HHC Vs Delta 8: What's The Difference?

If you're a cannabis user, you may have heard of HHC and Delta-8.

But what's the difference?

HHC and delta-8 are naturally present in the cannabis plant and have a similar chemical structure that produces marijuana-like psychoactive effects.

As hemp-derived cannabinoids, these two compounds have become very popular as a "legal" alternative to marijuana use where recreational marijuana isn't legal.

So which one should you use?

Here's a breakdown of the differences between these two cannabinoids.

Key Takeaways:

• HHC and delta-8 are analogs of the delta-9 THC cannabinoid, the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana and produce very similar effects

• HHC and delta-8 are semi-synthetic cannabinoids found naturally in cannabis plants. But most of what you'll find on the market is derived from converting hemp-derived compounds with chemical processes like acids.

• HHC and delta-8 interact with the same receptors as delta-9 THC. However, they're less potent and aren't as prone to produce adverse effects.

• Delta-8 is about half as strong as delta-9 in potency, while delta-9 is about 80% as strong.

• Many people prefer delta-8 for evening use, while HHC has more stimulating effects on the mind.

• Delta-8 is more abundant on the market than HHC, but it is becoming increasingly popular as people learn more about this cannabinoid.

The Cannabis Plant & How Cannabinoids Interact With Mammals

Cannabinoids are a class of active compounds found in the cannabis plants. There are over a hundred different cannabinoids that have effects on the body.

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the best-known cannabinoid, and it's the one that gets people "high." CBD or cannabinol is another cannabinoid, abundant in hemp plants that has gained recent popularity for its potential health benefits without producing psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is present in all mammals. This system is involved in regulating a wide range of function, including pain, mood, appetite, memory, and stress.

The exact wat cannabinoids work isn't fully understood, but researchers have observed them to bind to specific receptors in the ECS to influence various biochemical processes:

• CB1 receptors: found concentrated in the central nervous system

• CB2 receptors: found in the peripheral nervous system and the immune system

Scientists speculate that cannabis plants produce cannabinoids to protect themselves from herbivores, pests, and from harsh environments as many of these cannabinoids have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

What Is HHC?

HHC is the shorthand for hexahydrocannabinol, and it's a hydrogenated THC derivative.

HHC is found in trace amounts in certain high-potency cannabis strains, but most of what's used in HHC products is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid produced in a lab by hydrogenating THC [1].

HHC was first synthesized in a lab by the American chemist Roger Adams by hydrogenating THC molecules. This essentially replaces the carbon double bonds with hydrogen atoms, and it's the same process that transforms vegetable oil into margarine.

While THC naturally degrades into CBN (cannabinol), which no longer has psychoactive effects, HHC is the exact opposite molecule of CBN.

In its hydrogenated form, THC extends its shelf-life and ability to bind to CB1 receptors in the ECS to produce very similar effects to THC.

HHC products in vapes and edibles have become recently popular as alternatives to marijuana cannabis products, as HHC can be made from Farm Bill-compliant hemp crops.

Some companies and anecdotal reports online claim that HHC is a safe alternative to achieve the relaxing and mild euphoria from THC without detection on drug testing. However, this isn't guaranteed as some people also report failing drug tests from HHC use. 

What Are The Effects Of HHC?

HHC and THC are virtually identical in their molecular structures, except for replacing the double carbon bonds with hydrogen atoms.

They produce very similar effects, and they both bind to the same receptors to produce changes in visual perception, influence hunger hormones, provide analgesic effects, and relax.

The only major difference in effects is that HHC seems less potent than delta-9 THC (the main cannabinoid in the marijuana plant). How much weaker is not an exact science. Still, most experts say that HHC is roughly 80% weaker than THC, which makes it less likely to produce overstimulation that generally leads to feelings of paranoia and anxiousness.

Unfortunately, as a minor cannabinoid, there's not much research on HHC, specifically on humans, but we can expect very similar effects as using delta-9 THC products.

Given the online anecdotal evidence from cannabis users, let's go over the potential uses and what cannabis enthusiasts use HHC products for.

The Potential Beneficial Effects & Uses Of HHC Include:

• Psychoactive properties: changes in auditory and visual perception for creative experiences, introspection, and relaxation

• Chronic pain management: may reduce inflammation, and interactions at TRP receptor sites may help to provide mild pain relief [2]

• May improve sleep quality: there haven't been any studies looking specifically at HHC and sleep quality. However, many online anecdotal say high doses of HHC help with deep mind and body relaxation to support their sleep.

• May alleviate nausea symptoms: again, we couldn't find scientific literature to support HHC's use in this way. But if it interacts with the same receptors in the central nervous system as THC, it should provide some level of support by regulating nausea centers in the brain.

• May increase appetite: THC is famous for the "munchies." This is due to interactions with hunger regulating systems in the brain stimulated by the CB1 receptor. Consuming HHC seems to also illicit these effects based on anecdotal evidence.

What Are The Side Effects Of HHC?

The side effects of HHC reported are very similar to side effects experienced with THC:

• Paranoia

• Anxiousness

• Dry mouth/Cottonmouth

• Dry, red eyes

• Slow reaction times

• Dizziness

• Headaches

HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, which can be overwhelming to some people.

Everyone's tolerance to cannabinoids can differ depending on their experience with the compounds, body chemistry, and lifestyle, so it's important to take weight on the risk of the rise effects for their potential benefits.

Is HHC Safe?

HHC is said to have a very similar safety profile to THC—although there isn't as much research on the safety of these cannabinoids.

The biggest concern about HHC products and their safety is the manufacturing process. HHC isn't found naturally in substantial quantities, which is why most HHC gummies and vape products are lab-produced.

Transforming HHC from hemp-derived compounds requires an acidic conversion process. While this process is relatively safe when done correctly, poor manufacturing processes can leave behind chemical solvents and other harsh chemicals that can be dangerous when consumed in large quantities.

Unfortunately, there's a lack of regulation for the production and sale of hemp-derived cannabis variants because they're not sold for their therapeutic benefits, and none of the products on the market are FDA-approved.

This is why it's so important to thoroughly research the cannabis products you purchase online and only shop with reputable sources that provide third-party testing on the hemp extracts.

Third-party lab tests show you the cannabinoid potency and the contamination report on the HHC product you're looking at. It also helps to read online forums for other users' product experiences and interactions with a brand's customer service.

Is HHC Federally Legal?

The reason HHC has become so popular is that marijuana still remains a federally controlled substance.

HHC can come from hemp and marijuana plants. However, only hemp plants became legalized with the 2018 Farm Bill.

Like delta-8 THC, HHC lives in a legal grey area.

While synthetic cannabinoids are banned under federal law because of their dangerous outcomes. HHC and delta-8 aren't completely synthetic because they are found in nature.

Still, some states have banned all analogs of THC, so it's important that you check with your local laws before ordering anything online.

What Is Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is an isomer of the main psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9 THC, meaning it has a similar chemical structure but slight variations. The only difference is the placement of the carbon double bond, which is on the eighth chain instead of the ninth.

This variation gives delta-8 THC a slightly different effect than delta-9 THC. For example, delta-8 is known to be less psychoactive than delta-9. That being said, it can still produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria.

Like HHC, delta-8 is found in the raw plant in very small concentrations, which is why most delta-8 products are made by converting CBD through a chemical process.

Instead of hydrogenating the THC molecule, CBD or THC undergoes structural isomerization using hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, or glacial acetic acid to convert the molecule into delta-8 THC.

Like HHC, delta-8 became popular as an alternative way to experience the marijuana high without risking legal reproductions in states that haven't legalized recreational marijuana use.

Compared to HHC, you'll find much more research on delta-8 THC and more variations of products online.

What Are The Effects Of Delta-8?

Delta-8 has the nicknames "light weed" or "diet weed," thanks to its friendlier psychoactive effects. Many people enjoy it as an introduction to the psychoactive effects of cannabis because it's less overwhelming and prone to fewer adverse effects.

Delta-8 interacts with the same cannabinoid receptors as delta-9 THC in the brain to produce changes in perception, feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and changes in hunger—but it's about half as potent.

Some of the reported potential benefits and effects of delta-8 THC include:

• Stress management: there have been studies with human participants with success in using delta-8 for managing stress, depression, and anxiety attacks thanks to its mood-elevating properties [3].

• Pain relief: lower levels of delta-8 reportedly give the body a more relaxed feeling, which may help with body tension and general discomfort. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce pain through the activation of CB1R1 receptors [4].

• Psychoactive properties: those looking for a mellower THC experience will find a more enjoyable experience with delta-8, which is known to produce a similar elevated experience, but without the overstimulation and tendency for negative side effects.

• Increased appetite: low doses of delta-8 THC was found to increase food consumption in murine models, which can be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, HIV treatment, or those struggling with eating disorders [5].

What Are The Side Effects Of Delta-8 THC?

One of the reasons delta-8 has become so popular in the cannabis market is that it's less likely to produce some of the negative effects of marijuana use from delta-9 THC, like anxiety.

The safety profile of delta-8 THC is believed to be very similar to delta-9 THC and is non-toxic. However, HHC and delta-8 are still psychoactive compounds that can affect your perception and judgment, so it's important that you use them responsibly to avoid accidents or injuries.

Delta-8 THC side effects are mild and short-lived, but these are the adverse effects you should be made aware of when consumed in high doses:

• Anxiousness

• Paranoia

• Drowsiness

• Headaches

• Red eyes/ dry eyes

• Dry mouth/ cotton mouth

• Insomnia

Is Delta-8 Safe?

Like HHC, most delta-8 THC products on the market are semi-synthetic. They're produced by converting a hemp-derived cannabinoid like CBD into delta-8 through chemical reactions using strong acids.

When executed correctly, the acids and any residual solvents should be completely removed before it's formulated into gummies, tinctures, or vape products—but there are some poor practices.

When shopping for HHC and delta-8 THC, always reference third-party lab tests that check for the potency and purity of the extract.

So, is Delta-8 safe?

Is Delta-8 Federally Legal?

HHC and delta-8 live in a legal grey area. On a federal level, if the products come from the hemp plant with less than 0.3% THC (delta-9), then the plant and its derivatives are legal.

That being said, a few states have banned the sale and possession of delta-8, regardless of whether it was hemp-derived. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Vermont.

Cannabis laws seem to be in a state of flux in the United States, so it's important that you check with your local laws when shopping for cannabis products.

What Are The Dangerous Of Semi-Synthetic Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids?

Unlike synthetic cannabinoids under the name "K2" or "spice," which are completely produced in a lab and designed to bind to cannabinoid receptors and do not occur in nature, HHC and delta-8 are found naturally occurring in cannabis plants.

The problem is they only exist in very small concentrations, which makes it difficult to extract in meaningful amounts to produce products. However, they can be synthesized with the help of science in a lab.

This is why HHC and delta-8 are considered semi-synthetic.

Chemists use acids to hydrogenate or convert CBD or THC into delta-8 THC and HHC.

While the compounds themselves aren't found to be inherently toxic, residual solvents and other chemicals used in the conversion can be harmful to humans.

Only shop from trusted brands that provide a complete Certificate of Analysis of their compounds by a credited third-party lab to ensure that your product is safe for consumption.

The Takeaway: HHC Vs. Delta-8 THC: Which Should I Choose?

HHC and delta-8 are both considered semi-synthetic cannabinoids that produce very similar effects to delta-9 THC in marijuana and are generally legal options for places where recreational cannabis isn't accessible. These compounds exist in nature, but most products require some chemical process to convert CBD or THC into HHC and delta-8.

Which one you choose will depend on the product's availability and the experience you're looking for. For the most part, HHC is still a relatively new cannabinoid, and you'll find much more delta-8 products available on the market.

In terms of effects, delta-8 is half as potent as delta-9, and HHC falls somewhere in the middle of the two. For nighttime use and general relaxation, many people prefer delta-8 THC.

For those looking for effects more similar to Sativa strains of marijuana, HHC could be a better alternative as it's stronger and has more stimulating effects.

Either way, it's important that you research what you purchase to ensure that it's free from potential contaminants and check with your local laws to avoid any issues

FAQ

What Is The Difference Between HHC vs. Delta 8?

HHC and delta-8 are semi-synthetic cannabinoids that provide effects similar to delta-9 THC in marijuana and are generally legal alternatives in areas where recreational cannabis is not permitted. Many individuals choose delta-8 THC for nighttime use and general relaxation, but HHC may be a better alternative for people looking for effects similar to Sativa strains of marijuana because it is stronger and more stimulating.

What Is HHC?

HHC is an abbreviation for hexahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid first synthesized in 1947 by organic chemist Dr. Roger Adams by adding hydrogen to the THC cannabinoid. Many people find that HHC is a much more enjoyable high that is less likely to induce feelings of anxiety and paranoia and is much more conducive to social settings and creative workflow.

Is HHC Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill amendment allowed government cultivation of hemp and its derivatives as long as the finished products contain less than 0.3% THC by dried weight. However, individual states may choose to prohibit HHC, so check your local regulations and stay current before purchasing any HHC or delta-8 product.

Is Delta 8 Safe?

The delta-8 THC product is safe to consume as long as manufacturers use high-quality CBD and ensure that the caustic acids involved in the chemical reaction are completely removed from the finished product.

Resources:

1. Ahmed, S. A., Ross, S. A., Slade, D., Radwan, M. M., Khan, I. A., & ElSohly, M. A. (2015). Minor oxygenated cannabinoids from high potency Cannabis sativa L. Phytochemistry, 117, 194-199

2. Bloom, A. S., Dewey, W. L., Harris, L. S., & Brosius, K. K. (1977). 9-Nor-9-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol a cannabinoid with potent antinociceptive activity: comparisons with morphine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 200, 263-270.

3. Kruger, D. J., & Kruger, J. S. (2021). Consumer experiences with delta-8-THC: medical use, pharmaceutical substitution, and comparisons with delta-9-THC. Cannabis and cannabinoid research.

4. Thapa, D., Cairns, E. A., Szczesniak, A. M., Toguri, J. T., Caldwell, M. D., & Kelly, M. E. (2018). The cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 act via distinct receptors to reduce corneal pain and inflammation. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 11-20.

5. Avraham, Y., Ben-Shushan, D., Breuer, A., Zolotarev, O., Okon, A., Fink, N., ... & Berry, E. M. (2004). Very low doses of Δ8-THC increase food consumption and alter neurotransmitter levels following weight loss. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 77(4), 675-684.