Product
When most people think about hemp or marijuana in the context of getting high, it’s delta 9 THC that comes to mind. But this is just the tip of the cannabinoid iceberg! There are so many other forms of THC worth exploring, including delta 11 vs delta 8 THC.
Each of these more obscure cannabinoids has its place, and one of them may just be your new favorite way to catch a buzz and mellow out. But what’s the difference between delta 8 and delta 11? Ultimately, it comes down to potency.
Delta 8 is known as the milder cousin of delta 9 THC. It’s going to get you high, but the experience will feel more subtle and gentle. On the other hand, it’s been said that delta 11 THC can be up to 3 times as strong as delta 9 THC!
In this sense choosing between delta 8 vs delta 11 is fairly simple. Want something more mellow and controllable? Buy delta 8 products online here at MUNCHIES!
We’ve got you covered with 100% legal, lab-tested delta 8 THC edibles and delta 8 vape pens that pack a punch, but won’t overwhelm you. Shop our selection or learn more about the nuances between delta 11 vs delta 8 below!
What is Delta 11 THC?
Delta 11 THC is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids starting to show up in vape carts, edibles, and other hemp-derived products. You’ll find it in raw cannabis naturally, but in such small quantities that extraction is impractical.
Instead, the Delta 11 THC on the market today is almost always made by converting CBD through a lab-based process. That might sound a little sci-fi, but it’s no different than how Delta 8 and Delta 10 are produced.
What really separates delta 11 THC from the rest of its cannabinoid family comes down to potency. Some users describe the high as smoother and more euphoric than Delta 9, with a slightly delayed onset that creeps up and sticks around longer.
In this sense, delta 11 THC is fairly similar in experience to our THCP products, like the THCP vape pen collection we’ve curated for you! More on that later. Let’s look at the other half of the delta 8 vs delta 11 comparison.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC has been around longer and is one of the more familiar names in the hemp space. It’s also a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts, though most of the Delta 8 on the market is made through the same methods as delta 11.
Delta 8 fits neatly into a legal gray area under the 2018 Farm Bill. As long as it’s derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, it’s fair game! At least, on a federal level. State laws vary, so you’ll need to do your due diligence.
Now, the real difference between delta 8 and delta 11 comes down to potency. We like to think of delta 8 as “diet” weed. It’s far milder in terms of psychoactive effects.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. Some people don’t want to get overwhelmingly high every time they indulge, and delta 8 is right in the sweet spot. It delivers a gentler high that’s still noticeable but much more mellow than traditional cannabis.
You’ll probably just feel a subtle wave of euphoria crash over you as you sink into complete relaxation. You likely won’t feel any sort of anxiety or couch-lock that delta 9 THC (or delta 11 THC, for that matter) can cause.
What’s the Main Difference Between Delta 8 and Delta 11?
All that being said, what’s the biggest difference between delta 8 and delta 11? It comes down to potency. Delta 11 is generally considered stronger than Delta 8 – sometimes noticeably so.
Think of delta 8 as a way to relax and unwind while still trying to keep your wits about you. We’ve seen the high described as “functional.” Delta 11, on the other hand, can be quite a bit more intense. Not just in terms of how hard it hits but how long it lasts.
So delta 8 typically resonates more with new users looking to dip their toes into the cannabis waters without getting overwhelmed. In contrast, delta 11 tends to appeal to more seasoned users trying to push the limits and get really high.
The way each binds to cannabinoid receptors also affects how each compound interacts with your body. That said, let’s take a closer look at how delta 11 vs delta 8 stack up side by side below.
Delta 11 vs Delta 8: Side-by-Side Comparison
For what it’s worth, there are actually quite a few similarities between delta 8 vs delta 11. Both are minor cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis, but only in trace amounts.
This is why they’re both synthesized in a controlled lab environment rather than extracted from raw cannabis. They’re made by converting hemp-derived CBD, though the exact methods vary slighlty.
Technically, each cannabinoid is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill as long as they are derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. While the specific laws in your state matter most, we can ship our products just about anywhere!
Delta 8 and delta 11 both offer mood elevation, stress relief, and a sense of calm – but that’s where the similarities end and the real differences begin. So, is delta 11 stronger than delta 8 THC?
Is Delta 11 Stronger than Delta 8 THC?
To most people, yes – like we said earlier, delta 8 is like decaf weed whereas delta 11 is like a double shot of espresso. Ok, not a perfect metaphor since delta 8 does elicit some sort of psychoactive effect, but you get the point.
Users often describe the Delta 11 experience as more euphoric and heady, with a noticeable body high that sticks around longer than what Delta 8 delivers. Some say it’s closer to THCP than delta 9 THC, something you can learn more about in our comparison of THCP vs delta 8.
Delta 8, on the other hand, is milder. We love using it during the daytime for a subtle lift that doesn’t derail us from our responsibilities. But, it can be used anytime you want a nuanced high that melts away anxiety and stress without feeling overwhelming.
There’s fairly limited clinical research comparing the two, but real world feedback on delta 11 vs delta 8 makes it clear that the former packs a stronger punch.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Both Delta 8 and Delta 11 occupy a legal gray area in many states. Remember, they’re federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. But more and more states have become aware of the legal loophole this bill left for cannabinoids like delta 8 and 11.
Here’s the thing, though. Delta 11 is quite a bit more obscure, so it’s continued to fly under the radar while states have banned delta 8. You might be able to get delta 11 products shipped to your door, but delta 8 goodies are another story.
Examinining Safety Profiles
Both Delta 8 and Delta 11 appear to be well tolerated by most people – with a few caveats: 1) you buy safe, lab-tested products and 2) you use them as intended, with controlled dosages.
That said, there’s a pretty obvious difference between delta 11 vs delta 8 here. It’s much easier to overdo it with delta 11 given its higher potency. New users can inadvertently get too high, and since it lasts longer than delta 8, you’re in for a few hours of discomfort.
Reported side effects for both include dry mouth, red eyes, increased appetite, and drowsiness. Anxiety and paranoia are fairly common as well.
While this can be avoided with the right approach to dosing, you may want to stick with delta 8 for peace of mind. It’s easier to control and far less likely to get you too high.
Methods of Consumption
You’ll find Delta 8 and Delta 11 in many of the same formats: vapes, edibles, tinctures, and gummies. Delta 8 edibles are widely available and tend to have a delayed onset, while vapes kick in quickly and wear off faster.
But since delta 11 is a bit newer to the scene you might not have quite as many products at your fingertips. For instance, we sell tons of delta 8 delights here at MUNCHIES!, but no delta 11 products. Like we said earlier, though, our THCP products are a fairly close replacement for delta 11!
Potential Therapeutic Effects
Cannabis isn’t always just about getting high. The plant can bring therapeutic properties to the table, too. Many users turn to delta 8 for stress relief, mild pain management, sleep support, or anxiety. We’ve put together a few helpful resources examining its benefits:
Delta 11 is less studied so we can’t really say whether it has the same therapeutic effects as delta 8 or not. But, since it comes from the same family it’s reasonable to assume there may be some overlap.
As far as anecdotal evidence goes, we’ve seen people say delta 11 helps with deeper relaxation and mood enhancement – but with a much stronger psychoactive profile. We’ll let you decide if you want to try delta 11 yourself and see what it can do, or stick with the predictability of delta 8.
Can You Take Delta 11 THC and Delta 8 THC Together?
Ultimately, only you can determine which is right for you between delta 11 vs delta 8. But what if it wasn’t a matter of choosing between the two, rather, combining them for the best of both worlds? After all, this would fall in line with the philosophy of the entourage effect.
It’s been said that cannabis should be consumed as true-to-strain as possible. Rather than isolating out a single cannabinoid, in this case, delta 8 or 11, you should enjoy all of the hundreds of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids nature intended you to.
The thought is they can build upon the effects of one another and amplify each other’s benefits. But here’s the thing – delta 8 and delta 11 are trace cannabinoids, and so you’re not really getting a true-to-strain experience by consuming either type of product. If a strain typically has a marginal delta 8 content and you consume a product with 25%+ delta 8, that’s not something you’d find in nature.
This is why you may want to learn more about THCA vs delta 8. THCA converts to delta 9 THC, the real deal, when decarboxylated – or exposed to heat in layman’s terms. That means when you buy THCA products online at MUNCHIES!, you’re getting the authentic cannabis experience you crave.
Shop now, whether you want to go with delta 8, THCA, or any of the other great cannabinoid products we have in store for you!
Bringing Our Delta 8 vs Delta 11 Comparison to a Close
Hopefully this overview of delta 11 vs delta 8 has left you with a clear understanding of how they’re different but also where they’re similar. Although they’re both synthesized from CBD and deliver psychoactive properties, they’re more different than they are similar.
Delta 8 is the smoother, more beginner-friendly option with mellow effects, while Delta 11 is a heavy hitter, offering stronger and longer-lasting highs that experienced users may prefer.
Want to explore the highs for yourself? Browse our catalog today and spoil yourself (or a loved one!) with 100% legal, lab-tested cannabis products shipped straight to your door!
JUMP TO 