HHC vs. Delta 9

Two bottles of Delta Munchies Delta 9 Gummies vs. two bottles of Delta Munchies HHC Gummies in different flavors

Meet two of the most popular cannabinoids in the hemp market: HHC and delta 9 THC. Both psychoactive compounds are found naturally in the cannabis plant, these two have been used in edibles, vaping pens and carts, and tinctures.

However, these two compounds have notable differences. Each of them is different in its effects, potency, legality, and cost. So it might be a little complicated to determine if HHC or delta 9 THC might be better in edibles or with different products.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of cannabinoids to help you determine which one is the right for you. We’ll determine how each of these compounds works and how they are made and one on one analysis to review which of the two is best for you.

Want to try them for yourself? Check out what we’ve got!

 

Key Takeaways

  • HHC is a psychoactive compound derived from transforming delta 9 THC through a process called hydrogenation.
  • Delta 9 THC is a psychoactive compound as well, known as one of the six major cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants.
  • Both compounds have similar benefits and effects, both interacting with the endocannabinoid system. However, HHC is considered to have about 80% of delta 9 THC’s potency.
  • HHC can be a little pricier due to the specialized process to transform it, but it resists light and temperature degradation more.
  • Delta 9 THC has fewer consumption methods and is a little more limited due to legal restrictions on medicinal cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoids’ legal framework.

 

What is HHC

So let’s go with the basics first. HHC, known formally as hexahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that has recently been fairly popular among users. This compound is naturally occurring in smaller quantities in the hemp plant and is psychoactive.

HHC shares some of its chemical structure with delta 9 THC, and the main difference is the hydrogen that surrounds this compound instead of carbon molecules. So, think of HHC as a delta 9’s cousin with similar characteristics and a few extra benefits we’ll discuss in a section down below.

This newly found molecule is pretty much used in the same ways as other cannabinoid products: like vaping pens, carts, and even infused items like edibles and tinctures.

 

How is HHC Made?

Now, the actual process that produces HHC is quite interesting. This cannabinoid can be found naturally in hemp. However, HHC is found in very small quantities, which leads to producers creating it from delta 9 THC instead.

The process delta 9 passes through is called hydrogenation and basically adds hydrogen molecules to substitute instead of the carbon atoms on the molecule. Besides changing its structure, this gives the molecule some special characteristics, like making it more stable.

This way of processing molecules was actually invented with the creation of HHC while studying THC, and it is how scientists created margarine from oil with the addition of hydrogen bonds.

 

What are the Effects of HHC

As we mentioned before, HHC is known for being a psychoactive compound. It is believed that HHC has about 80% of delta 9 THC’s potency, mainly due to how the hydrogen molecules bond to the proteins in our receptors.

Due to this, users have experienced strong euphoria, relaxation, and general pain relief feelings. Some users have also said they could even get a stronger high in edible and tincture form due to HHC being resistant to light and heat degradation.

 

What are the Benefits of HHC

While more studies are needed, in general, HHC is believed to have a lot of potential benefits. Some of these are similar to delta 9, like pain relief, aiding with certain stress symptoms, and generally improving and uplifting your mood.

Due to its potency and general characteristics, it is also sometimes used by people who want to get wellness benefits from this cannabinoid. Since the molecules are more stable than delta 9 THC, the general onset can last longer due to the bioavailability when consumed.

 

Potential Side Effects of HHC

As with many newer cannabinoids, there is currently a void of information regarding long-term side effects. However, thanks to anecdotal evidence from consumers, we know a few of the unwanted effects of HHC, which are similar and slightly less frequent than with other psychoactive cannabinoids.

The most important ones reported by the community are having a dry mouth, an increased heart rate, and red eyes. Some users that might be sensitive to this cannabinoid could also experience stress and anxiety-like symptoms, so make sure to start with small, buildable doses to prevent this situation.

 

Best Way to Take HHC

HHC is pretty easy and discreet to consume. If you want a smokeless experience, you can try tinctures or edibles like gummies. These use HHC extract, which is added either to a carrier oil with tinctures or added to the coating or fatty part of the food for edibles.

You can also try vaping pens or carts if you wish to try a fairly potent experience. By vaporizing, you are consuming extract with other cannabinoids and compounds like terpenes. The smoke from these devices is less harsh on your throat than herb smoke, and it can definitely hit stronger than a few buds.

Since HHC is a lot more resistant than delta 9 THC when talking about cannabinoid degradation, most products will keep their potency for more time than their THC counterparts. The only downside is that you won’t be able to try it in a joint or blunt unless it has HHC distillate added to it.

Whichever way you prefer, we’ve got you covered. Here are our best-selling HHC products:

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What is Delta 9

Let’s go with the second contender of this match: delta 9 THC. This compound is considered one of the six major cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is also psychoactive due to how it interacts with the proteins of the receptors of our nervous system.

Now, delta 9 THC’s official name is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is sometimes referred to as just THC, the main psychoactive component of weed. While it is legal in certain states thanks to medicinal cannabis, this compound is limited due to 2018’s Farm Bill. This allows for products to have less than 0.3% of delta 9 THC per dry weight, which complicates things a little.

 

How is Delta 9 Made?

Now, delta 9 THC is not actually made. This cannabinoid is naturally occurring in the hemp plant thanks to a process called decarboxylation, which turns THCA into delta 9 THC. This process usually involves heating THCA, which is why you might need to warm up your flower before adding it to a tincture or making edibles at home.

However, due to legal restrictions, not all states have access to delta 9 THC. In some states where the 2018 Farm Bill aligns with the states’ rulings, products like edibles or tinctures can have full spectrum formulas.

Due to the product’s final weight and other ingredients, they can be compliant with the law and fully legal without having to get access to medicinal cannabis. Of course, this limits the products you can get, but it is a lifesaver for states that do not have access to cannabis in general.

 

What are the Effects of Delta 9

Due to its pharmacology and interaction with our nervous system, delta 9 is believed to have several effects on our bodies. The most important one is the psychoactive effects, which are sometimes described as feeling relaxed, euphoric, and drowsy.

Other effects include appetite stimulation, being antiemetic, and aiding with general pain relief and inflammation. This happens due to the cell signaling that happens when delta 9 THC interacts and binds to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our nervous network.

 

What are the Benefits of Delta 9

Besides the relaxing high you can get from consuming THC, there are potential benefits, according to a few studies. For example, according to this 2021 research, this compound can aid with pain, nausea, low appetite, and even muscle spasticity.

Users have also reported other potential benefits, like feeling more creative and productive, while others have found relief to inflammation and chronic pain. However, if you are thinking of starting delta 9 THC with wellness goals in mind, start by talking with your healthcare provider first.

 

Potential Side Effects of Delta 9

THC can be pretty strong, both on its onset and how they interact with our system. Because of this, there are a few potential side effects that could happen with higher doses, which is why full spectrum formulas with CBD and other cannabinoids are advised.

A few of the unwanted side effects include feeling a “cotton mouth,” getting red eyes, feeling disoriented, or having an altered perception, and if you are sensitive to these cannabinoids, you might get panic attacks or even nausea.

Most of these cases involve using really high doses, trying methods that have larger onsets like edibles, or having sensitivity. Remember that most of these symptoms will pass within the hour, and always try smaller doses first to establish your tolerance before enjoying the full session.

 

Best Way to Take Delta 9

The best method to take delta 9 THC depends on the kind of experience you want to get. This is the cannabinoid that has more versatility in the experience you can get, from buds and flowers to extracts in tinctures, vaping pens, or even dabbing.

Sadly, unless you can get ahold of a medicinal cannabis license in a state with valid regulations, your options are a little bit more limited. Hemp-derived delta 9 THC can be consumed in edibles like candies or gummies, tinctures, and some vaping pens.

On that note, though, most hemp-derived delta 9 THC products will have a smaller dosage when compared to other cannabinoids like THCO o delta 8 THC. This is also helpful if you want to use buildable dosages or methods like edibles, which could lead to unwanted side effects if you don’t start with generally small doses.

Want to try delta 9? Check out our full spectrum gummies:

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HHC vs. Delta 9: Effects

So, let’s get to the actual match between these two cannabinoids. The first category is the effects. Both cannabinoids share some similarities in their effects, as they both bind to the proteins of the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our ECS.

However, users have found that delta 9 THC can produce both body and mind relaxation, while HHC experiences tend to be more euphoric and more of a “brain buzz.” That said, unless you want to try delta 9 for chronic pain or a specific diagnosis, the effects are relatively similar.

 

HHC vs. Delta 9: Potency

When it comes to potency, HHC is considered to have about 80% of delta 9 THC’s affinity to bind to our receptors. This means that delta 9 THC can be stronger, however, there’s a trick under HHC’s sleeve.

Since HHC does not degrade with sunlight or heat like delta 9 THC, the products will have their potency intact for much longer than regular THC products. So, even if HHC could be less potent in theory, most producers have their extracts or products manufactured, which could lead to delta 9 losing power over time.

 

HHC vs. Delta 9: Legality

Now let’s talk about legality. Sadly, delta 9 THC is not as accessible in most states in the US. While a few states have medicinal cannabis laws, even with the hemp legal framework created with the 2018 Farm Bill, there are states that have a full ban on THC, no matter where they come from.

This is where HHC has a definitive lead, as it is considered a hemp-derived product and is federally legal. Some states have started to regulate other cannabinoids from hemp, but most regulations are relatively new and are focused on other compounds like delta 8 THC.

So the winner for this category is HHC, as in most states it can be purchased over the counter or online without having to get a license or have your selection of items limited.

 

HHC vs. Delta 9: Cost

This category is a little difficult to choose a winner since the cost of products containing these cannabinoids can vary depending on several factors. Some of them include the quality of the extract used, whether you are buying from a higher or lower-end brand, and depending on the technology used.

Some vaping pens have a superior design and materials, like medical-grade glass or ceramic, which can make them slightly pricier. That said, since HHC requires an extra step when creating the extract, it is generally considered to be the more expensive item by a few bucks.

 

HHC vs. Delta 9: Which One is Right for You?

So, here comes the final part, which cannabinoid is right for you? Well, you have to take into account different things like price point, product diversity, and overall experience.

HHC can be a little pricier than delta 9, which can be a problem for some people. That said, HHC will stay fresh and keep its potency for longer, so you might see it as an investment, as your delta 9 THC pen will eventually have less and less potency with time.

Now, hemp-derived delta 9 products are usually limited to edibles and tinctures. Some producers create vape pens, but most of them don’t use high delta 9 concentrations. So if you prefer having a wide variety of strains, products, and flavors, you might find HHC better.

Lastly, the overall experience will depend on what you want to try. HHC can stay fresh for longer and provide a euphoric experience, while delta 9 THC has a full-on relaxing sensation with the body and mind.

So choose depending on what kind of method and experience you want, and of course, keep in mind you can always try the other cannabinoid in your next purchase.

 

Where to Buy HHC & Delta 9

Now that we’ve settled who’s who in the cannabinoid world, you might try some of these two compounds on your own. Luckily for you, we have a few recommendations of high-quality, fully hemp-derived HHC and delta 9 products you can order at the Delta Munchies store and receive right to your door.

If HHC stole your heart, you can try our delicious HHC Gummies. These have 25mg of our high quality Hexahydrocannabinol in each gummy, with 25 and 40-piece containers available We recommend trying these in the delicious tropical Melon Dreams or the sweet and sour Blue Razz flavor.

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Melon Dreams HHC Gummies

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While HHC edibles have incredible potency, you can also try them in vape form. If you already have a dedicated battery or heating element at home, try the Alien OG HHC Vape Cart with one full gram of our delicious extract. 

Or, if you feel like trying a fruity sativa with light touches, you can try the Blue Dream HHC Disposable in our disposable Dart XL line with 2 grams of our prime-quality HHC extract formula.

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Lastly if you’d like to try delta 9 instead, you can try our fully hemp-derived, full spectrum formula in our delicious Delta 9 Gummies. These come with 10mg of delta 9 per gummy, with 15mg of mixed cannabinoids, including delta 8, CBD, CBN, and much more. 

You can try them in delicious fruit flavors like the tropical-inspired Mango Crush, the sweet and full of berry flavor Blue Dream, or the silky and smooth Strawberry Shortcake.

From: $39.99
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