delta 8 is that Delta 11 has a longer half-life than Delta 8. A half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the substance to be excreted from your body. So, Delta 11 has a longer half-life than Delta 8 because it’s more fat-soluble than Delta 8.

Delta 11 vs. Delta 9

Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, but Delta-11 THC has a more pronounced effect on memory, learning, and inflammation than does Delta-9 THC. Delta-11 THC is an active metabolite of THC that is more potent than Delta-9 at CB1 receptors.

The relative amounts of each compound vary between individuals, with some people metabolizing much higher levels of Delta-11 THC than others. Several studies have examined differences in how individuals convert THC into Delta-11 THC. Still, there was no consensus on whether the conversion rates were similar across all individuals or if there were differences between strains or even within the same strain.

The conversion of THC into Delta-11 THC occurs principally in the liver and is not dependent on the presence of other cannabinoids or terpenes, whereas Delta-9 is usually present in smokable cannabis.

For more information on Delta 9 vs. Delta 11, check out this blog post.

Delta 11 vs. Delta 10

Both Delta 11 and Delta 10 are metabolites of THC, but they are produced in different ways. The two compounds differ in how they are metabolized in the body. This, in turn, affects their properties and effects.

Delta 10 is a potent pain reliever, while Delta 11 is more psychoactive. Delta 10 is produced when THC enters your liver and is broken down into metabolites. This process can take up to three days, depending on the amount of cannabis consumed, frequency, and other factors.

Delta-11 THC is produced from Delta-9 THC through a series of reactions during metabolism. The enzyme CYP2C9 converts Delta 9 into 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THP).

Feature/Aspect Delta-11 THC Delta-9 THC (for comparison)
Psychoactivity Less potent, binds more strongly to CB2 receptors, offering pain-relief benefits Main psychoactive component in cannabis
Legal Status Blurry due to the 2018 Farm Bill, legal if derived from hemp with <0.3% Delta-9 THC Varies by jurisdiction, generally more regulated
Presence in Hemp Present, not psychoactive in the same way as Delta-9 THC Most abundant naturally occurring cannabinoid
Effects on the Body Mild cerebral and body effects, significant pain-relieving benefits Psychoactive, used for pain relief, nausea control, mood improvement
Metabolism Produced in the liver after THC processing, binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors Metabolized in the liver, principal psychoactive component
Comparison with Delta-8 Longer half-life, more fat-soluble, more psychoactive Considered non-psychoactive, interacts with body receptors, medicinal benefits
Comparison with Delta-10 More psychoactive, different metabolic pathways Potent pain reliever, produced when THC is broken down in the liver

Does Delta-11 THC Get You High?

Delta 11 is psychoactive, but it takes longer than regular THC to make you high. So if you smoke or vape 3 mg of Delta 11, it could take up to 30 minutes for you to feel its effects.

Delta-11 THC Has Negative Health Effects?

The negative health effects of Delta-11 THC are not yet known. However, it has been suggested that it may cause some negative side effects in the body.

How Potent is 11-hydroxy-THC?

The potency of Delta-11 THC is lower than that of THC. This means that a dose of pure Delta-11 THC will have a similar effect as a dose of THC, but less intense.

How do you Make 11-hydroxy-THC?

11-hydroxy-THC is formed in your body as a result of consuming THC. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It's what gets you high when you smoke or consume cannabis.

However, another molecule called Delta-11 THC (11-hydroxy-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) has similar but less intense effects than THC. Enzymes called cytochrome P450 oxidases (CYP450) synthesize THC and Delta-11 THC in your body.

These enzymes break down cannabinoids into other compounds that have different effects on the body. One of these enzymes converts THC into Delta-11 THC, which causes an increased heart rate, dry mouth, eyes, and increased appetite—all symptoms of being high.

Also, check out our blog on whether edibles can go bad.

Is Delta-11 THC Safe?

There's no evidence suggesting that Delta 11 is any less safe than other hemp-derived variants of THC. But we all know that taking too many psychoactive cannabinoids can have negative side effects.

The legality of THC cannabinoids is a grey area. This is mainly due to errors of omission in the 2018 Farm Bill. This law legalizes cannabinoids derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC (Delta 9) content by dry weight. In effect, as long as your Delta 11 cannabinoid conforms to the Farm Bill requirements, it is legal.

Here's more on the legal THC gummies in Minnesota.

Is Delta-11 THC identical to 11-Hydroxy-THC?

No, Delta-11 THC and 11-Hydroxy-THC are not the same thing. These are two different molecules. Technically speaking, Delta-11 THC is the compound created by the liver as it processes THC, whereas 11-hydroxy-THC is a completely different compound, with effects similar to those of Delta-9 THC.

How Strong is Delta-11 THC?

Delta-11 THC is less potent than regular Delta-9 THC. However, it binds to CB2 receptors, therefore potentially offering pain-relieving benefits.

How much THC is in Delta-11?

Delta 9 and Delta 11 are two distinct compounds, each with unique properties and effects. In pure form, they exist separately as different entities.

What does Delta 11 THC Feel Like?

Compared to regular Delta-9 THC, Delta-11 is less potent. This implies that it may induce less intense effects. Delta 11's effects are likely comparable to those of Delta 8.

Rightfully, Delta 8 has endeared itself to the cannabis fanbase with its mellow, laid-back effects. Being less potent than Delta 9 obviously has its perks! So, you'll certainly love our Delta-8 THC gummies sample pack.

But if you want an entirely non-psychoactive experience, then these CBD gummies are the way to go. Better yet, our CBD gummies sample pack offers you real value for your money.

Where to Find Trusted Delta-11 THC

Delta 11 is not common, so it's availability might be tricky. However, a diligent online search is sure to yield some results. But fortunately, there are worthy alternatives like these awesome Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 gummies.

For those who want to experiment with cannabis, lower doses are the way to go. Our Delta 9 microdose gummies and Delta 9 gummies sample pack are great picks in this regard. Our Nano Delta 9 microdose gummies surely deserve a mention. With 5mg of Delta 9 per gummy, these delicious edibles are an excellent treat for users going for a less intense experience.

Here's more on sativa vs indica gummies.

Will Delta-11 THC Fail a Drug Test?

Delta-11 THC is chemically similar to Delta-9 THC. Moreover, it is the main metabolite of Delta 9 when processed in the liver. Due to these reasons, it is safe to assume that Delta 11 can cause a positive drug test result.

Want more information on Delta 8 vs. Delta 11 THC? Check out this video.

Final Thoughts

While cannabis research has grown in recent times, there's still so much about cannabinoids we don't know. Delta 11 is a rare one that researchers are still working on. As a result, not much is known about it.

If you come across Delta 11 products, it's best to exercise caution. The good news is that there are a host of other cannabinoids you can easily replace Delta 11 with, such as Delta 8 and CBD.

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