Delta-8 and HHC are popular names you’ll stumble upon when searching for cannabis goods. Knowing what each compound entails can be instrumental in helping you choose the right product.
This article shall attempt to compare and contrast delta-8 and HHC to help you determine which of the two compounds is better suited for your needs.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly abbreviated as delta-8 THC or simply delta-8, is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. The compound is best known as one of the three popular tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomers, the other two being delta-9 and delta-10.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is the compound that accounts for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. THC also boasts certain pharmacological applications. The chemical’s therapeutic benefits apply to all its derivatives, including delta-8.
What Is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol, commonly abbreviated as HHC, is a hydrogenated form of tetrahydrocannabinol.
The compound is the result of combining delta-9 THC with a hydrogen molecule via a process known as hydrogenation. The extra hydrogen molecule converts THC to HHC.
Similarities between Delta-8 and HHC
Both Come From Cannabis
The biggest similarity between delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and hexahydrocannabinol is that both compounds trace their origin to the cannabis plant.
Delta-8 and HHC are naturally synthesized in cannabis at various points in the plant’s growth phase.
Both Occur In Trace Amounts
Although delta-8 and HHC are naturally-occurring cannabinoids, these compounds only exist in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. The best way to increase delta-8 and HHC yields is by selecting premium-quality seeds from reputable suppliers.
According to many reviews, the company has a seed for every grower. You can get your hands on feminized and auto-flowering seeds.
Most importantly, quality seeds are carefully isolated based on the targeted cannabinoids. That means you can easily find seeds that produce higher yields of specific cannabinoids like delta-8 and HHC.
Both Can Be Manufactured In the Laboratory
The fact that delta-8 and HHC exist in trace amounts explains why these cannabinoids are mostly synthesized in the laboratory. It’s the only viable way to forestall any shortages of either cannabinoid.
Fortunately, there are reputable sellers like Lost8s who deal in both naturally obtained and laboratory-synthesized cannabis goods.
Both Can Be Formulated Into Different Products
Delta-8 THC and hexahydrocannabinol products come in various formulations, depending on your intended delivery method. Popular ones include the following;
- Smokables like pre-rolls
- Vape products like e-juices and concentrates
- Tincture oils
- Edibles like gummies and candies
- Topicals like salves and ointments
Differences between Delta-8 and HHC
Relative Abundance
Both delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and hexahydrocannabinol occur naturally in the cannabis plant in trace amounts.
However, that’s only if compared to other more prevalent cannabinoids like delta-9 THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Compared side by side, delta-8 is relatively more abundant than HHC.
Affordability
Since delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is generally more abundant than hexahydrocannabinol, it’s logical to infer that products made from delta-8 are more affordable than those made from HHC.
This has a lot to do with the laws of supply, which dictate that higher accessibility to a product translates to lower prices.
Potency
The potency of a drug refers to its overall effects on the body. It’s also known as strength or concentration. In the case of psychedelic cannabinoids like delta-8 and HHC, this potency is determined by the compound’s mind-altering effects. Both delta-8 and HHC contain psychoactive abilities. However, HHC is the more potent of the two compounds.
Many users place the strength of HHC at approximately 70 – 80% of that of regular THC (delta-9). On the other hand, delta-8 is nearly half as potent as delta-9.
Nature of Effects
As already stated, both delta-8 and HHC are mind-altering drugs. That means they generally produce the same positive and negative effects, depending on the doses consumed.
Common pleasant effects resulting from moderate consumption of either compound include amusement, mental relaxation, and high mental creativity. At higher doses, delta-8 and HHC might cause visual distortions, cognitive impairments, altered perceptions, bloodshot eyes, and other side effects.
However, hexahydrocannabinol is more likely to induce severe adverse effects than delta-8. In other words, delta-8 is milder on the psyche. And that explains why it’s preferable as a medicinal drug. It’s also important to remember that the effects of delta-8 and HHC may vary depending on certain factors. These range from age and body weight to body chemistry, serving amounts, delivery method, and experience level.
Longevity of Effects
Hexahydrocannabinol produces longer-lasting effects than delta-8 THC. You can often feel the effects of HHC for more than 12 hours after the final dose. That’s in contrast to delta-8, which typically lasts a few hours in your system.
But as you might expect, the actual duration of the effects of either compound may also depend on factors like serving amounts and body chemistry.
Legality
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized all hemp-derived cannabinoids provided that they contain less than 0.3% of delta-9 THC. Hemp is a cannabis cultivar noted for its higher concentrations of cannabidiol and lower amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol. Most delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol is extracted from CBD obtained from hemp. That makes the compound legal.
On the other hand, cannabis laws appear fuzzy on hexahydrocannabinol. Therefore, it’s best to check your local regulations before using HHC products.
Final Word
There goes our side-by-side comparison between delta-8 and HHC. Remember to consume whatever compound you prefer in moderation to forestall any adverse effects.
