When searching for the right hemp-derived cannabinoid, many enthusiasts may feel stuck between HHC vs. Delta-8. But all across the internet, many sources touching this subject forget the most important factor.
So if you're trying to decide between these two cannabinoids, don't fret because, in this blog post, we're going to cover everything you need to know about HHC compared to Delta-8, including:
Let's dive right in.
What is a Cannabinoid?
Both Delta-8 and HHC are cannabinoids. So 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, 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 more "passive" effects like CBD. That's not to say one type of cannabinoid is better than another. But this is important to know this factor when trying to figure out what cannabinoid suits you better.
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.
How does Delta-8 make you feel?
There is a wide range of effects that many associate with Delta-8 THC. This can include:
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Relief
- A sense of wellbeing
- Giddiness
Nonetheless, the biggest thing to consider when it comes to Delta-8 THC or the effects of cannabinoids is that it's primarily anecdotal evidence.
Cannabinoids affect everyone a bit differently. But if you are familiar with Delta-9 THC, many will claim that the effects are less acute on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Again, this is only a subjective stance, but research has pointed out that Delta-8 binds to cannabinoid receptors with a weaker affinity compared to Delta-9 THC.
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.
How does HHC make you feel?
Naturally, the effects of HHC products have been compared to Delta-8. People will generally describe HHC as uplifting, relaxing, creating a sense of wonder, and even relieving.
And again, a lot of the stuff that you will see on the internet in terms of effects comes from subjective accounts. Because as mentioned before, cannabinoids and hemp-derived products affect us all in different ways.
"Should I get Delta-8 or HHC?"
And now for the big reveal...
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 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 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 is one that integrates full-panel testing in its manufacturing process. In short, this means that a product has not only been tested for cannabinoid content but has also been tested for contaminants.
If you are curious to read up on other comparisons, you can check out our articles about Delta-8 vs. CBD and also our blog about CBD + Delta-9 Live Rosin Gummies vs. Select Spectrum.
But besides that, have you tried both HHC and Delta-8? What were your thoughts and experiences? How would you describe them to other cannabis enthusiasts?
Let us know in the comment section below.
