HHC vs Delta 9 and other cannabinoids

HHC, Delta 9 and Other Cannabinoids

As cannabis is legalized in many states and more people are learning about it, we thought it was important to do an overview of the variety of cannabinoids available today. Being able to choose from a greater selection means that customers can find products that have exactly the effects they prefer. At the same time, it can be confusing to learn the sometimes subtle differences between cannabinoids such as HHC, Delta 9, THC-O, and others.

Benefits of Alternative Cannabinoids
Although medical and recreational marijuana is now legal in many states, it remains illegal in many as well. Additionally, there is still a federal ban on marijuana and products containing THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Some cannabinoids have many of the same properties as THC but that are still legal to purchase. Let's look at some of the most popular ones that many consumers are currently using.

What is HHC?
Although hexahydrocannabinol or HHC was discovered in the 1940s, it has only been manufactured on a larger scale recently. It is found in hemp, but only in very small quantities. HHC is made from THC by a process known as hydrogenation, where hydrogen atoms are added to THC. Common effects reported by HHC users include:

• Relaxation
• Pain relief
• Euphoria
• It May help symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

HHC and Delta-9: Similarities and Differences
Delta-9 THC, which is usually known as simply THC, is one of the most familiar cannabinoids. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis and is largely responsible for the high people get from smoking or ingesting marijuana. HHC and Delta-9 have many qualities in common. Here are some of the similarities.

• Both have psychoactive effects
• Some users experience side effects from both HHC and Delta-9, which may include anxiety, dry mouth, and distortion of senses (not necessarily unwanted, but can interfere with everyday tasks).
• Both are found naturally in hemp, but HHC is present only in minuscule amounts. Thus, HHC that you can buy is made in laboratories. At the same time, it is not technically synthetic since they are both naturally occurring cannabinoids.

Although they have similarities, HHC and Delta-9 are also distinct in several ways as well. HHC tends to produce a milder high than Delta-9 THC. For this reason, users who are prone to anxiety or panic attacks may prefer it over THC.

Now let's look at a couple of other cannabinoids that are getting popular.

What is Delta-8?
Another cannabinoid that's gotten very popular recently is Delta-8 THC. Like HHC, this compound has certain similarities to Delta-9 THC. Delta-8, however, is generally considered more mellow and less psychoactive than Delta-9 or even HHC. Common effects and benefits include:

• A high similar to THC, but milder and more clear-headed.
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Ability to focus on mental and physical tasks (still not recommended to use while driving or operating machinery).

What is THC-O?
THC-O is interesting because, unlike HHC and Delta-8, it's actually more potent than THC in some ways. THC-O acetate, or simply THC-O, is another compound that's chemically similar to Delta-9 THC. As a newer compound, there's still much we don't know about it. However, the following are some key facts.

• Many users enjoy THC-O for its psychedelic properties. While not as potent as actual psychedelics, mind and sense-altering experiences are more common than with other cannabinoids.
• Synthetic. Unlike the other cannabinoids we've discussed so far, THC-O is not found naturally in hemp and is a synthetic compound.
• Up to 300% more potent than THC. It may seem strange that a legal cannabinoid would be more powerful than one that's federally outlawed. Of course, legislation changes quickly and it may not be legal forever.
• THC-O is often consumed as an edible rather than smoked.

Like other cannabis compounds, THC-O can be useful for medical purposes such as pain management. Because of its potency, users are also more likely to experience side effects. For this reason, it's best to start with small doses.

Choosing the Best Cannabinoids
It seems that every few months, we hear about another cannabinoid that delivers amazing experiences. Most cannabis customers want to find products that meet their needs rather than constantly moving from one experience to the next. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right products.

You have to consider your goals, which may differ depending on your mood or current needs. If you are seeking a mellow, relaxing yet uplifting experience, the best option might be HHC.  If you only want the medical benefits of cannabis without any psychoactive effects, you should consider CBD products.

The legal status of products is another important consideration. One benefit that compounds such as HHC, Delta-8, and THC-O have over Delta-9 THC is that they are still federally legal, making them easy to obtain. You still have to be aware of state laws, however, In some states, there may be restrictions that apply to certain cannabinoids.

The modern cannabis industry is still quite new, and more research is coming out all the time, along with new (or newly discovered/marketed) cannabinoids. Cannabis customers have an opportunity to educate themselves and discover the best products for their needs.