Cannabis plants are becoming an increasingly familiar sight in various parts of the United States and throughout the world as legalization continues to sweep the planet. Despite the increased frequency with which these plants are identified throughout the country, there are plenty of people who have serious questions about the properties of cannabis plants. Among the top things that the public wonders about are the cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in cannabis plants.
Cannabinoids interact with the human body and brain in ways that can be quite pleasurable. They can temporarily impact various psychological processes as well as affect mood, pain levels, stress levels, hunger levels, and more. As such, many choose to enjoy cannabis as a means of altering their state of being in ways both big and small. In short, here is what you should know about cannabinoids:
- They are naturally occurring in cannabis plants
- They can have an impact on your psychological and physical state
- They will likely be increasingly familiar to you as the years go on and cannabis is more easily accessible
Two specific types of cannabinoids that you should know about are Delta 11 and Delta 9. These cannabinoids are what you are likely to see offered in many legal dispensaries throughout the world. Knowing a little more about each and how they differ from one another can help you select the offerings that are right for you.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Walk into any legal dispensary and you are likely to be bombarded by a number of offerings for Delta 9 THC. Known formally as Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta 9 THC is the most common psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is among the most well-known compounds in the entire cannabis plant, and it is popular for producing the feeling of being "high" while consuming cannabis.
Delta 9 THC is a colorless oil and is just one of the 113 total cannabinoids that are found in cannabis, but it is the one that is the most popularized in society. It has the ability to produce a variety of effects on users, including:
- Euphoria
- Increased appetite
- Relaxation
- Altered perception
Users tend to appreciate the feeling of getting to "let go" of the stress of their daily lives and simply absorb the positive emotions that are so often associated with the consumption of Delta 9 THC.
The legal status of Delta 9 THC in the United States remains an issue that any potential consumer should concern themselves with. The substance is federally legal if it comes from hemp and contains 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC by dry weight. This is because Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for this change in the law. When the product contains more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight, it is still considered federally illegal. However, several states have amended their own laws to make the substance legal at the state level. Among the states where the substance is legal at the state level for recreational purposes include:
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Oregon
- Washington
What is Delta 11 THC?
Not as well-known (yet!) as Delta 9 THC, Delta 11 THC is new to the scene for many people, but it is gaining popularity quickly. It is a synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoid that is derived from existing cannabinoids that are already present in cannabis. It generally comes from hemp-derived CBD or Delta 8 THC. It is almost always lab-developed as it is not found in great quantities in cannabis plants in the wild.
The amount of research conducted on Delta 11 THC is not as bountiful as what has been done on Delta 9 THC, but plenty of users have still experienced its impacts. Among the effects that you might experience with Delta 11 THC include the following:
- Deep relaxation
- Euphoric high
- Increased sensory perception
Many say that the effects that they feel from Delta 11 THC are significantly heightened compared to what they experience with Delta 9 THC. Thus, those who are experienced with the consumption of these types of products and want to have the deepest feelings and experiences when using them might consider adding Delta 11 THC to the rotation.
As more people begin to experience what Delta 9 and Delta 11 THC are all about, there is an increased interest in Delta 11 THC in particular. People want to dive into the deep end and see what kind of relaxing experiences they can enjoy with these products. That has spiked the demand for said products, and it might mean that you can find them at a dispensary near you sooner than you might have expected.
Key Differences Between Delta 11 and Delta 9
You will feel supremely confident when you go to place your order for some Delta 11 or Delta 9 THC products and know the differences between the two. Simply having a better understanding of what you are about to purchase puts you in the driver's seat when it comes to making a selection that makes the most sense for your needs.
Natural Sourcing
Delta 9 THC is incredibly common and frequently found naturally within the cannabis plant. However, the same cannot be said of Delta 11 THC. It is almost always derived in a lab and is synthetic or semi-synthetic in nature.
Psychoactivity
Both Delta 9 and Delta 11 THC have psychoactive properties to them. However, the effects of Delta 11 THC are said to be somewhat stronger and longer-lasting for many consumers. This experience might differ from person to person, but the consensus is that this is the case.
Duration of Effects
The typical length of duration of the impacts of Delta 9 THC are said to be between 2-4 hours according to the reports of many users. The duration of the impacts of Delta 11 THC can last a bit longer for some people with a potential range of 4-6 hours for some consumers.
Legal Status
Delta 9 THC is federally illegal unless it is less than 0.3% THC by dry weight and is derived from hemp. Delta 11 THC exists in more of a legal gray zone, but it is said to be federally legal as long as it is hemp-derived.
Depth of Research
The depth of research on the impacts of Delta 9 THC are far more extensive than what has been done on Delta 11 THC. This is because Delta 11 THC is newer to the scene and there has not been as much time for researchers to explore what it is all about.
Availability
Delta 9 THC is widely available throughout the United States at legal dispensaries and other types of stores as well. However, Delta 11 THC is typically found in online stores only and is not as easy to access at this time.
Legality and Regulations
All consumers are encouraged to carefully examine the laws in their jurisdiction to determine for themselves what the legal status of various cannabis products are before they purchase any. For the most part, Delta 9 THC is something that can be found in most places throughout the United States. However, the availability and legality of Delta 11 THC are much more limited.
Given the limited amount of research conducted on Delta 11 THC at this time, it is unlikely that lawmakers will be in any rush to legalize it at the state or federal level. This will almost certainly put a damper on the availability of Delta 11 THC for many consumers for quite some time. Delta 9 THC will continue to expand and grow its market share for the foreseeable future.
Safety and Side Effects
Although most adults can safely consume Delta 9 THC or Delta 11 THC whenever they choose to do so, it is critical to consider the potential side effects and safety risks that can come with it. After all, you don't want to purchase something that could harm you!
Here are a few potential side effects of Delta 9 THC:
- Bloodshot Eyes - This can be a dead giveaway that someone has been consuming Delta 9 THC. Although the long-term impact of bloodshot eyes is likely to be minimal, it can still be something that you want to steer clear of.
- Impaired Coordination - The loss of coordination can cause you to end up colliding with something and injuring yourself. This is yet another side effect that you don't want to deal with.
- Increased Heart Rate - A rapidly beating heart is not out of the question as a potential side effect of consuming Delta 9 THC. That can be uncomfortable and can lead to other complications if you have existing heart conditions.
Here are a few potential side effects of Delta 11 THC:
- Dry Mouth - The feeling of having a dry mouth is an unpleasant one and can make it difficult to swallow properly or consume food until you have rehydrated.
- Anxiety - Although most individuals experience relaxation with Delta 11 THC, some have reported an increased sense of anxiety. Obviously, that is something that we all want to avoid whenever possible.
- Grogginess - An inability to shake off the fog or return to a normal state of mind quickly may be an impact that you experience with Delta 11 THC as well.
This list is not comprehensive, but it gives you an idea of the kind of side effects or risks that could come with consuming Delta 11 or Delta 9 THC.
Future of Delta 9 and Delta 11
No one has a crystal ball that they can pull out of their closet and predict the future of Delta 11 and Delta 9 THC with perfect accuracy, but we can identify some of the ongoing trends and how they are likely to play out going forward. The following are some things that we anticipate will continue to play out in the future of Delta 11 and Delta 9 THC:
- More widespread acceptance
- Greater levels of scientific and medical research
- New product types
- Well-known companies are more likely to get involved
- Greater use for the treatment of mental health issues
These, among other trends, are likely to continue to take hold in the Delta THC world moving forward.
Now you know a bit more about Delta 11 and Delta 9 THC. Equipped with these facts, reach out and contact us with any questions that you might still have. We want you to be as confident and informed as possible when you decide to make your first Delta 11 or Delta 9 THC purchase, and we are here to help you do exactly that!
References
1) Ng T, Keshock MC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) [Updated 2023 Nov 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
2) Abernethy, A. (2019, July 25). Hemp production and the 2018 Farm Bill. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
