HHC vs. Delta-8

HHC vs. Delta-8

HHC is a short abbreviation for the chemical compound Hexahydrocannabinol. In short, HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of CBD oil. HHC is created by first converting CBD oil and its limited tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”) properties into Δ9-THC or Δ8-THC intermediates and then into its final hydrogenated version of the oil (HHC). If the intermediates stop at the Δ8-THC, that too can be packaged and sold to consumers.

Both HHC and Δ8-THC compounds are known to cause an interruption in the brain's CB1/CB2 receptors. This is within the brain's endocannabinoid system. What's most interesting is that we really don’t know exactly how this part of the brain works. And why it chooses to regulate blood flow and impact the central nervous system (causing “relaxation” to occur).

Key takeaways

  • HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of CBD oil. HHC is created by first converting CBD oil and its limited tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”) properties into Δ8-THC intermediates and then into its final hydrogenated version of the oil (HHC).
  • HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is legal in most states due its derivative being from CBD oil and containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”). This passes the 2018 Farm Bill regulation which makes it legal to be sold by states that allow it.
  • Both HHC  (Hexahydrocannabinol) and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) are known to cause the CB1/CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system in our brain to be temporarily interrupted. Causing an impact to our central nervous system and making us feel “relaxed.”
  • There is "very little" difference between the effects of both HHC  (Hexahydrocannabinol) and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC).

Delta-8 vs. HHC: What’s the difference?

Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) is an isomer, or minor chemical variant of Delta-9 (or Δ9-THC). It occurs only at minuscule levels in hemp-derived cannabis. High levels of Delta-8 THC are produced artificially by chemically converting CBD or Delta-9 (Δ9-THC) through a process known as isomerization. The end result is a double bond of the 8th carbon chain.

On the other hand, “HHC” is an abbreviation that stands for Hexahydrocannabinol. Hexahydrocannbinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It’s the end hydrogenated version of the derivative Delta-8 (Δ8-THC).

How both HHC and Delta-8 are made

Generally speaking, a chemistry “Schlenk” line is created using nitrogen, palladium, and hydrogen (when making HHC) to create a conversion of the CBD extract from Δ8-THC. If the product is going to be converted into HHC it then proceeds to the next step of the process which includes the hydrogenation rather than not having it (if it’s Δ8-THC).

HHC’s carbon structure looks like the following:

HHC carbon chain


While Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) looks like the following:

Delta-8 carbon chain

Δ8-THC and Δ9 -THC is where the CBD oil is used to create a double bond on their specific chain of carbon atoms. A hydrogenated version of that product goes on to become HHC.

For more information on how HHC is made, visit our guide right here.

Consumption products of HHC and Delta-8

Both HHC and Δ8-THC have products that can legally get purchased across much of the United States. The only major difference is how the brain's CB1/CB2 receptors are impacted based on the hydrogenated version of the derivative or the non-hydrogenated version.

The two end products that you end up purchasing may not have varying effects. Since both only contain 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in them. It’s really a personal mystery as to why HHC or Δ8-THC would have more impact on you than the other.

The type of way that you consume the compounds can also have varying effects. For example, if HHC is consumed through vaping or dabbing, your body can use about 30-40% of it. With oils or tinctures, it's around 20-30%, and with edibles, it's about 10-20%. This is called your “bioavailability.” We usually don't consider bioavailability when making our products because the differences are usually small.

Products include:

  • Tinctures
  • Oils
  • Vaporizer pens
  • Flower bud
  • Dabs
  • Distillates
  • Edibles (or consumables)

Where is HHC and Delta-8 legal?

Laws around HHC (or Hexahydrocannabinol) and Delta-8 are changing quickly.

As of March 2024, here is where HHC is legal

States where legal:

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

States where both are most likely legal (though not explicitly stated):

  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • Texas
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

States where both are illegal:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • Utah
  • Washington

States where both are most likely illegal (though not explicitly stated):

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Kentucky
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont

HHC and Delta-8 dosage facts

Both HHC and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) have roughly the same dosage guidelines. You may choose to ingest more or less depending on the frequency of your use and your overall weight or height.

To determine the appropriate dosage amount based on your body weight and based on average dosage amount, here is what you should know:

  • Low-Strength Dosage: Multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.05 to find your dosage in milligrams.
  • Medium-Strength Dosage: Multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.1 to find your dosage in milligrams.
  • High-Strength Dosage: Multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.2 to find your dosage in milligrams.

To calculate your body weight and milligram of consumption, refer to this chart below:

Body Weight

Low Strength

Medium Strength

Strong Strength

100lbs

4mg

8mg

16mg

120lbs

5mg

10mg

20mg

140lbs

6mg

12mg

24mg

160lbs

7mg

14mg

28mg

180lbs

8mg

16mg

32mg

200lbs

10mg

20mg

40mg

220lbs

11mg

22mg

44mg

240lbs

12mg

24mg

48mg

Dosage based on consumption habits

Based on your consumption habits (how frequent you may consume CBD products), the following milligram recommends would apply:

  • Beginner Users: dose is 5 to 12mg.
  • Intermediate Users: dose is 12 to 30mg.
  • Experienced Users: 30 to 60mg+.

Effects of both HHC and Delta-8

Here are both the positive and negative effects of HHC and Delta-8:

Negative Effects

Delta-8

HHC
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Red eyes

Yes

Yes

Here are some of the positive effects of both compounds:

Positive Effects

Delta-8

HHC
  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Pain relief
  • Increased mood
  • Slower response times

Yes

Yes

Risks associated with HHC and Delta-8

There generally isn’t a significant amount of research available for either HHC or Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) yet. Although, some clues to research behind CBD could help us to understand some of the risks. CBD-use could cause some of the following:

  • Using cannabis during pregnancy can make your baby weigh less at birth.
  • Due to impairment, it could increase the chance of getting into a car accident.
  • It can be tough to quit if you use it often, especially for teenagers.
  • Cannabis can harm relationships and make it harder to do well at home, work, or school.
  • Older adults have a greater chance of injury from impairment.
  • Feeling dizzy from using it might cause you to fall or faint.
  • Some people are more likely to develop mental health issues during cannabis use.

Common questions

Questions about HHC and Delta-8:

Is there any difference in the “high” that HHC and Delta-8 provide?

Some people say that HHC is “stronger” than Delta-8 (Δ8-THC). Although, it could vary based on the person. The experience of taking HHC and Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) are very similar in how they feel. Usually, it’s a ‘light headed’ feel. With some ‘body relaxation’ and pain relief.

Are both HHC and Delta-8 legal to buy?

Both products are legal to buy federally due to their use of hemp derivatives and the 2018 Farm Bill. Although, some states are beginning to regulate the substance and calling it either a Schedule I to Schedule III "controlled" substance.

Fact checked for accuracy

Information on this article was fact checked as of March 2024.

Sources

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