HHC Vs. Delta-9: Which Is Better?
Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known psychoactive component of cannabis; however, consumers now can customize their experience using HHC and delta-8. But how do various cannabinoids stack up against one another?
This post examines the connections between HHC, delta 8, and delta 9 THC and their distinctions.
The primary goal is to assist you in selecting the option that will work best for you by allowing you to directly compare how each option makes you feel and the benefits, adverse effects, and legal standing of each option.
What is HHC?
HHC is the solution to your difficulties if you enjoy cannabis but live in a state where it is still prohibited. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the hydrogenated derivative of THC and is a psychoactive cannabinoid derived from hemp. HHC is the most recent in a long line of highs derived from hemp, yet it shares more similarities with THC than delta-10 and delta-8.
Experts estimate that HHC is nearly as psychotropic as THC based on the little information available. The activation of CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system is responsible for the mind-altering effects of HHC (ECS).
HHC doesn’t connect to these receptors as strongly as THC, so it isn’t as strong. HHC is also more relaxing than delta-9; consider Indica-style effects.
How is HHC Made?
Roger Adams, an American chemist, credited for first finding and naming cannabidiol in 1940, found this compound for the first time in 1947. Adams made this cannabinoid by combining THC from the cannabis variants known as Sativa with other chemicals.
At that time, various structurally similar compounds had also been discovered, but Hexahydrocannabinol itself had only been found infrequently. Approximately 70 – 80 percent of 9 THC’s potency can be found in this hydrogenated THC derivative.
Chemically, HHC differs from tetrahydrocannabinol since its molecular structure lacks double bonds. While the ” conversion process” is ongoing, every double bond present in THC is shattered and replaced by hydrogen atoms.
As a result of the hydrogenation process, a tetrahydrocannabinol byproduct known as CBN (cannabinol) is created with extra double-bonds. Even though the difference is minor, it changes how well this molecule binds to the endocannabinoid system’s CB2 and CB1 receptors.
It also extends the compound’s shelf life, making it less prone to decomposition, and increases its resistance to incorrect heat, storage, and ultraviolet radiation.
What is Delta-9 THC?
Over 100 cannabinoids are included in the chemical makeup of the marijuana plant. But just THC (otherwise termed simply delta-9 THC) is recognized as the principal psychoactive component. THC, for short, tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive element in cannabis. It abounds in hemp in minute concentrations that do not exceed the legal limit below 0.3% of the dry mass, as established by the Farm Bill of 2018.
Delta 9 rests at the crossroads of a controlled substance and medicine in our complex environment. This cannabinoid stimulates brain receptors responsible for memory, sleep, appetite, and auditory and visual perception. These senses are also responsible for the “high” produced by the cannabis plant. Delta-8 and 9 are the two most common forms of THC.
There are only tiny levels of delta 8 in the plant (below 1 percent), and it has a 50 percent to 70 percent more potency than delta 9. So Delta 9 remains the highest in quantity among the THC cannabinoids, but it is also the most unstable. When exposed to oxygen, it breaks down into CBN.
Is Delta-9 a natural substance?
Natural cannabis samples have been shown to contain all three types of THC (delta 8, delta 9, and HHC). Nevertheless, delta 9 is the most abundant by a wide margin. In some samples, quantities of Delta-9 THC have been discovered to be as high as 30%.
In the raw plant, quantities of both delta-8 and HHC have never exceeded 1 percent. Additional cannabinoids have been found, including THCP, THCC, THCB, and THCM, and THC-O does not exist in nature in any capacity.
What’s the difference between HHC and Delta-9 THC?
These cannabinoids all produce effects that are comparable to one another. Still, even minute differences in their chemical makeup can significantly impact the overall “tone” of the experience.
Once you understand how each effect affects you, you will be able to customize your experience to suit your personal preferences.
Legal status Comparision:
HHC is permitted in 38 states, whereas delta 9 THC is legal in only 16 states. The 2018 Farm Bill approved at the federal level cannabinoids derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3% THC. Since then, 12 states have separately decided to limit delta 8 THC by implementing sale or possession restrictions.
There are no HHC-specific united states federal laws, although most people believe that states with delta-8 limits would uphold comparable bans on HHC in court. The most prudent course is to presume that delta-8 laws also apply to HHC.
Potency Comparision of Hemp-derived Cannabinoids:
Comparing potency is one of the most significant practical distinctions between HHC and its THC relatives. HHC is somewhat more potent than delta 8 THC but not as powerful as delta 9 THC, providing a decent alternative for those seeking a little more than delta-8 can provide.
Availability Comparison:
HHC is exceedingly tough to locate in the present marijuana market, increasing the cost and less accessible than delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Due to its more permissive legal position in most jurisdictions, HHC products might be more accessible than delta-9 THC. However, this is not the case.
If the convenience of buying is the most crucial factor, HHC is the most compelling option among the two. It enjoys broader legalization due to the current legalization landscape, and therefore it is more likely to be in stock at dispensaries and online retailers.
Chemical Structure Comparison:
All cannabinoids are composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, and how these components bond together distinguishes HHC from Delta-9. In other words, the existence of a double bond in their chemical structures indicates these two cannabinoids.
Delta 9 THC possesses a double bond at the ninth carbon in the core ring structure, whereas HHC has no double bonds. The remainder of these molecules is virtually identical. Although the molecular distinctions between these cannabinoids are minor, they significantly impact their feelings.
Effect profile Comparison:
The impacts of HHC are remarkably similar to those of delta 9 THC. Users favor the former because its strength is close to THC’s, while its effects are comparable to delta 8 THC. HHC is euphoric but tends toward relaxation and serenity, particularly at low doses.
Both HHC and delta-9 impact the user’s visual and hearing perception and headspace. Therefore, an HHC “high” is comparable to a delta 9 “high” but superior in that the euphoria is experienced without paranoia.
Benefits of HHC:
Anecdotal data indicates that HHC possesses the same therapeutic benefits as other types of THC. The closeness in structure and affinity for the same bodily receptors across these compounds is one of the grounds we can rely on this belief.
HHC May Assist in the Management of Chronic Pain:
Once examined on rats, this cannabinoid exhibited potent analgesic effects. Research indicates that HHC is a feasible drug for chronic pain management despite the need for human studies, with promising results.
HHC Could Help Minimize Inflammation:
Most of these hemp-derived compounds effectively treat inflammation and reduce pain, and HHC follows the same trend. Hydrogenated cannabinoids bonds efficiently to the CB1 receptor of the brain and could lower inflammation in the joints, according to a study conducted before HHC was studied directly for pain.
HHC Help Improve Sleep Quality:
The psychotropic effects of HHC are likely due to its activation of the brain’s CB1 receptors. The precise chemical mechanism involved in this reaction is unknown. However, studies indicate that stimulating this CB1 receptor (with delta-9) promotes better sleep.
Advantages of Delta-9 THC From Cannabis Plant:
As the primary cannabinoid in cannabis, delta-9 has long been the focus of analysis. Its healing promise in various fields is imminent, particularly in extreme situations of cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis where conventional treatment fails.
The following research demonstrates the medicinal effects of delta-9:
Delta-9 Could Relieve Anxiety:
Scientists from the University of Chicago have recently revealed that delta-9’s impact on anxiety varies per dose. In persons participating in public speaking, lower dosages of around 7.5mg reduced anxiety, whereas larger doses of about 12.5mg increased reported tension and anxiety.
Delta-9 Could Boost appetite:
Delta 9 is typically associated with an increased appetite due to the insatiable hunger, sometimes known as “munchies,” felt by the consumer after smoking marijuana.
Essential uses of delta 9’s appetite-stimulating properties include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and HIV treatment. According to studies, leptin, and ghrelin, appetite-boosting, also known as “hunger hormones,” are found in higher quantities in such circumstances.
Delta- 9 is Beneficial for Certain Forms of Epilepsy:
In addition to CBD, known to be the primary anticonvulsant component of cannabis also has the potential for managing this debilitating disorder in delta 9.
Two government-authorized medications for epilepsy, notably Sativex (a mixture of THC and CBD) and Epidiolex (100 percent CBD), indicate their effectiveness in lowering and eliminating seizures.
Side effects of HHC and Delta-9 From Hemp Plant:
Officially, no research has been conducted to determine HHC’s safety levels, and therefore, all the available studies relied on anecdotal information. While HHC isn’t that well-known or as commonly utilized as delta 8, numerous people continue to use it regularly. Delta 9, on the other hand, is safe for consumption since it is extracted naturally from hemp, and the opposite is true of HHC and delta-8.
A few occurrences involving tainted delta-8 items accompanied an FDA alert about their safety: users have not experienced severe adverse effects of HHC. Likewise, in the case of delta-8, the risk of using HHC stems from the possible existence of toxic and hazardous additives in the final product — a consequence of harsh chemicals in the manufacturing stages.
Always examine the ingredient list before purchasing a product containing HHC and delta-8. Request independent labs for chemical solvents and heavy metals to ensure your safety, and when the seller cannot offer them, avoid purchasing from them.
It is essential to note that they change over time but are comparable between THC and HHC regarding side effects. When this cannabinoid is consumed, the following adverse outcomes have been reported by users:
- Reddened eyes
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Heightened hunger
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
When a user is susceptible to HHC, usually, they claim to experience identical adverse effects as when consuming large quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-9 causes the most severe adverse effects among the others. However, when used in more significant amounts, delta-8 and HHC also induce severe side effects. The intensity of THC’s adverse effects varies by product.
First and second-time THC consumers are prone to feel anxious and even paranoid. When the item has high concentrations of anxiety, CBD, paranoia, and psychoactive tendency typically decrease. Products containing whole-spectrum cannabinoids and calming terpenes are more likely to provide more proportional impacts and do not induce anxious feelings.
Delta-8 is significantly less potent than regular THC. However, it can still cause common adverse effects such as anxiety, low blood pressure, and excessive fatigue.
Among the probable adverse effects of THC are:
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Quick heartbeat
- Higher blood pressure
Substances with psychoactive properties can induce psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. If you have an incredibly unique family history of mental illness, you should not use HHC or delta-9. With time, your body will acquire resistance to delta-9 and HHC, requiring greater doses to get the same effect. It is thought that nine percent of cannabis users (i.e., delta-9) become dependent on the drug.
Best Delta-9 THC and HHC products:
When picking the best HHC brand, it is crucial to evaluate the company’s track record. Although a corporation should produce potent and valuable items, you cannot disregard claims filed against them. Experience is also of equal importance.
The longer a business has been around, the better and more likely it will be of excellent quality. Nonetheless, some more recent companies offer quality pre-rolls, distillates, cartridges, and other products. Still, it is preferable to create a habit of researching the brand’s parent firm before making purchases.
Pre-rolls:
Pre-rolls are significant products in the emerging HHC market, and a single error will result in unpleasant outcomes. Therefore, it is always preferable to go with a tried and true method. However, newbies should avoid smoking and breathing the joint simultaneously. Even though HHC has a longer life span than THC, keeping your HHC pre-rolls in a sealed jar away from direct sunlight and heat is advised.
HHC Cartridge:
The effects of vaping or smoking HHC cartridges typically last between three and four hours. Similar to other substances, the results of vaping or smoking HHC products are felt within 10 minutes. The more a person smokes, the longer its effects will stay. Multiple puffs could last for up to four hours. However, a single breath only lasts two hours.
HHC Distillate:
Full-spectrum HHC distillates provide a fantastic psychedelic experience, with the entourage effect coming into play. To maintain compliance with the Farm Bill, each HHC product weighs a specific number of grams, as established by the maker.
Currently, the majority of orders include an assortment of delectable flavors. A nationwide investigation by reputable laboratories demonstrates that the best HHC distillates have less than 0.3% THC.
HHC Gummies:
Like THC edibles, the effects of HHC edibles (gummies) take a little longer to manifest but are the longest-lasting. Some individuals may experience the effects of edibles for up to six hours after eating. Despite this, many consumers report developing a tolerance to HHC products after a few uses.
Ultimately, it hinges on what you want from your marijuana product. HHC products are ideal if you prefer a more everyday sensation of a clear-headed “high.” Delta 9 is the perfect option to unwind and soar as high as a kite.
However, it has more significant adverse effects. Therefore, if you don’t like the anxiety or drowsiness that delta 9 induces, HHC is your best option, particularly as a daytime substitute with a predominantly euphoric effect.
Will HHC or Delta-9 THC show up on the drug testing?
The drug test risk is identical since compliant HHC and delta-9 are similar substances. Delta-9 and THC create 11-hydroxy-THC, detected in all routine drug tests. If you take delta-9, you might test positive for marijuana use depending on how much you took and how sensitive the tests are.
Several tests can detect minute THC levels because of their low thresholds for detection. There is no solid evidence that HHC is detectable on drug tests. However, this does not imply that it is safe. Because the idea of HHC as a chemical for human consumption is so novel, we have no idea how it breaks down.
One way of thinking is that HHC will probably show up because it is chemically similar to THC. Others, however, assert that they tested negative after utilizing HHC products. You’re better off avoiding both HHC and compliant delta-9 items due to the consequences of failing a drug test.
Are you willing to take a chance?
At the very least, you must confirm that your product comprises pure HHC distillate, no full-spectrum hemp extract, and no THC.
Key Takeaways
Although they share similar chemical features, HHC, delta 8 THC, and delta 9 THC each deliver a unique experience not available to the other two; because of its ability to raise energy levels and creative output, HHC is a favorite among both students and professionals.
The legal status of delta 9 THC and its derivatives are significant distinguishing characteristics. There are currently 38 states where it is legal to sell HHC and delta 8 THC; however, only 16 states allow the sale of delta 9 THC.
Many individuals who favor the effects of delta-9 THC but who reside in states where the substance is unlawful to have the option of substituting HHC or delta 8 THC. Suppose you live in a place where all three are legal, experimenting with a tiny amount of each to internalize their distinctions.
