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

There are a lot of cannabinoids to keep track of as a modern cannabis consumer. In addition to the more than 100 cannabinoids naturally occurring in the Cannabis sativa L. plant family, new semi-synthetic alternative cannabinoids — such as THC-O — are popping up in consumer markets across the US.

Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Two such semi-synthetic cannabinoids are Delta-8 THC, also referred to as Delta-8 or D8, and HHC.

Below, find out what they are, where they come from, and what t know if you're interested in trying them.

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that is a hydrogenated derivative of Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC.

From a chemistry perspective, hydrogenation is a process by which molecular hydrogen (H2) is added to another compound or element. In this case, it would be Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC. Structurally speaking, despite the fact that HHC can be synthesized from Delta-8 and Delta-9, they belong to different families of compounds.

Tetrahydrocannabinols are a family that contains Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, while HHC is part of a family called hexahydrocannabinols. Other HHC analogs that you might see on the market include HHC-P and HHC-O, for example.

HHC is most often synthesized from Delta-8 THC, which itself is most often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. Once CBD is extracted from hemp plant material, it is refined into an isolate, synthesized into Delta-8 THC, then further processed into HHC, typically using heavy metals such as platinum, palladium, or mercury.

HHC was first synthesized in 1944 by American chemist Roger Adams, who subsequently patented it. Though that patent has since expired, its commercial use and public consumption are relatively new. HHC, along with Delta-8 THC, is one among several semi-synthetic cannabinoids that have emerged since the legalization of hemp in 2018.

Some semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as Delta-8 THC, are also found naturally in the plant; however, there is debate as to whether HHC is a naturally occurring compound in Cannabis sativa L. There are some reports of HHC-like compounds being found in trace quantities in cannabis plants; however, the HHC found in products today is the semi-synthetic variety made in a lab.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs in very small quantities in the cannabis plant. While it belongs to the same family of compounds, Delta-8 is distinct from Delta-9 THC — or simply THC — in its molecular structure.

Delta-8 differs in the location of its double bond: D8 has a double bond between carbon atoms 8 and 9, whereas D9 has a double bond between carbon atoms 9 and 10. This small difference changes the way D8 binds to cannabinoid receptors when compared to D9. This is what gives Delta-8 its subjectively less potent intoxicating effects than Delta-9, though the two share general similarities in offering effects such as appetite stimulation or nausea and pain relief.

While D8 does occur naturally in the cannabis plant family, its trace concentrations make extraction very expensive. The Delta-8 available in the vast majority of products today is derived through the synthesis of hemp CBD. In this form, D8 is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.

Delta-8 was first studied in humans in 1973, when it was observed among the small study group that it had less potent effects than Delta-9. It was also studied for use in pediatric cancer patients in 1995, where it was observed to produce helpful anti-nausea effects post-chemotherapy with fewer side effects than D9.

Since the legalization of hemp in 2018, Delta-8 has become increasingly popular. Since 2021, Delta-8 has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the hemp-derived product market.

How is HHC different from Delta-8?

Now that we've covered the basics on HHC and Delta-8, let's compare them side by side to understand how they differ in their composition, effects, popularity, product selection, and price.

Chemical composition

• At first glance, the HHC molecule and Delta-8 molecule look similar, but there is a small yet significant difference between them: a missing double bond on the cyclohexyl ring. Delta-8 has a double bond between carbon atoms 8 and 9.
• When synthesizing HHC, this double bond is broken with the use of heavy metals, and two hydrogen atoms are added.
• While the difference seems slight, it impacts the way these cannabinoids are able to bind to CB1 receptors.

D8 vs HHC

Effects

• The effects of both HHC and Delta-8 will vary from person to person, in addition to differences based on product type, ingestion method, and dosage. Consumers report that Delta-8's main effects are similar to but less potent than the effects of Delta-9, including relaxation, euphoria, pain relief, and altered consciousness with less anxiety and paranoia.
• When HHC is synthesized, two forms of the molecule are created: 9R-HHC and 9S-HHC. They are mirror images of one another and consumer reports claim that 9R-HHC is more potently felt than 9S-HHC, which may reflect a difference in the way they bind to cannabinoid receptors. There is no human research on HHC's effects and safety.
• Consumer reports on the effects of HHC vary: some claim it is not as strong as Delta-8, while others claim it's stronger than D8 but not as strong as D9. This could be a reflection of the varying proportions of 9R- to 9S-HHC in different products, and some consumers may seek out specific formulations that contain higher levels of 9R-HHC since they claim it is more potent. The proportions of 9R to 9S should be listed on a product's lab test results, also called “Certificate of Analysis".
• Consumers report the effects of HHC are similar to those of Delta-8 in offering euphoria, pain relief, and an altered state of consciousness, but it offers a cleaner, more energetic and more focused experience than D8. Many also report that tolerance to HHC develops rather quickly.

Popularity

• Delta-8 THC has been available on the consumer product market for several years, whereas HHC is newer and has not gained the same level of popularity. But many companies who offer Delta-8 will also offer other alt-cannabinoids like HHC.

Products and Price

• Once synthesized, both HHC and D8 can be sold as isolates or added to extracts and oils for infusing any product, so you can find HHC vape carts, gummies, tinctures, and more.
• Hemp flower is also sprayed with both cannabinoids and sold as HHC flower and D8 flower. Though the most common product types available are gummies and vape carts.
• Both HHC and D8 sell for comparable prices, on a gram-for-gram basis, with both typically costing much less than D9.
• HHC and D8 are more structurally stable than D9, which means a longer shelf-life for these products.

Are HHC and Delta-8 legal?

As of writing, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has made no official commentary on HHC but has said in two public statements that Delta-8 falls within the legal definition of “hemp" since it is a naturally occurring compound within the plant. This position was backed up in a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in 2022. But, while the federal stance on D8 — at least for the moment — considers it a hemp derivative covered under the 2018 Farm Bill, individual state approaches to D8 vary quite a bit.

“States have different laws that take different approaches to these substances, and those laws are changing all the time," said Shane Pennington, counsel at Vicente LLP. In 2023, over a dozen states have banned D8, and several others are considering a ban.

Depending on the language used in state regulations, these bans may or may not cover other semi-synthetic cannabinoids like HHC. “States are doing their best to regulate intoxicating hemp products, and crafting the language is an incredibly difficult task," said Texas attorney Chelsie Spencer, head of the cannabis practice at Ritter Spencer PLLC. Texas is among several states currently working to better regulate Delta-8 and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Some states, like New York, have included language in regulations that cover “synthetic cannabinoids" and “cannabimimetic agents" that may apply to compounds such as HHC. Other states, like Oregon, have banned all “artificially derived cannabinoids."  According to Spencer, Colorado is an example of a state where a reviewing court would likely find the state intended to ban HHC. “Their language targets 'chemically modified' THC isomers as well, and I don't think you would face much argument from anyone that HHC certainly qualifies as that."

So the question as to whether HHC and Delta-8 are legal for you as a consumer comes down to how these substances are classified and regulated within your state. Both state and federal positions on HHC and Delta-8 may change, so be sure to know the current status of these substances before you purchase them.

Should I get HHC or Delta-8? How do I consume them?

Both HHC and D8 are consumed in comparable ways, with popular product types including vape carts for inhalation and gummies for ingestion.

The choice as to whether you should purchase HHC or D8 is between you and your doctor, but here are a few things to consider before purchasing one versus the other.

Product safety and purity

When semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and HHC are synthesized, the process involves toxic chemicals and catalysts to transform the starter cannabinoid, typically CBD. Not all producers are equally adept at purifying the residual toxins, nor are all producers testing for these potentially harmful residuals.

Always look for an independent third-party lab analysis of any product you're considering. Lab results should be shared openly by the producer and should clearly display results on the cannabinoid content, along with the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, microbials, and residual solvents. Consider the reputation of the lab that conducted the analysis as well.

Of course, talk to your doctor before consuming any cannabinoids.

Your personal experience and tolerance

If you're new to cannabis and cannabinoids in general, both Delta-8 and HHC may offer lighter experiential options than Delta-9, consumption method and dosage being equal.

Between D8 and HHC, Delta-8 may offer a lighter option than HHC, though the concentrations of 9R-HHC and 9S-HHC seem to vary from product to product, with the 9R form of HHC reportedly providing a more potent experience than the 9S.

With any new cannabinoid, potency, or consumption method, talk to your doctor before consuming anything.

Consumption method and dosing

Speaking of consumption method and potency, these are also factors to consider when debating between HHC and Delta-8.

In particular, when consuming edible forms of Delta-8, it's important to know that it is metabolized into another form of THC that will produce effects that are comparable in potency to edible forms of Delta-9. In other words, D8 edibles may feel similar to D9 edibles.

We don't have any human studies on how HHC is metabolized or how it otherwise produces effects in the body.

Bottom line

Both Delta-8 THC and HHC are relatively new intoxicating cannabinoids on the consumer market, reportedly offering milder experiences than Delta-9 THC with similar effects around altered consciousness, euphoria, and pain relief, among others.

Legality and access to both D8 and HHC will vary by state, so be sure to know their status where you live. Be aware of the risks of taking either of these cannabinoids and talk to your doctor before consuming any cannabinoids.