THCA vs Delta 8 vs HHC: Which Cannabinoid Sells Best in 2025?

The hemp-derived cannabinoid market has been expanding recently. The hemp-derived cannabinoid market has experienced a 1283% increase, surging from $200.5 million in 2020 to $2.8 billion in 2023. 

The increasing consumer demand and legal acceptance allowed the emergence of hemp-derived cannabinoids, making 2025 a retail goldmine for retailers. Various cannabinoids, including delta 8, THCA, and HHC, are dominating retail shelves. 

As a cannabis retailer or dispensary owner, it’s crucial to understand which cannabinoid sells best to make capital. Stocking the right cannabinoid from AHDist not only increases profitability but also legal safety and staying ahead in the retail market.

Market Insights of Hemp-derived Cannabinoids

Hemp-derived cannabinoids are the compounds extracted from cannabis plants with THC content less than 0.3%. They have emerged as a legal alternative to traditional THC and carved a separate niche in the cannabis market. 

Consumer demand is gradually increasing for specific hemp-derived cannabinoids in their various product forms, including gummies, tinctures, vapes, and oils. The appeal of these cannabinoids lies in their accessibility, especially in areas where cannabis laws are restricted.

However, the cannabis laws are still complex in various regions, which could pose serious legal concerns for both consumers and retailers. Therefore, before sourcing any hemp-derived cannabinoid, go through the cannabis regulations in that region or country.

Understanding the Cannabinoids 

Before analyzing the right cannabinoid for your retail shelves to generate high sales and profit, it’s important to understand these hemp-derived cannabinoids. Let’s break them down one by one.

1.   Delta-8 THC: The Market Leader

Delta 8 THC is often referred to as a weed-lite and offers a mellow and clear-headed high, less potent than traditional THC. It has established itself as a market leader and a suitable option for individuals seeking a milder high with a more balanced experience. 

Consumers are attracted to its potential effects and its accessibility in areas where traditional THC is restricted for use and sale. Retailers can easily capitalize on this cannabinoid by offering a range of delta 8 products, such as vapes, tinctures, and edibles. 

2.   THCA: Rising Star

The acidic precursor of the traditional THC is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Recently, THCA has gained much popularity, contributing to a rise in consumer demand.

About 72% of the dispensaries available stock THCA flower as their fastest-growing and best-selling product category. THCA has also witnessed a 215% increase in sales in 2024. Purchasing THCA products wholesale allows greater profit margins through competitive wholesale pricing and setting premium pricing. 

THCA possesses various natural therapeutic properties without delivering intoxicating effects. This helps retailers attract not only recreational users but also health-conscious customers. Sourcing high-quality THCA flower from a reputable supplier, like AHDist, enhances customer loyalty and increases sales.  

3.   HHC: The Niche Competitor

The HHC cannabinoid has recently experienced an increase in popularity among consumers as a legal alternative to traditional THC. HHC cannabinoid is formulated synthetically, making it a limited availability product due to its high production cost.

This makes it less competitive in the market. However, despite this, consumers are seeking this product due to its milder psychoactive effects and longer shelf life. 

Retail Comparative Analysis

Understanding the retail comparative analysis of THCA, Delta 8 THC, and HHC is crucial for retailers. It helps them ensure they provide trending, high-quality, safe, hemp-derived cannabinoid products that not only meet consumer preferences but also have the potential to earn profit.

1.   Sales Performance

In 2020, cannabis market sales of delta 8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids were recorded at nearly $200.5 million. However, by the end of 2022, delta 8 products accounted for half of all hemp-derived cannabis sales. In 2023, this market experienced an increase in sales, up to $2.8 billion.

According to the BakeBoxx wholesale, THCA flower sales have increased by 215% in 2024. Retailers seeking high profit margins take it as the go-to cannabinoid that their customers love. 

The HHC cannabinoid is not yet as popular as delta 8, with only 5.9% of surveyed consumers having heard of it, compared to 39.5% for delta 8.

2.   Customer Preferences and Perceptions

Delta 8 is known for its milder and manageable high compared to traditional THC. THCA, on heating, provides high psychoactive effects, however, HHC offers balanced and smooth effects that lack consistent potency across various products.

For health-conscious consumers, THCA is seen as the most natural and potentially therapeutic cannabinoid. Delta 8 is also favored among wellness-conscious individuals, but HHC is more popular among recreational users. 

Understanding your customers' needs and preferences will help you make a wise decision in choosing the right cannabinoid products.

3.   Retailer’s Profitability

Delta 8 is easy to manufacture and ship, allowing lower purchase prices and high profit margins. THCA offers high profit margins on premium quality products, up to 45%, while HHC is a synthetic compound that has a high production cost and slower shipping.

THCA acts as a premium shelf product that provides fewer returns. Delta 8 THC products are flying off shelves, while HHC slow rotation affects the ROI for many retailers. Carefully assess your business goals and stock the cannabis products from AHDist.

Legality Check: What’s Allowed in 2025?

The legal landscape of hemp-derived cannabinoids might remain complex in 2025. All the hemp-derived cannabinoids, with THC content less than 0.3%, are legal under the Federal Law of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the state cannabis laws may vary in each state. 

In some states, delta 8 THC faces restricted guidelines due to safety concerns. THCA, on the other hand, is legalized in various states because of its non-psychoactive nature, while its tendency to convert to THC on heating complicates the legal considerations.

HHC, being a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, falls in a legal grey area. Therefore, retailers should be cautious of the local legal landscape regarding certain cannabinoids before stocking them.

Final Words

Staying informed and updated on trending hemp-derived cannabinoids is essential for retailers. Delta 8, THCA, and HHC cannabinoids are experiencing significant growth in the cannabis industry. 

AHDist serves as a reliable wholesale cannabis supplier offering various forms of delta 8, THCA, and HHC, such as gummies, tinctures, pre-rolls, flower, oils, and vapes. Check our wholesale inventory to source products that best align with your customer needs and business goals.