What is Delta-11 THC & Should You Use It?

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When you’re pursuing through social media or your favorite cannabis shop, you might come across a new member of the team: delta-11 THC. 

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This underdog has some real potential on the field, too – with bold claims stating that delta-11 can be several times stronger than its counterpart, delta-9 THC, it seems like the hottest thing to hit the market in a long time.

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But what exactly is delta-11 THC, and is it actually as potent as people claim? Should you add it to part of your wellness routine, or is it all hype with no payoff? Let’s take a closer look at some of the facts about delta-11 and whether you should consider trying it out.

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What is THC?

Delta-9 THC, commonly called just “THC,” is a cannabinoid compound found in high amounts in cannabis plants, specifically marijuana plants. It’s known for its ability to produce the psychoactive effects we associate with a marijuana-induced “high.”

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Though delta-9 THC may be the belle of the ball, it’s not the only type of THC-based compound out there. THC is really just a term that’s used to describe chemical molecules that can come in all kinds of forms, including delta-11 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

What is Delta-11 THC?

Delta-11 THC is a compound found in small amounts in cannabis plants. Because of modern technology, cannabis producers can now isolate this compound and create products with it or breed plants that contain it in higher amounts. 

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Not to be confused with 11-hydroxy delta-9 THC, which plain old delta-9 THC converts into when it enters the body, delta-11 THC is a separate compound believed to be as much as three times stronger than its counterparts.

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Few research studies have examined the properties, benefits, and risks of delta-11 THC, perhaps mainly because interest in cannabinoids other than delta-9 THC and CBD has been lacking until quite recently.

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The cannabinoid was first mentioned in a 1974 study, which described it as an “active constituent” of marijuana that produces psychoactive effects. 

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A later study examined how rodents and cats metabolized the cannabinoid. Little other scholarly inquiry has taken place since then, which means from an official perspective, there’s a lot about delta-11 that we just aren’t sure about yet. 

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What we do know is that it seems to function much like delta-9 THC at a stronger rate, which means it may be best suited for certain circumstances that we’ll delve into deeper below.

What does delta-11 feel like?

Delta-11 THC feels very much like delta-9 THC, but its effects are typically much more substantial. 

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The main effects that are commonly associated with delta-11 THC include the following:

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• Powerful head and body high
• Elevated mood, euphoria
• Relaxation
• Lowered rates of anxiety and stress

Pros and Cons of Delta-11 THC

So, if delta-11 THC is more potent than delta-9 THC, legal, and accessible, why hasn’t it taken over the world? The answer can be a bit complicated – while there may be many perks that come with it, there are also some potential downsides to consider.

Pro: You can use less to get similar effects.

Because delta-11 is a generally stronger cannabinoid, you can use less of a product that contains it but still get similar effects to what you might get from delta-9 THC. Getting the pain relief you need, for instance, might take only one or two hits from a vaporizer instead of three to four. 

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In the long term, less use can help you save money on products, which is always a win in our book.

Pro: It’s possible to get powerful relief from pain and other symptoms.

The punch that delta-11 packs can be an excellent option for those living with severe chronic pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. Where traditional THC products fail or underwhelm, delta-11 products can take the cake.

Con: Delta-11 can very easily be overwhelming.

No one product should have all that power – for many people, delta-11 can quickly go from punching to walloping. 

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If you have a lower tolerance or have never used delta-11 before, consuming too much or trying to match the amount of delta-9 THC you’d use can be easy. When that occurs, you might experience unintended side effects like paranoia, dry mouth, headaches, and more. So, use it with caution!

Con: Not all products are created equal.

Delta-11 is a pretty new kid to the scene, which means there are a lot of products out there that might not be the greatest. 

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Without much competition to push brands to truly maximize their product’s quality and potential, it might be challenging to find high-quality options for a good price. 

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Likewise, a lack of FDA regulation means you might not always have a good idea of what you’re putting into your body, at least unless you shop with reputable brands and sellers.

Delta-11 THC vs. Delta-9 THC

To summarize everything you need to know about delta-11 THC, it can help to remember its key differences from its cousin, delta-9 THC:

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• Delta-9 THC: Illegal at the federal level, can be found in higher volumes in cannabis plants, produces psychoactive effects

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• Delta-11 THC: Not technically illegal at the federal level, can be found in small volumes in cannabis, produces stronger psychoactive effects

Is Delta-11 THC Safe?

As far as we know now, there are no known risks associated with delta-11 THC use. The most significant consequence you might run into is taking too much and experiencing the same side effects you would from overdosing on delta-9 THC. 

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But that doesn’t mean you should totally throw caution to the wind. As always, it’s best to speak with your doctor before starting or stopping any new medication plan, including one that involves delta-11 THC or any other cannabinoid.

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That way, you can rule out the potential of interfering with any prescription medications, exacerbating pre-existing conditions, or putting yourself at any risk health-wise. 

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Is Delta-11 THC legal?

As of 2023, there are no federal laws banning the use of delta-11 THC products. Only delta-9 THC is considered a controlled substance, meaning other THC-based cannabinoids don’t technically violate federal law. 

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The 2018 Farm Bill, which made it legal for hemp-based products with a delta-9 THC value of 0.3% or less to be sold, doesn’t explicitly mention any other form of THC. 

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That’s why things like delta-8 THC are so popular; they function much like delta-9 THC without the same legal restrictions. Some states have taken steps to limit or ban the use of other THC-based products, but as of right now, little attention has been paid to delta-11. 

A note about drug testing: 

While there isn’t much official evidence to suggest that delta-11 will make you fail a drug test, it’s highly likely that regularly consuming any THC cannabinoid can cause problems. 

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This is because most drug tests look for THC-COOH, the enzyme our bodies use to metabolize (process and break down) all THC-base cannabinoids. So, no matter which type of THC you consume, traces of THC-COOH can be found in your urine after use. 

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If you need to take drug tests for the military, for a job, etc., it’s probably better to be safe than sorry.

Where to Find Reputable Delta-11 THC Products

As mentioned, there may be many delta-11 products out there, but not all of them are created by companies you can trust to deliver safe, high-quality, and consistent results. 

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Now’s not the time to head to your local gas station to find the delta-11 products of your dreams. Instead, shop only with brands that provide thorough documentation of the cannabinoids in their products and list any other additives that might be of concern. 

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Trust The Green Dragon CBD for All Your Delta-11 Needs

You can count on the fantastic delta-11 THC products we offer here at Green Dragon to yield the best results possible without exposing you to anything you don’t want to put in your body. We’re passionate about helping cannabis lovers find the right products for their needs and goals.

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Check out what one Green Dragon customer had to say about her experience working with our team:

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“These guys are so awesome! I have tried many different CBD products that they offer. I've NEVER been disappointed with any of their products and especially not their customer service!” -Amanda G.

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To learn more about how we can help you find the delta-11 products that make sense for you, contact us for a consultation today. You can also view our collection of delta-11 THC products to discover what might be a good fit. 

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