Published On: Mon, Dec 26th, 2022

HHC vs. THC: A Full Breakdown

You already know THC from watching Cheech & Chong movies and listening to literally every single Snoop Dogg song. The cannabinoid has a rich relationship with humans that dates back centuries, but it isn’t the only compound in cannabis worth a try.

Of course, the other famous cannabinoid is CBD, which has been used to soothe bodily and mental pains for generations. Since the passage of the Farm Bill, however, which federally legalized hemp and all of its derivatives, many new cannabinoids have come into play. Among those quickly growing in popularity is HHC, a moderately strong compound known for many properties.

While they sound alike, when compared HHC vs THC actually have their differences. 

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. In essence, it is just a hydrogenated version of THC. This hydrogenation makes HHC more stable and resistant to UV light, oxidation, and heat.

While HHC may seem like a new cannabinoid, it was actually discovered in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams. He became the first person to create HHC by adding hydrogen atoms to THC—a process now known as hydrogenation. Back in the day, Adams derived HHC from traditional marijuana-based THC, but according to the president and founder of ACS Laboratory, Roger Brown, HHC is now most commonly synthesized from hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 8.

So, How is HHC Made?

While HHC is found naturally in cannabis, like those pre rolled cones, it is only present in trace amounts. Because of this, scientists have found a way to produce the compound in a lab environment, mainly through THC conversions.

More specifically, HHC is made through hydrogenation. This process isn’t unique to making cannabinoids. It’s actually quite popular in the food industry, most popularly used in converting vegetable oil to margarine. Hydrogenation occurs when hydrogen atoms are added to chemical structures in order to stabilize them.

When making HHC, THC derived from hemp is saturated with hydrogen using high pressures and a catalyst such as nickel, zinc, or palladium. Through this process, THC’s double bonds are broken and replaced with two hydrogen atoms, effectively creating an entirely new compound. While hydrogenation changes THC’s chemical structure, it leaves its effects virtually untouched.

Is HHC Safe?

Just like every other cannabinoid, HHC is safe to consume as long as it is sourced from a high-quality retailer committed to safety and transparency. As previously stated, producing HHC requires high pressures and catalysts, which can potentially be a dangerous environment for people who are not qualified to carry out this process. Needless to say, an unsafe and unregulated production environment can also result in a contaminated and dangerous final product.

When it comes to HHC, finding a trustworthy source is the most important step to take in order to ensure a safe and positive experience. Before buying HHC products, be sure to do some research on the companies you’re thinking about getting it from. If you’re in the Redwood City area, consider exploring options from a reliable Weed Dispensary in Redwood City for a secure and informed purchase.

The Benefits of HHC

HHC has many potential medical applications, but there isn’t currently enough research on the compound to confirm the full potential of its benefits. Although the cannabinoid needs more studying, the outlook for its properties and effects seems promising.

In 1977, researchers tested HHC’s effects on rats. In the study, some similarities were found between HHC and narcotic painkillers; however, there were also significant differences. More research was carried out on mice in 2007, 30 years after the initial study was conducted. It was found that HHC increased the sleeping time of mice by 80% to 700% as compared to mice without HHC. HHC was also noted to have similar therapeutic benefits to delta 9, but with a lower potency.

A few years later, in 2011, another study was conducted on two analogs of HHC, LYR-7 and LYR-8, which showed that they were potentially effective in preventing the growth of tumor cells and angiogenesis, which is a pivotal stage in the formation of tumors. In a study from 2010, it was found that HHC manifested for a longer period of time in mice than other cannabinoids did.

There may also be other potential medical applications of HHC, in addition to these research studies, such as:

  • Anxiety relief
  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Cerebral and bodily stimulation
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Relief from nausea and vomiting
  • Better sleep

What is THC?

As the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis, THC, also known as delta 9 THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is much better known than HHC. THC is the cannabinoid people refer to when they discuss their crazy and fun cannabis experiences.

In your brain, THC stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for causing feelings of euphoria. When used at the correct dose, delta 9 has been found to relieve stress and much more, but in larger doses, the compound can have negative effects, including paranoia and anxiety.

The following are some of the best-known benefits of delta 9:

  • Insomnia relief
  • Appetite stimulation
  • Anxiety management
  • Pain relief
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Relaxation
  • Euphoria

HHC vs. THC: Similar But Different

Both delta 9 and HHC provide users with relief by reducing inflammation, decreasing pain and anxiety, and promoting relaxation and euphoria. However, these two compounds aren’t the same.

Unlike delta 9, HHC contains two hydrogen atoms instead of a double bond. Because of this, HHC has a longer shelf life and is more stable than delta 9. This change in chemical structure also slightly reduces the psychoactive effects of HHC. The compound is estimated to be 70-80% as strong as THC.

Aside from that, researchers have found that HHC and delta 9 behave almost identically. According to researchers, both compounds are equally effective in treating disorders related to mood, sleep, nausea, appetite, and pain. Additionally, delta 9 is found to influence both the nervous system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are cannabinoid receptors located in the digestive and immune systems, respectively.

Overall, both compounds are very similar in properties and effects, but differ in chemical structure and potency.

Which One is Best?

With HHC and THC being so similar, it may seem complicated to determine which is best. The question, however, isn’t which one is best overall; the question is which one would work best for you. So, before choosing your cannabinoid of choice, ask yourself what you’re looking to gain from your experience with hemp.

Both compounds behave similarly in terms of properties and effects, so the next things to consider are their potency and longevity. With delta 9, you get a classic buzz that offers the full strength of cannabis. With HHC, however, you get the same effects at a slightly reduced potency. If your tolerance levels are a better fit for a milder compound, HHC is the way to go. If you want the full force of THC, go for delta 9!

At the end of the day, no one knows what would work best for you other than yourself. You know your body and its limits and needs, so equipped with a little more information on both cannabinoids, you’re now ready to make an informed choice!

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