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If you’ve been exploring hemp products, you’ve likely seen a growing list of cannabinoids: CBD, THC, Delta-8, Delta-9, and even HHC. While they all come from the same cannabis family, each one offers unique effects, legal statuses, and benefits.

In this guide, we break down what makes these cannabinoids different — and how to choose the one that best fits your wellness or lifestyle goals.

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Quick Comparison: CBD vs THC vs Delta-8 vs Delta-9 vs HHC

Cannabinoid	Psychoactive	Legality (2025)*	Common Effects	Best For
CBD	❌ No	✅ Federally Legal	Calm, balance, stress & inflammation	Daily wellness, no high
THC	✅ Yes	⚠️ State-dependent	Euphoria, altered perception, appetite	Recreational, medical use
Delta-8	✅ Mild	⚠️ State-dependent	Milder high, relaxation, less anxiety	Gentle buzz, legal alt to THC
Delta-9	✅ Strong	⚠️ State-dependent	Stronger high, sedation, munchies	Experienced THC users
HHC	✅ Mild-Med	✅ Federally Legal	Uplift, clarity, longer shelf life	Semi-synthetic alternative

*Always check your local state laws. Federal legality ≠ statewide legality.

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What Is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is the most well-known non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Found in hemp, CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate mood, inflammation, sleep, and stress.

It’s non-intoxicating, legal under the 2018 Farm Bill (with ≤0.3% THC), and widely used in:

• Oils & tinctures

• Gummies

• Concentrates

• Topicals

• Capsules

Try: Steve’s Goods CBD Hemp Oil

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What Is THC (Delta-9 THC)?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing the euphoric "high" people associate with cannabis.

THC Effects

• Euphoria

• Altered time perception

• Memory & concentration changes

• Appetite stimulation (“munchies”)

THC Drawbacks

• May cause anxiety in high doses

• Not federally legal

• Detected in most drug tests

Available legally in licensed dispensaries in adult-use states.

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Delta-9 vs Delta-8: Key Differences

Feature	Delta-9 THC	Delta-8 THC
Potency	High	Mild to moderate
Psychoactive?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (milder)
Legal Status	⚠️ State-regulated	⚠️ State-regulated
Found in nature	Abundant in cannabis	Found in trace amounts
Typical use	Recreational & medicinal	Legal alternative to D9

Delta-8 THC is often dubbed “diet weed” because of its gentle high and smoother effects.

Try: Delta-8 Gummies
Try: Delta-9 Gummies

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What Is HHC and How Is It Different?

HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is a hydrogenated form of THC — created by modifying THC molecules with hydrogen in a lab (similar to how margarine is made from vegetable oil).

It’s semi-synthetic, shelf-stable, and offers:

• A mild-to-moderate high

• Improved resistance to heat/light

• Reported better bioavailability than other cannabinoids

Why Try HHC?

• Legal in most U.S. states

• Doesn’t show up on many standard drug tests*

• Easier to dose for new users

*Drug test results may vary by lab. Always use caution if subject to testing.

Note: Steve’s Goods no longer sells HHC, but this is for educational purposes.

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Side Effects & Safety of Each Cannabinoid

Cannabinoid	Common Side Effects	Addictive?	Drug Test Risk
CBD	Dry mouth, drowsiness (rare)	❌ No	❌ Very low
THC	Anxiety, red eyes, increased heart rate	⚠️ Possibly	✅ Yes
Delta-8	Dry mouth, light dizziness	⚠️ Possibly	✅ Yes
Delta-9	Paranoia, confusion, euphoria	⚠️ Possibly	✅ Yes
HHC	Milder THC-like effects	⚠️ Possibly	❓ Less likely

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How to Use These Cannabinoids

Product Form	Available for…	Description
Tinctures	CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9	Precise drop dosing under the tongue
Gummies	All (except HHC at Steve's Goods)	Tasty, easy to dose, longer onset
Vape Cartridges	Delta-8, HHC, Delta-9	Fast-acting, flavor-rich, inhalable
Topicals	CBD only	Great for localized support and skincare
Isolate Powder	CBD	99% pure CBD for dabbing, mixing

Browse all: Steve’s Goods Products

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Are These Cannabinoids Legal in 2025?

Cannabinoid	Federally Legal?	State-by-State?
CBD	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (check THC limits)
THC	❌ No	✅ In adult-use states
Delta-8	⚠️ Gray area	❌ Banned in 14+ states
Delta-9	❌ No (if >0.3%)	✅ In licensed dispensaries
HHC	✅ Yes	✅ Most states

State laws change fast. Always verify before purchase or travel.

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Choosing the Right Cannabinoid for You

Understanding the differences between cannabinoids like CBD, THC, Delta-8, Delta-9, and HHC gives you the power to choose the right product for your needs.

Want...	Try...
Wellness without the high	✅ CBD
A classic cannabis experience	✅ Delta-9 THC (legal states)
A milder, smoother high	✅ Delta-8 THC
A longer-lasting, legal buzz	✅ HHC
Mental clarity, no intoxication	✅ CBD + CBG

Need a place to start?
Shop our award-winning CBD & Delta Gummies — crafted from Colorado hemp, lab-tested, and loved by thousands.

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