HHC vs Delta 8 Comparison: Main Differences & Similarities

If you’re a cannabis consumer, you’ve probably heard of both HHC and Delta 8. But what’s the HHC vs Delta 8 difference? And which one is better? 

Keep reading to find out.

What Does HHC Stand For?

HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a hydrogenated form of THC. Although it can provide similar effects, HHC is not the same as THC. Although it may affect your cognitive function and headspace, it doesn’t negate your capacity to stay in command.  

Is HHC synthetic? HHC can be both natural and semi-synthetic, depending on where it comes from and how it’s produced. As both hemp and marijuana plants naturally produce a small amount of HHC, most HHC products are manufactured in a laboratory.

What Does Delta 8 Stand For?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta 8 THC, is another cannabinoid found in trace amounts in hemp and cannabis (marijuana) plants. It’s similar to the more well-known Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) but has a few key differences.

Delta 8 is about half as potent as Delta 9 regarding the high it produces and is known to give you a more clear-headed high, while Delta 9 may cause anxiety in some people.

The Main Differences and Similarities

To understand Delta 8 vs HHC main differences, let’s take a closer look at both of them:

Potency

As you see, the main HHC vs D8 difference is in their potency levels. HHC is stronger than Delta 8 THC yet milder than Delta 9 THC.

Compared to D9, D8 THC has a potency level of about 50–60%, while HHC can have a potency level of up to 80%. 

Potential Effects (and Side Effects)

When it comes to D8 and HHC effects, they are pretty similar. They both provide relaxation and a sense of calmness, with one exception. Delta 8 can help relieve mild pain issues, whereas HHC (especially if taken in high doses) provides that extra euphoric kick (similar to D9).

Delta 8 Side Effects

Since D8 is similar to D9, you may anticipate the same side effects as you would with D9:

• anxiety
• red eyes
• dry mouth
• increased heart rate
• problems with coordination
• memory loss
• feeling hungry (munchies)

HHC Side Effects

HHC has similar adverse effects as D8 and D9:

• red eyes
• dry mouth
• anxiety
• rapid heart rate  

High Feeling

Delta 8 THC, unlike Delta 9 THC, doesn’t activate the CB1 receptor in our brain to the same extent. You will be high but still in command, with a smaller risk of anxiety/paranoia.

On the other hand, an HHC high is more like a Delta 9 THC high but with less intensity and duration. You may still experience the psychoactive effects, such as euphoria, cognitive impairment, and visual distortions, but they’ll be milder.

To sum up, the high you get from HHC is more intense than the high you get from Delta 8. So, if you’re looking for a potent cannabinoid that will give you a powerful high, then HHC is the way to go. However, if you want a cannabinoid that will provide you with a milder high, you should go with Delta 8.

HHC vs Delta 8 Drug Test 

If you’re worried about failing a drug test, you should know that HHC and Delta 8 can show up on a drug test, especially if you use them in large amounts.

Just like CBD, HHC and Delta 8 might stay in your system for more than three days, depending on the dosage, your metabolism, and how you take them. So it’s advisable to stop consuming them several days before your drug test.

Legal Status

There is no difference between HHC and Delta 8 regarding legality — they are both in the legal gray area.

Both HHC and Delta 8 are present in small amounts in hemp plants. And because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, any product derived from it is also technically legal.

However, the legality of HHC and Delta 8 gets a bit murky when it comes to marijuana. While some states have legalized recreational and medical marijuana, the plant is still illegal at the federal level.

So, HHC and Delta 8 derived from marijuana plants are technically illegal under federal law and you can find Delta 8 gummies and HHC edibles online or in dispensaries.  

Conclusion

So, what’s the difference between Delta 8 and HHC? In short, it boils down to two main differences — HHC is more potent than D8 and produces a more intense high.

Other than that, these two cannabinoids are pretty similar. They both provide relaxation with minimal side effects, and most of HHC or Delta 8 cannabinoids on the market are of synthetic origin.

Both cannabinoids are present in small amounts in hemp and marijuana plants. So, if you’re looking for a legal way to consume them, you should look for products derived from hemp plants.

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About the Author

Marina Avramovic

Marina is a content writer and a film-maker who spends most of her time in front of the computer, writing articles and blog posts on various subjects, learning fictional languages or editing avant-garde movies. This compulsive penchant for learning new ways of dreaming and writing became her dream job. When she's not obsessing about work she tries to cook, read dystopian novels and go on adventures with her dog.

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