2021 Cannabinoid Matchup: Delta 8 THC vs. HHC

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the hemp industry lately, you’ve noticed that a whole new array of cannabinoids have been making their way onto the scene, one right after the other. Today, researchers have more resources to analyze hemp than ever before, which has allowed new discoveries to be made. Two cannabinoids of particular interest right now are delta 8 THC and HHC, which have some similar characteristics, but are ultimately two completely different compounds with somewhat dramatically different properties.

Most of us have unique goals in mind when taking cannabinoids, and at The Calm Leaf, it is very important to us that you are able to meet those goals by choosing the cannabinoid that has the properties you’re seeking out. Also, is best to know what to expect from both THC-O and THCV in terms of their potential for psychoactive effects.

Where Delta 8 THC and HHC Come From

Delta 8 THC and HHC are known to share a lot in common with delta 9 THC, but through entirely different chemical means. Both of these cannabinoids do exist naturally in the cannabis plant, meaning that they are not synthetic in any way. And, both are minor cannabinoids, meaning that they exist only in trace amounts of the plant. Delta 8 makes up about 0.1% of the plant, and the exact amount of HHC is unknown.

HHC is a hydrogenated form of tetrahydrocannabinol, which exists in the seeds and pollen of the plant. It was discovered sometime in the 1960s or 70s, while delta 8, which is found in the buds of the plant, was discovered in 1965.

Their Psychoactive Properties

Delta 8 THC and HHC are both intoxicating cannabinoids, which means that whichever you take, you will experience a high. But, the actual nature of each high is quite different from the other due to differences in chemical properties that affect how the cannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors responsible for the psychoactive response.

HHC seems to behave almost identically to delta 9 THC, due to the fact that it’s virtually a hydrogenated form of the same cannabinoid. This means that many people who have taken HHC have said that the high feels just like that which is associated with delta 9. Many find it to be both euphoric and mellowing, offering a soothing sensation throughout the body and the mind.

Meanwhile, delta8’s high is about 70% as intoxicating as delta 9 THC, and therefore, most likely, HHC as well. In other words, the high is a bit milder. Many people find that with delta 8, they can still maintain a decent amount of mental clarity, and notice desirable effects on their mood as well as an enjoyable sensation throughout their bodies.

With either cannabinoid, the exact nature of the high depends on many factors aside from the properties of the cannabinoid itself. These factors include the strain of the plant, the amount consumed, the delivery method and the user’s own bodily chemistry and tolerance. Mainly, it’s important to remember that HHC offers a more potent high than delta 8 THC.

Non-Psychoactive Properties

Delta 8 THC and HHC are both cannabinoids, which means that their primary job is to attach to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body to regulate specific processes. Delta 8 THC attaches mainly to CB1 receptors, located in the nervous system, to provide balance to this bodily system. Studies have shown us that delta 8 THC is capable of behaving with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, appetite-stimulating, sleep-inducing and neuroprotective properties, which can all be enormously useful to a number of individuals.

HHC has not been studied as intensively as delta 8 THC for these types of properties. But, as it behaves identically to delta 9 THC as it so appears, it likely offers similar effects to delta 9 that relate to pain, mood, sleep, nausea, appetite and more. Hopefully, more studies are performed on the properties of HHC in the future as it becomes more and more popular as a cannabinoid. What we do know is that HHC binds to both CB1 receptors like delta 8, as well as CB2 receptors in the immune and digestive systems. Since it balances itself between these two types of receptors, it’s likely that its nervous system effects are not as potent as those associated with delta 8, although still fully capable of eliciting desirable responses.

Purpose for Taking Them

Many people have their own unique reasons for taking delta 8. The fact that it offers a psychoactive effect makes it very desirable, and many generally enjoy the fact that the high is more manageable and mellow than the high associated with delta 9 THC. Further, the properties that aren’t psychoactive can also be extremely valuable to people with various personal needs.

HHC is another cannabinoid that has many uses. As it seems to behave a lot like delta 9 THC, many people view it as a federally legal replacement for delta 9. Delta 9 is highly desirable not only for its psychoactive effects but many others as well, and a lot of people are interested in seeing if HHC can address certain issues in the same way that delta 9 can.

Whether or Not They are Legal

Due to the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, both delta 8 THC and HHC are protected under federal law as legal hemp derivatives. However, twelve states have made delta 8 THC illegal, and vague wording in the legislation means that HHC is also likely illegal in the same states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Also, keep in mind that delta 8 THC is metabolized by the THC-COOH enzyme, which also metabolizes delta 9 THC, and is responsible for yielding a positive drug test. In other words, taking delta 8 can cause you to fail a drug test. HHC bypasses this metabolization method, and likely won’t trigger a positive test result. However, both cannabinoids are intoxicating and can therefore impair driving. This means that you should never drive while under the influence of either.

Products That They Come in

Delta 8 and HHC pretty much come in the same product forms, which is because of the fact that they are each converted into extracts that blend with other ingredients easily.

• Vape Carts: Vape carts refer to 510-threaded e-liquid cartridges that attach to 510-threaded vape pens. They come in a great variety of strains.
• Disposable Vapes: Disposable vapes refer to all-in-one vape systems that never need any charging, filling with vape oil or assembly.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are oil-based formulas administered sublingually, with dropper caps for easy portion control.
• Edibles: Edibles including gummies are ingested to promote long-lasting effects and a favorable body high experience.
• Flower: Flower refers to hemp flower that is infused with a delta 8 or HHC extract. You can find a lot of different strain options.
• Dabs: Dabs are concentrates that have extremely high potency levels, made for dabbing. Their high potency makes them less beginner-friendly.
• Capsules: Capsules simply encapsulate HHC or delta 8 for an easy form of administration.

Delta 8 THC and HHC: Two Enjoyable Hemp Derivatives with Different but Equally Valuable Properties

Both, delta 8 THC and HHC offer a lot of fascinating properties, including their own distinctive psychoactive effects that can provide two different kinds of highs. You may very well discover that one of the two is more compatible with your specific hemp-related goals, although both of them are worth exploring as they each have their own value.

At The Calm Leaf, you can find top-shelf delta 8 THC and HHC in various product forms. Each of our products combines lab-tested, organically derived hemp with clean ingredients to give you the best quality for a successful cannabinoid experience.