HHC vs Delta 8 vs Delta 10: Everything You Need to Know

As more states legalize hemp and cannabis products, more people are tuning into hemp compounds beyond the ones you’ve probably heard of, like THC and CBD.

While these two cannabinoids are the most researched ones in hemp, they’re definitely not the only ones you should have your eye on. If you’re interested in accessing the benefits of hemp in a fully legal format—it can even be shipped door to door!—you should have HHC and Delta 8 on your radar.

What’s the difference between HHC vs Delta 8? In today’s post, we’ll explore the story of these two lesser-known cannabinoids and why they’re worth checking out.

While both of them are synthesized from hemp-derived CBD—and they’re both considered non-intoxicating hemp compounds—when heat enters the picture they undergo a transformation into compounds with very intriguing psychoactive effects. And while there are similarities between Delta 8 and HHC, there are also strong reasons you might gravitate towards one over the other.

We’ll also take some time examining Delta 10, another less-known cannabinoid that’s derived from hemp CBD (and very much worth your attention).

Sound like a lot? Don’t worry, we’ll break it all down for you! Some of the questions we’ll tackle in this post include:

• What is Delta 8?
• What is Delta 10?
• What is HHC?
• HHC vs Delta 8: Is HHC stronger than Delta 8?
• HHC vs Delta 10: Differences in potency and effects
• Legal Status of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
• Potential medical effects

…And more still. Are you ready? Let’s decode the intriguing story behind these three hemp-derived compounds.

What Is Delta 8?

Delta 8 THC is naturally produced by the cannabis plant but only in trace amounts. Chemically, this cannabinoid is similar to Delta 9 THC, the one most associated with the cannabis plant’s psychoactive “high.” However, it has a different structure that causes milder effects for most users. People often report feelings of well-being, euphoria, and relaxation after consuming this cannabinoid.

Note: Because we’re talking about so many different kinds of THC in this article, from now on we’ll just refer to Delta 9 THC as “THC” to cut down on potential confusion.

What Is Delta 10?

Delta 10 is another cannabinoid that is found naturally in cannabis, though like Delta 8 it’s only detected in very small quantities. And like Delta 8, it’s a milder form of THC. Scientists and manufacturers are able to synthesize this compound, usually through a process called isomerization. Like the other forms of THC, Delta 10 is psychoactive and intoxicating. On the scale of potency, though, it is generally considered milder than either Delta 8 or THC.

What Is HHC?

Even many people who know a good deal about hemp haven’t heard of HHC. Though it’s sometimes found in high-potency strains of cannabis, it’s more usually synthesized in a lab. Chemically speaking, it’s created by a process called hydrogenation, in which one of the carbon double bonds in THC is replaced with hydrogen atoms instead. This makes HHC nearly identical to THC in many ways, though we should point out that—like Delta 8 and Delta 10—HHC is made from hemp-derived CBD, so it’s legal.

While HHC was first discovered in the 1940s, it has only been widely synthesized and used during the last few years. Compared with THC, it has a longer shelf life, and its atomic structure gives it enhanced ability to bind with our endocannabinoid system—a topic we’ll explore in depth in just a moment.

HHC, which has become very popular in the last couple of years, has subjective properties that are similar to those of THC. Most of our customers report that the psychoactive effects are less intense, though as we’ll see, it may also have valuable medicinal benefits such as helping users relax, relieve pain, and access better sleep.

HHC vs Delta 8: Potency, Effects, and More

Seeing as how both Delta 8 and HHC are related to THC, you probably have a pretty good idea about the kinds of effects they have. But that doesn’t tell us how they compare with each other in terms of potency. For that we have to turn to actual user experiences.

Many people describe HHC as providing a fairly robust psychoactive experience. While not as strong as regular THC, its enhanced ability to bind with our body’s cannabinoid receptors means that it can still deliver quite a ride, though it’s also described as having its own unique characteristics.

Is HHC stronger than Delta 8? Many people say that Delta 8 feels more like a milder—and yet different—style of THC. It’s a comparatively more subdued experience than THC, imparting overall feelings of relaxation, calming euphoria, and relief from physical discomfort and other symptoms.

In general, both Delta 8 and HHC are considered great choices for relieving the symptoms of physical discomfort and enjoying a calming euphoria. They typically won’t impart a wild intoxicating high though as we mentioned earlier, when it comes to HHC vs Delta 8, HHC generally imparts the stronger psychoactivity, though it’s still on the relaxing side. Either is a great alternative when you don’t want to have an intensely psychoactive experience.

HHC vs Delta 10: Potency, Effects, and More

Because awareness of Delta 10 is still so new, there’s not a ton of research on this intriguing cannabinoid. But in the words of those who’ve actually experienced HHC vs Delta 10, there are some fascinating differences between the two. Because while HHC and Delta 8 are both described as imparting relaxing and euphoric sensations, Delta 10 is often compared with classic sativa-style cannabis strains, meaning that it imparts a slight energizing buzz and mental stimulation.

According to those familiar with the effects of Delta 10, it may work to enhance creativity. Some describe a subtle boost in mental clarity and concentration; others suggest that it may function a little like CBD, the hemp-derived cannabinoid linked with reducing anxiety and stress and promoting relaxation and enhancing sleep. That would hardly be a surprise, given their common roots, but it’s an intriguing avenue for further study.

This means that when it comes to Delta 10 vs HHC, you can expect Delta 10 to impart less euphoria but an increase in stimulating mental clarity and focus compared with HHC. It also suggests that you could use these two very different kinds of legal, plant-derived compounds for support when you need it most.

Legal Status: HHC vs Delta 8 vs Delta 10

The status of less-familiar cannabinoids like Delta 8 and Delta 10 can be tricky to understand, and as a result anyone interested in cannabis and hemp has to keep up with the always changing and often confusing laws that apply to these products. Cannabis, for instance, remains illegal at the federal level. But CBD—which does not have intoxicating properties—is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows the sale and use of hemp products containing .3% THC or less.

While all types of THC—including Delta 8 and Delta 10—may fall under the federal prohibition of THC, HHC is in a different category as it's derived from THC (but the final result has a distinct structure).

While state laws on cannabis products vary, HHC and Delta 8 can be shipped to many states where THC isn’t allowed. Our shipping service is fast, safe, and discreet, and it’s the best way to get HHC and Delta 8 sent right to your door. We also partner with select retailers throughout the United States; visit our Store Locator to learn more.

Keep in mind that state, as well as federal laws, may change at any time, so it's best to stay current with the latest news regarding cannabis legislation.

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of HHC vs Delta 8 vs Delta 10

Like all the cannabinoids, HHC, Delta 8, and Delta 10 all interact with the endocannabinoid system, or “ECS.” The ECS is a critical network that helps regulate sleep, memory, immune response and other functions, and it’s one of the reasons hemp compounds can have such a profound effect on us. It’s literally like they’re “speaking the same language” as our bodies, and they impart psychoactive effects—like that euphoric high—plus a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits. Let’s look specifically at HHC, Delta 8, and Delta 10.

At the moment, there haven’t been a ton of studies done on HHC—most clinicians agree that more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits or risks. That said, due to their very close chemical structures and subjective effects, there are good indications that many of the benefits of THC can also be experienced through HHC as well. These include treating chronic pain,anxiety, and other conditions.

In the same way, our understanding of Delta 8 is just now beginning to take shape. One clinical review notes that most of what we know comes from anecdotal evidence, so it’s hard to know what’s actually true. That said, as with HHC, it’s reasonable to assume that Delta 8 confers many of the same effects and benefits of THC, including those we named a moment ago.

However, even if Delta 8 is considered less potent than THC, that doesn’t mean there isn’t the possibility for negative side effects. One study found that these side effects are largely the same as those experienced with THC, a reminder that even with substances that are only considered mildly psychoactive, it’s a good idea to pace yourself and know your limits.

Explore the Best HHC Available With The Dopest

If you’re as into alternative compounds as we are, why not expand your horizons? Our blog offers articles—like this explainer on HHC concentrates—plus real-life tips, guides, and how-tos on Delta 8, HHC, and other exciting hemp compounds.

If this guide inspired you to try HHC or Delta 8, we can help you out with that! We stock the best selection of HHC products anywhere, including The Dopest flower, concentrates, gummies, and much, much more.

How do we know it's the best? We wouldn’t consume anything you wouldn’t, and we ’re so confident in the quality of our HHC and other hemp products that we make our lab tests and certificates of analysis (COAs) available to anyone who wants to find out for themselves. Click here to view test results for all the products we sell.

We’ve got everything you need right here. Try us today!