Are you a fan of hemp and THC? You will want to learn more about the compounds of hemp and the new products that are available.
You were once a CBD fan, but now you are interested in other cannabinoids to see how they affect your mind and body. The Hemp Doctor is a hemp enthusiast too! We keep up with the latest industry developments and produce the best products available. This means that we can answer any questions you may have when shopping for new products.
This guide aims to highlight the main differences and similarities among the newly emerging cannabinoids, such as HHC, THC–O and Delta 8 THC. It also includes the psychoactive Delta 9 THC.
What is HHC?
HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. This is the newest cannabinoid to hit the hemp-derived market. However, the internet is full of conflicting information about its effects, legality and production methods.
Roger Adams, the Chemist we all owe for isolating CBD and synthesizing HHC in his laboratory was also the first to synthesize HHC. He was the first to extract Delta 9 THC from cannabis plants and then used hydrogenation for HHC. To synthesize HHC, the process involves hydrogen, organic compound, as well as a heavy metal catalyst.
Adams synthesized HHC in the late 1980s, but it is only recently that it has been available on the market and it is becoming increasingly popular.
Is HHC a Synthetic Cannabis Oil?
Although it is possible to create sufficient amounts of HHC using a laboratory process, hydrogenation is not enough. HHC is naturally found in cannabis plants. However, it is rare in cannabis plants. This is why advanced manufacturing techniques are used to obtain usable cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids, which are made in laboratories, do not exist in plants. HHC therefore is not considered to be a synthetic cannabinoid.
The effects of HHC
HHC has very similar effects as Delta 9 THC. However, marijuana is still illegal in the United States. This means that those who cannot legally purchase psychoactive cannabis plants can opt for hemp derivatives. The psychoactive effects of HHC are stronger than that of Delta 8 THC, but less than THC-O.
What is THC-O?
THC-O is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol Acetate. It’s a synthetic analog of THC. THC-O, another cannabinoid that is gaining popularity is because of its higher potency. THC-O in marijuana is three times more potent than Delta 9 THC. It is legal, which is why it is so popular. THC-O is made from federally legal hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC. To make THC-O, they extract CBD from hemp. Then, they convert it to Delta 8 THC and then use the organic solvent Acetic Anhydride. It’s technically lab-made but it’s still hemp-derived. Federal law states that hemp-derivatives containing less than 0.3% THC can be legal.
Is THC-O a Synthetic Cannabis Cannabinoid (Synthetic Cannabinoid)?
THC-O, an artificial analog to THC, is synthetic and lab-made. It is structurally nearly identical to Delta 9 THC, which is unlike some of the most dangerous and notorious synthetic cannabinoids like Spice and K2. The synthetic cannabinoids are completely different from the natural cannabis compounds. They had unexpected effects on the mind and body.
THC-O’s effects
THC-O, which is more potent than Delta 9 THC (THC), can give you a stronger high than marijuana. To avoid overdosing, you should start off with small doses of the cannabinoid. Wait for the effects to take effect for at least 30 seconds, then increase your intake as needed.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is another well-known cannabinoid in the hemp market. However, it has been around much longer than HHC and THC O and Delta 8 THC infused products have been widely available. It is one of many variants of THC and shares many similarities to Delta 9 THC. However, it is still quite different in many aspects.
There are four main differences between Delta 8 THC (THC) and Delta 9 THC (THC).
Chemical Structure
Source
Legality
Effects
Chemical Structure
The naturally occurring analog of THC found in hemp is Delta 8. Although structurally similar to Delta 9 THC, it is slightly different. Both have double bonds in the chemical structure. However, Delta 9 has it on 9 carbon chains, while Delta 8 has them on 8 carbon chains. This is why the names.
Source
The market’s Delta 8 THC is derived from hemp. However, it can only be detected in mature cannabis plants. Therefore, manufacturers use advanced extraction methods and conversion techniques to make Delta 8. They extract CBD from hemp, then use an isomerization procedure to convert CBD into Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC, which is extracted from hemp, is converted to Delta 9 THC in Delta 9 products. Delta 9 THC, on the other hand, comes primarily from marijuana. Hemp cannot produce more Delta 9 THC than 0.3%.
Legality
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp, and derivatives containing less than 0.3% THC, federally legal. Federal law makes Delta 8 THC legal. However, certain states make THC illegal in all forms. Before purchasing or consuming Delta 8 THC, be sure to check your local laws.
Effects
Delta 8 THC produces a similar high to marijuana, but is half the psychoactive potency of Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC produces a milder high and is usually free of the side effects associated with marijuana such as paranoia.
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC, also known as marijuana’s high, is the most popular cannabinoid. It is primarily derived from marijuana, and has only 0.3 percent in hemp. It isn’t enough to cause mind-altering effects due to the low level of Delta 9 THC. This is why hemp does not have psychoactive properties. Delta 9 THC, which is the main reason for marijuana’s euphoric effects, interacts with the Endocannabinoid System and activates CB1 receptors in your brain. Delta 9 THC, which is also found in cannabis plants, is a cannabinoids that is abundant. However, it’s illegal under federal law.
This article was written by a cannabinoid specialist at DRIP Cannabinoids. DRIP Cannabinoids joined the market in June 2020. We quickly established our mission: providing customers with the purest oil on the market, and in tandem providing a premium product. Our products range from delta 8 tinctures, delta 8 pre-rolls, delta 8 gummies 1000mg, delta 8 vape pens, and more. Through each and every one of our products, DRIP strives to relieve people from the discomfort, stress, and anxiety of daily life by giving them access to cutting-edge cannabinoids such as Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC. DRIP’s formulas and procedures are all designed with the purity and safety of the customer in mind.
