HHC vs Delta 8 THC: Everything You Need To Know
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Author: Joy Hughes
Back in the day, if farmers grew hemp, many people thought it was weed. That is, until they tried to smoke it. To their surprise, not much happened. Hence the reason many people referred to hemp as “crappy weed”. Even The Office, arguably the greatest sitcom of our time, points this out.
But the truth is, the hemp plant has come a mighty long way. More than 100 cannabinoids have now been identified by scientists, which means hemp has a little something for everyone.
For example, CBD, which put hemp back on the map in the last few years, is packed with medicinal benefits and dubbed as the most therapeutic cannabinoid in the world. You’d think that hemp producers would stop there… But they didn’t, and we’re so glad they didn’t!
Because recently, hemp producers developed a way for us to enjoy the mellow, yet creative effects of Delta 8 THC. That’s right, we can now officially get ‘high’ on hemp!
But no sooner than the announcement of Delta 8 THC’s arrival, we were presented with… Delta 10 THC, the cannabinoid that offers pure mental focus and unbeatable, energizing motivation.
So, it seems to us that the phrase “the sky’s the limit” is more of an understatement when referring to what the hemp plant offers the human body. It’s more like the galaxy’s the limit!
Here’s why…
Just when you thought the hemp plant was done offering you therapeutic and euphoric cannabinoids, a newer, more unique cannabinoid has made its way onto the scene. It’s called HHC. It’s gaining quite a bit of attention, and it’s causing an uproar between the cannabis industry and the U.S. government.
So…
What is HHC?
HHC, chemically known as Hexahydrocannabinol, is the hydrogenated form of THC. In other words, “HHC is to THC, what margarine is to butter.” (Except for the unhealthiness of margarine.) We’ll explain what that means in just a moment.
HHC is claimed to naturally occur in the hemp plant in extreme trace amounts, but some experts beg to differ. However, there are several scientists that mention HHC in their studies.
Nevertheless, HHC was first discovered in the 1940s by Roger Adams, a Harvard trained organic chemist who, along with Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam, was credited for isolating and identifying both THC and CBD.
Now, it’s been said that Adams didn’t actually isolate THC from the cannabis plant… which we know includes hemp and marijuana. Instead, he tweaked the molecular structure of CBD to create the psychoactive cannabinoid Delta 9 THC.
And due to Adams’ persistent curiosity and innovativeness, he began producing analogs, a.k.a. variants of THC. One such variant is HHC. And this is how he discovered it…
According to research, Adams took two hydrogen molecules and added them to the Delta 9 THC cannabinoid. Before he knew it, Delta 9 THC converted into HHC. A similar hydrogenation process is used to create margarine from vegetable oil.
Now, some believe that the process to create HHC is not exactly considered “hemp-derived”. Instead, they consider it to be a semi-synthetic compound. Which means, “made by synthesis from a naturally occurring material”.
So, when you take THC, a naturally occurring substance, and add two hydrogen compounds to it, boom… It morphs into HHC. But does this qualify for being legally hemp-derived, especially if it’s being converted from Delta 9 THC. Well, that’s where the waters get a bit murky.
First of all, Delta 9 THC is still considered a Schedule I illegal substance. Sure, more U.S. states and other countries are legalizing its medicinal and recreational use. But here in America, it’s still federally illegal to consume, sell, or purchase.
That’s where hemp-derived Delta 8 THC comes in…
What is Delta 8?
Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta 8 THC for short, is in fact a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plants. Its chemical structure is almost identical to that of Delta 9 THC, except its double bond is located in the 8th location, and Delta 9 is located in the 9th.
Another difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC is that they act differently in the human body. Delta 9 is far more psychoactive and even sometimes associated with anxiety, panic, and paranoia (depending on the user). Whereas, Delta 8 THC is praised for its subtle psychoactive effects and its ability to heighten your mental clarity without causing unwanted panic or psychosis.
Additionally, Delta 8 has been studied by scientists long before it made its debut to the general public. And as it turns out, the results of those studies are pretty mind-blowing. Which is why the Delta 8 market is exploding in popularity. In fact, some people even prefer it over CBD. Crazy, right?
But the issue with Delta 8 THC is that it only occurs in the hemp plant at extremely low concentrations: 1% or less. So, unless you’re yielding tons and tons of hemp matter, you’re going to need a different way to meet consumer demand for Delta 8 products.
Which is why, many hemp processors and reputable Delta 8 brands have used clean methods to convert high quality CBD into Delta 8 THC. It seems that Roger Adams’ work has really rubbed off on hemp processors, formulators, and cultivators.
Which means, if CBD can convert to Delta 8 THC, then Delta 8 THC can convert to HHC. And there you have it… Legal hemp-derived HHC.
But why is everyone freaking out over the semi-synthetic HHC, when they can just buy Delta 8 THC?
HHC vs Delta 8 – What’s the difference?
HHC and Delta 8 THC are both analogs of THC, which means they’re psychoactive cannabinoids. But… these two compounds are in fact different.
The main differences between HHC and Delta 8 lies in their chemical structures and their effects on the human body. While Delta 8 has a double bond located in the 8th location, a double bond is absent from HHC’s chemical structure altogether. But they both have five carbons, making them both psychoactive. Delta 8 is considered more subtle, whereas HHC’s potency sort of falls in between Delta 8 and Delta 9.
What we know from Delta 8 users thus far, is that Delta 8 THC creates this awesome, subtle ‘high’ that relaxes your body and uplifts your mood and mental clarity.
The effects of HHC, on the other hand, are described as feeling a chipper cheerfulness, along with an uplifting energy, and different ranges of euphoria. In fact, many HHC Reddit users say they feel “stoned” on HHC, but it’s not like the stoned feeling you’d expect from regular Delta 9 THC. It really depends on how much HHC you consume.
But Delta 8 and HHC have some commonalities as well. The main commonality between Delta 8 and HHC is that they're both incredibly rare cannabinoids, and through a synthesis process, they can form other cannabinoids like the highly revered CBD.
There’s just one problem… Not every hemp processor and Delta 8/HHC brand uses clean methods to perform this conversion. In fact, more often than not, the HHC products that are available on the market might have residual solvents and toxins in them. Believe us, that’s not something you want to put in your body.
Which is why we can’t stress to you enough to research the hemp brand before you buy HHC or even Delta 8 THC products.
We know, researching HHC/Delta 8 brands is not something you want to spend your time doing. But if you want to experience the uplifting, cerebral effects and benefits of HHC and Delta 8, then you’ve gotta do your due diligence.
Which brings us to…
Best HHC/Delta 8 Brands
The good news is that Delta 8 THC has been on market for a lot longer than HHC. So there are a lot more reputable Delta 8 THC brands to choose from. The HHC market has just recently gained some traction, so there aren’t as many reputable HHC brands available (yet).
But because cannabinoids are our passion, and researching the current brands on the market is our job, we were able to find three highly reputable HHC and Delta 8 brands that even exceeded our own expectations and high standards.
Let’s check them out now…
3Chi was the first brand to introduce America to the benefits of Delta 8 THC, and today, they’re known as the number one leading Delta 8 brand in the entire industry.
That’s because 3Chi only uses organically grown American hemp to craft their innovative cannabinoid-based products. And because they’re founder has a rich history in formulation experience and cannabinoid research, you can bet your bottom dollar that their Delta 8 and HHC products are out-of-this-world effective and amazing.
What’s more, 3Chi also values clean extraction methods, quality ingredients, and third-party testing. All of their final products have been thoroughly tested to ensure they are free from harmful residual toxins, pesticides, heavy metals, and other sketchy contaminants.
HHC/Delta 8 Products
As of now, they have two HHC products available. The first is their HHC Vape Carts, and the second is their HHC Disposable Vapes. Both products contain 95% HHC and 5% of therapeutic terpenes. The disposable HHC vape pen comes in a CCELL cartridge that is breath-activated and easy to use. Their HHC vape carts are compatible with a vape 510 battery and designed for a smooth vape experience.
3Chi is also known for their Delta 8 gummies, which come in two delicious flavors: black raspberry and watermelon. There’s a whooping 25mg per gummy. They also offer other gummies that combine Delta 8 with THCv, and Delta 8 with CBN.
If gummies aren’t your cup of tea, 3Chi has other Delta 8 edibles for you to enjoy, like cookies, brownies, cereal treats, and candy balls. They have something for everyone!
Delta Extrax also has a firm foundation in cannabinoid research. They’re fully equipped with professional researchers, formulators, and hemp cultivators.
When it comes to Delta 8 and HHC production, they don’t like to rush the process. They believe in using only the highest quality hemp to create their products. They then focus on clean, state-of-the-art extraction and formulation methods, and finish off with unbiased third-party testing. All of their HHC and Delta 8 THC products are free from toxins, accurately labeled, and safe to consume.
HHC/Delta 8 Products
That said, Delta Extrax’s Sours Hydro HHC Gummies are packed with a sour beginning but finish off with a burst of sweetness. Each gummy contains 10mg of HHC. That might not sound like a lot, but Delta Extrax advises that you only eat the gummy to give your body plenty of time to respond to HHC’s effects.
If you’re more interested in consuming Delta 8 THC, then Delta Extrax offers a variety of Delta 8 THC cartridges. Each one is flavored to perfection and designed to heighten your vaping experience. You can choose between sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. One to two puffs is all you need to get started, especially if you’re new to HHC and vaping.
Diesel Hemp is fully equipped with a team of professional cultivators, extractors, formulators, and hemp processors. They have over 30 years’ experience in the cannabis space, and they’re one of the few hemp brands to have total control over their entire supply and quality chain.
Their standards are also incredibly high, as they utilize organic growing practices in their hemp cultivation, focus on clean extraction methods, and steer clear from unnecessary ingredients. They also value third party testing to the extreme, as all of their final products are free from potential toxins and safe to ingest.
Now, Diesel Hemp currently only offers Delta 8 products. But that doesn’t mean they won’t carry HHC products in the future. However, as of now they have two of the best Delta 8 products on the market.
Delta 8 Products
The first product is their Delta 8 Flower, known as Abacus Diesel. It contains 15% of Delta 8 THC and it’s bursting with therapeutic terpenes. Its taste is somewhat earthy, and the smoke experience is smooth and gentle — leaving you to feel invigorated and relaxed.
Their second product is their Delta 8 dabs, which is called Abacus Diesel Full Spectrum D8 Crumble. This is a pretty potent Delta 8 product, so it’s great for users looking for a stronger Delta 8 impact. It has a pungent smell and strong flavor, but its effects are therapeutic and euphoric all at the same time.
HHC FAQs
As you can see, the best HHC brands on the market today are also known as the best Delta 8 THC brands. And that’s what we like to see.
Because HHC is so new to the public, hemp brands have to be very careful not to manipulate its chemical structure or leave behind any residual toxins in the final product. Which is why it’s so important to only buy HHC from reputable Delta 8/HHC brands, like the ones mentioned above.
But if you’re still on the fence about trying HHC for yourself, that’s ok. We’re sure you have a few other questions developing in your head. Which is why we’ve taken the liberty by answering some of the most common HHC questions below.
Check them out…
Is HHC more potent than Delta 8?
HHC has similar psychoactive effects to that of Delta 8 and Delta 9. However, it actually has half the potency to that of traditional Delta 9 THC. As for Delta 8 THC, it’s said that HHC is less potent than Delta 8, but it depends on a few factors: the user, how much they consume, and the quality of the HHC product. If the HHC is created by a reputable brand, it may even be stronger than Delta 8 THC.
How does HHC feel?
Some HHC users report feeling cheerful, energized, mentally stimulated, and a bit stoned. Other users swear that HHC offers the exact effects associated with regular Delta 9 THC. But all HHC users confirm that HHC offers a feeling of better pain relief, happiness, and less anxiety.
Again, a lot of this really depends on the quality of HHC and where you buy it from.
How much does HHC cost?
The prices of HHC vary from one brand to another. However, the overall price of high quality HHC is quite similar to the prices of Delta 8 THC. They typically range from $20-$40.
That said, never buy cheap Delta 8 THC or HHC products from a gas station or head shop. Always stick to buying your HHC and Delta 8 products from reputable HHC/Delta 8 brands online.
HHC & Delta 8 Conclusion
Both Delta 8 THC and HHC are hemp-derived cannabinoids, even if they’re considered semi-synthetic. They’re also variants of THC, which makes them even more appealing to the general public.
As of now, hemp-derived Delta 8 THC is considered federally legal, but hemp producers aren’t sure if that will always be the case. That’s why the hemp industry and the general public are so excited about HHC.
That said, we can’t stress to you enough that reputable HHC/Delta 8 brands are always the way to go when buying those products. Trustworthy brands will always deliver consistent products that are formulated safely, especially when they involve HHC and Delta 8 THC. Always do your research, and remember to start slow and with a low dose when introducing a new cannabinoid into your body.
