What is D11? A Guide to Delta-11-THC Effects, Legality, & More

by Kat Austin July 20, 2023 8 min read

What is D11? A Guide to Delta-11-THC Effects, Legality, & More - VO Inc

CBD and Delta-8 have gained popularity, but now a new hemp-derived THC product is emerging: Delta-11-THC.

What is D11? D11, short for Delta-11-THC, is a potent cannabinoid known for its powerful psychoactive effects, offering euphoric sensations that surpass other hemp-based THC products.

Naturally, you may be wondering: Is D11 synthetic? Is it legal? And where can you find it? In this article, we'll dive into all the details about D11 THC, including how it's made, its uses, and where to purchase it.

Let’s get started:

Table of Contents
What’s D11 THC?
What Does Delta-11 Do?
Does D11 THC Get You High?
Where Does Delta-11 Come From?
Is D11 THC Legal?
Types of D11 THC Products
Is Delta-11 Safe?
Where to Buy D11 THC

Key Takeaways

  • D11 THC is a natural, psychoactive cannabinoid derived from legal hemp through a process called isomerization.
  • Though still being researched, Delta-11 may offer effects similar to traditional THC.
  • Delta-11-THC can be legally purchased online in states where it is permitted, making it more accessible than traditional cannabis.

What’s D11 THC?

A row of flowering hemp plants grown indoors just before harvest

Delta-11-THC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that exists as a "hemp isomer." But what does that mean? Isomers are compounds with the same components, just arranged differently.

Through a process called isomerization, CBD is converted into Delta-11-THC by rearranging the molecules without adding anything synthetic. This method (which was originally patented by the Father of Cannabis himselfis used to convert abundant CBD into less common cannabinoids like Delta-11-THC, which can then be used in edibles and vaporizers.

Because cannabinoids like D11 are found in small amounts naturally, manufacturers transform CBD into D11 to meet demand for its unique effects.

Why are there so many forms of THC?

Cannabis is complex, and its cannabinoids have multiple forms. Small molecular changes, like rearranging a double bond in THC’s chemical structure, create different THC variants. These forms occur naturally in tiny amounts but can be produced in larger quantities through lab processes, driving today’s hemp-based THC market.

Are all forms of THC the same?

No, each THC variant—Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, and Delta-11—has a unique chemical structure, resulting in slightly different effects on the body. While Delta-9 is the most studied, many users report distinct effects from other THC forms like D11.

Some forms, like Delta-8, are moderately well researched and have been known to be less potent than Delta-9-THC since their discovery. Other forms of THC, like THC-O, may be far more potent, but there is very little research to help us understand their effects. 

What Does Delta-11 Do?

Similarly to Delta-9-THC and other cannabinoids, Delta-11-THC interacts with the body via the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Currently, we're lacking evidence to help us understand how Delta-11 works, but it's believed to have an affinity for CB-1 receptors that's up to three times stronger than traditional Delta-9-THC. That means that it binds with CB-1 receptors at a higher rate. These receptors are responsible for the heady, psychoactive effects of traditional THC products.

In other words, 10 milligrams of Delta-11 is roughly equivalent to 30 milligrams of Delta-9.

But that's not all–the effects are also different. Delta-11 is described as highly euphoric, relaxing, and possibly sedating at high doses.

A delta-11 high is great for unwinding and soothing discomfort, though we don’t have enough evidence to determine its therapeutic potential. If it behaves similarly to Delta-9, it may have similar therapeutic potential. In general, traditional THC products are medicinally used for managing:

  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle spasms
  • Poor appetite
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Nausea and vomiting

In states where cannabis is approved for medical uses, some approved uses include:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Crohn's disease
  • Epilepsy and seizures
  • Glaucoma
  • Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
  • Severe and chronic pain
  • Severe nausea or vomiting caused by cancer treatment

Keep in mind that Delta-11, while highly potent, is not approved for medicinal use. Instead, many people choose it for recreational purposes and enjoy the therapeutic benefits that follow.

Does D11 THC Get You High?

The primary question people have about D-11-THC is “Will it get you high?” and the answer is an astounding yes! Delta-11-THC is highly psychoactive, meaning it will get you high similarly to Delta-9. Expect to feel intense euphoria with body-centric effects. Many people describe the feeling as tingling or floating and enjoy the discomfort-relieving, sleep-enhancing effects of Delta-11-THC.

Like all THC products, the effects are dose dependent. Because Delta-11 is highly potent, you may find that small doses are still intensely psychoactive. The effects you experience from Delta-11-THC will depend on various factors, like your THC tolerance and the way that the D11 THC product is made.

(As a side note, if you're looking for a highly potent THC dose with more uplifting effects, you may consider checking out THC-O.)

Where Does Delta-11 Come From?

Not all Delta-11 is made the same, and Delta-11-THC products can be naturally derived from two main sources: hemp or high-THC cannabis strains, also known as “marijuana.” Here’s the difference:

Cannabis-derived D11 THC

Delta-11 may be naturally occurring in some cannabis strains, and you may be able to find Delta-11 products in local dispensaries. However, this type of cannabis is classified as a Controlled Substance in the U.S., meaning Delta-8-THC products made from high-THC cannabis are also Controlled Substances.

These products are usually more regulated, but there’s one prominent drawback: they’re usually more expensive. That’s because legal cannabis products are usually subject to expensive regulations and increased taxes that all trickle down to the final price.

Hemp-derived D11 THC

Alternatively, D11 THC can be made from legal hemp-derived CBD, which is legal in the U.S. according to federal law. This kind of Delta-11-THC can be made legally in most states and purchased online from any legal area.

At the core, both types of Delta-11-THC work the same, but hemp-derived D11 THC is much more accessible across the nation thanks to updated hemp laws.

Is D11 THC Legal?

As we previously mentioned, Delta-11-THC is federally legal ONLY if it is derived from federally legal hemp material.

According to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, hemp material that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC is legal. The bill carves out a legal space for all hemp derivatives, including cannabinoids, isomers, and other extracts provided they also contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC.

The new laws also make an exception for “hemp derived tetrahydrocannabinols” in the Controlled Substances Act. That means that any Delta-11-THC product made from legal hemp is not a controlled substance in the U.S. according to federal law.

As always, state laws vary. To find out if Delta-11-THC is legal in your home state, read “Where is Delta-11-THC Legal?

Types of D11 THC Products

Hemp delta-11 flower and two different forms of Delta-11 concentrates to show examples of different types of Delta-11 products.

In areas where Delta-11 is legal, manufacturers are taking advantage of the versatility of Delta-11 extracts. There’s a huge variety of products currently available, and new, innovative Delta-11 dosing styles are hitting the shelves every day.

There are, of course, some tried and true products that you’ll find wherever you look. Some of the most popular D11 THC product types include:

Edibles

D11 THC gummies are exactly what they sound like—chewy treats that are strategically dosed with a pre-measured amount of Delta-11. Gummies take a while to kick in (about 1.5 hours) but they pack a punch and offer long lasting effects.

Some doses, like hard candies and other edibles that are designed to melt in your mouth may offer the benefits of sublingual dosing. That means they are absorbed through the mouth in order to bypass digestion and may take effect more quickly than traditional edibles.

Vaporizers

D11 THC vaporizers are the most popular dosing method available. They offer the benefits of incremental dosing and immediate effects. Delta-8 vapes take effect in about 5 minutes and you can slowly stack doses until you reach the desired effects.

Concentrates

Dabbing Delta-11 isn’t uncommon, and it’s an efficient way to use D11 at high doses. You’ll need special equipment to use Delta-11 concentrates, so many people opt for vaporizers instead.

Flower

Delta-11 flower is hemp flower that is sprayed with Delta-11 concentrate. It smokes similarly to traditional cannabis flower and offers the benefits of its full-spectrum cannabinoid profile, which will include CBD and other minor cannabinoids, like CBG or CBN. Like vapes, it kicks in fast, though it can be more difficult to meter your dosage. Plus, Delta-11 flower is not always readily available, so it may be more difficult to find high-quality products.

Is Delta-11 Safe?

With all the different formulations and hemp regulations out there, it's important to ask—Is D11 THC safe? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no. Actually, Delta-11-THC safety is relative to the way that it is made and used.

That means that the safety of a particular product depends on various factors, like how it’s made or where it comes from. Other safety complications may come from combining Delta-11 with other substances, like medications or alcohol. Delta-11 may have some drug interactions and it may alter the effects of alcohol.

In general, Delta-11-THC is thought to be as safe as traditional THC products when it is made from high-quality industrial hemp and free of contaminants and solvents.

That means you have to be careful when you buy D11 THC products online or in stores. Thoroughly evaluate the products and the hemp brand to check their hemp source and look for third-party test results. These results will help you determine if the product label is accurate, which is important when determining the best starting dose for your new products.

To learn more, read “How Much Delta-11-THC Should I Take?

Where to Buy D11 THC?

If you live in a legal area, you can likely find Delta-11-THC products in stores near you, but there may be some benefits to buying Delta-11 online. When you buy D11 THC online, you can more thoroughly assess the brand’s background, the product’s ingredients, and the third-party test results needed to prove label accuracy.

At Vida Optima, all of our products are 100% Farm Bill compliant. We use only high-quality U.S. grown hemp and GMP compliant manufacturing practices to provide pure, potent Delta-8 gummies, vaporizers, and more. Check out our full hemp collection (and look for third-party test results on every product page!)

Vida Optima Cloud 9 THC Gummies

FAQ - What's D11?

What does D11 mean?

D11, or Delta-11-THC, refers to a cannabinoid found in trace amounts in hemp. It is an isomer of THC, meaning it has a slightly different molecular structure than other THC variants like Delta-8 or Delta-9.

What are the effects of D11?

Delta-11 is reported to have potent psychoactive effects that are relaxing and euphoric. It’s known for inducing a "body high," which some users describe as similar to a "trance" or "couch lock" experience. It may help with sleep, relaxation, and physical discomfort.

Is D11 stronger than D8?

Yes, Delta-11 is considered to be much stronger than Delta-8. While Delta-8 is known for milder effects, Delta-11 is about three times more potent than traditional Delta-9-THC, and therefore much stronger than Delta-8.

Is delta 11 stronger than THCP?

No, THCP is considered to be the most potent naturally occurring cannabinoid, significantly stronger than Delta-11. THCP is estimated to be 30 times more active at the CB1 receptor compared to Delta-9, making it much stronger than Delta-11.

Is Delta 11 federally legal?

Yes, Delta-11 is federally legal as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, according to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, state laws may vary, and it's important to check local regulations.

Is Delta 10 or 11 stronger?

Delta-11 is stronger than Delta-10. Delta-10 is often described as having milder, more energizing effects, while Delta-11 is known for its powerful body relaxation and euphoria, making it a more potent cannabinoid.

Resources

  1. “Delta-8 THC: What You Need to Know About This Cannabinoid”https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8 
  2. “NIH - delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol” https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol

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