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March 28, 2023

Delta-8 vs. HHC: One Major Factor You Can't Miss

Home > Blog > Delta-8 vs. HHC: One Major Factor You Can't Miss

Cannabis is a fascinating plant. It contains terpenes, flavorants, and over 100 cannabinoids, all of which offer unique effects and experiences for those who consume it.

While searching for the right hemp product for you, it's normal to experience confusion with seemingly similar compounds like HHC and Delta-8. There's plenty of resources available to help you understand this, but most articles neglect to note the most important factor when comparing HHC vs. Delta-8.

Here, we shed light on the main difference between HHC and Delta-8 THC so you can better understand their effects and choose the right product for you.

What is a Cannabinoid?

Scientist researching cannabinoids in a lab.

As mentioned above, Delta-8 and HHC are cannabinoids. But what does that mean? A cannabinoid is a class of naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant.

In the United States, cannabis comes in two legal categories. There's marijuana which is cannabis that has a Delta 9 THC concentration higher than 0.3% by dry weight, and then there's hemp which contains any concentration equal to or lower than this.

As of this writing, hemp and cannabinoids derived from hemp are federally legal in the United States. However, marijuana and its derived cannabinoids remain a Schedule I controlled substance.

Delta-8 and HHC both naturally appear in hemp and marijuana. However, when you spot these cannabinoids at your local smoke shop or online dispensary, they're most likely hemp-derived.

What is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a family of cannabinoids, with its most well-known member being Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Before we can dive into the nuances of HHC vs Delta 8, it's fundamental that we understand this group of cannabinoids.

People seek out THC because it is known to deliver "active" effects instead of "passive" effects like CBD. In other words, THC is psychoactive. That's not to say one type of cannabinoid is better than another, but rather to help you know what to expect with cannabinoids within this category.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a form of THC that has a double bond on its eighth carbon chain. It is one of the first prominent forms of hemp-derived THC to become popularized after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids. It is often made into Delta-8 gummies, Delta-8 tinctures, or even Delta-8 flower.

How does Delta-8 make you feel?

man on mountain-top, symbolizing what its like to be high

There is a wide range of effects that many associate with Delta-8 THC, which include:

Relaxation
Euphoria
Relief
A sense of well-being
Giddiness

It's important to note, however, that the effects of any cannabinoid will vary on an individual basis. Relatively speaking, most consider Delta-8's effects less acute than Delta-9's on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Scientific research has found that Delta-8 binds to cannabinoid receptors with a weaker affinity compared to Delta-9 THC, which may contribute to its typically lighter effects.

What is HHC?

HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. Simply put, it has a similar chemical structure to THC, but instead, it has hydrogen atoms where Delta-8's or Delta-9's double bond would usually be. HHC occurs naturally in cannabis, but can also be produced by hydrogenating THC molecules.

How does HHC make you feel?

Naturally, the effects of HHC products have been compared to Delta-8. People generally describe HHC as an uplifting alternative to THC, creating a sense of wonder and improving mood.

As mentioned before, cannabinoids and hemp-derived products affect us all in different ways.

Which is better- Delta-8 or HHC?

The only real way you will know the answer to this question is by trying HHC and Delta-8 THC yourself. Before trying them, you should check if these cannabinoids are legal in your state, and you should also consult a doctor.

But after you're clear on those ends, you should take into account that reviews and other people's takes are merely subjective, which can only take you so far. Until you know how HHC and Delta 8 THC affect you, is when you decide which one is right for you.

So how do you go about trying them? Our recommendation is with the "low and slow approach." That means taking a small amount of a product, waiting at least an hour for the effects to set in, and then deciding where you want to go from there.

And if you are trying to figure out if Delta-8 or HHC is better for you, it's best to run a "controlled experiment," meaning you should compare them within the same medium. So if you try HHC gummies and want a comparison, you should try Delta-8 gummies for better accuracy instead of a dissimilar product like Delta-8 flower or Delta-8 tinctures.

This is because the medium in which you consume these cannabinoids will have a major impact on their effects. Edibles, no matter what cannabinoid you choose, will have longer-lasting and more pronounced effects compared to something like flower.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, HHC and Delta-8 are two exciting hemp-derived cannabinoids that can offer great experiences for enthusiasts. There's a lot of hype out there, reviews, and anecdotal accounts to take into consideration with these cannabinoids. However, the one major factor when it comes to comparing these two cannabinoids is the importance of trying them for yourself and seeing how they affect you firsthand.

And no matter where you purchase your Delta-8, HHC, Delta-9, or CBD products, you should always get them from a reputable vendor. When it comes to hemp-derived cannabinoids, a reputable vendor integrates full-panel testing in its manufacturing process. Look for a product that has not only been tested for cannabinoid content but also for contaminants.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.