Key Takeaways
- Delta-11 and Delta-9 are different in many ways, even though they both come from THC.
- Delta-11 availability is limited despite the 2018 Farm Bill, given that various states have implemented their own restrictions or bans.
- Potency, intensity, extraction methods, and legality can all affect which side you choose in this showdown.
Cannabis can be a pretty complex subject. There's the whole hemp vs marijuana sidebar and the THC vs CBD debate, not to mention countless consumption methods to choose from, and plenty of legal hurdles to jump through.
But at MUNCHIES!, we're passionate about destigmatizing cannabis consumption and offering answers to all your questions. From educating our customers about what Delta-11 is to sharing tips for flying with hemp-derived edibles, we believe in clear information and zero guesswork.
This guide takes a closer look at the differences between Delta-9 and Delta-11, covering questions like “Is Delta-11 stronger than Delta-9?”, “Is Delta-11 the strongest?”, and more.
What's the Difference Between Delta-9 and Delta-11?
Although Delta-9 and Delta-11 do share some similarities (in the sense that they both get you high and can be derived from hemp or marijuana), they are very different. These variations are not only in the specific experience they provide but also in their accessibility and safety profile.
Delta-9The “real deal THC” |
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Status following the 2018 Farm Bill: Widely available across the US |
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Delta-11“The mysterious new kid” |
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Status following the 2018 Farm Bill: Legality is inconsistent across various states, making it harder to get than Delta-9. You can shop for it online or at licensed dispensaries. |
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What Is Delta-9?
This is the cannabinoid responsible for those classic mind-bending effects you've probably come to know and love.
What does Delta-9 feel like?It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which is how it's able to produce effects like:
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What are the benefits of Delta-9?While it's definitely not a cure or replacement treatment for anything, Delta-9 THC has been linked to pain management, sleep quality, nausea relief, and mood elevation. |
What’s the right amount of Delta-9 to take?Delta-11 might be stronger than Delta-9, but even small doses of Delta-9 can make a tangible difference to how you feel because it's so potent. That said, it's easy to overdo it, especially when you’re not sure how to dose with Delta-9 edibles. Too much of it could trigger anxiety or couch-lock, especially in people with lower tolerance, which is why the best move is to start with half a gummy and give it a few hours before you take any more. |
Where does Delta-9 come from?You'll find Delta-9 in both hemp and marijuana. |
Everything You Need to Know About Delta-11
Delta-11 is much newer to the conversation, but that's changing right before our eyes. It's becoming more popular as its incredible psychoactive potential comes to light.
There’s no doubt about the fact that Delta-11 is stronger than Delta-9. But did you know just how much stronger it is? The slight chemical variations of Delta-11 THC have a vastly different experience.
What does Delta-11 feel like?It's a slower build-up followed by a deeper physical relaxation without as much mental stimulation. It could be up to three times stronger, to be more specific. |
How is Delta-11 created?But here's another difference between Delta-9 and Delta-11. Since it’s scarce and is found in such trace amounts, it needs to be converted from CBD through a process called isomerization. This makes most Delta-11 on the market manmade. |
What are the benefits of Delta-11?Research on Delta-11 is still limited, but one early study on mice suggests it may produce some of the same effects as Delta-9 THC. Based on this study, these effects included making the animals' body temperature go down, relieving their pain, and making them less active. |
The legal perspective of Delta-11Delta-11 products also sit in a much grayer area from a legal perspective, and this is another factor to consider. The conflict lies between interpretations of the 2018 Farm Bill and the DEA’s stance that synthetic cannabinoids remain illegal. |
Which One Is the Best Choice?
Potency and Intensity
Delta-9
- Delta-9 is what you recognize for its classic euphoric buzz, and it’s known for evoking the quintessential cannabis experience. It's familiar, it's predictable, and it's just what most of us want, which puts it in a strong position when weighing Delta-11 against Delta-9.
- The effects are strong but manageable, offering a balanced high that can range from uplifting and creative to deeply relaxing, depending on the strain and dosage.
- How long a Delta-9 high lasts depends on how you use it. A Delta-9 high can have fluctuating duration, but edibles can last 3-4 hours.
Delta-11
- What makes people say that Delta-11 is a different beast entirely? All things being held equal, anecdotal reports suggest it may be 2-3 times stronger than Delta-9.
- Delta-11 might be exactly what you're looking for if you already have a moderate or high THC tolerance and just want to push the limits now and then. But if you want something more practical for everyday use, Delta-9 is the clear choice.
- Duration is another consideration to weigh. Delta-11 comes on slower and lingers much longer, sometimes up to 6 hours.
Extraction Methods
Delta-9
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Delta-9 is naturally extracted from hemp or marijuana plants. It can also be created synthetically in labs.
- It's present in large enough quantities that standard extraction methods (such as CO2 or ethanol extraction) work well.
Delta-11
- Delta-11 is stronger than Delta-9, even though it occurs only in trace amounts in nature. So, most of the Delta-11 on the market is created by rearranging other cannabinoids, like CBD, through lab-based isomerization processes.
- It's still considered hemp-derived if the starting material is federally legal hemp, but the bottom line is that it’s processed.
So in this sense, it’s a matter of picking either a manmade or natural cannabis product. Because of the extra steps that go into producing Delta-11, there's more room for error.
Legality
Both cannabinoids fall under the scope of the 2018 Farm Bill, but with certain key differences.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 is legal at the federal level as long as the final product contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
That's why you can easily find legitimate Delta-9 THCA prerolls online, but might not have the same luck with Delta-11. Even though it can technically be made from hemp, its semi-synthetic nature (because of the processing involved) puts it in a much grayer legal area.
This means that you might have a harder time getting your hands on legal Delta-11 products. But it’s worth the effort to get lab-tested products, as they come with a guarantee of consistency, potency, and purity.
Which One Wins?
The truth is that each cannabinoid brings something unique to your experience and offers a new side of euphoria.
While Delta-11 is breaking the surface, Delta-9 remains the long-reigning king of euphoria, energy, and intensity. It's naturally extracted and federally legal thanks to the Farm Bill, which is why you can get these products shipped right to your doorstep.
As Delta-11 continues gaining attention, more users are exploring how it fits into their personal routines, whether that is for a deeper unwind or a more intense weekend experience. Its rising popularity shows that the cannabinoid space is evolving quickly, with new options appearing as consumer interest grows.
At the same time, Delta-9 remains the dependable and widely trusted choice for anyone who wants a familiar, well-established high without any guesswork. Its accessibility, consistency, and strong legal footing make it a go-to option for both new and seasoned cannabis fans.
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