The Role of Third-Party Lab Testing in Ensuring Quality and Safety of Delta 8 and HHC Products

As with many cannabis products, it's common for most users to wonder about the testing, safety, and legality surrounding the purchase and consumption of the item, be it disposable vape pens, edibles, or OG kush. We're here to break down how third-party lab testing works for Delta 8 THC and HHC products so you can benefit from their powerful effects with confidence. Whether you're an experienced vaper looking to try something different or are new to hemp products altogether, we'll put your mind at ease and help you better understand the ins and outs to make an informed decision about what's best for you.

What are Delta 8 and HHC?

Same-same, but Different

Delta 8 and HHC are similar to Delta 9 but have some key differences. Both are hemp-derived cannabinoids that interact with your endocannabinoid system (more on that below!). While similar, HHC and Delta 8 differ in their chemical structure because HHC has no double bond, unlike Delta 8 and Delta 9. This structure rarely occurs naturally in the cannabis plant, so it is considered a semi-synthetic compound and is carefully manufactured in a lab.

In low-medium doses, and depending on how tightly they bind to your receptors, both Delta 8 and HHC can produce a euphoric high. HHC is known for providing an uplifted mood and energizing effects, while Delta 8 is recognized for a mild high. As for where these two hemp-derived products fall on the potency scale for psychoactive effects, Delta 8 is about half as effective as Delta 9, whereas HHC is somewhere in the 80% effectiveness range of THC. For a happy medium between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, HHC is your best bet, but any of the above can be extremely enjoyable, depending on your desires and tolerance.

Delta 8 and HHC are thought to help with various medical conditions, including reducing inflammation and relieving chronic pain. For nighttime use, HHC also has the potential to be a sleep aid. Whereas Delta 9, in larger doses, can sometimes produce a powerful high that increases anxiety and causes users to experience paranoia, Delta 8 has significantly milder effects and may even help relieve anxiety in those who suffer, no matter the dose. Delta 8 also shows promise in boosting appetite and reducing nausea.

Overview

Similarities:

• Both are hemp-derived cannabinoids
• Both work in your CNS and endocannabinoid systems
• Both can have euphoric effects
• Bot can help reduce inflammation and chronic pain

Differences:

• HHC can be used as a sleep aid
• HHC must be manufactured
• HHC does not have a double bond
• Delta 8 can be helpful for anxiety, nausea, and increasing appetite
• HHC offers uplifting effects
• Delta 8 provides a milder high

How do Delta 8 and HHC Work?

As mentioned, both Delta 8 and HHC are hemp products derived from cannabis plants. This means they have the cyclic ring structure, shared by all cannabinoids, that binds to distinct and natural receptors in our endocannabinoid systems. These are the same receptors (primarily found in the central nervous system) as Delta 9, known as CB1 and CB2. How the cannabinoids bind to and interact with these receptors determines the benefit or psychoactive effect of the cannabinoid you're enjoying. For example, the effects of HHC tend to last a bit longer thanks to its propensity for the CB1 receptors, similar to Delta 9.

Are Delta 8 and HHC Legal?

Thanks to their base as a hemp plant derivative, there are some questions surrounding the legality of the substance. The Controlled Substances Act categorizes THC from marijuana as illegal, but in the case of Delta 8 and HHC, both coming from hemp, things are in legality limbo. Delta 8 is controlled by the 2018 Farm Bill, and HHC is controlled as a hemp-derived cannabinoid. This means they are technically federally legal for consumption in several states. Always consult your local laws before consuming these potent vapes, as a federally legal status might not apply where you are.

The Importance of Third-Party Lab Testing

When it comes to Delta 8 THC and HHC products like disposable vapes, edibles, and so on, it's important they are lab-tested.

What is third-party lab testing?

Third-party lab testing is when your supplier hires an independent party to test their product rigorously. Since they don't have any skin in the game with regard to the final product, you know you're getting unbiased results.

Why is third-party testing necessary?

Because the regulation of Delta 8 and HHC products is in limbo, you want to ensure you get the best cannabinoid products, free of cutting agents, harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or other impurities. Without third-party testing, your favorite HHC vapes, HHC oil, or Delta 8 vape might produce some unexpected side effects.

What does it test for?

Third-party testing is looking for quality, potency, and purity. If the product you're purchasing has been tested, you'll be able to see a Certificate of Analysis (COA) offering the following results:

• Potency

The COA will provide a list of all active compounds in your product, such as Delta 8 THC, CBD, and so on. Knowing the exact amount of psychoactive cannabinoid will help you determine the strength of your product and how many puffs you'll want for your desired effect.

• Terpene Profile

Different plant terpenes provide different effects and experiences. With third-party testing, you'll get a list of strain-specific terpenes to help you determine what kind of high you'll be getting. This could mean the difference between being couch-bound or getting out there and taking on the day for daytime use.

• Contaminants

How a hemp plant is grown makes a difference! Third-party testing ensures your final product, be it edible, vape cartridge, or something else, doesn't contain harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or anything else entirely. You want purity in your vape products.

• Residuals

Extracting the right HHC or Delta 8 concentration from a hemp plant can involve different solvents and extreme heat. Testing the final product lets you know if residual things like butane remain.

The Benefits of Third-Party Lab Testing

While you don't have to get any of your products tested, a few benefits come with it. Third-party testing:

1. Ensures the quality and safety of products.

Even a low HHC or Delta 8 product dose can have unexpected side effects if it isn't tested for quality. You'll know exactly what you're consuming as you hit your lab-tested vape pen for a high-quality and safe experience.

2. Protects consumers from harmful products.

These days, plants are grown in all sorts of conditions. Purity is essential with any cannabinoid product, not just for more predictable highs but also for overall consumption safety.

3. Builds trust.

You want to know your provider is giving you the real goods. If a company is willing to have its products tested by a third party, you know they believe in what they provide, letting you do the same.

How to Find Third-Party Lab Test Results

Want to know the test results for your vape device? Ask. If a company gets their product tested, it's because they want to ensure their product is safe for you. Ask to see the results of those tests, and they should provide them. You can also look for companies that publish their lab test results before you purchase a product. For example, we want you to enjoy our products with confidence, which is why all TerpBoys products are third-party lab tested.

Enjoy With Confidence

When you know your products are tested for quality, purity, and potency, you can enjoy them more confidently. As for which is the best match for you between HHC and Delta 8, that's up to you. The best way to find out is to do your research and try them out in low doses, maybe with disposable pens, HHC oil, or any other easy-to-consume product. You can find our reports on our website and on our product pages.