What is the Difference Between Delta-8, HHC, THC-O, and CBD?
Legally grown hemp has proven to be an even more flexible plant than originally imagined. Cannabidiol (CBD) made from USA grown hemp is now the source of several unique products. Their names may not be as familiar as CBD, but they come from the same source and are manufactured from CBD.
CBD, Delta-8, HHC, and THC-O are all cannabinoids, the question is how they are different and if one is right for you.
Cannabinoid Overview
Cannabidiol was the first commercially available cannabinoid and has no psychoactive properties. Delta-8, HHC, and THC-O emerge are manufactured from traceable and legally grown CBD.
The booming market for popular CBD products was opened for business when the 2018 Farm Bill legalized agricultural hemp. Hemp is simply a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC.
Delta-9 THC, usually referred to as just THC, is a psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and along with CBD represent the two major cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoid is a fancy word for substances that naturally occur in the cannabis plant.
The cannabis plant also contains myriad minor cannabinoids including Delta-8 and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Along with THC-O, they are all manufactured from CBD.
CBD is not a psychoactive substance. Delta-8, HHC and THC-O are. Scientific analysis and user feedback have framed Delta 8 as “THC Light”. It is about half as potent as the naturally occurring THC in a cannabis plant. HHC is closest to THC at 70 to 80 percent equivalence. THC-O is a highly potent variant of THC, estimated at three times as potent as THC and five-fold more potent than Delta 8.
HHC versus Delta 8 versus THC-O
There is some dispute over the potency of HHC. It is a naturally occurring product found in the seeds and pollen of the hemp plant. This is not a commercially viable source and the HHC on the market today is extracted from CBD.
Industry experts usually estimate that HHC is 70 to 80 percent as potent as THC. This makes it about twice as potent as Delta-8. These reason that the potency for HHC is estimated at such a wide range is not due to quality control. It stems from the fact HHC might be molecularly similar but it is not actually THC. Unlike Delta-8 and Delta-9, it is a hydrogenated form of the molecule.
HHC binds somewhat differently to the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. As a rule of thumb, most experts consider it roughly equivalent to D9 and this is a perfect time to remind initiates to measure their dosage very carefully.
The complicating factor with HHC is that there are two forms of the HHC molecule. 9R HHC actively binds to the body’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, while 9S HHC, because of its slightly different molecular structure, is not as easily absorbed.
9R HHC is quite comparable to THC and in high-quality products is available at a 2 to 1 ratio, this aligns with the 70 to 80 percent potency estimates. HHC is often described as being a more cerebral and energizing product by its adherents.
THC-O is created by adding acetic anhydride to Delta 8, which is extracted from CBD. Precisely manufactured under strict laboratory conditions, THC-O was discovered and registered by the DEA in 1949. Although it originates in a lab, the consumer products are stable and easily consumed as a tincture or vaped.
Molecularly, THC-O is not much different than D8, D9 or HHC but is more potent. For this reason, it is not recommended for initiates. We recommend using all of these products with care and to closely monitoring your dose. As THC-O is slow acting, particular caution should be paid. As is always the case with CBD derived cannabinoids, high-quality products that are third party tested for purity and potency are available and your best choice.
Legality of Cannabinoids
In May 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that Delta-8 THC was legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp provided it had a low level of Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring but minor cannabinoids, as selective breeding of the cannabis plant over the centuries has resulted in a plant where it is present in only very low levels.
The Ninth Circuit Court also determined that Delta-8 and similar hemp derived products are subject to copyright and trademark protections. This does not mean Delta-8 or HHC and THC-O are legal in every state. States as varied as Colorado and Iowa have banned the sale of Delta-8, even if their motivations for doing so are totally different.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD was the first major cannabinoid to hit the market and reputable manufacturers source their CBD exclusively from traceable, certified USA grown hemp. It is from high-quality CBD that THC-O, Delta-8 and HHC are manufactured. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC and CBD are the two most prominent. As discussed above, THC has been selectively bred out of agricultural hemp.
CBD is not psychoactive. This makes it a popular product, albeit one which exists in a limbo where it cannot be technically offered as a nutritional supplement. CBD is also used in medicinal form to treat epilepsy: Epidiolex.
This is not the only area of research for CBD. There are countless trials and research grants exploring CBD as a treatment for a wide range of ailments. A study in the journal Cannabis Cannabinoid Research found the anxiolytic, or anxiety reducing, effects of CBD to be promising.
“Overall, existing pre-clinical and clinical evidence supports a possible role for CBD as a novel treatment for anxiety disorders. The findings reviewed in this study demonstrate the potential of CBD to produce anxiolytic-like effects in pre-clinical models and the potential of CBD to induce acute anxiolytic effects when administered as a single dose in healthy volunteers and individuals with SAD.”
The primary feature of CBD compared to the other cannabinoids described below is that it is not intoxicating. Science has only scratched the surface of CBD’s potential impact. Among other potential avenues for research, studies have found CBD may have the potential to address:
Best CBD Products
As the most well-established hemp-based product and one without psychoactive properties, CBD also comes in the widest range of forms. There are efficient CBD vapes on the market. There are CBD salves, lotions, tinctures, ointments, and oils. What to look for in a CBD manufacturer is the availability of certificates of analysis, third party testing and traceable USA grown hemp.
Delta-8
Delta-8 THC is closely related to the Delta-9 THC, which is the primary active ingredient in cannabis. Delta-9 is only present in small quantities in hemp, but Delta 8 can be effectively and safely extracted for CBD.
Because Delta-8 is federally legal and can be extracted from CBD, it has been met with resistance by large companies that invested millions in procuring licenses to sell recreational cannabis. Delta 8 is legal in many states where Delta 9 is still barred. Yet there are some significant differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. The biggest difference is potency.
Delta-8 is often described as “THC-Lite”. This may sound like a knock, but with the incredible arms race in THC potencies, this is a feature for many. Specifically, those not looking for the most potent possible strain or individuals who in an era before decriminalization prefer to avoid highly concentrated THC. A Discover Magazine feature stated:
"Delta 8 is reported to provide a much easier experience. Most users feel a great sense of calm and clarity. Many have reported a definite “high” to the experience, but not enough to impair the ability to form coherent thoughts or focus on activities. Instead, you simply feel more relaxed and less burdened by stress.
The length of time it takes to feel the effects also separates Delta 8 and Delta 9. Delta 8 works slowly and gradually as it eases users into a more mellow state. Meanwhile, Delta 9’s onset is more rapid and instantaneous."
Is Delta 8 Safe?
Always remember that unlike CBD, Delta-8 still has psychoactive properties. It must be handled with care and caution. Keep it away from pets and children. Adults who are fit to use Delta 8 should monitor their dose and proceed slowly. It is a product for adults familiar with the use of cannabinoids.
Unlike THC, Delta-8 is manufactured from CBD rather than extracted directly from plant material. This is process involves adding an organic solvent and a catalyst to create a chemical reaction. Adhering to GMP regulations, independent labs will test high-quality Delta-8 products for pesticides, chemicals, mold, mildew, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and residual solvents from the manufacturing process.
In an interview with Hemp Benchmarks, CEO of ACS Laboratory Roger Brown argued that most of the Delta-8 products that come through his lab are of excellent quality. As the largest independent hemp testing and cannabis testing facility in the US, he also found that while commercially available Delta-8 products are of good quality, it is worth sticking reputable manufacturers to enjoy the best possible experience.
His hands-on and informed assessment of Delta-8 safety and quality is a far cry from the misleading headlines that attempt to paint even the most fastidious Delta-8 manufacturers as fly-by-night operations.
Best Delta 8 Products
The most popular forms of Delta 8 are disposable vapes and CCell technology cartridges. The Diet Toke line of Delta 8 Disposables require no charging or filling. They are ready to use and undergo extensive quality control.
They contain less than 0.3 percent THC and made from fully traceable CBD. The active ingredients are straightforward: 100 percent hemp derived Delta 8 distillate and terpenes. Diet Toke and most D8 disposable vapes contain 2 grams of Delta 8. There are also Delta-8 salves and gummies, but vapeables remain an exceedingly popular platform.
HHC
HHC was first manufactured in 1944 by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. Known as hydrogenation, this process may sound complex but is also how vegetable oil is converted in margarine. Today, HHC is manufactured from legally grown hemp that contains almost no THC. Instead, it is extracted from CBD.
How is HHC Made?
The HHC manufacturing process is proprietary, but the basics of hydrogenation are well-understood. It does require a well-equipped lab to pull-off. In an interview with Leafly, Richard Sams of KCA Laboratories described the testing and manufacturing of HHC. He said that it can be produced safely and the resulting product is shelf stable and popular.
How Potent is HHC?
The potency of HHC was described in Leafly as being mildly cerebral with some analgesic properties, although it certainly cannot be marketed for this purpose. It is psychoactive and intake should be closely monitored. As HHC is a new product, there is no standard dose. Like every product described today, it must be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Third party testing is always something to look for when buying hemp and CBD derived products. EJuices.co provides this information on the product descriptions.
Best HHC Products
While HHC comes in several forms, the most popular are vapeables. Flavored HHC cartridges from Tre House are sold in 1 gram cartridges CCell. The use of Live Resin helps balance the flavors. Less potent than THC-O and more potent than Delta-8, HHC is the goldilocks of the cannabinoids. As HHC is found in the seeds and pollen of hemp plants, it is non-synthetic and currently legal on a federal level, unlike synthetic analogues such as Spice and K2 which are banned by the Federal Analogue Act.
THC-O
THC-O is an ester of THC. It has grown in popularity in areas where cannabis is not legal for recreational use. A feature in Forbes found:
“The process to synthesize THC-O consists of converting CBD extracted from the hemp plant into delta-8 THC. Finally, acetic anhydride is added to the delta-8 THC molecules to produce THC-O acetate. There is no confirmed data on how potent THC-O is. Several news publications report that THC-O…is reported to be three times as powerful as THC. Consumers report THC-O as being more psychedelic THC as it offers a more spiritual or psychedelic psychoactivity than other cannabinoids.”
How is THC-O Made?
THC-O is derived from CBD and is lab tested for purity. But manufacturing THC-O falls firmly in the “Don’t try this at home” category. The final product is a stable but creating a THC ester involves catalysts which are best handled by professions.
How Potent is THC-O
Molecularly, THC-O is very close to Delta-9 THC but binds more tightly to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. This makes it more potentially several times more potent. It is also slow acting. Akin to THC edibles, THC-O is not immediately bioavailable even when vaped and there is a time lag.
Whether you are eating or vaping THC-O, effects are generally not felt for at least a half hour and often closer to twice that. Wholesalers should keep this in mind and provide this pertinent information to their customers. It is crucial to keep the initial dose small to see how your body reacts to THC-O.
Some users describe THC-O as having nearly psychedelic properties. As always, it is product for adults and not recommended for initiates as it is the most powerful of the cannabinoids outlined in this article.
Best THC-O Products
Whether vaping or consuming THC-O edibles, the product is not one that kicks in immediately. Mental Extracts has a solid line of high-quality THC-O cartridges. Available in multiple great flavors, they also offer THC-O/D8 hybrid flavors and Delta 8 carts for those looking for a CCell with less kick.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this article are based upon the opinions and research of the author, unless otherwise noted. It is intended to share knowledge and information on CBD and CBD derived products.
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. We assume no responsibility for the improper use of these products.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners.
Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
Our website showcases our entire product catalog. Our cannabidiol products are available for purchase at ejuices.co. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural component of hemp oil.