Both HHC and Delta-8 are considered to be the exact same “strengths” as each other. This is because both products have 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the more “active” cannabinoid in cannabis sativa and cannabis indica that creates “blockers” in certain brain receptors (your cannabinoid brain receptors—or CB1/CB2 receptors). HHC is created by converting it from a CBD isolate into a full hydrogenated derivative of tetrahydrocannabinol (or “THC”). The first step of the process is for the CBD isolate to be converted into Delta-8 (Δ8-THC). And then from Delta-8 (Δ8-THC) it is converted into HHC.
Key takeaways
- Hydrogenation of CBD oil into Δ9-THC or Δ8-THC intermediates and then into Hexahydrocannabinol is the most common way to create “HHC.” Since both products technically have 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), they are considered to be the “same strength.”
- Hexahydrocannabinol will bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. And so will Delta-8 (or Δ8 -THC). The actual “effects” of the high may vary depending on who you are and what you feel based on your use of the product.
Which is stronger, HHC or Delta-8?
First, let’s understand how HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol) is created. Many HHC consumers don’t actually know that Delta-8 (or Δ8 -THC) is used to create HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol).
The current method of mass production for HHC (or hexahydrocannabinol) relies on hemp-derived CBD extract. Initially, this extract undergoes cyclization to form a mixture of Δ8 /Δ9 -THC. Subsequently, the catalytic hydrogenation gets used to yield a blend of (9R)-HHC and (9S)-HHC epimers. Preclinical research suggests that (9R)-HHC exhibits pharmacological properties very similar to THC properties.
Why HHC and Delta-8 are the exact same “strength” profiles
Both HHC and Delta-8 have the same “active” levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—0.3% to be exact (which is what makes them legal to sell according to the 2018 Farm Bill).
Although, some consumers of the products have said that “HHC” has a more “passive” feeling to the “high” that you have with it. While Delta-8 has a bit more of a “downer” high that would be better for those who are struggling to fall asleep.
HHC is known to have a more “zipper” high to it. Which makes it better for those who are trying to work, maybe attempting to run errands, or just keep an “active mind” during the day but still want a “light ‘head’ feel.”
Hexahydrocannabinol will bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. And so will Delta-8 (or Δ8 -THC). The actual “effects” of the high may vary depending on who you are and what you feel based on your use of the product.
Why HHC and Delta-8 may “feel” different strengths
Many consumers report HHC and Delta-8 having different “strengths,” although, in reality—they are simply just feeling the effects of each product more or less based on their individual body and brain.
The reality is that you may feel stronger effects from Delta-8 and you may feel stronger effects from HHC. There’s no clear evidence as to why each one of these products might do a better job of binding to your cannabinoid receptors—although both HHC and Delta-8 are still relatively unresearched.
Other HHC resources
Related HHC resources: