When people say hemp, they immediately think of marijuana. However, what most people do not know is that hemp products vary greatly thanks to the various cannabinoids found in the plant. Hence, let us look at HHC vs. delta-9 vs. delta-8 and how these different compounds affect your body.
HHC vs. Delta-9 vs. Delta-8
One thing they all have in common is the source which is the Cannabis sativa plant.
However, delta-9 presents the most abundant THC compound in the cannabinoid plant. Thus, when we mention THC with no specifications, it generally refers to delta-9.
Delta-8 is also a cannabinoid. However, it’s available in smaller amounts than delta-9. Their structures are also similar. Thus, they are frequently referred to as sister compounds. However, they offer vastly different effects. Delta-8 is also frequently manufactured from CBD.
On the other hand, HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol. It is a compound derived from delta-9 by hydrogenation.
Effects
All of these cannabis compounds have the effect of making you high, some more than others.
Delta-9 gives a harsh and intense high. Delta-8 has the characteristic of a calmer and smoother high, while HHC has an even slower but longer psychoactive action.
Side Effects
As they have different potential benefits like relaxation, each has varying degrees of side effects.
Delta-9, as one of the first derivatives, can be overwhelming for new users. Not everyone can tolerate it well. Delta-9 can cause anxiety, memory loss, a drastic increase in heart rate and appetite, nausea, etc.
This is one good reason a better compound was sought after—delta-8. So you still get high but with less harsh repercussions. Some side effects you might experience are mild dizziness, nausea, etc.
The side effects of HHC have not yet been fully explored, but many users have inferred a general similarity to delta-8.
Potential Benefits
Most users opt for delta-8 and 9 for the high. However, they all have a wide range of similar medical benefits. These include treating or relieving anxiety, pain, insomnia, low appetite, glaucoma, stress, etc.
Availability
While delta-9 and HHC are abundant, delta-8 is available in limited quantities. Delta-8 is present in hemp in very small amounts. Thus, most producers concentrate and synthesize it from CBD. Of course, this has a direct correlation to their pricing. Hence, delta-8, in most cases, costs more than the others. These three are available in many forms, from gummies to pills, vapes, oils, etc.
Legality
Delta-9 is illegal federally as it is not solely from the legalized hemp plant according to the 2018 farm bill.
Delta-8 is legal federally as its base plant is hemp or CBD.
For HHC, while it is from THC, its legality is under review.
Many producers today use only legal hemp-derived THC to pass legality according to the 2018 Farm Bill. However, checking with your local state laws is crucial as they may defer from the original.
HHC vs. Delta-9 vs. Delta-8 Afterthoughts
The main points of difference between HHC, delta-9, and delta-8 lie in the intensity of effects and composition. As stated earlier, delta-9 requires high tolerance. Hence, the popularity of delta-8 regardless of pricing.
HHC is a newer cannabinoid and has little research data. Conventionally, it might be as safe as delta-8. Still, we recommend you cautiously assess the compound as it’s a semi-synthetic product, and the hydrogenation process is volatile.