The Ultimate Vape Showdown: THCH, THCA, Delta 11 & Mushroom Blends Compared

The global cannabis vaporizer market is estimated at USD 5.9 billion in 2024, projected to more than double to USD 13.06 billion by 2030. In the U.S. alone, sales of hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta 8, THCA, and THCH jumped 1,283%, reaching nearly $2.8 billion. This surge has created more interest in lesser-known cannabinoids and botanical vape blends than ever before.

THCH, THCA, Delta 11, and mushroom vapes each come from distinct sources and processes. We’re lining them up side by side so you see how they differ clearly. Here's what we’ll tackle:

• How THCH, THCA, Delta 11, and mushroom-infused vape options are sourced and created
• Key differences in production, availability, and what they contain
• Legal snapshots and what to keep in mind
• Where you can see these options in The Calm Leaf

What is a THCH Vape?

A THCH vape contains tetrahydrocannabihexol, a hemp-derived cannabinoid created through advanced extraction and refinement. It’s available in cartridges or disposables and often paired with other hemp compounds for variety.

THCH is rare compared to mainstream hemp cannabinoids. You’ll usually find it in carefully formulated products that combine multiple cannabinoids in one device, like the Binoid Knockout Blend THCP + THCH + HHCP Live Resin Disposable Vape or the Binoid THC-H 1G Vape Cartridge. Both use live resin, which means the hemp is processed soon after harvest to help preserve its original plant compounds.

Common traits of THCH vapes:

• Hemp-derived active compounds
• Sold as cartridges or all-in-one disposables
• Often blended with cannabinoids such as THC-B or THC-P
• Available in multiple strain profiles, including single and combo packs

Brands like Delta Extrax, Elyxr, and Ocho Extracts offer THCH vapes in various combinations. Some highlight hemp cannabinoid blends such as HXY11-THC or PHC. For example, the Elyxr THC-H + THC-B + THC-P Live Resin Mutant Blend Vape Cartridge combines THCH with other rare cannabinoids in one format.

What is a THCA Vape?

A THCA vape contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, a hemp-derived cannabinoid kept in its raw form during processing. It’s typically available in cartridges or disposable formats and often paired with other cannabinoids.

THCA is one of the more established hemp cannabinoids in the U.S. market. You’ll see it in a variety of product types, from the IKONIK THCA + THCP Live Resin 4G Disposable Vape Pen to high-capacity options like the Binoid Exclusive Series THCA Live Resin Blend 5G Disposable Vape Pen. Some products, like the Realize THCA Diamond + THCV Live Resin 4G Disposable Vape Pen, feature THCA alongside other rare cannabinoids to give more diversity in the formula.

Common traits of THCA vapes:

• Hemp-derived and lab-tested for cannabinoid content
• Offered in a range of sizes from 1G carts to 7G disposables
• Often combined with other hemp compounds such as THCP or Delta 9P
• Available in single devices or combo packs for variety

The variety is wide. Brands like Wild Orchard, Exodus, and Binoid carry THCA vapes in multiple strain profiles. For instance, the Wild Orchard THCA Diamonds Live Resin 2G Disposable Vape Pen – Cantaloupe Crush uses a diamond form of THCA with live resin for a concentrated plant extract. 

What is a Delta 11 Vape?

A Delta 11 vape contains 11-hydroxy-THC, a hemp-derived compound produced through cannabinoid conversion. It’s typically found in disposable vapes or cartridges, sometimes paired with other hemp cannabinoids for added variety.

Delta 11 is newer in the hemp space compared to THCA or THCH. It’s known for being produced through lab processes that start with hemp extracts. You’ll see it in devices like the Binoid Delta 11 THC + 11 HXY THC 2G Disposable Vape Pen or blends such as the Delta Extrax HXY11-THC + D10 + THC-H Live Resin Disposable Vape Pen, which mix multiple hemp cannabinoids into one device.

Common traits of Delta 11 vapes:

• Hemp-derived compound created via conversion from other cannabinoids
• Available in prefilled disposables or standard cartridges
• Often blended with cannabinoids like THC-H, D10, or THCA
• Offered by niche hemp brands in limited strain selections

Some blends go beyond Delta 11 alone. For example, the Ocho Extracts Alter Ego THCA + 11-Hydroxy-THC + D8 Live Resin Disposable includes Delta 11 alongside THCA and Delta 8 for a multi-compound formula. 

What are Mushroom Blend Vapes?

Mushroom blend vapes combine hemp-derived cannabinoids with functional mushroom extracts in a single device. They’re offered in disposable and pod-based formats, often featuring botanical combinations not found in standard hemp vapes.

These products bring together two plant-based categories: hemp cannabinoids and mushrooms. Some focus on functional mushroom ingredients like muscimol or lion’s mane, while others pair botanical extracts with cannabinoids such as THCA. For example, the Elyxr Mushroom Muscimol + THC-A Disposable Vape Pen combines muscimol with hemp cannabinoids in one device.

Common traits of mushroom blend vapes:

• Mix of hemp-derived cannabinoids and mushroom extracts
• Sold in disposable pens or refillable pods
• Offered in both single-flavor and multi-flavor options
• Frequently include lab testing details for all ingredients

Brands like Exodus and Binoid have developed several options in this category. The Exodus Mushy Mushroom Extract Disposable Vape Pen – Blood Orange is a hemp-mushroom pairing in a compact format, while the Binoid Premium Active Flowers + Cannabinoids Disposable Vape Pen incorporates botanicals like blue lotus alongside hemp cannabinoids.

If you’re new to this category, The Calm Leaf lists the available products, from pod systems like the Exodus Mushroom Extract Mushy Pods Starter Kit to prefilled disposables. Each listing includes lab results so you can see exactly what’s inside.

THCH vs THCA vs Delta 11 vs Mushroom Blends – How Do They Compare?

THCH, THCA, Delta 11, and mushroom vapes differ in how they’re sourced, processed, sold, and regulated. Each category brings its own combination of hemp compounds, and in some cases, non-hemp botanicals.

We’ve gone through each one individually, but putting them together gives you the bigger picture. THCH is a rare hemp cannabinoid refined in a lab. THCA is kept in its original acid form through careful extraction. Delta 11 is made by converting one hemp cannabinoid into another. Mushroom vapes combine hemp cannabinoids with functional mushroom extracts, creating a hybrid botanical product.

How they’re sourced and created

• THCH: Made by extracting cannabinoids from hemp, then refining and converting them into THCH using lab refinement, a process that isolates the target cannabinoid with advanced filtration and conversion steps.
• THCA: Taken from hemp flowers and processed with low-heat extraction, which uses minimal heat to keep the acid form intact.
• Delta 11: Produced with isomerization, where hemp cannabinoids are restructured at the molecular level in a lab to create Delta 11.
• Mushroom vapes: Combine hemp extracts with mushroom-based ingredients like muscimol or lion’s mane powder. Some include hemp cannabinoids, while others are hemp-free.

You’ll find all of these categories in a variety of formats within The Calm Leaf’s vaporizers collection.

Key differences in production, availability, and what they contain

By comparing them side-by-side, you can see that THCA and THCH lean toward being closer to natural hemp extracts, Delta 11 is the product of lab conversion, and mushroom vapes stand out for adding another botanical category altogether.

Legal Considerations for These Vapes

At the federal level, hemp must contain no more than 0.3% delta‑9 THC. Some states ban intoxicating hemp cannabinoids outright. Mushrooms like Amanita muscaria aren’t food-safe. Always check local rules before shopping.

Federal Rules

• Hemp rule: U.S. law defines hemp as cannabis with up to 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Anything above that is legally considered marijuana under federal law. This came from the 2018 Farm Bill, which unintentionally opened a window for products like Delta‑8 or THCH that skirt that limit.
• The loophole: Because the law only names Delta 9 THC, companies have been able to sell other hemp-derived cannabinoids, like THCH, THCA, and Delta-11, that aren’t explicitly capped in the same way. 
• Bill in the works: A new federal proposal aims to redefine hemp. Instead of just counting Delta 9, the law could soon include total THC across all isomers. If that passes, many current hemp products could be pulled from the legal market nationwide.

State Laws

• Not every state agrees with the federal approach. Over half of U.S. states have their own rules for hemp cannabinoids. Some allow them but add restrictions like age limits, potency caps, or specific testing requirements.
• Full bans in some places: A few states, like Iowa, treat all hemp vapes the same as marijuana products, making them illegal to sell.
• Regulate, don’t ban: Other states, like Texas, have chosen not to outlaw these products completely. Instead, they focus on labeling, lab testing, and limiting who can buy them.

You’ve got to check your state’s rules before buying. Some places still let these products sell in dispensaries or vape shops. Others ban them outright. It’s a patchwork.

Mushrooms - A Different Legal Layer

• Amanita muscaria: At the federal level, Amanita muscaria mushrooms (and compounds like muscimol or ibotenic acid) aren’t approved for use in food. The FDA says they’re not “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), meaning they can’t legally be sold as a food ingredient.
• For vapes: While Amanita muscaria isn’t a controlled substance, some states may still regulate or ban products containing it, especially if it’s marketed alongside hemp cannabinoids.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy

1. Check your state’s current laws. Rules change fast, so confirm before ordering or traveling with hemp or mushroom products.
2. Look at the lab report. Make sure it lists cannabinoids accurately and shows when the batch was tested.

• Avoid products that mix regulated mushrooms with misleading food claims.

1. Understand federal vs. state rules. The federal government sets a baseline, but your state’s laws are the ones that determine what’s actually allowed where you live.

Legal Snapshot by Product Type

How to Choose the Right Option for You

Choosing between THCH, THCA, Delta 11, and mushroom vapes comes down to knowing what each contains, how it’s made, your state’s laws, and what kind of experience you’re actually looking for.

Start with what matters most to you

Ask yourself a few quick questions. Are you interested in a rare cannabinoid like THCH that’s harder to find, or do you prefer something more widely stocked like THCA? Would you rather try something newer like Delta 11, or does the idea of hemp combined with mushroom extracts catch your attention? Your answers will help narrow things down fast.

Match the product to your preferences

Go for THCH if:

• You want to try a rarer hemp cannabinoid
• You’re comfortable with a smaller selection and shorter production runs
• You’ve checked that your state allows hemp-derived isomers

Choose THCA if:

• You want a hemp option that’s already well established in the market
• You’re okay with “total THC” testing rules in your state
• You prefer products that stick closer to the hemp plant’s original profile

Consider Delta 11 if:

• You want something new but still hemp-derived
• You’re fine with a lab-converted cannabinoid
• Your state doesn’t ban isomerized hemp products

Look at mushroom vapes if:

• You want hemp plus another botanical component
• You’ve confirmed the mushroom ingredient is allowed where you live
• You understand that some mushrooms, like Amanita muscaria, aren’t FDA-approved for food use

Factor in availability and format

Some options, like THCA, are easier to find year-round. Others, like THCH and Delta 11, often appear in limited batches. Mushroom vapes are still more of a specialty item. You’ll also want to think about whether you prefer disposables, cartridges, or pod systems.

Keep legality in the mix

A quick reminder from the legal section: federal law still requires hemp products to have no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. But states have their own rules, and those can make or break your access. Always check your state’s most recent laws before buying.

Check the lab report before you decide

No matter which option you choose, look for a recent, third-party lab report. It should list all cannabinoids, include a batch date, and confirm the product’s compliance with legal THC limits. This step is non-negotiable if you want to know exactly what you’re getting.

Final Thoughts Before You Decide

Comparing THCH, THCA, Delta 11, and mushroom vapes means looking at how they’re made, what’s inside, your local laws, and the kind of product availability you want before making a choice.

If you’re leaning toward THCH or Delta 11, remember they’re less common and often produced in smaller runs. THCA? You’ll have more options and steady availability. Mushroom vapes are in their own lane, combining hemp cannabinoids with botanical extracts, and their legality depends on both hemp and mushroom regulations in your state.

You might be tempted to grab the first vape you see online or at a shop, but these categories aren’t interchangeable. Choosing well means you’re more likely to get something that fits your preferences, your budget, and your state’s laws. And if regulations shift, which happens often, you’ll know what adjustments you might need to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference in how THCH, THCA, and Delta 11 are produced?

THCH is made through lab refinement, isolating and converting hemp cannabinoids into this rarer compound. THCA is extracted from hemp using low heat to keep its acid form intact. Delta 11 is created through isomerization, where the molecular structure of another hemp cannabinoid is rearranged. Each process affects both the supply and the type of products you’ll see available.

Are mushroom vapes legal everywhere in the U.S.?

No. While the hemp component in mushroom vapes follows federal hemp rules, the mushroom ingredient itself can have its own legal limits. Amanita muscaria, for example, isn’t banned at the federal level but isn’t approved as a food ingredient by the FDA. States may also restrict or ban certain mushroom compounds, so it’s important to check both hemp and mushroom regulations where you live.

Why do some THCA vapes get flagged during testing?

Many states use a “total THC” testing method that counts both delta-9 THC and the THC that could come from THCA if it were heated. If the combined total exceeds the legal limit, the product can’t be sold in that state. This is why farmers and brands monitor THCA levels closely before release.

Do Delta 11 vapes work the same way as Delta 8 or Delta 9 products?

They’re similar in that they come from hemp cannabinoids, but Delta 11 is a different chemical variation. It’s typically made in smaller batches and often combined with other cannabinoids in the same vape. Because it’s newer, you may see fewer strain or flavor options compared to Delta 8 or Delta 9 products.

Is THCH really that rare in the market?

Yes. THCH occurs naturally in hemp in very small amounts, so most of what’s sold is produced through conversion in the lab. This rarity means product drops are often limited, and stock can sell out quickly. If you see something you want and it’s compliant in your state, it’s better not to wait too long.

How can I tell if a mushroom vape contains Amanita muscaria?

Check the product’s ingredient list and the lab report. Amanita muscaria is usually listed by its common name or as muscimol or ibotenic acid. If you don’t see clear labeling or recent testing results, skip it,  transparency is key when dealing with botanical blends.

Why do lab reports matter so much for these products? 

They confirm the cannabinoid content, the presence or absence of certain compounds, and the product’s compliance with legal THC limits. Without them, you’re relying solely on the seller’s word. Reputable brands make these reports easy to access and keep them up to date.

Can I travel with these vapes within the U.S.?

Only if both your departure and destination states allow the product you’re carrying. Even if it’s federally compliant hemp, state laws can differ, and carrying a restricted product into a ban state can cause problems. Always check local rules before packing them.

Do mushroom vapes taste different from hemp-only vapes?

Often, yes. Hemp-only vapes rely on cannabis terpenes for their aroma and taste, while mushroom vapes can have herbal, earthy, or even slightly bitter notes depending on the extract used. Many brands blend them with other botanicals to balance the flavor.

What’s the safest way to buy these products?

Look for brands that share recent third-party lab reports, list all active ingredients clearly, and follow your state’s labeling requirements. Avoid unverified sellers, products without clear cannabinoid content, or anything making unrealistic claims. Sticking with compliant, transparent brands reduces the risk of buying something illegal or misrepresented.