HHC vs Delta-8: Comparison
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Lesezeit 6 min
Introduction
Choosing between HHC vs Delta-8 can be confusing. Both offer intriguing effects, but they have distinct characteristics. This article explores the key differences between HHC and Delta 8 to help you decide which is right for you.
Table of Content
What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is made by adding hydrogen atoms to THC molecules, a process called hydrogenation. This alters the THC molecule's chemical structure and creates a hydrogenated form of THC. Discovered in 1944, HHC is found naturally in the cannabis plant in small quantities.
Most HHC products are made from hemp-derived CBD. This involves complex chemistry, and more research is needed on HHC's interaction with the body. UCLA research suggests commercial HHC product content might not always match the label.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. It exists in small quantities and interacts directly with the body's cannabinoid receptors, sharing similarities with endocannabinoids. Delta 8 provides varying psychoactive effects.
Most Delta 8 products are created by converting CBD to Delta 8 THC in a lab through isomerization, changing the chemical structure. While not inherently risky when controlled, final products should be refined and purified. Delta-8 THC's legal status in Europe remains uncertain and varies by country. While the compound is often derived from legal CBD products, its semi-synthetic production from cannabidiol (CBD) and its mild psychoactive effects complicate its regulation. That’s why you have to double-check your countries laws and regulations.
HHC vs Delta 8: Effects and Potency
Consumers need to understand the effects of HHC vs Delta 8. This information is crucial when deciding which one works for them. Consider the effects, chemical structures, potency, and whether the cannabinoids have shown up on any recent drug tests before using HHC or Delta 8.
Feature |
HHC |
Delta 8 |
Potency |
Stronger than Delta 8, but less potent than Delta 9 |
Milder than both Delta 9 and HHC |
Effects |
Often described as a more clear-headed and relaxing experience than traditional THC |
Known for a calm, relaxing effect, often compared to an "indica-like" experience with fewer reported anxiety occurrences. Research suggests over half of users report some type of pain relief. |
Duration |
Longer lasting effects |
Shorter lasting effects |
HHC vs Delta 8: Legality
The legal status of HHC and Delta 8 is complex, differing by state. This is influenced by medical cannabis laws and how hemp-derived products are regulated. Delta 8 is often considered legal if hemp-derived and adhering to the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
It is onion-wide legal but you should verify with countries and local guidelines for HHC products, such as vapes or flowers, as it may differ. It's crucial to understand the legal categories in your area.
HHC vs Delta 8: Product Availability
Delta 8 has become more widely available due to its popularity. You can find it in various product options like:
- Gummies
- Vape cartridges
- Tinctures
- Topicals
Delta 8 can easily fit different user preferences. It is offered at various price points. Delta 8's fast growth on the cannabinoid market means many vendors with varying prices focus on the hemp wellness aspects of it.
HHC, being newer, might not be as accessible. You can buy it from hemp wellness product vendors along with specific retailers, with more options becoming available over time. There aren't as many options for this intriguing compound since HHC has entered the marketplace recently. More options for Delta 8 exist. It might not be priced as competitively, though, because the HHC manufacturing and production processes require multiple more steps compared to making and processing Delta 8 products. The different processing required explains some of the price differences. Prices vary greatly between the two.
In Other Words: Delta-8 THC is widely available in Europe, with products like gummies, vape cartridges, tinctures, and topicals. It’s more accessible due to its popularity and comes in different price ranges. HHC, being newer to the market, is less common but is slowly gaining availability from hemp wellness vendors, though its higher production costs can make it pricier than Delta-8. As more options for HHC emerge, its price and availability may improve over time.
Choosing Between HHC and Delta 8
The choice depends on your desired effects, local legality, and cost. If you're seeking a mild experience, especially for your first time, and are seeking anxiety relief from daily stress, Delta 8 could be a good choice.
If you prefer a more intense high like Delta 9 that lasts for several hours and is potentially more likely to show up on a drug test but want potential legal flexibility, HHC could be considered.
More research is needed to determine how Delta-8 and HHC fully work, interact with receptors, bind to specific pathways, cause metabolic byproducts in the liver, and how their safety varies. Verify HHC's local legality before purchasing.
Conclusion
Choosing between HHC and Delta 8 is a personal decision based on individual factors. Consider how each product differs, its benefits, cost, legality, how each behaves in scientific lab tests on mice and the biological effects in those cells after a set time interval, any changes or variability in testing methods across labs and research facilities, as well as country and union-wide laws.
Start with a low dose to assess your tolerance, note its effects at different levels, avoid use while driving, and only buy lab-tested products. Research continues to uncover how HHC and Delta 8 affect people, their potential long-term health effects, if users report changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, if the metabolites remain long enough to show up in a urine test after usage and cessation, or how its chemical stability changes with external factors like extreme temperatures and pressures.
Stay informed on HHC and Delta 8's effects and research findings for how they function and act inside the body's systems. Also understand where and how to acquire the chemical structure for the different cannabinoids, what types of products companies and brands make to use the delta 8 compound that don't run afoul of any country, regional, or union-wide guidelines and where consumers buy HHC and Delta 8 in any store, as well as legal compliance and regulatory changes in your country, along with union jurisdictions. Then you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision. By always staying diligent and knowing the distinct characteristics and the unique nuances of these minor cannabinoids from the hemp plant can help guide informed purchases.
"Marijuana is one of the safest, therapeutically active substances known to man."
FAQs about HHC vs Delta-8
What is the difference between HHC and Delta-8 THC?
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) and Delta-8 THC are both cannabinoids derived from hemp, but they differ in their chemical structure and effects. Delta-8 provides a milder high compared to Delta-9 THC, while HHC is often considered slightly more potent than Delta-8 but still less intense than Delta-9. Both cannabinoids are psychoactive, but the effects of HHC are reported to be more physically relaxing, while Delta-8 offers a clearer, more functional high.
Are HHC and Delta-8 legal in Europe?
Both HHC and Delta-8 are in a legal gray area in Europe. The EU has regulations for hemp-derived products, generally allowing cannabinoids with less than 0.2% THC. However, both HHC and Delta-8 are not explicitly mentioned in EU legislation, so their legality varies by country. Some nations might allow them as long as they meet the THC limits, while others have stricter controls or bans on psychoactive substances.
How are HHC and Delta-8 made?
Delta-8 THC is typically synthesized from CBD through a process called isomerization, converting CBD into Delta-8. HHC, on the other hand, is made by hydrogenating Delta-9 THC, which adds hydrogen atoms to the molecule. This process makes HHC more stable but can also alter its effects. While both are derived from hemp, their production methods make them chemically distinct.
Author: Edijs Eleksis
Growing up in a country where cannabis was stigmatized and even shamed, Edijs faced many roadblocks to get to enjoy the benefits of this plant. However, as more countries worldwide are opening up to the idea of cannabis-available society, Edijs is inspired to take on a mission: spreading awareness about cannabis and its industry in Europe through engaging, educational blog content. Because only with more information, humans as a collective, can make decisions that are better for all of us!
