Are HHC Products Stronger Than Delta 9?

HHC is one of the latest cannabinoids to hit the shelves, but there is still much to learn about its effects, benefits, and uses. Delta 9 THC and CBD are the two most prominent cannabinoids with the most research. 

Delta 9 is the primary psychotropic cannabinoid in cannabis, renowned for making users high. HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC known for its longevity and intoxicating effects. Although very similar to delta 9, there are some significant differences between the two. 

Like THC, HHC produces a high, but not to the same extent as delta 9. Many users favor HHC products for their relaxing qualities and less intense effects. 

Since HHC is still new to the market, it’s not as easy to find HHC products for sale as other cannabinoids like CBD and delta 8. However, it’s likely only a matter of time before HHC becomes more readily available. 

What Is the Difference Between HHC and Delta 9? 

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated THC analog that forms when the THC molecule is saturated with hydrogen atoms. It’s a naturally occurring cannabinoid, but it’s only detected in trace amounts in cannabis plants, making it not commercially viable. 

Therefore, most of the HHC products found on the market today are synthesized from other cannabinoids derived from hemp material.

All cannabinoids consist of the same elements – oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. They differ in the way they’re assembled. 

The key difference in the chemical structure of HHC and delta 9 is the presence of a double bond. The hydrogenation process modifies the structure of delta 9 by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms. In other words, while delta 9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon, HHC doesn’t have a double bond – it’s removed from the structure and replaced by hydrogens.

Although the chemical differences may seem minor, they greatly impact the effects. Most notably, HHC is not quite as powerful at delta 9, with a potency that is reportedly between 70 - 80% of D9.

Additionally, the saturated chemical structure of HHC makes it a far more stable compound than THC, with stronger resistance to oxidation and breakdown. Therefore HHC products have a longer shelf life. 

Finally, another key difference between HHC and delta 9 is how long their effects last. While THC’s effects only last a few hours, HHC creates effects lasting up to 12 hours. This makes HHC products an excellent choice for anyone wanting long-lasting relief from specific symptoms. 

What to Expect from an HHC High

Most HHC products are less potent than delta 9, producing a milder, smoother, and more clear-headed high. Many people describe HHC as a middle ground between the mild, body-focused effects of delta 8 and the potent, heady effects of delta 9. 

However, the effects vary from person to person. For some users, HHC can be more intense than D9, even though it’s supposedly 70 - 80% of D9’s strength. 

Typically, sensitive users describe HHC’s effects as a “distinct body high” that’s more pronounced than delta 9. In addition, it can cause altered visual and auditory perceptions faster than delta 9. 

Other users describe the HHC high as euphoric but leaning more towards relaxation and calmness – especially in low doses. 

Dosage significantly impacts effects; however, the primary reason HHC’s effects vary so much is likely because of the way it's manufactured. Most lab-produced HHC products contain a blend of active and inactive HHC molecules. 

Manufacturers haven’t yet figured out how to effectively separate high-potency and low-potency HHC molecules, so commercial HHC products combine the two forms. This means users never know what to expect from each product batch. 

Nonetheless, in most cases, HHC is less intense than delta 9.

Why Choose HHC Products Over Delta 9?

Choosing between different cannabinoid products depends on what you want to experience. HHC is a great daytime alternative to delta 9, and has a predominantly euphoric effect. It gets you high, but generally not with the same intensity as delta 9, and it’s incredibly relaxing.

Also, because HHC is milder than delta 9, it’s thought to have a lower risk of inducing some negative side effects associated with THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.

Therefore, HHC products are an excellent choice if you want to get high but don’t enjoy the couch-locking effect or the drowsiness or anxiety delta 9 causes.

Final Thoughts

HHC products are close in effects and potency to delta 9 but are generally milder with more euphoric and relaxing qualities. However, in some instances, HHC may be stronger than delta 9.

Since HHC is lab-produced, some products may be more potent than others, depending on the manufacturing process. Additionally, HHC may have more potent effects than delta 9 when it is consumed in very high doses.

Overall, though, HHC is thought to be between 70 - 80% of delta 9’s strength, giving users a milder and often more enjoyable high.