The cannabis plant is a complex plant that produces over 100 cannabinoids when cultivated. The two most popular and marketed cannabinoids are CBD and THC. Today, we will talk about HHC and how it compares to delta 9 THC.

What Is a Cannabinoid?

First, we need to know what a cannabinoid is. A cannabinoid is a component of the cannabis plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids produce different effects in the body that can be used for precise reasons. The strength of the cannabinoid can also range from mild to intense, depending on the type of cannabinoid it is. 

Not all cannabinoids cause a psychoactive effect in the body when taken. The cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) doesn’t have any psychoactive properties, so it won’t get you “high” when taking it. The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contains psychoactive properties and is the cannabinoid that users choose to take when trying to achieve a high.

What Is HHC?

So, how does HHC fit into the cannabinoid world? 

HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol, and it is a derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is found in the cannabis plant but in very trace amounts. Laboratories discovered they could hydrogenate tetrahydrocannabinol to create a more concentrated HHC used in hemp products. 

Hydrogen atoms are added to a chemical compound to make it hydrogenated. In hydrogenated THC, hydrogen atoms replace the double bond in THC. This is what gives hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) its name.

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis Sativa plant. Its scientific name is trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, with a double bond on the 9th carbon chain. Delta 9 THC is legal when there is no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid that users choose when looking for a product that produces psychoactive effects and makes them feel high. 

What Are the Effects of HHC and Delta 9 THC?

HHC and delta 9 THC produce similar effects, which shouldn’t be surprising since HHC is a derivative of THC. 

These are the most common effects that users experience when using HHC and delta 9 THC products:

• Relaxation
• Tranquility
• Euphoria
• Jubilation
• Increased appetite
• Talkativeness
• Mood elevation

So, how do HHC and delta 9 THC differ from one another? Let’s take a look.

HHC vs Delta 9 THC

HHC is milder than delta 9 THC, and it may take longer to feel the effects. Although the effects of HHC and delta 9 THC are similar, the intensity may be shorter, and you may not feel the effects as quickly with HHC. 

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

One of the best features of HHC is that it introduces you to the feeling of THC without using THC products. If you’re unsure of how you might react to THC, you should start by using HHC products. The effects will be milder and may not last as long as with THC products. 

Another benefit of HHC and how it differentiates from delta 9 THC is that it can help with anxiety. While delta 9 THC is safe, its intensity can cause some users to feel anxious. HHC doesn’t spike anxiety and can actually calm your anxiety. 

HHC is a great hemp product to start with if you’re ready to begin trying hemp-derived products. It will give you a moderate high and won’t increase your appetite or anxiety. 

Which Is Better—HHC or Delta 9 THC?

The answer to this depends on your goal or the reasons you’re using hemp-derived products.

We recommend choosing HHC for the following reasons:

• As an introduction to hemp-derived products
• Pain and inflammation relief
• Anxiety reduction
• Sleep promotion

HHC is a great hemp product to choose if you’re just beginning to use hemp-derived products or looking to promote relaxation and pain relief. 

We recommend choosing delta 9 THC for the following reasons:

• A more intense psychoactive high
• Pain and inflammation relief
• Nausea relief
• Mood elevation

Delta 9 THC is undoubtedly best for users looking for a more intense experience, but it should also be considered if you suffer from pain, inflammation, or nausea. 

Are HHC and Delta 9 THC Safe?

HHC and delta 9 THC are safe cannabinoids to use, but only if you are responsible. This means only taking the recommended dosage amount of the product. Taking more than the recommended dosage of HHC or delta 9 THC can cause the effects to last longer—anywhere from 6 to 8 hours—and can increase your anxiety or cause the effects to feel more intense. This is why you should always take the recommended dose and give yourself enough time to feel the effects before taking another dose. 

Because HHC and delta 9 THC have psychoactive properties, it’s imperative that you use these products in a safe environment. This means not driving or operating machinery after taking the product. 

If you have an adverse reaction to HHC or delta 9 THC, don’t worry. The effects won’t last forever. The effects will last between 3 to 5 hours when taking the recommended dose. If you have taken more than the recommended dose, the effects can last as long as 6 to 8 hours. 

Try to relax or sleep if you aren’t enjoying the feeling of taking HHC or delta 9 THC products.

Conclusion

While CBD and THC are the most common cannabinoids, HHC should also be considered—especially if you need a product to help you with sleep, pain, or inflammation. If you’re considering trying hemp-derived products, we recommend trying HHC first. This will be a good indicator of how your body will react to THC products.