Recently, we have learned that marijuana isn’t just about CBD and THC. With hemp, we’ve seen the emergence of exciting psychoactive cannabinoids, such as delta-10 and HHC.
But with so much choice nowadays, how can you decide which legal high is best for you? In this guide, I want to analyze the pros and cons of HHC and delta-10 – both get you stoned, albeit in quite different ways.
We’ve got lots of ground to cover, but before we get stuck into the finer details, let’s kick off with a top-five combined list of the best delta-10 and HHC products.
Delta-10 THC Disposables by Genesis (1000mg)
The ever-impressive Genesis tops my list with these world-class Delta-10 THC Disposables. Comprised of two parts, delta-8 and one part delta-10, get set for a cerebral high and an energizing experience.
Disposable pens provide fast-acting effects but don’t expose you to all the nasty chemicals produced when smoking. CBD Genesis maintains impeccable quality standards, sourcing the finest delta-8 and delta-10 distillate for all its pens.
With 1000mg of legal hemp extract, these carts should keep you going for a while, and you can recharge them if necessary. Third-party tested by Marin Analytics. Genesis Delta-10 Disposables come in five strains.
Strains: Amnesia (Hybrid), Sunshine (Hybrid), Zaza (Hybrid), Cookies and Cream (Sativa), Forbidden (Indica)
ELYXR LA – Premium HHC Cartridges (1000mg)
Even though weed is legal in California, the Golden State has come to the hemp party with these top-shelf premium HHC cartridges by ELYXR LA. Each cart contains nearly 900mg of HHC and plenty of natural, flavorful terpenes.
ELYXR LA embraces the standardized 510-threaded design, meaning you can screw this cart onto pretty much any vape battery. The cartridges have the ELYXR logo printed on them but are otherwise discreet.
ELYXR LA does not infuse any THC into its HHC cartridges, as confirmed by the independent analysis from KCA Labs. Choose between six strains and a mixture of sativas, indicas, and hybrids.
Strains: Pink Rozay (Indica), Apple Fritter (Indica), 99 Problems (Sativa), Amnesia Haze (Sativa), Kush Mints (Hybrid), Bonkers (Hybrid)
Delta-10 THC Gummies by Genesis
Genesis specializes in everything hemp, and these mouth-watering delta-10 gummies show their dedication to making high-quality products across the board. Each gummy contains 15mg of hemp extract – 10mg delta-10 and 5mg delta-8.
The blend of delta-10 and delta-8 promotes a pleasant, long-lasting edible high, free from the anxiety that often comes with more potent marijuana. These sugar-coated, cube-shaped gummies are made with tapioca syrup, pectin, and citric acid.
I love the Genesis gummies. The servings aren’t overwhelming, but with so many in a pack, everyone can get the dose they need! Marin Analytics provides an excellent third-party certificate of analysis.
Sizes: 25-count (325mg), 50-count (750mg), 100-count (1500mg)
HHC Disposables by Genesis (2000mg)
Want a convenient way to get high with HHC wherever you are? HHC Disposables by Genesis has you covered. Loaded up with an eye-popping 2000mg HHC distillate and terpenes, you’ll have enough to keep you stoned for weeks!
Genesis has designed these disposables with ease of use as the top priority. There’s no effort involved – pick up the device, take a deep inhale or two, and relax! Users love the effects, and the meticulous design prevents any clogging.
The built-in battery comes fully charged but may drain over time given the amount of e-liquid in the device. You can recharge it with a USB charger. Genesis HHC Disposables are third-party tested and have less than 0.3% THC.
Strains: Ekto Cooler (Hybrid), Pink Kush (Hybrid), Maui Wowie (Sativa), Purple Urkle (Indica), Slurricane (Indica)
ELYXR LA – Delta-10 Nano-Infused Tinctures (1000mg)
Finally, we have ELYXR LA’s collection of 1000mg Delta-10 Nano-Infused Tinctures. ELYXR maximizes delta-10 absorption by using MCT oil and nanotechnology. The tinctures contain delta-8 and delta-10 and deliver more than 30mg of hemp extract per serving.
Please remember these delta-10 oils are intended for sublingual absorption or taking with food and drink – they are not suitable for vaping. Consuming under the tongue (sublingually) makes for a faster-acting and more potent high.
Verde Testing confirms ELYXR LA’s tinctures are Farm Bill compliant, with roughly a 5:1 delta-8 to delta-10 ratio. This product has zero detectable THC or CBD. Unfortunately, Verde didn’t test for residual solvents or other impurities.
Blends: Blood Orange, Citrus, Lavender, Peppermint
What is HHC?
HHC, short for hexahydrocannabinol, is a semi-synthetic, psychoactive cannabinoid. Popular in states where marijuana is banned, HHC gives weed lovers the opportunity to get stoned legally!
Current research indicates that HHC is about 20% milder than THC and that it produces a more physically relaxing high. Otherwise, the cannabinoids are closely related, with HHC also binding to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of THC, and trace amounts of the substance are detectable in hemp and marijuana. But while it’s technically naturally occurring, experts often describe HHC as semi-synthetic since most of it comes from laboratories.
The natural hydrogenation process generates tiny quantities of HHC – and certainly not enough to make HHC products. But chemists can optimize hydrogenation to make huge batches of HHC distillate – this can then form the basis of hemp-based HHC products.
Typically, lab technicians make HHC distillate from THC-isolate extract. Hydrogenation involves infusing hydrogen into the THC. The addition of a hydrogen molecule turns the THC into HHC!
What is Delta-10?
Delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-10) is a legal psychoactive cannabinoid and an analog of THC. Delta-10 is substantially less potent than THC but has comparable effects. It’s permitted at the federal level in the United States when taken from hemp.
Hemp-derived legal highs have exploded in popularity – delta-10 is one of many cannabinoids with a rapidly growing profile. It’s an ideal alternative to THC if you live in a region that hasn’t yet legalized marijuana.
Like THC, delta-10 functions primarily in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), acting as a CB1 receptor agonist.
It’s this receptor, located in the central nervous system, that unlocks the psychoactive experience. Think of the receptor as the lock and the delta-10 cannabinoid as the key!
However, delta-10 is less effective at binding with CB1 receptors than THC, which is why it’s not as intoxicating. But if you want to get high with delta-10, you can make up for the reduced intensity by increasing your dose.
The Legal Status of HHC and Delta-10
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) was inadvertently responsible for the legalization of HHC and delta-10 in the United States. The bill legalized all hemp-derived cannabinoids, only enforcing a limit on THC (at a strict 0.3%).
‘Hemp-derived’ is the vital term here. While we think of HHC and delta-10 as legal, this is only the case when they come from hemp or are present in products with less than 0.3% THC.
HHC or delta-10 products with more than 0.3% THC are defined as marijuana and classified as Schedule 1 drugs. That’s why it’s so crucial to check that hemp-based products are Farm Bill compliant.
Controversy has swirled around HHC, delta-10, and other hemp-based legal highs. That these cannabinoids are psychoactive is less of an issue than criticisms that they are synthetic.
Until recently, we weren’t sure what the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) meant by synthetic cannabinoids. The agency mentioned the term in an Interim Final Rule (IFR) published in 2020, which was meant to clarify grey areas in the Farm Bill.
But we now know the DEA deems synthetic cannabinoids (which they class as Schedule 1 drugs) as substances made from non-cannabis materials.
While HHC and delta-10 distillate is mass-produced in labs, technicians start the process from an all-natural hemp base. Chemists can use CBD or THC-isolate to make either cannabinoid.
HHC vs. Delta-10
Although HHC and delta-10 are alternatives to THC and traditional marijuana, the two cannabinoids have intriguing differences.
Let’s start with the potency. Delta-10 and HHC are around 50 to 80% as potent as THC. That makes HHC roughly 50% more psychoactive than delta-10.
If you are well-versed in weed’s effects, you’ll probably have more joy with HHC. But if you favor an old-school mellow high, delta-10 may remind you of how cannabis used to be. I recommend delta-10 if you’re prone to marijuana-induced anxiety.
It also depends on what type of high you like. Sativa lovers might prefer the stimulating, nootropic effects of delta-10. But if deep relaxation and a ‘couchlock’ high floats your boat, the sedative experience of HHC could suit you better.
HHC, Delta-10, and Drug Tests
Sadly, just because HHC and delta-10 are legal doesn’t mean they won’t cause issues with drug tests. Let’s explore the problems with each substance and discuss how you can reduce your risk.
Delta-10 is as liable to return a positive drug test as THC. Since delta-10 is a THC analog, the cannabinoid produces a metabolite almost identical to THC-COOH. That’s the classic THC metabolite drug tests are set up to detect.
While delta-10 is a non-starter, there’s some optimism that HHC might not show up on drug tests. HHC is THC’s hydrogenated derivative and has a slightly different metabolite, according to the limited research we have.
But nobody knows for sure yet whether HHC metabolites trigger positive tests. We can’t rely on anecdotes that say they don’t – these could be explained by false negatives or low-sensitivity tests.
However, let’s assume HHC is safe for drug tests. Even then, you should stay alert! Don’t use products with any amount of THC, delta-10, or delta-8, and always check the third-party report.
If made from THC, the distillate may contain THC residuals after hydrogenation. By law, hemp-based products can have up to 0.3% THC, so manufacturers may not be worried about an imperfect process.
Many brands claim to make THC-free HHC products, but you still need to verify that by reading the relevant independent lab report.
How to Find High-Quality HHC and Delta-10 Products
HHC and delta-10 products are in high demand, but they are also unregulated – so you must be extra careful when deciding who to buy from.
The first step is to establish whether a brand is legit or not. You can do that by checking for third-party lab reports.
While not an official form of regulation, these reports do provide independent verification that companies are making honest claims about their products.
Third-party certificates of analysis (COA) for HHC and delta-10 must cover Farm Bill compliance and state exactly how much HHC or delta-10 is in a product.
Given that HHC and delta-10 undergo chemical processing, reports should also explore product purity. Specifically, I look for reports that test for residual solvents, heavy metals, and other foreign substances.
Once you’ve confirmed the legitimacy of an HHC or delta-10 product, you can start working out if it’s right for you. Consider the strength of a product, if it contains terpenes, and if the manufacturer has included any non-hemp ingredients.
Purchasing HHC and Delta-10 Online vs. Shops Near Me
It makes sense to stick with trusted hemp vendors rather than try your luck at the local store, which didn’t know these products existed until five minutes ago!
Headshops and convenience stores are two types of brick-and-mortar shops sensing a quick earner out of legal hemp highs. However, it can be impossible to guarantee the quality of products at these stores since they often don’t have lab reports.
Specialist online hemp shops are much more alert to sketchy companies trying to shift dodgy delta-10 or HHC. The top web-based stores will only sell products from brands that commit to regular third-party testing.
Moreover, you can find a better selection of HHC and delta-10 online shopping. Physical shops usually have limited variety, whereas online stores often stock a range of products from several brands.
