As soon as you start to use cannabis, you start hearing terms like THC, CBD, CBG, Delta-9, and more recently, Delta-8 and Delta-10. You may have wondered what all these letters and scientific terms meant. Obviously, you already know we are talking about natural compounds called cannabinoids. Here, we have two remarkable natural compounds that occur in cannabis and that provide quite similar benefits, but they keep deep-rooted differences between them.
On the one hand, we have the most famous of all cannabinoids; although many people do not know it by its first name, we are talking about Delta-9 THC, commonly known simply as THC. On the other hand, we have the hydrogenated version of THC, HHC. Choosing only one winner between these two heavyweights would be pretty complex, and the decision very much depends on what each cannabinoid will be used for and the specific needs of each user.
Before you decide which is better between HHC vs. Delta 9, we will give you some information to make a better decision. Our garden is full of exotic treats including HHC & Delta 9 THC. Give some a try!
What is HHC Cannabinoid?
Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a cannabinoid found in small concentrations in hemp pollen and seeds. Still, it is a derivative that can also be produced synthetically in a laboratory by hydrogenating natural cannabinoids like CBD, THC-A, Delta-9, or other cannabis extracts.
HHC falls under the semi-synthetic cannabinoid category as it isn’t made solely from synthetic agents. Producing HHC involves saturating a cannabinoid-rich cannabis extract with hydrogen gas in a pressurized container. The hydrogen then naturally breaks the carbon double bonds in the cannabinoids, creating a highly concentrated, deep gold oil known as hydrogenated cannabis oil.
Although scientists have known about the existence of HHC since 1947, it is only now that this cannabinoid is making waves, and thanks to the growing expansion of the cannabis market and therapeutic cannabis products, you can now get HHC in oils, tinctures, and edibles.
What Does HHC Stand for?
HHC stands for Hexahydrocannabinol. Due to the degradation of Delta-9 THC, which consequently forms HHC. HHC is pretty similar to THC but slightly changes its chemical structure; hydrogen atoms replace the carbon double bonds that would typically form the Delta-9 isomer position in the THC structure.
HHC Cannabinoid Potency
There’s still no official information regarding its potency because the way HHC works in the body is complex. Nevertheless, many users report that its effects are almost the same as THC's but slightly milder.
Research on HHC's correct dosage or if it is as safe as other cannabis compounds continue. Still, some of the information found on the internet about the potency and specific effects of this cannabinoid may contrast between one and the other.
Some researchers claim that it has approximately 80% of the potency of delta-9-THC. That would be about 30% more potent than delta-8 or delta-10. At the same time, other sources claim that you would need high doses of HHC for it to produce results similar to different isomers of THC.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, is the most popular, controversial, and abundant psychoactive naturally occurring component of the cannabis plant when it comes to psychoactive cannabinoid varieties. Still, it is just one of the at least 113 total cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant until now.
THC was first discovered in 1964 and isolated by Raphael Mechoulam, a Bulgarian chemist eradicated in Israel by those days. When you consume it, your body absorbs THC into the bloodstream and travels to the brain and the rest of the body.
When the body assimilates and metabolizes THC, it binds to natural endocannabinoid receptors in our brain. These are the parts of the brain responsible for thought and memory coordination, movement, and pleasure. THC is still illegal in many parts of the United States and the world.
Luckily, law regulations regarding this cannabinoid have changed a bit in recent years. They have become a bit more permissive due to a large number of studies about the possible applications and potential benefits that this cannabinoid could bring to better deal with certain medical conditions.
Although, in many places, the regulations regarding THC remain quite strict, there are ways to access THC legitimately. If you are wondering how to buy Delta-9 without getting in trouble with the law, you should know that it may be easier than you imagine. It’s enough to gather the necessary qualities and permits to be able to buy cannabis flowers rich in Delta-9 or products that contain this therapeutic cannabinoid without this becoming a problem for you.
HHC vs Delta 9
All cannabinoids are made up of the same elements: carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. What makes them different is how these elements are assembled and bond to each other.
If we compare HHC vs. Delta 9, we'll first see that they are very similar in their chemical structure. The only noticeable difference is that HHC has hydrogen atoms, an extra carbon bond, and an ester atom in its structure. These minor molecular differences make HHC a much more stable compound than THC.
Also, because HHC is more stable, products containing this cannabinoid are less susceptible to oxidation from exposure to air, heat, and UV rays from sunlight, giving them a longer shelf life. Both offer similar anti-anxiety and analgesic effects, but the slight variations in their chemical structure drastically alter how they interact with our endocannabinoid system and, consequently, their effects.
Is HHC Stronger than Delta 9?
The short and concise answer is no. One of the most important and functional differences between HHC and THC is their potency. HHC is slightly stronger than delta-8 THC but not as potent as delta-9 THC, making it an excellent middle-point choice for cannabis novices and people who want a little more psychoactive potency than Delta-8 provides.
If we set Delta-9 THC as 100% of potency when comparing these cannabinoids between them, Delta 8 has 60%, and HHC has 80% psychoactive power compared to Delta-9. When overconsumed, many people find that delta 9-THC may produce side effects such as anxiety and paranoia.
The lower potency of HHC is closer to the versatility of Delta-8, meaning that you can have finer control over the experience by adjusting the dose, and it is considered stronger as a relaxant than a stimulant.
Where to Buy HHC?
Now that you know what HHC is, the big question remains: Is it legal to buy it? You'll be glad to know that the answer is yes! Although the laws that regulate HHC might vary depending on the region and country, most of them allow these cannabinoid products, as long as they have less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, which is why HHC products are legal.
You may be able to find them in online stores around the world. However, because it is a relatively new cannabinoid, it is still challenging to get in some areas.
Best HHC Vape
When choosing HHC vs Delta 9, our personal needs and preferences will largely affect the final decisions. If you're curious enough and already looking for HHC product alternatives, today is your lucky day. In our online store, you will find the best HHC vape cartridges as they are formulated with the most potent HHC available.
We highly recommend these cartridges to all experienced THC users looking for a smooth and longer-lasting experience than others. In addition to the innovative HHC, we complement our HHC vape cartridges with our real cannabis-derived terpenes for a reinforced entourage effect and enhanced benefits.
Best Delta-9 Gummies Online
If you want to kick back and enjoy a wave of relief, you just have to try our Delta-9 THC Watermelon Gummies. With every juicy bite, you'll find 10mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and 14mg of pure bliss CBD in every piece.
We make them with 100% hemp-derived CBD, so we don't use any synthetic compounds, and best of all, they're entirely legal as they comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, having only 0.3% Delta 9 THC, so you don't need a prescription to buy them.
Our Delta-9 THC gummies are 100% vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and high-fructose corn syrup free. Does it sound incredible? It gets better. These gummies will give you all the relaxing effects of THC without excesses, leaving you with a smooth experience that leaves you with your feet on the ground but your head in the clouds! Curious about learning more on HHC? Check out this video below.
