Kratom vs. Delta 11 THC: How Do They Measure Up Against One Another?

We’re seeing a huge wave of natural, holistic plant derivatives all over the market, known for offering both recreational and therapeutic effects. Two big players on the market right now are kratom and hemp – more specifically, the cannabinoids in hemp, which have been getting more attention than ever for their distinctive uses and unique highs. In fact, we are going to be to kratom to one cannabinoid in particular: delta 11 THC, a relative newcomer that we’re still learning about as we go.

Contender #1: Kratom

Kratom is the dried and ground leaves of the evergreen Mitragyna speciosa tree which grows in Southeast Asia. The leaves of the tree are rich in alkaloids that contain properties which can change how we feel, both mentally and physically. When we take kratom, its alkaloids affect our opioid receptors, which regulate things like pain tolerance, emotional state, and more.

Kratom naturally exists in numerous strains, referring to the specific cultivar of the tree (which varies between different regions). It also comes in three “veins”, referring to the color of the leaf’s vein at the time of harvest. While the leaves mature, the veins change color, and this color tells us how developed specific alkaloids are. This means that color of the vein can tell us how potent the product is, and which effects are the most prominent depending on which alkaloids are most abundant at any given time during the maturation process.

Can I Get High off of Kratom?

Yes, you can get high off of kratom, as ultimately, it’s an intoxicant. and how high you get will depend on the dosage, as well as the vein and the strain. Like we said, it works on opioid receptors, and when affected, these receptors can induce intoxication, as we know from opiates.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is a federally legal substance, as it’s never been illegal in the United States. However, a small number of states have prohibited it, and they are:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

In addition to that, kratom is banned in a handful of municipalities across the United States, even in states where it’s otherwise legal. Because of that, we urge you to check your state laws and local laws periodically to make sure kratom is still legal where you live, as this can change at any time.

Does Kratom Have Benefits?

Because kratom hasn’t been available on the Western market for long, the medical community is still in its early stages of exploring its potential benefits as research has been limited. There is, however, enough scientific papers have been published for us know that it has the potential to:

• Enhance energy, focus, and alertness
• Act as an anxiolytic
• Enhance mood
• Offers analgesic properties
• Improve sleep
• Decrease appetite

Does Kratom Have Side Effects?

Like most substances, kratom use can lead to some side effects, especially when not taken as it’s supposed to (in other words, if you don’t follow the directions on the label), if you take too much of it, or if your body just doesn’t tolerate it because of your unique physiology. Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Impaired coordination
• Increased heartrate
• Dry mouth/thirst
• Irritability/confusion
• Potential overdose

What Kinds of Kratom Products are There?

You can buy kratom in various product forms, as it’s pretty easy to infuse the water-soluble kratom powder into any formula. Now, let’s go over the products you’re most likely to encounter:

• Kratom Powder: The dried and ground up leaves, which is the pure form of kratom. It can be added to liquids or any other kind of solution you prefer.
• Kratom Liquid Extracts: These are highly concentrated liquid kratom products that are taken like a shot to offer a fast-acting and very potent experience.
• Bottled Kratom Drinks: Bottled kratom beverages include soft drinks, sparkling water, and any other type of drink infused with kratom powder.
• Kratom Teas: Kratom tea is just kratom powder placed inside of a teabag, for an easy way to extract the alkaloids into hot water.
• Kratom Edibles: Kratom gummies and other kratom-infused edibles promote long-lasting effects that come on more gradually.
• Kratom Capsules: Taking kratom in capsule form can be convenient if you’re already used to taking supplements as part of a routine.
• Kratom Vapes: These are still quite new to the marketplace, but just like any vapes, they’re available in bottle E-Liquids to be used in compatible vape pens, as well as pre-filled cartridges that attach to any 511-threaded pen-style system and AIO (All-In-One) Disposable Vapes. Vaping kratom allows you to feel the effects within minutes, but the effects don’t last as long.
• Kratom Topicals: Kratom topicals are applied to the skin, so that the alkaloids absorb transdermally.

Contender #2: Delta 11 THC

Delta 11 THC, aka, delta-11-tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as delta 11 THC, Δ11-THC, or Δ9(11)-THC) is a newly introduced cannabinoid, and it does exist naturally in the hemp plant, in trace amounts. It was, in fact, discovered back in the 1970s, but there has been no research on its chemical properties or potential effects.

But, like all cannabinoidsthat exist in cannabis, delta 11 attaches itself to cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) in the body, which mainly exist within the nervous system, and other systems to a smaller extent. Cannabinoid receptors use cannabinoids to regulate processes of the body as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system in every mammal that is tasked with keeping the body in homeostasis. This is why cannabinoids are associated with so many distinctive properties at the same time.

Can I Get High off of Delta 11 THC?

Delta 11 THC is, in fact, intoxicating. Just how intoxicating it is remains unknown, again due to a lack of research. But, it is said to be more potent than delta 9 THC, with some saying that it can get you three times as high.

Is Delta 11 THC Legal?

In 2018, the Farm Bill passed in the United States, to finally legalize the hemp plant. Under this piece of legislation, all hemp derivatives can be sold legally as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. All cannabinoids except delta 9 THC are therefore legal without restrictions, and that includes delta 11 THC.

Still, states are permitted to prohibit certain cannabis-derived products, and some have banned all intoxicating cannabinoids. These states are:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

Does Delta 11 THC Have Benefits?

Delta 11 THC has, again, not undergone any real scientific research in terms of potential benefits. Still, because we know that cannabinoids in general can offer notable potential benefits, we can guess that delta 11 offers at least some ability to:

• Reduce stress levels
• Improve mood
• Offer analgesic properties
• Offer anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduce nausea
• Increase appetite
• Aid in sleep
• Support digestive and immune function
• Offer neuroprotective properties

Does Delta 11 THC Have Side Effects?

Cannabinoids are strictly nontoxic to the human body, and cannabis has never been shown to cause major adverse events or life-threatening effects. However, if your tolerance is low or you take too high of a dose, you can end up with certain side effects. And, there are certain side effects that come with psychoactive cannabinoids, if you get too high. The good news is that side effects reported are mild and short-lived, and include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Reduction in blood pressure
• Fatigue/drowsiness
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia/anxiety
• General impairment
• Forgetfulness/fogginess

What Kinds of Delta 11 Product Types are There?

Delta 11 THC comes in some product types at the moment, including:

• Vapes (Disposables and Cartridges): Vaping delta 11 THC offers a fast-acting and potent way to get in a nice serving of your favorite cannabinoid, along with a nice selection of strains, all while being convenient, travel-friendly, and discreet.
• Edibles: Edibles like gummies produce long-lasting effects with a gradual onset.
• Flower: Delta 11 flower refers to raw hemp flower buds infused with delta 11 distillate – an isolated extract of this cannabinoid. Flower comes in lots of strain choices, and it’s sold in the forms of loose buds as well as pre-rolls.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are bottled oils that are intended to be taken sublingually (below the tongue) to absorb quickly and offer long-lasting effects. They’re easy to take, and even come in a variety of milligram strengths.

Kratom or Delta 11 THC: The Winer Is…

Kratom and delta 11 THC may be new to you, but both have existed in nature for ages. And, while they have some similar potential benefits, the truth of the matter is that they work with the body in different ways, which is why we recommend trying them both.

Plus, it’s easy to scope out kratom and delta 11 THC products here at The Calm Leaf. You see, we carry an awesome variety of different product types, strains, strengths, and more. That way, you can give them a try to see what makes sense for your needs.