HHC vs. Delta 9 THC – What’s the Difference?

With how many cannabinoids are on the market today, it can be challenging to understand what makes each one different. HHC and delta-9 THC are often confused by people.

As a cannabinoid structurally similar to delta 9, we’ve got to wonder: what are the main distinctions between HHC and delta 9? 

Let’s find out.   

Table of Contents:

• Key Takeaways
• What is Delta 9? 
• How is Delta 9 Made? 
• What is HHC? 
• How is HHC Made? 
• Is HHC Legal? 
• Is Delta 9 Legal? 
• Comparison Between Delta 9 and HHC: Which is Right for You?
• What Are the Various Forms of Delta 9 and HHC Products Available Online? 
• Final Thoughts on HHC and Delta 9 — What’s Best For You?

Key Takeaways

• There is a high concentration of delta-9 THC in cannabis plants, which is the primary psychoactive component.
• HHC is a psychoactive compound made from hydrogenation, where hydrogen molecules are added to CBD. 
• HHC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, while delta 9 THC is only permitted at 0.3% by weight or less. 
• HHC and delta-9 THC share some similarities, including psychoactivity and chemical structure; however, they have primary differences in their strengths, legalities, and natural aspects.  

What is Delta 9? 

It is delta-9 THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, that causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Cannabinoids are responsible for the “high” most people associate with marijuana.

When you consume cannabis, either by smoking, vaping, or ingesting it, THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors found in the brain and central nervous system. This interaction creates the psychoactive results many people seek from delta-9 THC in the first place. 

Apart from its psychoactive properties, delta-9 THC also has various supportive functions that people enjoy. Cannabinoids have a variety of benefits, but consumers seek them out for a variety of reasons.

You can find various Delta 9 products on the market today, as the cannabinoid is available in many forms. From flowers to edibles, topicals, and tinctures, Delta 9 products are easy to find (especially when you shop from CannaAid Shop). 

How is Delta 9 Made? 

Delta 9 THC is found naturally in the trichomes of the cannabis plant, so technically, cannabis makes it! However, delta-9’s curation process is quite interesting. 

Delta-9 begins with the mother of all cannabinoids, CBGA (cannabigerol acid). Cannabis plants produce CBGA as they grow, one of the first cannabinoids they produce. Then, throughout their growth phases, the CBGA compounds will get exposed to various elements, aiding in their transformation into other precursor cannabinoids, including THCA and CBDA. 

If you couldn’t tell, THCA and CBDA are the precursor cannabinoids for THC and CBD. Heating or activating THCA through decarboxylation will convert it into THC. During this process, the THCA cannabinoid loses a carboxyl group and, thus, becomes delta-9 THC. 

Even though delta-9 THC is naturally produced in the cannabis plant, cannabis breeders have been able to cultivate strains that organically have higher THC percentages than the average plant. However, this is still done naturally and not through chemical processes or additives. 

What is HHC? 

Cannabis also contains tetrahydrocannabinol, or HHC. However, unlike delta-9 THC, HHC is only present in small amounts. (Or should we say “tiny”?) 

The HHC cannabinoid is a psychoactive one, producing euphoric results that consumers of all backgrounds are coming to know and love. While we’re still learning more and more about the HHC cannabinoid, it appears to be an excellent substitute for people who cannot easily access delta-9 THC products or live in places where delta-8 THC is illegal. 

Even though HHC may be reasonably new to the mainstream market, the cannabinoid was discovered decades ago, back in the 1940s. Roger Adams, a chemist, was the first to describe the curation of HHC; however, it only recently became well-known due to the legalization of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill. 

Today, you can find HHC products in various forms. Whether you’re looking for an HHC disposable pen, HHC gummies, or even an HHC tincture, there’s an HHC product out there waiting for you. 

Related Article: What is HHC?

How is HHC Made? 

There is only a small amount of HHC in the cannabis plant, as we noted earlier. Because of this, working with it naturally is nearly impossible. Thus, professional extractors rely on creating the compound, making the HHC you see on the market synthetic. However, this is how the cannabinoid has been from the start.  

Back in the 1940s, Adams created HHC by combining THC with hydrogen molecules in a process called hydrogenation. These days, we rely on hemp-derived CBD to make HHC, but the process remains the same: combine hydrogen atoms with CBD to manipulate the chemical structure and change it into HHC. 

Only the most skilled professional chemists and cannabis extractors can complete the challenging process of creating HHC. It requires specialized equipment and knowledge that the average person doesn’t have, so it’s essential to leave the curation process up to the pros. 

Is HHC Legal? 

The legality surrounding HHC is a bit complicated. As long as hemp-derived HHC does not contain more than 0.3% THC, it is legal to sell it in the United States. If an HHC product follows these guidelines, it’s completely legal to buy and enjoy federally. 

However, not all states abide by federal law, as they have the right to create their own regulations. Thus, some places have banned or strictly regulated HHC, making it illegal in certain areas. Because of this, you have to make sure to read up on the laws where you live to guarantee that HHC is legal. 

If HHC isn’t permitted in your city, county, or state, you won’t be able to buy HHC products online or in person. It is not possible to order them online and have them shipped to you. So, save yourself some heartbreak and check up on the laws before making a purchase. 

Is Delta 9 Legal? 

Federal law prohibits products from containing more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight. Any more than that is federally illegal, and the product is no longer considered hemp but marijuana. So, hemp-derived delta-9 THC products are legal if they follow that weight guideline, but only if they do so. 

At the state level, however, things are very different. A number of states have legalized cannabis either medically or recreationally, making delta-9 THC products legal for those who qualify. In recreational states, you can buy various delta-9 THC products if you’re at least 21 years old. (These products will be derived from marijuana, not hemp-derived.) 

If you live where cannabis is legal for medical purposes, you will need to be a medical marijuana cardholder to gain access to these products. 

Related Article: Is Delta-9 THC Legal?

Comparison Between Delta 9 and HHC: Which is Right for You?

Now that you understand what HHC is and what delta-9 THC is, it’s time to compare the two. How do you decide between HHC and delta-9?

Let’s examine how the cannabinoids differ and then compare their similarities.

Similarities Between Delta 9 and HHC

The most significant similarity between delta 9 THC and HHC comes in the cannabinoids’ molecular structures. Essentially, delta-9 THC’s molecular structure is made up of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen and has a double-bond structure that occurs on the ninth carbon atom of the molecule. Scientists believe it is the placement of the double-bond structure on the ninth atom that makes delta-9 THC have such a strong affinity for the CB1 receptors in the brain.

On the other hand, HHC also has carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen—basically the exact structure of THC, just without the double bonding. These two cannabinoids have nearly identical systems, leading to very similar results in the body. This also means that delta 9 THC and HHC show similarly on a drug test (sorry for the bad news). 

We briefly mentioned this already, but both delta-9 THC and HHC are psychoactive compounds as well. These cannabinoids are both well-known for getting consumers high, which tends to be the primary reason for consumption, though this varies from person to person. 

Differences Between Delta 9 THC and HHC

While HHC and delta 9 do share some similarities, they have distinct differences that are important to point out. 

As we discussed, HHC and delta 9 THC have nearly identical structures, other than one major difference: HHC doesn’t have any double bonding. This lack of double-bond bonding may play a role in the effects that the cannabinoid has on the body. While both HHC and delta 9 are psychoactive, delta 9’s results will be more intense and distinct than HHC’s. Regarding strength, many people place delta-8 as the most gentle, then HHC, and then delta-9 THC. 

Many people report that the feelings that come from these cannabinoids are slightly different as well. The HHC cannabinoid is often reported as more relaxing and soothing, while THC is well-known for its stimulating, upbeat results. Again, this depends on the consumer.

Another huge difference between delta 9 and HHC is the natural aspect. HHC and delta 9 THC are both associated with cannabis, but the delta is naturally produced, while HHC has to be created in a lab to infuse into products. Even though there’s nothing wrong with this, it might influence people’s perceptions of which cannabinoid is best for them. 

What Are the Various Forms of Delta 9 and HHC Products Available Online? 

Today, you can buy HHC and Delta 9 THC products online effortlessly, especially when you do so through CannaAid Shop. 

The CannaAid Shop offers a wide selection of delta 9 THC and HHC products for you to choose from, available in different blends and quantities to completely customize your experience. You can find an HHC tincture, HHC gummies, HHC pain salve, a disposable vape pen, and more from the HHC cannabinoid. 

And, when you shop for D9, you can find delta- 9 shots, delta-9 carts, delta-9 edibles, and so much more. It all depends on what cannabinoids appeal to you most and what your ideal consumption method is. 

Final Thoughts on HHC and Delta 9 — What’s Best For You? 

If you want to figure out which cannabinoid is best for you, you have to consider the differences between HHC and delta-9 THC. It’s essential to figure out what kind of results you’re looking for and even the legal aspects of these cannabinoids where you live. Once you understand these elements, determining which compound is right for you will become more accessible than ever. 

And once you do decide, CannaAid Shop is here to give you the best product selection.