Delta9 Vs Delta8 Vs HHC:
As Vape Carts and Disposable vapes start becoming more popular it is important to know what you are consuming!
What is Delta 9 THC?
The chemical composition of the cannabis plant includes over 100 cannabinoids. But, only one, delta 9 THC (or just THC), is known as the main active ingredient that produces a “high.”
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychotropic compound in marijuana. It’s present in hemp but in trace amounts that don’t cross the legal threshold.
In our complex world, delta 9 exists in the intersection of an illegal substance and a medicine. This cannabinoid activates receptors in the brain regulating appetite, sleep, memory, and visual and auditory perception. These receptors also cause the “high” associated with the marijuana plant.
The two main types of THC are delta 9 and delta 8. While delta 9 accounts for up to 25% of the plant’s weight, delta 8 is present in trace amounts (less than 1%) and is 50% to 70% as strong as delta 9.
Delta 9 is the most prevalent form of THC in cannabis, but it’s also the least stable and breaks down to CBN when exposed to oxygen.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is another THC analog. It has the same structure as delta 9 THC, with the only difference being the placement of a double bond.
As the name implies, the delta 9 isomer has a double bond on the 9th carbon chain, while the delta 8 isomer on the 8th carbon chain.
This subtle difference in their structure creates noticeable effects. Delta 8 is considered the perfect alternative to delta 9 for anyone looking to “escape” in a less intoxicating compound that causes less anxiety. Namely, delta 8 is known to be roughly half of delta 9’s potency.
Delta 9 THC has a longer shelf life than HHC because it’s designed to break down into other cannabinoids when exposed to outside conditions. It typically breaks up into delta 8 and cannabinol (CBN). Cannabinol is around 10% of delta 9’s potency and is known as the ultimate sleep cannabinoid.
There are no hemp flower strains with an extra high percentage of delta 8 THC. Plant breeders haven’t found a way to selectively breed cannabis with high delta 8 concentration because this cannabinoid mainly occurs as a THC byproduct. That said, cannabis plants that have spent more time in storage exposed to environmental conditions have a higher concentration of delta 8 than fresh plants. So, by deliberately “aging” cannabis flower by exposing it to oxygen and UV light, breeders can create cannabis flower with a higher “natural” concentration of delta 8.
However, the most common method of obtaining delta 8 is through chemical conversion, which we discuss more of below.
What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated form of THC, aka an analog best known for its THC-like effects and shelf stability. HHC products can safely exist in your cabinets or fridge for a while because it has a substantially longer shelf life than delta 9 THC.
HHC is naturally present in the cannabis plant but in minuscule concentrations. Companies sell it in large quantities because they can create it in a lab, typically through hydrogenation.
This compound was first discovered in 1947 by Roger Adams — the American organic chemist who isolated and identified CBD in 1940. Adams synthesized this cannabinoid from THC found in the Cannabis sativa plant. At that point, other structurally related compounds have been isolated, but rarely hexahydrocannabinol itself.
This hydrogenated THC derivative ( HHC) is roughly 70% to 80% of Δ9 THC’s strength.
Chemically, HHC is different from THC because it has no double bonds in its chemical structure. During the “conversion” process, all double bonds in THC are broken up and replaced with hydrogen atoms. This process is known as hydrogenation and creates HHC, the exact opposite molecule of CBN (cannabinol)
Although subtle, this difference changes the binding affinity of this molecule to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. It also gives this compound a longer shelf-life and makes it less susceptible to breakdown and more resistant to improper storage, heat, and UV-light exposure.
Why do the Effects of HHC Vary so Much?
There aren’t unified quality standards or control when it comes to creating this cannabinoid. Users should be careful when looking for a product that contains HHC in its composition in the first palace. The reason why HHC’s effects vary so much is likely rooted in the way it’s manufactured.
An HHC product made right is a blend of two different types of HHC molecules:
1. 9R HHC, the active part of the molecule that binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, and
2. 9S HHC, the partly active side of the molecule with a slightly different structure that doesn’t bind as well to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors.
Manufacturers haven’t determined how to effectively separate the high-potency HHC molecule from the low-potency molecule. Because of this, HHC produced for commercial purposes is a blend of two forms, and it varies depending on which one you get.
The effects of HHC on the mind and body are very similar to the effects of THC. But, because HHC is less potent, you’ll need larger quantities to get the full THC effects.
Side by side Summary:
Metrics | Delta 9 | Delta 8 | HHC |
Concentration in Cannabis plant | Up to 30% | Less than 1% | Less than 0.1% |
Receptors | CB1 & CB2 | CB1 & CB2 | CB1 & CB2 |
Typical dose | 5–20 mg | 10–40 mg | 10-30 mg |
Cost | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
Shelf-Life | Short to moderate (1–3 years) | Moderate (3–5 years) | Very long (5+ years) |
Most commonly produced in: | Naturally in Cannabis plants | Created in a lab : CBD is converted to Delta-8-THC through a process called “isomerization,” | Created in a lab: HHC is made by combining Delta-THC with hydrogen molecules |
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