The Difference Between Delta 9 THC and HHC Cannabinoid
THC and HHC Cannabinoid: What’s the Difference?
Hemp has been used for thousands of years throughout countless civilizations, but scientists only began fully comprehending what makes this plant so special a few years ago.
With many states supporting medical or recreational marijuana, and the federal government amending the 2018 Farm Bill to legalize hemp with 0.3 percent or less THC, cannabis research and production have skyrocketed in recent years.
As a result, scientists now understand that cannabis contains over 400 chemical compounds, including around 100 cannabinoids that act with the ECS in humans.
Most people are familiar with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You may not be aware that THC, the chemical responsible for cannabis’ psychotropic effects, exists in a variety of forms.
The Delta 9 cannabinoid, for example, such as Delta-8 THC and Delta 10, is already well-established in the cannabis industry. The HHC cannabinoid is now starting to gain some attention.
What is HHC, and how does it differ from Delta-9 THC? What advantages can you anticipate if you take HHC products?
This article will clarify what you need to know about the various types of THC so you can make educated choices.
What Is Delta-9 THC and What Does It Do?
Delta-9 THC is the chemical name for “THC.” This molecule, also known as dronabinol, is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis and accounts for positive drug effects such as euphoria and a feeling of being “high.”
Name derived from the 9th carbon chain’s double bond in the component molecule that is Delta-9 THC.
Delta 9 is well suited to binding with receptors in the ECS, especially CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system and CB2 receptors in the immune and other systems, owing to its atomic structure.
THC is formed in the cannabis plant by enzymes that fabricate cannabinoids. It’s relatively unstable and susceptible to oxidation.
Delta-8 THC, unlike THC-rich strains, is considered less volatile. Delta-8 THC has a different chemical make-up than Delta 9 THC, with the double bond occurring on the eighth carbon chain.
Delta-8 THC has little affinity for CB1 receptors, but it does have some affinity for binding to CB2 receptors. While the effects of Delta 8 THC are not yet well-known, they are comparable to those of Delta-9 THC but weaker.
It’s fascinating to note that Delta 8 THC is produced when stored THC begins to breakdown. It is, however, more stable and longer-lasting than Delta-9.
What Is HHC Cannabinoid?
Don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t heard of HHC. There have been hundreds of chemical components discovered in cannabis, but only a few have received significant research and been introduced to the market.
HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a type of THC (such as Delta-9 and Delta-8) that exists in at least ten different forms. It’s thought to be the most durable kind of THC and resistant to heat and UV light.
HHC occurs naturally in cannabis, but it is only present in tiny quantities, hence it must be created in a lab to produce a quantity large enough for use.
What Is the Difference Between Delta-9 and HHC?
HHC differs from Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC in a key way. Instead of containing the essential double bond, HHC is produced through hydrogenation — saturation with hydrogen atoms — which results in the THC double bond breaking and being replaced with hydrogen.
What does this imply? As a result of the chemical make-up change, HHC is now significantly less prone to oxidation and has a far longer shelf life. You can keep it for longer without losing effectiveness, and it will endure better under heat and UV light.
The lack of a typical double bond, however, has an impact on how this chemical entity interacts with the ECS.
Is HHC the Same in effect as Delta-9 THC?
Although this compound is relatively new and hasn’t been studied extensively, what is known is that it produces effects comparable to other types of THC, including:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Stimulation
- Changes to visual and auditory perception
- Changes in heart rate and body temperature
- Changes in cognition
Delta-9 THC is more powerful than Delta-8 THC but less so than Delta-9 THC.
That being said, the side effects generally mimic Delta-8 THC, which means they are more about relaxation and alleviation than excitement.
HHC may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation, improve sleep, enhance appetite, and eliminate anxiety because of its anti-inflammatory properties. However, more study is needed to understand HHC’s effects.
Is HHC Legal?
When it comes to variants of Delta-9 THC, there are some legal gray areas. They’re based on whether compounds are naturally occurring (as opposed to manufactured) and the amount at which they occur.
When it comes to HHC, legality is an issue. Yes, it occurs naturally in trace amounts, but larger quantities would probably be required in a laboratory for any impact.
Only hemp cannabis with 0.3 percent or less Delta-9 THC is lawful under the 2018 Farm Bill, which stipulates that only hemp cannabis containing 0.3 percent or less Delta-9 THC is legal. As a result, Delta-8 products have gained popularity, despite the fact that several states are restricting their sales.
The requirement for a public statement, which is required by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), applies only to licensed producers who are in direct commercial competition with Delta-8. As long as it’s in items that comply with Delta-9 restrictions, HHC falls into the same legal loophole as Delta-8. It is legally permissible unless it is determined to be synthesized, according to federal law.
Is HHC present in your urine or blood?
The majority of drug panels check for Delta-9 THC, or more precisely, 11-hydroxy-THC, the metabolite formed as a result of THC usage.
Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, may cause positive results in urine and blood tests. It is thought that HHC will not metabolize in the same way because to its changed chemical make up.
Although more study is required to determine the efficacy and legality of HHC, it presents an intriguing option to THC that provides comparable effects, greater stability, and the potential to provide critical relief without subjecting patients to the risks associated with marijuana.
Find Delta-9 Alternatives at Hemp Lively
If you’re searching for alternatives to Delta-9 THC-containing goods, Hemp Lively has a large selection of premium Delta-8, Delta-9, CBD, and other exceptional items to explore.
About the Author
Tommy T
Tommy Thomsen, aka "Tommy T", is valued member of Hemp Lively. He works remotely traveling between his two favorite places, Florida and South Carolina. Tommy brings over 20 years of eCommerce marketing and new product development experience to Hemp Lively from his years branding and marketing automotive products and developing numerous sports supplement product lines. His outgoing and funny personality always deliver a warm and friendly message to both the staff and customers alike. Tom enjoys riding motorcycles, hanging out with his 3 dogs, and making people laugh. Tom is, of course, a Cannabis enthusiast. However, he also shares an affinity to great beer. In fact, you may have even heard one of his "Beer and Sunshine" podcasts or seen someone wearing a "Beer and Sunshine" t-shirt.
