Delta-11-THC Not Working: Does Delta-11 Get You High?

by Kat Austin June 15, 2023 8 min read

Delta-11-THC Not Working: Here's What's Wrong - VO Inc

If you’ve recently tried Delta-11-THC, a highly hemp-derived THC extract, and didn’t experience the effects you expected, you’re not alone. Does Delta-11 get you high? Yes, Delta-11 is known to be more potent than Delta-9, the traditional form of THC, and should produce noticeable effects.

So, if you’re not feeling the effects or they seem milder than expected, there could be a few reasons why. Let’s explore the potential causes and how to troubleshoot your experience with Delta-11, whether it’s a dosing issue, product quality, or how it compares to Delta-9.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-11 may not work effectively due to incorrect dosage, low-quality products, or personal tolerance levels.
  • Improper storage can cause Delta-11 products to expire, reducing their potency and effects.
  • For the best results, ensure you're using high-quality Delta-11 products and understand the correct dosage for your needs.

Does Delta-11-THC Get You High?

Yes, Delta-11-THC can get you high, but its effects may vary depending on the dosage, product quality, and individual tolerance. If you've tried Delta-11 and aren’t feeling the expected effects, you might be using the wrong dose, or the product could be low-quality.

Delta-11 is known to be more potent than some other hemp-derived cannabinoids, but factors like tolerance and product freshness play a big role in how it affects you.

Delta 11 vs Delta 9

When comparing Delta-11 vs Delta-9, both cannabinoids are known for producing psychoactive effects, but Delta-11 is said to be slightly stronger. However, Delta-9 is more widely known and available. If you're not feeling the effects of Delta-11, it's worth considering your tolerance to THC or experimenting with a higher dose or different product.

Delta-11-THC Not Working: 5 Reasons Why

If Delta-11 didn't work for you and you want to know why, here are some of the most likely reasons:

A Delta-11 tincture with a dropper filled with Delta-11 oil to demonstrate one single dose of Delta-11-THC

Your THC Tolerance is Too High

Delta-11 contributes to cross tolerance with other THC products, like Delta-8, Delta-9, and even THC-O. That means that a tolerance to THC, in general, is a tolerance to Delta-11. So, if you use Delta-8, Delta-9, or another THC product regularly, you may not experience potent effects from small or moderate doses of Delta-11.

Keep in mind that Delta-11 is more potent than other THC products, so you don't necessarily need to amp up your dosage a lot to experience effects. If you were already testing Delta-11 with a small dose, try increasing it by 5 milligrams next time to see how you feel.

Taking a THC tolerance break is a good way to lower your tolerance so that Delta-11 will work more effectively for you in the future.

Your Delta-11 Dosage is Too Low

Another reason Delta-11-THC may not have worked for you is because you took the wrong dosage. Many people are hesitant when dosing Delta-11 because of its highly potent psychoactive effects. And understandably so–Delta-11 is thought to be roughly three times more potent than standard THC products.

Still, if you fiercely under-dosed, you may feel nothing after taking Delta-11. If you decide to increase your dosage, you might not need to double your dose, but you still may want to increase it by small quantities. Try increasing your dosage in 5 mg increments each time you dose until you reach the desired effects.

When you're increasing your dosage, though, make sure that you give an adequate amount of time for Delta-11-THC to kick in. Here are some tips:

  • If you're using Delta-11 edibles, it's better to increase your dosage in an entirely different session because the effects of edibles can take over 2 hours to kick in.
  • If you're using an inhaled product or a sublingual product, you may be able to stack doses. For inhaled products wait 15 minutes after the last puff to take another dose.
  • Sublingual products also take effect quickly, usually in about 30 minutes. For sublingual products, we recommend waiting about 45 minutes to an hour after your dose to see how you feel.

Read "How Long Will Delta-11 Take to Kick in?” to learn more.

Your Product is Poor Quality

Poor quality products don’t produce positive and potent effects. There are many reasons why a product could be bad. In some cases, it’s just poorly made, meaning it may not provide a hearty dose of Delta-11.

Many Delta-11 products are made with other potent THC extracts, like THC-O, HHC, or others. Because of this, they may display a “total cannabinoid content” which can be a very misleading way to measure dosage. If possible, look for a product that specifically identifies the potency of each cannabinoid used. If blends are all you can find, familiarize yourself with each cannabinoid in the formula in order to better understand what to expect.

It's important that you understand how to choose a high-quality Delta-11-THC product in order to ensure a good Delta-11 experience. In general, this means choosing Delta-11 products that are made from high-quality, US grown hemp and that are tested both for quality and potency.

The company should also provide some type of third party lab test results so that you know what you buy is what you'll get. To learn more about how to choose a good product, you may want to read our Delta-10-THC User Guide.

Your Product is Expired

Even if you did a good job sourcing your Delta-11 product, it may not provide the effects you expected if it expired. Delta-11 and other hemp products should come with an expiration date.

Even though products may still be okay past their expiration date, the THC content will eventually start to degrade. If your Delta-11 effects were less than stellar, check the expiration date of your product, which should be on the label. If not, reach out to the company with the product name and batch number and they should be able to tell you when it expires. That may help you find the root cause of your issue.

Your Product is Degraded

Even if the product is in date, it could still be degraded. That's because Delta-11-THC can degrade when exposed to the elements for too long, even if it’s not past the printed expiration date.

If Delta-11-THC is stored improperly, especially for a lengthy amount of time, it can begin to lose its potency. In general, you should keep Delta-11-THC at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. You should also store it in an airtight bottle. To learn more about this, you may want to read “Storing Delta-11-THC.”

You Took Too Much CBD

There's one commonly overlooked reason that Delta-11-THC may not have worked for you: you took it with too much CBD.

Of course, CBD and THC can work together to produce some pretty amazing therapeutic benefits, so if you were after pain relief or improved sleep, this may not be your culprit.

Still, research suggests that CBD can moderate the effects of THC. Typically, it depends on how the doses line up. Timing is everything.

If Delta-11 and CBD are taken at the same time, the reduction in psychoactivity is minimal. But, it also depends on the way that the two compounds are taken. If CBD is taken first, or the CBD method used absorbs faster than the Delta-11 dose, CBD could potentially inhibit psychoactive effects entirely.

More specifically, CBD can block THC from binding with certain neuroreceptors, which means it can inhibit its psychoactive effects. If CBD has an opportunity to bind with these neuroreceptors first, it will effectively inhibit Delta-11's effects.

Delta-10-THC is Interacting With Your Medicine

This is a rare interaction, but it is still a very important consideration to make. THC, including hemp-derived THC products, can interact with some prescription drugs because it uses the same metabolic pathways as many medications.

That means that Delta-11-THC can simply not work if your other medications deplete the enzymes needed to break down Delta-11. This could explain why Delta-11-THC didn't work, especially if you took the dose shortly after taking multiple medications, and especially if you took Delta-11 in an edible form.

However, this is important for much more concerning reasons—the reverse can also be true. If you take THC before or at the same time as other medications, Delta-11 can prevent other medications from working. It can also cause those medications to build up in the body, which in some cases can be dangerous.

Of course, you may still be able to take Delta-11-THC if you use prescription medications, but you should talk to your doctor about how to space out the doses to avoid interactions. This same interaction applies to all THC products, so you can read “Delta-8 Drug Interactions” to learn more.

A woman holding a yellow Delta-11-THC vaporizer

Steps to Make Delta-11 Work for You

If Delta-11 didn’t take you on the ride you’d imagined, you can always give it another go. Try out these tips and tricks to help improve your Delta-11 experience:


Decide Why You’re Taking Delta-11 (And Keep It In Mind)

The best key to a good trip is that you make sure you understand what effects you’re after. Seeking psychoactive effects is different from using Delta-11 therapeutically. You can achieve therapeutic benefits without experiencing psychoactivity, so understanding your motivation for taking Delta-11-THC will help you better measure the results.

If you're using Delta-11-THC for a therapeutic purpose, pay attention to how you feel before dosing. You may even mark your symptoms on a scale, like rating pain from 1-10 so that you can easily identify if Delta-11 is working for your intended purpose.

If you simply want to use Delta-11 recreationally, you may consider the different effects ofdifferent products. For instance, edibles often have more potent effects than other doses, while inhaled doses take effect almost instantly and are easy to stack until you reach your desired potency.

Consider Your Dosage

Everyone has a dosing sweet spot. Taking too little can prevent Delta-11 from working, and taking too much can cause the effects to be too intense, especially for new consumers . Use the “low and slow” dosing method if you’re unsure where to start. Start with a small dose and increase it in small increments every time you dose to monitor the effects.

Choose the Right Product

Different products can produce different effects. For instance, edibles are thought to produce effects that are slightly stronger than the effects of other dosing methods.

Sublingual products, like a tincture or sublingual edible, will take effect quickly and may be more bioavailable, which means more of the Delta-11 is actually absorbed into the bloodstream.

Inhaled products, like flower or vaporizers, provide effects that are nearly instant so they are a great option for users who want to ease their way in with small doses.

Where to Find Delta-11-THC Products?

Delta-11-THC derived from hemp is federally legal, which means you can buy it in stores and online from a variety of retailers. Of course, not all Delta-11-THC is made equal.

If you're looking for premium quality hemp-derived THC products in a variety of potencies and flavors, our Elev8 Collection has what you need. All Vida Optima products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested for quality assurance.

Vida Optima Cloud9 Hemp THC Gummies

Delta-11-THC Not Working FAQ

How Does Delta-11 Make You Feel?

Delta-11 produces a high that is often described as euphoric and uplifting, similar to other THC variants. Users typically report a sense of relaxation and heightened sensory perception. The effects can vary based on individual tolerance and the specific product used.

What Kind of High Is Delta-11?

Delta-11 is known for providing a balanced high, combining both stimulating and relaxing effects. It can induce a feeling of euphoria and creativity while also offering a degree of calmness. The experience can be somewhat unique compared to Delta-8 and Delta-9, with its own distinctive profile.

Is Delta-8 or Delta-11 Stronger?

Delta-11 is generally considered to be more potent than Delta-8. While Delta-8 provides a milder, more clear-headed high, Delta-11 can offer a stronger psychoactive experience. The strength and effects can vary, so it's important to start with a lower dose if you’re new to Delta-11.

How Long Does Delta-11 High Last?

The duration of a Delta-11 high can vary depending on the dosage and individual metabolism. Typically, the effects last between 2 to 6 hours, similar to other THC variants. However, the intensity and duration of the high can differ based on personal tolerance and consumption method.

Is Delta-11 Federally Legal?

Delta-11's legal status is complex and varies by jurisdiction. As with many cannabinoids, its legality depends on local regulations and whether it is derived from hemp or cannabis. Federal legality can be ambiguous, so it's essential to check local laws to determine the legal status of Delta-11 in your area.

Is Delta-11 Weak?

Delta-11 is not considered weak; it can be quite potent and provide a strong high. Its effects are generally more intense than Delta-8, making it a significant cannabinoid in terms of potency. As always, users should start with a small dose to gauge their personal response.


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