THC-O, Delta 8 THC, HHC, and THC
If you’re curious about minor cannabinoids and how they’re different from major cannabinoids like THC, then you’ve come to the right place?
With so many new minor yet significant cannabinoid products entering the market, you would be forgiven for not knowing them all. While we all know the classic cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerol (CBG), and many others, the new ones aren’t as well known.
Of course, we’re talking about Delta-8 THC, THC-O, and HCC. These are three of the hottest minor cannabinoids on the market right now, but how do they stack up against Delta-9 THC, the THC we all know?
In the following article, we’ll take a closer look at Delta-8 THC, THC-O, and HCC and how these three cannabinoids stack up against traditional Delta-9 THC.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a minor cannabinoid that’s found in both hemp and marijuana plants. While the cannabinoid is found in both plants in very small amounts, most commercial companies produce Delta-8 using raw hemp material.
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC have a similar molecular makeup at a chemical level, with both compounds having a double bind in their structures. Scientists believe that it is the double bond that is responsible for the euphoric high or intoxicating effects that you experience when you consume THC products.
It’s because the double bond is in a different location than scientists believe the effects of Delta-8 are much less intoxicating than Delta-9. But, unfortunately, Delta-8 currently exists in a legal gray area, with some states attempting to ban the products.
How does Delta-8 THC stack up against traditional Delta-9 THC?
One of the biggest potential benefits Delta-8 THC may offer over the THC that we all know and love is that the potency is much lower. One of the biggest drawbacks to THC for many people is the negative side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and paranoia. Delta-8 THC offers many of the same therapeutic properties as THC, without the side effects.
What is THC-O?
THC-O was first discovered by the US Army in 1949 when they were studying the effects of the cannabinoid on animals. THC-O is made using a chemical process that involves adding acetic anhydride to Delta-8 THC. While this may sound simple in theory, the process is extremely complicated and dangerous. It involves a lot of specialized equipment and isn’t something that should be attempted by people at home.
The process of making THC-O begins with raw hemp plant material. First, cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from raw hemp. Next, Delta-8 THC is extracted from the CBD. The final step in the process involves adding acetic anhydride to the Delta-8 THC. It sounds fairly straightforward, but without the right experience, equipment, and safety, the process can be highly volatile and not something that you should attempt to DIY.
THC-O products are only just starting to enter the commercial market, but as state lawmakers start to crack down on Delta-8 THC products, you may see more THC-O products become available.
How does THC-O stack up against traditional Delta-9 THC?
One of the most important things to remember about THC-O is that it can be up to three times as potent as regular Delta-9 THC. So, approach it with caution until you fully understand your tolerances and how they will affect you. For example, suppose you are prone to getting anxiety or paranoia with traditional THC products. In that case, you might want to avoid THC-O as those negative side effects will be amplified with this cannabinoid.
What Is HCC?
HCC was first created by an American chemist, Roger Adams, way back in 1944. Since then, then cannabinoid has been largely ignored in favor of other more accessible cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The process of producing HCC starts with raw hemp material, but there isn’t a lot of information available. Most companies producing HCC products aren’t willing to share their process.
While the effects of HCC are similar to that of taking Delta-8 THC, you have to consume more of it to get the same type of effects. So, depending on availability in your area, it’s debatable whether or not it’s worth using HCC instead of Delta-8THC products.
We still don’t know a whole lot about HCC as it’s one of the newest minor cannabinoids to hit the commercial market. There haven’t been a lot of studies done into its effects or how it affects humans, and there isn’t a lot of information about dosage either.
How does HCC stack up against traditional Delta-9 THC?
HCC products aren’t going to be as potent as either Delta-8, HCC, or regular THC if you took the same amount per mg of each cannabinoid, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to get a similar experience. So, like all cannabinoid products, take your time and approach them with a little caution.
With most new cannabis products, low and slow is the best way to go. Start with a small amount of HCC until you find a level you are comfortable with. After you understand your tolerances, you can start to increase the amount and frequency of how much HCC you use.
What’s the Difference Between THC-O, Delta 8 THC, HHC, and Regular THC? – Conclusion
As you can see, there are some exciting differences between these minor cannabinoids that are gaining a lot of popularity. If you are excited about trying new cannabinoids, then you have a lot of options, with many new cannabinoids being investigated intently.
We still have a lot to learn about minor cannabinoids, so always approach them with caution. The information contained in this article in no way represents medical or legal advice, and we strongly encourage people to do their own research before consuming any cannabis products.
If you have any questions about any of the cannabinoids we spoke about above, including Delta-8 THC, THC-O, and HCC, then don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us. Our friendly and professional team is always happy to help.