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As a lot of the country remains in a state of flux while legislation around hemp and cannabis continues to constantly shift, many places still rely heavily on the available legal alternatives to delta-9 THC. Before the prominence of THCa, HHC and delta-8 THC dominated the market. While not quite the same beast as delta-9, HHC and delta-8 have been an extremely popular substitute in places where delta-9 isn't as available. But what actually is delta-8 THC and HHC? And what makes them "semi-synthetic?"
HHC
HHC has been a long known cannabinoid, but hasn't always been a topic of conversation among consumers. Technically, it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is present in majority of cannabis and hemp plants, but it doesn't occur in large enough quantities to make extraction cost effective. HHC is actually often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD through a chemical process known as "hydrogenation." This process modifies the molecular structure of cannabinoids, replacing double bonds with two hydrogen atoms. As well as creating HHC, this process make the cannabinoid more resistant to heat and oxygen, improving the shelf life of the product.
HHC is not a type of THC, which provides it with many legal advantages, for both consumers and sellers, but it still will have similar effects on users if taken in large enough quantities. When synthesized in a lab, the resulting HHC is a mix of active and inactive molecules. The active molecules bind extremely well to cannabinoid receptors, while the inactive ones do not. Currently, there isn't a great way to separate the inactive HHC from the active HHC, so this can result in some HHC products to be somewhat "hit-or-miss." Nonetheless, HHC does have clearly noticeable effects, often described as falling somewhere in between delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Many users also report HHC to have similar side effects as other forms of THC, such as dry eyes and mouth, hunger, and sometimes anxiety.
Delta-8
Similar to HHC, delta-8 also occurs in minimal amounts naturally. To create higher levels of delta-8, THC and CBD is put through a process called isomerization, often involving THC or CBD to be left in an acid for a long enough time to alter the chemical structure, creating the isomer cannabinoid, delta-8 THC. Unlike HHC, the creation of delta-8 involves introducing outside chemicals, which can potentially make it into the final product.
The effects of delta-8 are quite similar to delta-9, albeit considerably less potent. Delta-8 brings feelings of euphoria and relaxation and often is less likely to have negative side effects such as paranoia or anxiety in some users.
Delta-10
Delta-10 is another cannabinoid that occurs naturally, in hemp plants in very trace amounts. Delta-10 is also psychoactive, but is experienced as less potent that delta-8. If delta-8 effects are most similar to those of indica strains, delta-10 is more closely associated to sativa. Some users like delta-10 because it can provide euphoric and energizing psychoactive effects while having even less negative side effects that delta-9 and delta-8. Many opt for delta-10 to promote creativity, alertness, and energy.
Research shows that delta-10 potentially can have neuroprotective properties, can aid with stress and anxiety, increase energy and improve mood. As with other forms of THC, delta-10 products are still very likely to show up positive on a drug test, so we advise consumers to be mindful of their use. Delta-10 is created similarly to delta-8, chemically converted from CBD isolate. At the moment, delta-10 is much harder to produce and identify than delta-8, which may be a large reason to why it isn't quite as available as delta-8 and HHC products.
Even though HHC, delta-8, and delta-10 are less likely to have some of the unfavorable side effects of delta-9, there are still a few that are common such as: dry mouth, dry eyes, impaired concentration and coordination, and interactions with some medicines. We advise users to be careful and do their own research before using any THC products. If you use any medications, it would be best to consult with a medical professional before using any form of THC.