HHC vs Delta 8
Did you know that cannabis plants have up to 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids? Yes, the two most famous are without a doubt THC and CBD, but hemp and cannabis plants offer much more than that. In recent years, HHC and Delta 8 have made an impactful appearance on the cannabis scene. If you have already heard of them, you are surely looking for a detailed HHC vs Delta 8 comparison that will help you choose which one is best for you.
Well, you are in luck because we, as industry experts, decided to compare HHC and Delta 8 side-by-side and provide a detailed overview of their similarities and differences. Stay with us as we discuss the chemical distinctions, effects, legality, and side effects of consuming HHC and Delta 8.
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HHC vs Delta 8
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol are both naturally occurring compounds in hemp and cannabis plants. HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of THC that can be found in small quantities in the plant. It is a psychoactive substance that can also be produced synthetically. HHC is renowned for its molecular stability and unique effects.
Delta 8, on the other hand, shares many similarities with Delta-9, but they have slightly different chemical structures and interactions with cannabinoid receptors. Just like HHC, Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance that is not naturally available in significant amounts. So, most concentrated amounts of Delta-8 are manufactured from hemp-derived CBD.
Although both cannabis derivatives are naturally occurring and have psychoactive properties, they have different chemical structures, potencies, effects, and legal statuses.
Comparing HHC and Delta-8-THC
Are you curious to find out what’s the difference between Delta 8 and HHC in detail? Let’s delve deeper into the topic.
Chemical differences
First and foremost, the two cannabinoids are made by using different processes. Since HHC and Delta-8 are found in low concentrations in the plant, their direct extraction wouldn’t be efficient. So, specific chemical processes are used for the extraction of the compound.
HHC is made through hydrogenation. Initially, the CBD extract is converted into a Delta-8 and Delta-9 mixture. Next, hydrogen atoms are added to THC, which changes the molecular structure of THC and turns it into HHC. The chemical structure of HHC contains hydrogen molecules and atoms and they are connected with a single double bond.
Delta-8, on the other hand, is a 1-benzopyran consisting of a chain of carbon atoms. What makes it different from Delta-9 is that Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon instead of the ninth like Delta-9. It is artificially produced with isomerization.
A variety of chemicals are used to convert the previously extracted CBD or Delta-9 to make Delta-8. Because of the semisynthesis or partial synthesis that must be done to produce Delta-8, products are not 100% pure and might contain harmful contaminants.
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Effects and experience
HHC and Delta-8 can be consumed in similar ways, with vaping, edibles, and topicals being the most common. What’s more, the cannabis derivatives can be added as concentrates to a machine for cannabis infusion and consumed as part of pre-rolls.
Since HHC and Delta-8 have different chemical structures, the way the cannabis derivatives react with your body is different. Here is a detailed overview of the HHC vs Delta 8 effects.
HHC effects
For one, HHC binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your central nervous system. CB1 receptors are generally responsible for the psychoactive effects of the HHC, while the stimulation of CB2 receptors might result in regulating anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Having this in mind, the most common effects reported from HHC are relaxation and euphoria. Other effects associated with HHC consumption are:
Altered senses
Regulation of sleep and appetite
Mood changes
Impairment of physical movement
Restricted cognitive abilities
Delta-8 effects
Delta-8 is considered a psychoactive compound that makes a euphoric high. Besides its psychoactive effects, many report other potential benefits of consuming Delta-8 such as:
Anxiety and panic attacks relief
Stress reduction
Improvement of depression and bipolar disorder symptoms
Does Delta-8 or HHC get you higher?
Considering the effects of the two cannabis derivatives, it is time to compare the HHC vs Delta 8 potency. When it comes to the psychoactive effects, HHC consumption might result in a more intense high than Delta-8. Most Delta-8 consumers have shared that they feel a clear-headed high, and the experience of consuming Delta-8 is milder and more manageable.
Be aware that the potency of HHC and Delta-8 cannabis derivatives depends on the manufacturer, product, consumption method, and individual tolerance levels.
Legality and market presence
The legality of cannabis derivatives varies from one state to another. From a legal perspective, both HHC and Delta-8 are considered semi-synthetic cannabinoids.
As such, some of the US states where Delta-8 and HHC are legal include Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, West Virginia, Ohio, and others. The list doesn’t end here. For instance, many states, such as Texas, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, are currently discussing Delta-8 legal status.
Regarding the market presence of cannabis, Delta-8 has a longer history and has been on the market for more years. It is believed that the cannabinoid was discovered in the early 1940s and its full synthesis was completed in the 1960s.
HHC is a new invention in the cannabis market. It has emerged on the market in the US in late 2021.
Considering the time the two cannabis compounds are available on the market, it is understandable why Delta-8 products are more available to consumers than HHC products. Delta-8 products are also more versatile than the ones containing HHC.
Safety and side effects
If you are considering trying HHC or Delta 8 for the first time, you must be informed about the product's safety. Purchase only from trusted manufacturers and read about the possible side effects of consumption.
The FDA has listed the following adverse effects of Delta-8:
Hallucinations
Vomiting
Dizziness
Confusion
Anxiety
Loss of consciousness
The side effects of HHC consumption might include:
Delayed reactions and impaired coordination
Anxiety and paranoia
Sleep disturbances
Accelerated heart rate
Dry mouth and red eyes
Increase appetite
Sleep disturbance
Although HHC and Delta-8 are legal for consumption in several states in the US, the FDA hasn’t approved their use as drugs for treating any conditions or diseases. For recreational purposes, the two cannabis derivatives are safe to use if the product is made by a trusted manufacturer, tested in a certified laboratory, and most importantly, consumed in moderation.
Choosing Between HHC and Delta-8-THC
Understanding the differences between HHC and Delta-8 can help you decide easier which one to try. The first step to choosing is checking the legal status of the cannabinoid you are interested in consuming in your state. If one of the two choices is legal, it is more than obvious which one you should go with. Yet, if the two are legal for recreational consumption in the state you are living in, and you fulfill the legal criteria, you can continue by considering the next factors.
To avoid disappointment, you should check the availability of Delta-8 and HHC products in your area. As a rule of thumb, Delta-8 products are widely available in states where they are legal, which is not the case with HHC because it is still emerging in the market.
When it comes to the desired effects, as we previously discussed, the potency and effects of HHC and Delta-8 are different, so it is important to consider your individual preferences.
If you are seeking less intense psychoactive effects and more clear-headed high, Delta-8 products might be the better fit for you. On the contrary, if you tolerate THC well and are looking for a stronger high, you might want to try out HHC products.
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Conclusion
Delta 8 and HHC are two of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants that are worth trying out. The ultimate choice between them will depend on your individual preferences, the desired effects you want to achieve, and the legal status of the product in your area.
In a nutshell, considering all the factors in the HHC vs Delta 8 comparison, HHC is the stronger alternative when it comes to psychoactive effects. Yet, many prefer Delta 8 because of its milder effects and clear-headed high.
