HHC is a new compound that is fast gaining popularity in the cannabis world. As more people go for HHC products for different reasons, concerns arise about whether products like HHC gummies are stronger than Delta 8 gummies. Herein is everything you need to know about HHC, including its legality, potency, and how it compares to Delta 8
Unlike Delta 8 and Delta 9, which have already gained popularity, HHC is a new element, and a lot about it is yet to be determined. As the hemp world keeps gaining attention, better alternatives for THC and CBD are being established, and HHC is one of them. However, there are limited manufacturers of HHC, its infused in various products, including gummies, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. Delta-8 is also infused in various products, one of the most widely recognized names for THC. Comparing HHC and Delta-9 scientifically might be difficult since HHC has limited research. Notably, Delta 8 and HHC are derived from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but which of the two is stronger. Learn more below.
Quick Reminders on Delta-8 THC
Before comparing Delta-8 THC and HHC, here are some quick facts on Delta-8. Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are similar, more emphasis is placed on the duo-bond on the eighth carbon chain. delta-8 seems unique from delta-9 molecular. The eighth carbon in Delta-8 slightly differs in its impact on users.
Akpunonu et al. (2021) noted that Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid. It interacts majorly with B1 receptors in the brain, resulting in a “high” effect. As a result, some states have completely banned the use of Delta-8, even though it is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill on US soil. However, Delta-8 vapes, gummies, tinctures, or any other products with THC levels not exceeding 0.3% are legal. However, it is important to confirm with the local laws before using Delta-8 because it is a contentious cannabinoid.
What is HHC?
Understanding HHC might be difficult because it is one of the latest in the cannabis field. In addition, there is limited research regarding its effectiveness. So, what is HHC? HHC is the short form of Hexahydrocannabinol. It is derived from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through hydrogenation. Its formation involves a complex procedure requiring hydrogen and THC saturation. This process involves high pressure and effective catalysts such as palladium and nickel.
The process discontinuities THC’s duo-bond chemical structure, replacing it with hydrogen. However, the process is safe and retains the effectiveness and potency levels of the cannabinoids. HHC molecular structure is stronger and cannot be easily salvaged into oxidation or degradation.
Is HHC More Potent Than Delta-8?
One of the primary distinguishing features between delta-8 and HHC is their effectiveness and potency levels. The practical comparison between HHC and THC is that the former is slightly stronger than THC (delta-8)). However, it is not as powerful as delta-9. According to this analogy, HHC is stronger than delta-8 THC. Most people prefer delta-8 THC to HHC and Delta-9 because it produces fewer unwanted effects such as paranoia and anxiety, as suggested by Boehnke, Hauser & Fizcharies (2022) in an experiment that involved THC.
Besides the strength in effectiveness, HHC has a longer shelf-life than Delta-8. The exposure of THC to oxidation results in the breakdown of hydrogen atoms and two new duo-bonds formulations (CBN), which have approximately 10% of THC psychoactive concentration. In contrast, Guo et al. (2021) noted that HHC is not broken down easily with air. It is also more resistant to various conditions, including UV light and heat.
Although HHC and Delta-8 have a slight difference in strength, they share many similarities, both derived from THC. As noted earlier, HHC is the hydrogenated form of THC. Therefore, it shares various impacts with THC. Compton et al. (1993) concluded that HHC and THC bind with various endocannabinoids in the body, including B1 and B2 receptors, regulating various body functions. HHC and THC also bind with TRP pain receptors, easing you from chronic pain.
Are Delta-8 and HHC Products Legal?
Delta-8 and HHC are legal in 38 states, although the 2018 Farm Bill laws regulate them. Abernethy (2019) noted that the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-based products at the federal level only if their THC levels are below 0.3%. Most importantly, Delta-8 and HHC products were legalized by the federal government. However, the legality of HHC remains unclear. Currently, there are only speculations, and people are using general hemp plant laws such as THC levels and legalization at federal levels to determine the legality of HHC products. Therefore, HHC users should use them at their risk.
Where Can I Buy HHC Products?
Unlike Delta-8 products, which are easily accessible, HHC, being a new element, might be rare. Few hemp-based manufacturers offer HHC products since they involve a complex production process. They also come with a greater risk since there are no standard protocols for their safety measure. However, you can easily access them online.
Buying HHC products online requires you to be careful about quality. Buying products online can be disappointing. Therefore, it is important to buy from a reputable brand, ready to be transparent regarding the safety of its products. Avoid extremely cheap HHC products since no brand would wish to make a loss. Extremely low-priced products are likely to be of poor quality.
Avoid brands that have not posted their HHC COA’s reports and are not ready to provide them upon request. Such products are likely to be of poor quality or harmful to your health. If you are buying HHC products from the nearest store, confirm they have QR codes on the labels that can lead you to individual product lab results upon scanning.
Conclusion
HHC and Delta-8 products share a lot of similarities. They are infused in tinctures, capsules, vapes, gummies, and topicals. Unlike Delta-8 products, which are common in the market, HHC is yet to gain popularity. The quality of Delta-8 and HHC determines their effectiveness. Although you can get Delta-8 and HHC products online or from the nearest, quality has to be a priority. Avoid products that don’t are assessed for their potency and purity levels. Before getting either of the products, check whether the brand has consistently received warnings from the FDA regarding their products’ safety. Avoid brands that have been in constant trouble with the FDA since they are likely to offer poor quality and lie about their potency levels.
References
Akpunonu, P., Baum, R. A., Reckers, A., Davidson, B., Ellison, R., Riley, M., … & Gerona, R. (2021). Sedation And Acute Encephalopathy In A Pediatric Patient Following Ingestion Of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Gummies. The American Journal Of Case Reports, 22, E933488-1.
Abernethy, A. (2019). Hemp Production & 2018 Farm Bill. US Food And Drug Administration.Boehnke, K. F., Häuser, W., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2022). Cannabidiol (CBD) In Rheumatic Diseases (Musculoskeletal Pain). Current Rheumatology Reports, 1-9.
Compton, D. R., Rice, K. C., De Costa, B. R., Razdan, R. K., Melvin, L. S., Johnson, M. R., & Martin, B. R. (1993). Cannabinoid Structure-Activity Relationships: Correlation Of Receptor Binding And In Vivo Activities. Journal Of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics, 265(1), 218-226
Guo, W., Vrdoljak, G., Liao, V. C., & Moezzi, B. (2021). Major constituents of cannabis vape oil liquid, vapor, and aerosol in California vape oil cartridge samples. Frontiers in Chemistry, 9.
Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don’t ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I’ve tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don’t work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.
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