Delta 11: Uncovering This Mysterious Cannabinoid

It probably seems as if there’s a new cannabinoid entering the marketplace on a monthly basis. After the success of HHC, delta 8 THC, and others, sellers of intoxicating cannabinoids are eager to find the next big thing.

Some of them believe they’ve found it in the form of delta 11 THC. It comes from the cannabis plant and causes a high, but is it something you should use? This article tells you everything there is to know about delta 11 at this moment in time.

What Is Delta 11?

Also known as delta-11-THC, it is an isomer of the delta 9 THC cannabinoid that’s synonymous with marijuana. Although D11 and D9 have the same chemical formula, the arrangement of atoms is different, which is why the two compounds affect you differently.

The cannabis plant is remarkably complex and contains well over 100 identified cannabinoids and hundreds of other compounds. There are multiple forms of each cannabinoid, but THC’s chemical structure ensures that it has more variants than others.

THC’s chemical structure features a chain of carbon atoms at its head. Thus, you can change it by rearranging the double bond on this chain. This is why there are THC variants such as delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, and delta 11.

Please note that D11 is NOT the same as 11-hydroxy-THC, which is a metabolite of THC. Once the liver processes THCs such as delta 9, they are converted into 11-hydroxy-THC.

How Is It Made?

As is the case with most other cannabinoids, delta 11 is found naturally within the cannabis plant. However, there are only trace amounts, certainly not enough to justify the time and effort of extraction.

The process of creating delta 11 begins with the extraction of CBD from hemp. The next step involves isomerization, which means rearranging the cannabidiol molecule by exposing it to certain acids or other chemicals.

If this process sounds familiar, that’s because it is! Creating delta 11 in this fashion is little different from creating delta 8 or delta 10. The resulting D11 is refined to get rid of impurities, making it ready for sale.

Some manufacturers may add terpenes to ensure users enjoy a better taste and aroma. The most popular delta 11 products are gummies and vape juice.

Delta 11: Effects and Potency

Since it is a relatively new product, most of the information relating to the effects and potency of D11 comes from user anecdotes. Certainly, you can expect to feel an intoxicating high that’s similar to what you experience after using marijuana.

As such, delta 11 may have the following benefits:

• Enhanced relaxation
• Decreased anxiety
• Euphoria
• Analgesic effects
• Anti-inflammatory effects

No one knows its potency! Some people claim that delta 11 is up to three times as strong as delta 9. However, this could be based on 11-hydroxy-THC, which would, quite frankly, be a mistake.

With this in mind, if you elect to use delta 11, it’s wise to begin with as small a dose as possible. Analyze how it affects you before using more. If you consume a delta 11 gummy, it could take up to two hours to have an effect, although the high could last for hours.

If you vape a delta 11 cartridge, you’ll get the effects almost immediately. However, they should wear off much faster than if you use an edible.

Will I Fail a Drug Test If I Use Delta 11?

The lack of research into delta 11 makes it impossible to provide a definitive answer. However, it seems highly likely that you will fail a drug screening if you use it. That’s because there’s every chance delta 11 converts into the THC-COOH metabolite when metabolized by the liver. This is the metabolite detected by drug tests.

You also need to consider that some D11 products may contain excessive levels of delta 9. Ideally, you’ll only purchase from a reputable brand that includes third-party lab reports.

Is Delta 11 Legal?

At this moment in time, delta 11 benefits from the same ruling that permits the usage of delta 8. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that D8 is a legal hemp product according to the laws of the Farm Bill. So, if a manufacturer uses CBD from industrial hemp to create delta 11, and its products contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, it is obeying the law.

That being said, federal agencies such as the DEA and FDA are working hard to close this loophole. Also, certain states have banned delta 11 products. Therefore, you should check your local laws to ensure that D11 is legal to use in your area before buying it.

Delta 11: The Great Unknown

Ultimately, there isn’t nearly enough research into the benefits and effects of delta 11 to form an opinion on whether it’s safe to use. Given its close relationship with delta 9, one can expect potential adverse effects such as sleepiness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dry eyes.

You must also remember that the market is poorly regulated, so it’s hard to ascertain the standard of delta 11 products available. Do the creators of D11 ensure that there’s minimal delta 9? Do they check for impurities and harmful chemicals? While a third-party lab report can help answer some of these questions, certain things remain unknown.

Since we don’t even know how potent it is, you might be best served waiting for more research before trying delta 11 THC. If you elect to consume it, caution is advised.