The cannabis plant is a complex and diverse part of nature, and it’s used for a wide range of its compounds and effects.

For those who find themselves wondering about buying HHC vs. Delta-9 THC products, we put together this in-depth guide to break down what these cannabinoids are, their potency, and their psychoactive effects.

Discover a range of cannabis products at the Mood Shop today.

An Intro To Cannabinoids

If your head tilted a little bit above when we described HHC and Delta-9 THC as “cannabinoids,” that’s okay.

Cannabinoids represent a unique class of “naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant.”

Of the raw plant’s 480 identified compounds, approximately 66 of them are termed cannabinoids.

What differentiates cannabinoids from other cannabis compounds?

Their ability to bond with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the human body.

Each one of us has an endocannabinoid system that runs throughout our nervous systems, and those receptors are designed to bond with and translate the effects of cannabinoids.

The subclasses of cannabinoids most famously include:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

• Cannabidiol (CBD)

• Cannabigerols (CBG)

• Cannabinol (CBN)

There are more cannabinoids out there, but to tailor this exploration back toward HHC and THC, we’re going to focus on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC 101

THC is most well-known as the main psychoactive compound in cannabis products. The main misunderstanding around THC is that it’s a singular, consistent entity. In fact, there is no one version of it.

There are many different forms of THC, some of which include Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, Delta-10 THC, and THCa. HHC is an example of a derivative of THC, and we’ll explore that deeper as we move along.

Read More: 6 Different Types of THC: A Complete Guide

Delta-9 THC and The Farm Bill

We wouldn’t be offended to know that some readers out there might be wondering, “Who cares about all of these Deltas and different types of THC? I just want my cannabis.”

We hear that. Cannabis and hemp-derived products should be simple and easy to enjoy.

Learning What’s Available

The reason why we pay attention to different cannabinoids is because they actually vary in terms of their psychoactive effects and legal status. Let us explain.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 removed hemp from the federal government’s list of controlled substances.

Also known as the Farm Bill, this groundbreaking piece of legislation defines hemp as “cannabis products with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.”

Hemp-Derived Delights

There are a couple of interesting elements to this defining distinguishment between “hemp” and “marijuana.”

The first is that you can enjoy potent gummies and other cannabis products that have less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Additionally, cannabis products featuring high concentrations of other cannabinoids — i.e., THCa, HHC, THCp, and Delta-8 THC — fall under the legal definition of hemp.

THCa, even converts to Delta-9 THC when you heat or burn it, allowing cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy flowers and edibles like they know and love while complying with the Farm Bill.

Grab a 30-count of 15mg Delta-9 THC Gummies for $65 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe for recurring shipments and save 15%.

What is HHC & How Is It Different From Delta-9?

HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that features a chemical structure similar to Delta-9 THC while deriving from CBD.

HHC is a semisynthetic, and it’s a lab-made concentrate that comes from either cannabidiol (CBD) or THC.

The process is known as “hydrogenation,” and its general mission is to add new hydrogen atoms to CBD to give the typically non-psychoactive compound a bit of the feel-good elements you find with some forms of THC.

It’s been used to cull more heady compounds from low-THC cannabis plants.

This vape combines HHC, THCp, THCa, and full-spectrum CBD with a delicious blend of terpenes.

Get a 1g Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape for $46 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

How HHC Is Extracted from CBD

The hydrogenation process that brings HHC into existence is pretty fascinating.

Hydrogenation is the act of adding hydrogen to CBD, which cannabis scientists can use with a metal catalyst, like a palladium.

Once the lab professionals extract THCa from hemp, CBD from hemp, or Delta-9 THC from THCa — they can put the “purified cannabinoid” into a reducing environment with a solvent and metal catalyst.

This kicks off the hydrogenation process.

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The Potency of HHC

According to Neurogan, HHC’s potency exists in the middle of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC.

For those who could use a point of reference, Delta-9 THC is what’s most directly tied to the classic euphoric effects that cannabis flowers have provided regular users for centuries.

Delta-8 THC is an alternative cannabinoid that’s known for delivering a more clear and focused high than Delta-9.

HHC existing in the middle suggests that its presence as a leading cannabinoid can be great for lower-potency cannabis products and new users.

It can also be mixed with a range of other cannabinoids to help create an entourage effect that can vary depending on the product.

Get a 30-count of 50mg Delta-8 THC Gummies for $79 from the Mood Shop. Subscribe and save 15%.

The Effects of HHC

For seasoned cannabis users, you can gauge the effects of HHC by calibrating them to what you know as typical cannabis effects or those associated with Delta-9 THC.

Euphoria, hunger, laughter, creativity, and more can result from what we typically think of as cannabis. It’s relatively strong, depending on your tolerance and consumption methods.

As we mentioned above, the effects of HHC are said to land right in the middle of those caused by Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC.

This means that HHC, in general, could be considered a little less intense than your typical cannabis products.

That being said, HHC is also said to have longer-lasting effects than Delta-9 THC, which might be because of its stronger molecular stability.

Get a 1g Hero Dose Delta-8 THC Runtz Disposable Vape for $46 from the Mood Shop today.

Products Featuring HHC

HHC products definitely tend to be concentrates, vape cartridges, and disposable vapes. However, you can also find HHC gummies and other edibles.

Because HHC occurs in such low amounts in the raw hemp plant, you’re not going to find many flowers with it listed as a leading cannabinoid.

When you check out Mood’s Vapes, you’ll find a variety featuring blends of cannabinoids, including HHC, THCp, and even CBD.

These cannabis oil blends also feature fragrant terpenes that let you enjoy the flavors and aromas you typically associate with cannabis.

Get a 30-count bottle of 25mg HHC Gel Caps for $70 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

FAQs About HHC

We might re-hash a few things here, but let’s clear up some of the more common questions about HHC.

Q: What does HHC stand for?

A: Hexhydrocannabinol. It’s also known as HXC.

Q: Is HHC stronger than THC?

A: It depends on which THC.

As we mentioned above, the strength of HHC’s psychoactive effects is estimated to be a bit lighter than Delta-9 THC and a bit stronger than Delta-8 THC. Remember that the effects of HHC are also said to last a bit longer than those of regular THC.

HHC is also often used with a blend of other cannabinoids (including Delta-9 THC and THCa) in concentrates, vape cartridges, and disposable vape pens. So, like anything else, its strength is relative.

Q: Is HHC a synthetic cannabinoid?

A: Similar to Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC — HHC occurs naturally only in small amounts in the raw cannabis plant.

When you find HHC products, the compound has been synthesized via hydrogenation, a process described above that converts CBD or THC to HHC.

Because it’s only used in products as a product of synthesis but still occurs in some amounts in natural cannabis, HHC is considered a semisynthetic.

Q: Does HHC get you higher than Delta-8 THC?

HHC is considered stronger than Delta-8 THC while not as strong as Delta-9 THC.

Of course, the level to which HHC hits you depends on several factors — i.e., your tolerance, the level of HHC or Delta-8 THC in a product, other cannabinoids present, and so on.

Q: Can HHC get you high?

HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. It can get you high.

Q: Why is HHC legal?

You should always refer to your local restrictions and state laws for the legal status of hemp or a given cannabinoid.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 differentiates “hemp” from “marijuana” as products that have no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

With that in mind, cannabis products can feature high concentrations of HHC while staying compliant with the Farm Bill.

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What is Delta-9 THC & How Is It Different From HHC?

We’ve introduced some of Delta-9 THC throughout this guide already.

It’s also a naturally occurring cannabinoid that only exists in small amounts in the raw cannabis plant. It can also play a vital psychoactive role when applied in higher concentrations to cannabis products.

While you might know how it’s the main cannabinoid mentioned in the Farm Bill, you might not know how it comes to exist and thrive in the flowers, gummies, and vapes that you know and love.

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How Delta-9 THC Is Extracted

THCa is the acidic precursor to Delta-9 THC.

The “a” in THCa stands for acid because it’s essentially THC in its acidic form.

When you heat or burn THCa — i.e. by smoking it or vaping it — a process called decarboxylation unfolds. This converts THCa to Delta-9 THC.

It’s worth repeating a note from above, the concentration of THCa in a cannabis product does not compromise its legal status as “hemp.”

So, you can’t comply with the Farm Bill by producing cannabis products with above 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

You can comply with the Farm Bill by producing cannabis products with any level of THCa, which will convert into Delta-9 THC and deliver its familiar psychoactive effects when you smoke or vape it.

Featuring cannabis flowers that are nearly 27% THCa, this pre-roll is a can’t-miss.

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The Potency of Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid most famously and legislatively connected to the hemp plant and its side effects.

It’s definitely one of the most potent cannabinoids, and how hard it hits you will largely depend on your experience, current physical or mental state, as well as the product you’re consuming and how it was produced.

Delta-9 THC also is not considered the most potent or hard-hitting of cannabinoids.

THCp is said to range from “3 to 33 times as strong as regular Delta-9 THC.”

These gummies feature a potent blend of THCp, Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC.

Get a 30-count of Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies for $79 from the Mood Shop. Subscribe and save 15%.

The Effects of Delta-9 THC

Because of Delta-9 THC’s central position in the history of cannabis, its psychoactive effects are those most commonly associated with use.

Similarly to other cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC bonds with CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors that make up the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which is tied to its central nervous system, to deliver its euphoric side effects.

Most notably, Delta-9 THC can make you feel warm, silly, hungry, creative, focused, restful, relaxed, loving, and so much more.

The effects of Delta-9 THC can also be influenced by the genetic makeup and molecular structure of the strains of cannabis it derives from.

Indica-dominant cannabis strains, for example, are more commonly loved for body highs and physical ease. Sativa-dominant strains, on the other hand, are famous for inducing creativity and energy.

Pick up a 30-count of these Sleepytime THC Gummies for $65 at the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Products Featuring Delta-9 THC

Again, Delta-9 THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, which means it’s at the center of cannabis culture and has been used for most product types you’ve heard of.

Whether you want gummies, baked treats, flowers, cannabis oil, disposable vapes, pre-rolled joints, or anything else — you can find a version of it that features Delta-9 THC.

If it has more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, then that product doesn’t comply with the Farm Bill, and it’s not permissible on a federal level.

Luckily, there are tons of gummies and edibles out there with a Farm Bill-compliant level of Delta-9 THC that can still help you take the edge off.

For those who are interested in more potent cannabis products, THCa-forward flowers and vapes can deliver strong Delta-9 THC feelings via decarboxylation.

Get a 30-count of Micro-Dose Delta-9 THC Gummies for $65 from the Mood Shop now. Subscribe and save 15%.

FAQs About Delta-9 THC

Q: What does Delta-9 THC stand for?

A: Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol

Q: How is Delta-9 THC different from other cannabinoids?

Delta-9 THC is the one cannabinoid that can change a cannabis product that’s federally classified as “hemp” to one that’s considered “marijuana.”

Despite this, it can still deliver noticeable psychoactive effects when applied to edibles within Farm Bill-compliant limits.

Delta-9 THC has its own profile of psychoactive effects, and its THC molecules are unique, despite being quite similar to Delta-8 THC and other natural cannabinoids.

Q: Is Delta-9 THC legal?

According to the Farm Bill, “hemp” is no longer on the federal government’s list of controlled substances.

A “hemp” product is considered cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

So, in some cases, Delta-9 THC can make a product illegal from a federal perspective. And at the same time, when within the legal levels of concentration, it’s perfectly legal.

And, of course, as always, make sure to check your local laws and regulations to fully understand what cannabis products might be available to you.

Q: How are Delta-9 THC gummies legal?

Delta-9 THC gummies that are legal from a federal perspective must comply with the Farm Bill and possess no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

All of Mood’s Gummies, for example, are compliant with the Farm Bill. Even with smaller concentrations of Delta-9 THC, these products can be designed for strong psychoactive responses and rapid onsets.

Q: What’s the difference between Delta-9 THC and THCa?

THCa is the acidic precursor to Delta-9 THC.

It’s present in high volumes in the raw, unheated cannabis plant, and in that state, THCa is non-psychoactive.

Delta-9 THC also exists in the raw cannabis plant, but only in small amounts.

To cultivate it at relevant levels for products, cannabis scientists and users must convert it from THCa via decarboxylation, which requires heating or burning.

Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and we need THCa to get enough of it to take the edge off.

HHC and Delta-9 THC Products at the Mood Shop

Delta-9 Butter Cream Caramels

With a lot of sour, chewy, delicious candies available in the Edibles Section of the Mood Shop, there are a couple of options that stand out. These chewy and sweet buttercream caramels will take you back to the candy shops of your childhood with a little added excitement of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC.

Get a 10-count of Delta-9 THC Butter Cream Caramels for just $49 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Delta-9 THC + Delta-8 THC Gummies

Mixing some popular cannabinoids, these gummies are designed to kick in right when you need them, with an onset as fast as 15 minutes. Designed to deliver a strong, balanced high throughout the body and mind, these potent edibles feature a delicious sour watermelon flavor.

Get a 30-count of Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies for $70 from the Mood Shop now. Subscribe and save 15%.

THCa Energized Vape

This highly potent disposable vape features a rich concentration of THCa complemented by a calming, balancing helping of CBD. Offering the little lift you might need to get your weekend vacuuming done or to push through that last round of emails, this sativa-driven vape combo is a great pick-up.

Get a 1g THCa Sour Diesel Disposable Vape for $60 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Check out more hemp-derived products at the Mood Shop.

Prices subject to change.