The 2018 Farm Bill legalized cannabis products containing 0.3% or less THC. This led to the exploration of new cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including HHC (hexahydrocannabinol). When hexahydrocannabinol is extracted from hemp or synthesized, it is legal for sale and consumption as an alternative to cannabis compounds with higher THC levels.
But how do these cannabinoids compare? Does one better suit your needs and preferences? Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Understanding HHC And THC
HHC and THC are cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring compound, while hexahydrocannabinol is a semi-synthesized cannabinoid formulated from CBD, which is extracted from low-THC cannabis.
What is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive substance found in cannabis. It is responsible for causing the high. THC stimulates the release of dopamine from the brain to cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.
THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 within the nervous system. This cannabinoid stays in the system for a long time, but the high effects wear off after a few hours.
What is HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)?
Hexahydrocannabinol is a hydrogenated form of THC. This cannabinoid occurs naturally but can be found in very small quantities in cannabis. The addition of hydrogen to THC cannabinoid saturates the compound and alters its chemical composition to form HHC. It means that the hexahydrocannabinol compound used in products is created synthetically from naturally occurring THC in cannabis.
HHC works by interacting with cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) but with weaker affinity compared to THC. Therefore, it produces less intoxicating effects than THC.
HHC vs THC: What’s The Difference
Hexahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinol are both cannabinoids and may be born into the same family, but they have some key differences.
Chemical Structure
When it comes to the chemical composition, both are very similar to each other. The key difference is that hexahydrocannabinol contains two additional hydrogen atoms compared to THC, which alters its molecular structure.
Chemical Formula of THC: C21H30O2
Chemical Formula of HHC: C21H32O2
This small difference in hydrogenation affects how each cannabinoid interacts with the body and mind.
Psychoactive Effects
THC has a strong binding affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to euphoria and altered perception.
In contrast, Hexahydrocannabinol is believed to have a milder psychoactive effect. Early research suggests that hexahydrocannabinol produces a less intoxicating and more clear-headed experience.
Therapeutic Effects
THC cannabinoid may have the potential to relieve pain, stimulate appetite, and treat insomnia. On the other hand, HHC has been studied for its potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties and gentler psychoactive effects.
Hexahydrocannabinol is a new cannabinoid, and the research on its therapeutic potential is limited. However, it is believed that this cannabinoid offers similar therapeutic effects, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Legality And Accessibility
The legal status of HHC and THC differs due to their psychoactive disparities. The legality of THC is quite complex, and its status varies across different states. On the flip side, hexahydrocannabinol falls in the legal gray category in many jurisdictions.
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids, including THC and its naturally occurring isomers like Hexahydrocannabinol, as long as they come from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. This means that as long as hexahydrocannabinol and THC products do not exceed this THC threshold, they are legal for sale and use in the United States.
Safety
THC produces potent psychoactive effects, and higher doses may lead to anxiety or paranoia. (r). On the other hand, hexahydrocannabinol offers milder effects than THC, with less intensity of anxiety or paranoia. It’s important to note that hexahydrocannabinol is still a new cannabinoid with limited research on its safety profile. Therefore, consumers need to be cautious when buying HHC products.
Potential Benefits
HHC and THC have their own potential benefits. Here’s a comparison of what they may offer.
HHC Benefits
The main benefit of hexahydrocannabinol cannabinoid lies in its stability as a compound due to its increased shelf life. This cannabinoid may offer similar benefits to THC, including:
- Potential discomfort relief
- Reduced intense psychoactive effects
- Better sleep quality
- Reduces inflammation
- Less intoxicating and a clear-headed experience
THC Benefits
Some of the potential benefits of THC may include the following.
- Anxiety-reducing effects
- Analgesic properties
- Antiemetic properties
- Restful sleep
- Stimulate appetite
Forms
HHC and THC come in various forms. Each form of these cannabinoids offers a different consumption method for users.
HHC Forms
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Oil and tinctures
- Vape cartridges
- Flowers
THC Forms
Side Effects
Hexahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinol are safe when used responsibly. However, overconsumption of these cannabinoids may have certain side effects.
HHC Side Effects
- Mild dry mouth
- Slight drowsiness
- Fatigue
THC Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
- Short-term memory loss
- Impaired coordination
How do you decide which one is best for you?
The best option for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you are looking for stronger highs or specific medical benefits like appetite stimulation and pain relief, then THC might be a good option for you. However, if you want a milder and more balanced experience without the intense high associated with THC, then HHC might be a good choice to buy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HHC and THC share similarities but also have key differences in their effects, legality, and potential benefits. THC is more potent and widely studied, while hexahydrocannabinol offers a milder alternative with a longer shelf life. Both cannabinoids may provide relaxation, discomfort relief, and other therapeutic effects, but THC has stronger psychoactive properties. Since hexahydrocannabinol is still new and research is limited, it’s important to be cautious when using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HHC do?
Hexahydrocannabinol interacts with the endocannabinoid system and binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors as a partial agonist and antagonist. It means that HHC works similarly to THC, but the difference between the two is that hexahydrocannabinol is weaker in effect.
Is HHC stronger than THC?
No, HHC is not stronger than THC because it has a lower binding affinity for CB1 receptors. Users report that the high from hexahydrocannabinol feels somewhere between the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
Is HHC psychoactive?
Yes, but it has a lower binding affinity for CB1 receptors compared to Delta-9-THC, which results in a milder psychoactive experience.
Does HHC last longer than THC?
Early studies suggest that its effects may last longer than those of THC. While THC effects typically last a few hours, the hexahydrocannabinol high may last longer, with a more gradual onset.
