The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) contains various forms of cannabinoids, with each having unique effects on the body. Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or Delta 9) are good examples of cannabinoids. However, with THC comes other forms like Delta 8, 9, 10, and 11. This article discusses Delta 11 THC and its potential health benefits.
What Is Delta 11 THC?
According to Secret Nature CBD, Delta 11 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in small amounts in the hemp of many strains of the cannabis plant. This cannabinoid has the same chemical structure as other cannabinoids, meaning other THC forms or cannabidiol molecules can be rearranged to produce Delta 11. Although it’s possible to produce Delta 11 from other cannabinoids, it’s still very rare.
Delta 11 THC vs. 11 Hydroxy THC: Are They the Same?
Delta 11 THC is a cannabinoid occurring naturally in cannabis. On the other hand, Hydroxy 11 THC is a by-product of the Delta 9 THC metabolism in the liver. When you consume cannabis, THC is broken down to 11 hydroxy THC. 11 hydroxy THC undergoes further metabolism and is reduced to several intermediate forms before forming the final product (11-nor-Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid glucuronide) which is then excreted in the urine or feces.
Keep in mind that 11 hydroxy THC is formed when you consume cannabis in any form, whether through the oral route (edible or sublingually) or inhalation (smoking and vaping). However, eating cannabis produces higher levels of 11 hydroxy THC than inhalation.
How Does Delta 11 THC Work?
After ingesting Delta 11 THC, the psychoactive is converted to THC in the body, which binds to specific protein receptors on the brain surface cells and causes various mood and mind-changing effects. This (binding) is possible because THC’s three-dimensional shape resembles anandamide, a natural molecule produced by the brain. The THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain areas involved in the following:
- Pain
- Emotions
- Thinking
- Learning
- Planning
- Bodily movements
Note that depending on the dose of THC consumed, you may have varying effects. Consuming high doses of THC can result in side effects.
Potential Health Benefits Of Delta 11 THC
While Delta 11 THC was first discovered in 1974, it has not been in the market until recently. This means there need to be more studies done on its potential effects and health benefits.
However, it’s good to note that Delta 11 THC is structurally similar to other cannabinoids and processed similarly, forming 11 hydroxy THC.
Delta 11 THC has also been shown to have similar but higher psychoactive properties than other cannabinoids, Delta 9 and 8. The potency can range from 1.5 to 7x higher with faster effects onset. Here are the potential health benefits of cannabinoids (including Delta 11, Delta 8, 9, and 10):
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
THC has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the body. This may help relieve conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. Delta 11 can also reduce body inflammation and improve overall health.
Neuroprotective Properties
Thanks to its neurological properties, cannabis can treat mental and neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Currently, there are various FDA-approved cannabis-like medications. These medications contain cannabinoids or their derivatives produced by cannabis. Epidiolex, a cannabidiol obtained from the cannabis plant, is used to treat a rare kind of epilepsy in kids. Research also shows that cannabis can treat conditions like multiple sclerosis and may also relieve Alzheimer’s, though studies are still ongoing.
Pain-Relieving Properties
Cannabinoids in cannabis can help reduce pain changing pain perception receptors in the brain. This can help treat or manage conditions causing chronic pain like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and endometriosis.
Unlike other common pain-relieving drugs like benzodiazepines and opioids, which have life-threatening side effects, cannabis is considered a safer option. Opioids and benzodiazepines have caused many deaths due to accidental overdose every year.
Better Sleep
Cannabis can help improve sleep in various ways. For one, it may relieve pain in people with chronic conditions like endometriosis and fibromyalgia. Reduced pain can facilitate better sleep. Cannabis also produces relaxing effects when consumed. This can help people with sleep disorders like insomnia or restless leg syndrome fall asleep faster. However, it may not prevent them from waking at night.
Nausea and Vomiting
You can also use cannabis to provide relief against nausea, vomiting, and low appetite. Cesamet (nabilone) and Marinol (dronabinol) are FDA-approved medications produced from synthetic cannabinoids that are prescribed for vomiting, nausea, and low appetite. These medications can help cancer patients who often struggle with low appetite, nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Delta 11 THC Products
Since Delta 11 THC is relatively new in the market, there aren’t many product variations. With time, there’s the hope of new products being available once the cannabinoid becomes popular. Currently, the cannabinoid comes in the form of grams of distillate and vape cartridges. This means there are no edibles, and you can only vape the product.
When sourcing for Delta 11 THC products, remember to check the ingredients contained. Some companies mix Delta 11 with other cannabinoids like Delta 8 and 9, making finding authentic Delta 11 THC challenging. It’s also crucial to go for a vendor whose products are tested by third parties labs and labelled correctly. This way, you’ll be sure you’re consuming authentic and safe products.
Delta 11 THC Side Effects
Delta 11 is structurally similar to Delta 8 and 9. It’s expected to have the same side effects as the other two. Here are potential side effects associated with Delta 8 and 9:
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate or tachycardia
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Bloodshot or red eyes
- Disorientation
- Dry mouth
- Reduced reaction times
- Memory loss
- Drowsiness
The side effects are due to THC’s psychoactive properties and should be temporary. They also vary between people.
Delta 11 THC has a lot of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and pain-relieving properties, better sleep, and relief against nausea and vomiting. However, more research is still needed to fully understand these health benefits, appropriate dosage, and administration.