HHC vs Delta 9 THC

With more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, it can be confusing to know the differences between all of them! The most common cannabinoids listed on cannabis products include THC and CBD. Delta 9 THC has become easily understood, but how does this cannabinoid compare to other cannabinoids—specifically HHC?

 What Is a Cannabinoid?

As we mentioned, HHC and THC are cannabinoids, but what does that mean? A cannabinoid is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Each cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant creates its own unique reaction within the body. For example, THC is a cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects, while CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive properties.

What Is HHC?

HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol, and it is a derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is found in very trace amounts of the cannabis plant. To use HHC in hemp products, THC has to be hydrogenated to create HHC that is concentrated enough to be used in hemp products. To do this, hydrogen atoms are added to the THC to make it HHC. This process replaces the double bond in THC and gives HHC its name.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is short for its scientific name trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It has a double bond located on its 9th carbon chain. Delta 9 THC contains psychoactive properties that cause users to feel “high” or intoxicating effects when used. Delta 9 THC is currently legal on a federal level through the 2018 Farm Bill as long as the products with delta 9 THC contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.

What Is the Potency Comparison Between HHC and Delta 9 THC?

THC is generally classified as delta 8 THC or delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is slightly milder than delta 9 THC. During the hydrogenating process of delta 9 THC, it loses some of its potency. Because of this, HHC is generally milder than delta 9 THC but not as mild as delta 8 THC. If you want a product with a little more intensity than delta 8 THC but not as intense as delta 9, you should choose an HHC product.

Should First-Time Users Choose HHC or Delta 9 THC?

Because HHC is milder than delta 9 THC, it may take longer for the effects to be felt. At the same time, the effects may not last as long as the 3 to 5-hour duration of delta 9 THC. HHC allows you to get introduced to THC without using THC products. This appeals to new users who are unsure how they may react to THC products.

Delta 9 THC produces psychoactive effects that most people enjoy but can seem too intense for first-time users. The effects of HHC are generally milder than delta 9 THC, and they won’t last as long. It is a great cannabinoid for first-time users because it will give you a moderate high that is less likely to spike your appetite and anxiety.

What Is the Legal Status of Delta 9 THC and HHC?

After the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, more and more hemp-derived products have become legal to purchase and use throughout the country. Unfortunately, there is still some gray area in the legality of cannabis products, especially with states that have passed their own local legislation to ban some of them.

As far as delta 9 THC goes, it is currently fully legal in 16 states, so you’ll need to make sure it is legal in your state if you want to purchase it. For HHC, there are currently no legal restrictions, but because it is a derivative of delta 9 THC with milder effects, it is often assumed that HHC falls under the same legality as delta 8 THC. This means that HHC is legal in the same 38 states in which delta 8 THC is legal.

Will HHC or Delta 9 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Delta 9 THC and HHC are both detectable on a drug test. Delta 9 THC is detectable because it is a cannabinoid naturally found in the cannabis plant. Drug tests are designed to detect THC because it is a cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects.  

HHC is detectable on a drug test because it is a derivative of delta 9 THC. Even though it is not as intense as delta 9 THC, it will produce psychoactive effects that are generally stronger than delta 8 THC. Additionally, HHC is the hydrogenated version of delta 9 THC. This makes HHC detectable on a drug test.

Where to Buy HHC Products

If you’re ready to give HHC products a shot, take a look at our online store! We offer a wide variety of HHC products that you can enjoy today. Our products include edibles, disposable vape cartridges, drinks, and topical ointments. We have something for everyone to enjoy.

The shelf life of HHC products is generally longer than delta 9 THC products. Delta 9 THC products only have a shelf life of about 1 to 3 years, while some HHC products can last for more than 5 years.  

HHC vs Delta 9 THC—Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice you can make when choosing between delta 9 THC and HHC. As long as you take the recommended serving amount of each product, the experience will be enjoyable. If you’ve never tried delta 9 THC and you’re interested in experiencing the effects of THC, we recommend starting out with HHC. The effects will be more intense than delta 8 THC but not as intense as delta 9 THC.