HHC vs. Delta 8: What’s the Difference?

HHC and delta-8 THC are two very different cannabinoids; however, not everybody understands the unique differences that make them the way that they are. If you’re confused about HHC vs. delta 8, whether it’s about potency, structure, or something else, we’ve got you covered. 

Below, we’re talking about all the differences you can find between the HHC and delta-8 THC cannabinoids. 

Table of Contents:

• Key Takeaways
• What is HHC? 
• What is Delta 8?
• Are Delta 8 and HHC Legal?
• Criteria to Consider Before Buying HHC or Delta 8 Products
• What Does HHC Make You Feel Like?
• How Does Delta 8 THC Work? 
• What’s the Difference Between HHC and Delta 8 THC? 
• What is the Price Difference Between HHC and Delta 8 Products? 
• How Can You Buy HHC and Delta 8 Products? 
• The Takeaway: HHC vs. Delta-8 THC: Which is Better? 
• What is HHC? 
• Is Delta 8 Safe? 
• Is HHC an Indica or Sativa?
• Is Delta 8 THC an Indica or Sativa? 
• How Long Does HHC Stay in Your System? 
• Do I Need a Prescription to Buy Delta 8 or HHC Products?

Key Takeaways 

• HHC is a synthetic, psychoactive cannabinoid that’s made through a process called hydrogenation.
• Delta 8 THC is a type of psychoactive THC compound that is created by isomerization when used in commercial products. 
• The 2018 Farm Bill legalizes both HHC and Delta 8 THC.
• These cannabinoids work similarly in the body, though HHC’s effects are slightly more potent than delta-8 THC.  
• Among the most significant differences between delta-8 THC and HHC are their chemical structures, potencies, and effects. 

What is HHC? 

Short for hexahydrocannabinol, HHC is a minor cannabinoid in trace amounts within the cannabis plant. HHC has similar psychoactive properties to THC, making it a popular drug. HHC, however, is most interesting due to how it is made.

Even though HHC is technically naturally present in the plant, it’s not present in large enough amounts to work with. Because of this, professionals have discovered ways of legally creating the cannabinoid, making it easier for extraction and infusion.

When HHC was first found, chemists created the cannabinoid by combining marijuana-derived THC molecules with hydrogen atoms. This process, called hydrogenation, causes a chemical reaction that changes the compound from THC to HHC. 

Today, to adhere to legal requirements, HHC is produced using cannabinoids derived from hemp, either CBD or THC.  

This means that HHC is technically a synthetic compound, as all of the HHC you find on the market will be lab-made. Professionals rely on hydrogenation for the duration of the HHC cannabinoid. 

What is Delta 8?

Now, let’s focus on delta 8. Besides delta-8 THC, cannabis also contains other natural cannabinoids. It is a type of THC, a cannabinoid responsible for providing psychoactive effects. 

There is, however, a chemical and structural difference between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. When talking about THC, it’s essential to determine what kind of THC you’re referring to.

The delta-8 THC molecule is an isomer and an analog of the delta-9 THC molecule. In contrast to D9, D8 tends to have less intense effects. The actual products are going to vary from person to person, but many consumers turn to delta 8 THC because of the more calming, soothing results it tends to produce. 

Like HHC, delta 8 THC products are all lab-made. Again, delta 8 THC is naturally present in the plant, but only in tiny amounts. These amounts aren’t hefty enough to work with, causing professionals to create the cannabinoid in a lab using an isomerization process. 

All the Delta 8 products you buy on the market are lab-made. Delta 8 THC flower, for example, is hemp flower infused with delta 8 THC distillate, not actual delta-8-grown flower.   

Related Article: What is Delta 8 THC?

Are Delta 8 and HHC Legal? 

The legality surrounding delta 8 THC and HHC is complicated; however, at the federal level, these two cannabinoids are both legal. 

As long as the delta 8 THC or HHC product is made from hemp and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC by weight, it is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. It is for this reason that you can purchase products online and have them shipped to you.

However, some states have started implementing strict regulations or all-out bans on cannabinoids like Delta 8 or HHC. This means these compounds may be illegal in your state, and you cannot buy or enjoy them where you live. 

Always take the time to research the rules in your area to see whether or not you’re permitted to buy Delta 8 and HHC products online or in person.  

Related Article: Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Criteria to Consider Before Buying HHC or Delta 8 Products

When considering HHC or delta 8 products, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure you are purchasing the best, highest-quality products.

Before buying Delta 8 or HHC, make sure you know the legal status in your area. Laws vary by location and can change frequently, so always ensure that you have the most up-to-date information possible. 

Along with legal status, you also want to check whether or not your product is coming from a reliable, trustworthy source. Whenever possible, look for products derived from organically grown hemp without pesticides or harmful chemicals.

Even more important, consider the third-party lab test results of the HHC or Delta 8 product you’re looking into. For product safety and purity, you must guarantee that a third-party laboratory has tested your product. These tests will check for things like potency as well as the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, or other harmful substances. Customers should be able to view them easily. If they’re not, this is a huge red flag. 

Finally, when buying HHC and delta 8 THC products online, you should take the time to look at the customer reviews. Customer reviews can help you gauge product quality, customer service, and the overall reputation of the brand from people just like you. 

What Does HHC Make You Feel Like? 

The way that HHC makes you feel is going to differ from person to person. However, many people have found HHC to provide a more subtle, mellow high that’s often described as relaxing. 

Generally, it’s crucial to note that HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. Therefore, you will feel high after consuming it. When it comes to the high you feel, some consumers find that it helps them increase their mood and feel more stimulated. The body high tends to be more gentle than the cerebral effects, but the overall results depend on the consumer themselves. 

The best way to understand how HHC makes you feel is by trying it yourself! Both HHC and delta-8 THC products produce unique effects that can only be determined by the consumers themselves. Thus, trying out some doses is going to be ideal. 

How Does Delta 8 THC Work? 

HHC and delta-8 THC work similarly in the body. When consumed, cannabinoids like delta 8 THC exert their effects through their interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors and cell signals that are found throughout the body, including the brain. 

Numerous physiological and mental processes, such as appetite, mood, sleep, pain perception, memory, etc., are regulated by the endocannabinoid system. In this case, CB1 and CB2 receptors play a key role. The brain and central nervous system contain CB1 receptors, whereas peripheral nerves and the immune system contain CB2 receptors.

Delta 8 THC binds to the CB1 receptor and causes some of its effects. However, because of its slightly different chemical structure than delta 9 THC, D8 doesn’t bind to CB1s similarly, leading to a potentially less intense psychoactive experience.  

What’s the Difference Between HHC and Delta 8 THC? 

HHC and delta-8 THC are two completely different cannabinoids, offering unique properties and characteristics.

To help you better understand how they contrast, here are some of the most significant differences between HHC and D8: 

• Chemical Structure: Both HHC and delta-8 THC are cannabinoids; however, they have differences in their molecular structures that directly affect how they work in the body. Delta 8 is a double-bond isomer of delta-9 THC, while HHC’s chemical structure is quite different due to its synthetic compound.
• Origins: While both HHC and delta-8 THC are synthetically made, these two cannabinoids are curated in vastly different ways. 
• Effects: HHC and delta 8 THC are both psychoactive, altering perception in some way. The intensity of these effects differs between the two compounds, however. Some reports suggest delta 8 THC is less intense than HHC, but both cannabinoids are still less powerful than delta 9 THC. 
• Legality: Under the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC and Delta 8 THC are legal. However, more states have started banning Delta 8 THC than they have HHC; there is no saying that these states won’t do the same with HHC. So, make sure to research laws in your area. 

It’s important to note that research regarding HHC vs. delta 8 THC is still very new, and few conclusive studies are yet. But, as we learn more, we’ll better understand how these compounds contrast. 

What is the Price Difference Between HHC and Delta 8 Products? 

The price difference between HHC and Delta 8 products isn’t too stark, as they tend to be priced similarly. HHC may sometimes be priced slightly higher than delta 8 THC because the cannabinoid isn’t quite as common, but, in general, the prices should be pretty close. 

How Can You Buy HHC and Delta 8 Products? 

Nowadays, buying HHC or Delta 8 THC products is easier than ever. All you have to do is log onto CannaAid’s website, and you can browse the vast selection of cannabinoid products we have available. 

We offer both HHC and delta 8 THC products for sale in varying forms, depending on what you’re looking for. We have everything you need if you’re interested in Delta 8 flower, HHC gummies, D8 vapes, or HHC cartridges. We make it as easy as filling your virtual cart and checking out.

After you purchase, we’ll process and ship your products in just a few business days. Then, your HHC and delta 8 THC products will appear right at your doorstep, ready to be enjoyed. 

The next time you’re interested in buying HHC or delta 8 THC products, let CannaAid’s online shop be your guide. 

The Takeaway: HHC vs. Delta-8 THC: Which is Better? 

When you compare HHC vs. delta-8 THC, it becomes clear that these two compounds are so different you cannot say that one is inherently better than the other. Instead, they offer two unique experiences that can appeal to some consumers better than others.  

For example, if you’re new to the world of cannabis, delta-8 THC is likely going to be a better choice than HHC because the effects are slightly more subtle. But, if you have a higher tolerance or are ready to step up from D8 (but aren’t quite prepared for D9 yet), HHC will be the perfect choice.

Also, which cannabinoid is better for you highly depends on whether or not these compounds are legal in your area.

The best way to determine which cannabinoid works for you is to try two different types. And luckily for you, CannaAid has both delta 8 and HHC products for you to explore. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions regarding HHC vs. delta 8 THC. 

What is HHC? 

Hexahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Though naturally present, to use it within products, professionals curate this cannabinoid through hydrogenation, in which they take hemp-derived cannabinoids and combine them with hydrogen atoms. This changes the molecular structure of the compound, creating HHC. 

HHC is a psychoactive compound, meaning it will create euphoric effects and make you feel high after consuming it. 

Is Delta 8 Safe? 

For any cannabinoid to be safe, you must consume it cautiously and carefully. Before buying any HHC or delta 8 THC product, you must ensure you’re buying it from reputable brands with good quality-control standards. 

Always take the time to check the brand’s third-party lab test results to verify purity and quality for yourself. If you are still looking for these COAs, then this is a big red flag that the company you’re looking into may not be as safe as it could be. 

Along with product quality, you also want to consume your delta 8 THC with caution to ensure a good experience. Even though the cannabinoid isn’t as strong as other compounds on the market, it’s still potent and can create adverse effects if you consume too much. 

Thus, start with a low dose of D8 and only increase the amount a little at a time until you reach your ideal dosage. 

Is HHC an Indica or Sativa?

You can find both indica and sativa HHC strains. In general, people often describe HHC as having more sativa-like effects simply because of its ability to boost mood and enhance creativity. But, this doesn’t mean that all HHC products are sativas; in fact, you can find various calming HHC products that more closely resemble indica-like effects. 

Is Delta 8 THC an Indica or Sativa? 

As well as indica, sativa strains contain delta 8 THC. Cannabis plants are classified as indicas or sativas based on their chemical composition.

Each type is believed to have different effects, but these effects are associated with the balance of various cannabinoids and terpenes, not just the Indica or Sativa label. As delta 8 THC is a single cannabinoid, it wouldn’t be classified as either indica or sativa. 

Though, the relaxing, soothing effects of the compound may remind some of an intense Indica strain. 

How Long Does HHC Stay in Your System? 

How long HHC stays in your system will vary depending on several factors, including the amount consumed, how it was consumed, frequency of consumption, and body chemistry. The more frequently you consume the cannabinoid, the longer it’s going to stay in your system – and the stronger the product, the longer it’s going to stay in your system.

If you just have one low dose of HHC, you can expect the cannabinoid to leave your system after about 48-72 hours. But if you’re a daily consumer of HHC, you may have the cannabinoid present for weeks on end. 

In the event that you have a drug test coming up, it’s best to avoid the cannabinoid for several weeks prior, even closer to a month, to ensure that your body is free of the HHC metabolites. 

Do I Need a Prescription to Buy Delta 8 or HHC Products?

You don’t! To buy Delta 8 or HHC products, you have to be 21 years old and prove your age by verifying your birthday. It would help if you also lived somewhere that hasn’t criminalized these types of products. Following these criteria, you can have Delta 8 or HHC products shipped to your home.