According to the Nation Cancer Institute of America, a cannabinoid is, “A type of chemical in marijuana that causes drug-like effects all through the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system.” In other words, it is the primary substance present in marijuana that produces the iconic effect of highness.
Cannabinoids come in a variety. Till now, scientists have apparently isolated around 113 different cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. However, the most studied ones include Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).
The cannabinoids function by stimulating the two pre-existing cannabinoid receptors in our body, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), within the endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoids interact with the parts that affect brain areas responsible for pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception.
Now the whole conversation boils down to a singular point: which is best suited for you. Here we are going to look at the two strains HHC vs Delta 8, to find out which one is best suited for you.
What Is HHC And Delta 8?
Before comparing Delta 8 vs. HHC, we need to know more about these strains and the effects they produce.
Hexahydrocannabinol, more popularly known as HHC, is a hydrogenated derivative of Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is rarely found as a trace substance in Cannabis Indica. Therefore, due to its rarity, it is mostly synthesized in laboratory by hydrogeneration of cannabis extract. This process morphs the Tetrahydrocannabinol into hexahydrocannabinol. However, the general effects of the substance mostly remain the same.
Similar to Hexahydrocannabinol, Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as Delta-8 THC, is an extract of the plant known as Cannabis Indica. It is mostly an isomer of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This is also a rare cannabinoid that can be found in cannabis. However, it is not as rare as HHC.
Now that you are somewhat introduced to two of our cannabis plants let us see how they fare when compared to one another. Let the HHC vs. Delta 8 showdown begin!
HHC vs. Delta 8:
Both of these extracts come from same origin, yet they demonstrate different characteristics. Let us look at how these two extracts perform when compared to one another so you get a conclusive result to the HHC vs. Delta 8 debate.
- Given the psychoactive nature and general taboo related to the subject, it is best if we begin with the legality of the substances. Since 2020 HHC has been legally sold across the US in retail as well as online. Delta 8, on the hand, is essentially banned. FDA has not evaluated or approved Delta 8 THC as safe for use, which makes it illegal. Therefore, in US getting access to HHC would be easier than Delta 8.
- The overall effects of both the substance are similar and generally fall under same category with slight deviation. Most common effects of HHC include dry mouth red eyes, a slight sense of euphoria. Meanwhile, Delta 8 can make some people nauseous. Therefore, if you want to avoid the feeling of nausea, then HHC would be a better choice. According to Fern Valley Farm, “HHC can offer a more ‘sedated’ high, making it feel like an Indica, while Delta 8 has been reported to have energizing effects similar to a Sativa”
- Munchies are an integral part of the cannabis experience. However, HHC lacks in that aspect. HCC is not known to give you any sort of munchies. Meanwhile, Delta 8 would definitely make you hungry, because it affects the part of the brain which regulates hunger. Hence, if you want to enhance hunger, Delta 8 could be your guy.
- Pricing also plays a crucial role when choosing between the two products. The HHC products are more expensive than the Delta 8 ones. The disparity between prices could be because the FDA approved HHC products, and this in turn, made the product liable for tax addition. In that case, if budget is your concern, then gravitating toward HHC products would be unwise. Either way, sourcing the product from a reliable channel would enable you to procure a higher-quality product.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to their CBD products. Both HHC and Delta-8 come with their own quirks, which a user needs to know before dabbling in the substance. Therefore, these are some of the points that you need to know about the HHC cannabinoid vs. Delta-8 conversation.
Some Other Cannabinoid Strains You Can Check Out:
Till now, the scientists have managed to isolate more than 100 phytocannabinoids. Therefore, the wiggle room for choice is vast, and ever-expanding. Apart from the two phytocannabinoids we have discussed, there are several others that you can check out in order to bring variety to your CBD quest to find the perfect match for your needs.
Delta-10 Tetrahydrocannabinol:
Discovered in the 1980’s, Delta-10 Tetrahydrocannabinol is a positional isomer of Tetrahydrocannabinol. Similar to the other two substances discussed here, it can rarely be found as a trace component in naturally growing cannabis plants. It is mostly synthesized directly from Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. However, some of amount of it can be found as an impurity in synthetic Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol.
While doing a comparative analysis of HHC vs. Delta-8 vs. Delta-10 we found that, Delta-10 and Delta-9 show somewhat similar characteristics. However, Delta-10 THC tends to be not as potent as Delta-8 THC. Subsequently, when HHC is compared to Delta-10, the differences and effects are similar to that of HHC vs Delta 8.
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol:
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol is the major naturally occurring chemical found in cannabis plants. It is this chemical that produces the effects of ‘high’ when consuming CBD products. The chemical was first discovered by an Israeli scientist named Raphael Mechoulam, in the year 1964. “As of 2023, 38 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States allow medical use of cannabis” where Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the primary components.
When HHC vs Delta-8 vs Delta-9 is compared, we found that Delta-9 is the strongest of the lot. The general effects of consuming Delta-9 are somewhat similar to other substances on this list including, relaxation, altered perception of time/self, etc. However, these effects are enhanced manifolds due to Delta-9’s potency. Therefore, this is not for you if you are seeking a mild highness.
THC-O Acetate:
To put it simply, this is a chemical twin of THC. With a complex and elaborate process to produce, it is one of the newest kids on the block. THC-O is a cannabinoid at its core; however, it is not a naturally occurring substance and can only be produced in a controlled laboratory setting.
The result of Delta-8 vs. HHC vs. THC-0 shows that THC-O is the most potent on the list. It is reputed to be at least three more potent than Delta-9 THC. In a study, it was noted that the subject that was given THC-O was more prone to ataxia (inability to coordinate muscle movement) than the one that was given just THC. As for the legal aspect of the question, it is still legal even though it is a synthesized substance. Similar to Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, this is not at all for an inexperienced individual looking for a mild experience, as it is stronger and is more prone to bad trips.
The Final Thought:
Finding the right CBD product for yourself can be a challenging task nonetheless. Luckily, we got you covered. We have gone through the trouble to list some of the iconic CBD strains that you can check out for broadening the horizon of your CBD journey, so you can rest easy.
However, we cannot stress enough that you definitely need to be careful when it comes to using psychoactive substances like CBD, which can alter your mind and perception. Therefore, keep in mind the legality, accessibility, and potency of the substance to direct your quest for finding the perfect CBD. Stay safe, and have a safe trip ahead!
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