What is Delta-11 THC or 11-Hydroxy-THC

Delta 11 THC is a recently commercialized form of THC that is typically found in the body after consumption of Delta 8 or Delta 9 products. 

What Is Delta 11 or 11-HYDROXY-THC?

11-Hydroxy-THC, or Delta 11 THC is a metabolite that occurs in our body after we ingest THC. Our gastrointestinal system, including the liver, breaks down the famous Delta-9 during the digestion process, thus forming 11-Hydroxy, also known as 11-OH-THC. 

We must highlight that 11-Hydroxy-THC does not occur naturally in the cannabis plant, nor does it come from smoking cannabis. 11-Hydroxy-THC only happens when we ingest cannabis. The way our bodies absorb and assimilate 11-Hydroxy-THC is what gives cannabis-infused edibles their distinctive high and makes them “kick harder.”

How does 11-hydroxy-THC work?

11-hydroxy-THC primarily produces its effects by binding to the CB1 receptor and mimicking all the known effects of delta-9. The peak concentration of 11-hydroxy-THC in the blood is about one and a half hours after ingestion, although, depending on the dose it can last up to eight hours or more.

This works wonders for patients needing the long-lasting effects of 11-OH-THC, because it may aid sleep and cause sedation effects.

The sedative effect of 11-hydroxy-THC may not always be desirable, especially when consuming a cannabis edible in the middle of the day. Fortunately, there are ways to limit the consumption of 11-hydroxy-THC to avoid any unwanted psychoactive effects.

Delta 11 THC the Science

An early study compared the effects of THC and 11-hydroxy-THC. The researchers found that when volunteers were given equivalent one-milligram doses intravenously of either compound, 11-hydroxy-THC resulted in a faster onset and a more intense psychoactive experience than THC.

Moreover, it’s been estimated that the body’s first-pass metabolism produces far more 11-hydroxy-THC after oral administration than when cannabis is inhaled. This may explain why cannabis edibles can feel more potent and more psychoactive than an equivalent dose that’s been inhaled.

Will Delta 11 THC Get Me High?

Research is limited but seems to suggest that Delta 11 THC mimics the effects of Delta 9 THC and maybe 2-3 times more potent when consumed orally.

The Benefits of 11-Hydroxy-THC

While there hasn’t been nearly enough research on the specific medical effects of 11-hydroxy-THC, there are benefits to taking edibles that keep patients returning to them and to 11-hydroxy-THC. So, what makes this method different from the rest?

• Hemp edibles last longer: For one thing, edibles have longer-lasting effects. While they take longer to start working—typically 60–120 minutes as opposed to 10–15 minutes with smoking—they can last much longer. A cannabis edible high usually lasts six to eight hours, while the high from smoking only last around two or three hours. For patients with medical conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, it can be especially helpful to have a long-lasting medicine that doesn’t require medicating over and over again throughout the day.

• Hemp-infused foods are more sedative and psychoactive: Folks have noted that the effects of edibles are slightly more sedative than when they smoke cannabis. This can make edibles a great choice for conditions like insomnia. A dose taken a few hours before bedtime can lead to a strong sense of sleepiness when it’s time for bed. Since it’s also long-lasting, the sedation can continue all the way through the night, fading just in time for the morning.

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