cannabis leaf in hands against the sunset

May 9, 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

Key Takeaways

Delta-8 and HHC are hemp-derived cannabinoids that offer psychoactive effects; Delta-8 is known for relaxation and mild euphoria with less potency than Delta-9 THC, while HHC is described as mood-boosting and uplifting.
Both cannabinoids vary in effects depending on individual physiology, dosage, and consumption method, so users are advised to try them cautiously using a 'low and slow' approach and compare similar product types for accurate assessment.
Legality of these cannabinoids depends on state laws, and consumers should always purchase from reputable vendors offering full-panel tested products to ensure safety and quality.

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

While searching for the right cannabis product for you, confusion is common when faced with seemingly similar compounds like HHC and Delta-8. There are plenty of resources out there that try to clear this up, but most 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.

Quick Intro to Cannabinoids

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 found 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 greater than 0.3% by dry weight, and then there's hemp, which contains any concentration of Delta-9 THC 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 psychoactive 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.

Cannabis enthusiasts love THC because it delivers euphoric, mind-focused effects, as opposed to the subtle experience offered by CBD. 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
The giggles

It's important to note, however, that the effects of any cannabinoid will vary from person to person. Relatively speaking, at least, many consider Delta-8's effects less potent than Delta-9's on a milligram-to-milligram basis.

And scientific research supports this, as Delta-8 has been found to bind to cannabinoid receptors with a lower affinity than Delta-9 THC. (Cannabinoid receptors are the binding sites of the body's endocannabinoid system, which is what cannabinoids interact with when we consume them.)

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 those of Delta-8. People generally describe HHC as an uplifting alternative to THC, eliciting a sense of wonder and improving mood.

Just keep in mind that these effects vary from person to person, with the experience shaped by individual physiology, cannabinoid dosage, and even the type of product being consumed.

Which is better- Delta-8 or HHC?

This may not be the most helpful, but the only real way you will know the answer to this question is by trying HHC and Delta-8 THC yourself. But before trying them, you should check if these cannabinoids are legal in your state, and you should also consult a doctor.

We could tell you to do some deep dives into online forums, but reviews and anecdotal reports are subjective and 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 serving of a product, like a bite of gummy, 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, rather than a dissimilar product like Delta-8 flower or Delta-8 tinctures.

This is because the medium in which you consume these cannabinoids will significantly affect their effects. For example, edibles will have longer-lasting and more pronounced effects compared to something like flower.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, HHC and Delta-8 are hemp-derived compounds that offer consumers a unique experience. They're both psychoactive, both minor cannabinoids, and both federally legal, but HHC is said to be mood-lifting, while Delta-8 is described as a less potent form of Delta-9 THC with a similar relaxing feel.

The one major consideration in comparing these two cannabinoids is individual variability. This means everyone responds to cannabinoids differently. That's why it's important to try them for yourself and see how they affect you firsthand.

And no matter where you purchase your cannabis 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 been tested not only for cannabinoid content but also for contaminants.

Hometown Hero proudly offers Farm Bill-compliant HHC and Delta-8 products on our site that meet these quality standards, and exceed consumer expectations for taste and experience. Ready to explore?

Until next time.

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.