Two of the most popular consumer cannabinoids today are Delta 9 THC and HHC, though the two are very different. Read on for an overview of the similarities and differences between these two powerful, prevalent cannabinoids. 

What is HHC?

HHC is also known as hexahydrocannabinol. It is a cannabinoid but not technically a THC product.

One of the most significant benefits of HHC is its stability. Retailers and consumers can store it for longer than other cannabinoids without losing potency, and it does not degrade as quickly when exposed to heat or light. HHC produces very similar effects to Delta 9, though it is not as potent. 

What is Delta 9 THC? 

Delta 9 THC is also known as D9 or Delta-9. It is one of the most well-known cannabinoids because it is the primary chemical responsible for the effects of cannabis. Delta 9 can either be extracted from cannabis or hemp plants for use in other products. 

This cannabinoid is known for producing relaxing, euphoric effects and has several potential health and wellness benefits when used responsibly.  

How Strong is D9?

One of the first things that customers are typically curious about is the potency of any new cannabinoid. 

Delta 9 is one of the more powerful cannabinoids on the market; it is typically used as the benchmark that other cannabinoids are measured against. D9 can be extremely psychoactive and is typically considered to be about twice as potent as Delta-8 THC. 

How Strong is HHC?

HHC comprises two compounds: (S)-HHC and (R)-HHC. (S)-HHC is the “inactive” compound, as it is non-psychoactive. (R)-HHC or HHC-R is the active compound — the component that can bond to cannabinoid receptors and produce a “high.” The exact ratio of (S)-HHC to (R)-HHC largely determines the strength of an HHC product. 

The overall potency of HHC typically ranges from slightly less potent than Delta-8 THC to about as powerful as Delta-9 THC. For the strongest HHC on the market, you’ll want to check out our HHC-R products, with a higher concentration of (R)-HHC than any other vapes on the market. 

Delta 9 THC Laws vs. HHC Laws

Another primary consideration for consumers is the legality of these cannabinoids and whether they have access to them. 

Is HHC Legal?

Yes, HHC is legal. HHC is typically extracted from CBD or hemp, which is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. It is not technically a THC product, so the legal future of this cannabinoid looks slightly more confident. 

Is Delta 9 Legal?

Cannabis-derived Delta 9 is only legal in some places. More than half of the U.S. has medical marijuana laws in place, and many states also have adult-use programs. However, cannabis-derived Delta 9 is still federally illegal. 

Hemp-derived Delta-9, however, is more accessible. Since it is extracted from federally legal hemp plants, and the finished product adheres to the same guidelines of less than 0.3% THC content, hemp-derived Delta 9 gummies and edibles are legal in most parts of the country. For this reason, low-THC, hemp-derived D9 is sometimes called “compliant Delta 9.”

How Are D9 THC and HHC Made?

These two cannabinoids also differ in the ways that they are produced. 

How is Delta 9 THC Made?

Delta 9 THC is one of the most commonly occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It is usable as-is but can also be extracted using many different methods to make edibles, concentrates, and other products. 

Delta 9 can also be hemp-derived. This process is slightly more involved, as it utilizes much smaller amounts of the cannabinoid. To be federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants must contain less than 0.3% THC. However, that small percentage of THC can be legally extracted and used in products like gummies and other edibles — as long as the finished product still contains less than 0.3% THC.

How is HHC Made? 

HHC is made by hydrogenating CBD or THC, which is the same process used to make vegetable oil and margarine. Hydrogenating cannabis extract changes the chemical structure slightly to turn it into HHC. 

Where to Buy HHC Online

Your smoke shop or retail outlet can purchase high-quality HHC products from online distributors like Power Distribution. Check out our lab results to view our levels of (S)-HHC and (R)-HHC, and sign up for a wholesale account to browse our products today. 

Where to Buy D9 Online

Power Distribution also carries an extensive line of Delta 9 gummies and other Delta 9 edibles. 

Contact us today to learn more about a wholesale account with Power Distribution and how you can bring our potent cannabinoid products to your customers.