HHC vs. THC

HHC vs. THC

Even if you aren’t a cannabis nerd, you’d probably know that the plant is arguably one of the most complex plants there is. And although the products made from this plant offer tons of different benefits, one would argue that it's most commonly known for its powerful psychoactive effects.

The numerous cannabinoids present in the plant’s chemical structure is the reason for these effects, and the most popularly known and used cannabinoid is the THC. 

However, THC is not the only cannabinoid that solely offers this stimulation and there are other cannabinoids that very well provide the same effects such as HHC. 

Let's dive into the differences between HHC vs THC, its distinct chemical structures, potency and the legality of these chemical compounds.

Key Takeaways

  • THC and HHC are naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. HHC is the hydrogenated derivative of THC. HHC derived from hemp plants that contain 0.3% or less THC is legal in all states.
  • CBD does not have psychoactive effects. Delta-8 is converted from CBD and has lesser potency than both HHC and THC. All these cannabinoids primarily bind to your CB1 receptors and also CB2 receptors.
  • THC-P is 30x more potent than THC. Raw THC-A does not give the euphoric “high” until it is heated. THC-P is legal in more states compared to THC.

Differences Between HHC and THC

Here are the key differences between HHC and THC:

HHC

HHC, also known as hexahydrocannabinol, is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant.

Although its presence was made known back in 1944, the first products made from this compound were introduced in the early 2020s. It is relatively new compared to THC and there is still a lot of research that needs to be done on this cannabinoid.

Now, HHC is a hydrogenated derivative of delta-8 and delta-9 THC. What that means is, HHC is created by a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen atoms are added to THC molecules.

This is the reason why the chemical structure and the effects of HHC is similar to THC with only slight differences in its properties. Due to the modification, HHC is known to have a longer shelf life and be more stable than THC.

While there are traces of HHC naturally found in the plant, it is popularly produced synthetically.

THC

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-9 THC, is the most popular cannabinoid found in cannabis sativa plants, and it is one of the main compounds that causes psychoactive effects when taken. 

Unlike HHC, tetrahydrocannabinol does not undergo the hydrogenation process and it is usually extracted in its pure form. Additionally, it has similar chemicals that the human body produces naturally called endocannabinoids.

While THC’s main demand is to give people the euphoric “high,” it has been and is still being used in numerous medical studies since it is believed to have a variety of other health benefits.

Products created with THC are usually available in edibles, tinctures, oils, capsules, etc.

THC vs. HHC: Chemical Composition Differences

As mentioned, THC and HHC are similar in their chemical composition since HHC is derived from THC itself with the added process of hydrogenation. However, due to the addition of hydrogen atoms, HHC is slightly altered.

The chemical formula of THC has twenty-one carbon atoms, thirty hydrogen atoms and two oxygen-C21H30O2 and on the other hand, HHC’s chemical formula, with the addition of 2 hydrogen atoms (H2) is C21H3202. 

Hydrogenation process not only alters its chemical formula but it is believed to have also altered the potency of its psychoactive effects. To understand this, let’s look at what gives THC its euphoric “high” properties. 

Along with other components, double bonds play a critical role in the overall psychoactive effects. Now, all the different forms of THC contain a double bond in the cyclohexane ring, and depending on its position on the chain of carbon atoms they share, their psychoactive effects differ.

However, with HHC, due to the hydrogenation process, this double ring is absent and hence studied that this makes it less potent than other forms of THC.

THC vs. HHC: Body Effect Differences

Let’s understand how our body reacts to THC and HHC before we move to their differences. In summary, both of these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system in our body.

The endocannabinoid system is a vast network of cellular receptors and chemical signals that are thickly packed all throughout our bodies and brains. Remember how we said that our bodies produce small quantities of endocannabinoids?

These endocannabinoids play roles in regulating numerous bodily functions such as learning, mood, sleep, appetite, etc., by activating the body’s cannabinoid receptors. 

However, they do not produce the euphoric “high” that THC and HHC offer. Why? 

There are two main types of receptors:

  • CB1 receptors- These receptors are predominantly found in the brain.
  • CB2 receptors- Mainly found in immune cells.

THC and HHC both give the euphoric “high” feeling to a person since they primarily interact with and activate the CB1 receptors in the brain. 

Note: Both of these compounds also bind to CB2 receptors and as such studied for their therapeutic effects such as reducing inflammation, joint pain and other issues relating to neurodegenerative disorders.

However, while the naturally occurring endocannabinoids of the body does activate the CB1 receptor, they do not produce the “high” feeling due to two reasons:

  1. The endocannabinoids are produced in very small quantities compared to the amount of THC and HHC found in cannabis sativa plants.
  2. Certain enzymes in the endocannabinoid system rapidly break them down so that they can carry out their main cellular functions.

Now, the only difference is how potent the products of THC and HHC are since the more powerful they are, the more they affect your brain and body. Additionally, the intensity and duration of these effects could also vary from person to person depending on the amount consumed or their metabolism. 

Furthermore, more research is required between synthetic and natural extracts of HHC for this comparison to be done accurately.

THC vs. HHC: Legality Differences

It’s always better to play it safe and understand the legality differences before buying THC and HHC products. In the 2018 farm bill, it states that HHC derived from hemp plants are federally legal since hemp contains 0.3% or less THC. 

Most of the products containing HHC, when derived from hemp, and as long as they contain 0.3% or less THC, are not considered illegal and fall into the legal gray area. 

However, many companies have started using synthetic versions of the chemical compounds found in hemp that are not covered by the bill, and sold as HHC such as spice, a synthetic cannabinoid which is illegal.

This led to some states passing laws concerning the legality of hemp products. On the other hand, THC at a federal level is illegal in most parts of the United States due to its psychoactive properties.. 

Simultaneously, there are some states that have legalized THC content at all levels for recreational, medicinal and adult use. Understanding your state’s laws regarding the legality of these cannabinoids and their products before buying is the best course of action to take.

THC vs. HHC vs. CBD

As stated, THC is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis and it’s widely known for its psychoactive effects. It is also studied for its numerous other benefits for the body such as, reducing pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, etc,. 

On the other hand, HHC, the hydrogenated derivative of THC also offers identical benefits and psychoactive effects but with lower potency.

However, CBD, although one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, is highly different from these two compounds. Also known as cannabidiol, this compound does not offer the same psychoactive effect THC and HHC gives. 

Additionally, while THC and CBD have the same molecular formula, C21H30O2, they are arranged differently and hence have unmistakable chemical properties and distinctive effects on the body.

CBD products, unlike THC and HHC, usually come in the form of oil, tinctures, vaporized liquid, topical products, gummies and capsules which are oil-based. Here are different potential benefits of CBD compared to THC:


THC

CBD

Increases Appetite

Neutralizes Depression and other mental disorders.

Improves sleep

Prevent seizures.

Reduces anxiety and severe chronic pain.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Improves Spasticity symptoms

Migraine

Grants Euphoria

Reduces PTSD symptoms

Additionally, HHC is known to have similar benefits, as well as psychoactive effects much like THC but in lower potency. As for the legality, CBD is similar to HHC so CBD products that contain 0.3% or less THC are legal at a federal level.

Again, while CBD products that contain higher levels of THC are illegal in most places, there are few states where THC is completely legal.

THC vs HHC vs Delta-8

While these three compounds may share similar effects, and are naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, there are a wide variety of distinctions that can help you choose the best product.

Here’s what you need to know:

THC

HHC

Delta-8

Definition

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. When people talk about THC and its psychoactive effects, this is the compound they’re usually referring to. Highly potent. Has double bond on its ninth carbon chain. 

Naturally occurring cannabinoid but is found in smaller traces. Hence HHC is usually a hydrogenated derivative of THC. Does not contain double bonds like THC or Delta-8 due to the process of hydrogenation.

Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It has a similar chemical composition to THC but differs in the position of the double bond that is on its eighth carbon chain. Unlike THC and HHC, it is produced through a chemical process that converts CBD, another main cannabinoid found in cannabis.

Effect

Offers highly potent euphoric “high” feelings depending on the content present in a product.

Offers euphoric “high” but with less potency than THC but greater than Delta-8 THC.

Offers mild euphoric “high” less potent than HHC and THC.

Legality

Illegal at a federal level, but legal in some states in the U.S.

HHC derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal in all states. However local laws may differ.

Similar to HHC. Delta-8 derived from hemp with 0.3% THC is legal in all states. Same local laws may apply.

Therapeutic benefits

Relief from chronic pain, stress relief, managing certain symptoms of critical diseases, etc.

Similar to THC with less potency.

Similar to HHC and THC with lesser potency than both.

THC vs THC-P And THC-A

THC-P or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant like THC but is relatively new in the market when compared. 

While they may have similar chemical compositions, THC-P contains seven carbon atoms while THC has five, making THC-P more active and stronger than THC in binding affinities to our CB1 receptors. 

During tests, experts arrived at a conclusion that THC-P is potentially 30 times more potent compared to THC. The tests showed THC-P more active in binding affinities to the CB1 receptor by 33x compared to THC and 10x more active with CB2 receptors.

In short, THC-P has a more potent psychoactive effect than THC and could potentially have a stronger relief to the numerous therapeutic benefits that THC offers. However, unlike THC, THC-P occurs in very low concentrations making them rarer to extract.

On the other hand, THC-A or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a cannabinoid that is devoid of the psychoactive effects found in THC and THC-P, and is found in raw cannabis buds.

However, when heated, raw THC-A converts to THC offering the same psychoactive effect THC normally would. This is due to the removal of the carboxyl group with heat. 

Meaning, if raw THC-A is consumed through smoking, it converts into THC and you’ll experience the same euphoric “high” since it can then bind to your CB1 receptors. The conversion does not increase or decrease its potency from regular THC.

THC-A comes in flowers (for smokers), patches (for raw THC-A consumers) and crystals (purest form). Patches are consumed through the mouth and does not have any psychoactive effects. 

These are usually for people that need it for its therapeutic effect, which is more potent since it directly goes into your bloodstream. Additionally, the crystals can be consumed through vaporization or dabbing. 

In terms of legality, they all share similar fate, which is legal in some and illegal at a federal level for products that contain more than 0.3% THC. However, THC-P is legal in most states that THC isn’t.

Sources

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