HHC vs. THC: Understanding The Differences
Cannabis products contain two types of cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Since HHC is one of the more recent cannabinoids available, more investigation is required to confirm the validity of the compound’s potential advantages. Researchers claim that marijuana has a number of therapeutic benefits that can treat a variety of illnesses. If you plan to use marijuana, obtaining an MMJ card is essential.
On the other hand, anecdotal evidence points to the overall stability of HHC as the primary distinction between it and THC. As stated differently, its shelf life is greater than that of THC.
What Is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a phytocannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants and is regarded as a minor cannabinoid. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) delta-8 and delta-9 have been hydrogenated to produce HHC.
HHC can be artificially created by hydrogenating cannabis extracts, even though it is only present in trace amounts in naturally occurring Cannabis sativa. The procedure to change delta-9 THC into HHC was first applied in 1944 when chemist Roger Adams added hydrogen atoms to the compound.
Cannabis can also be used to make HHC (CBD).
HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid because, despite the lack of research and data, users have claimed that it produces euphoric effects that are comparable to those of THC. Similar to THC, HHC may be helpful in treating chronic pain, insomnia, and chemotherapy side effects. It may also have anti-inflammatory, antiemetic (anti-nausea and vomiting), and appetite-stimulating qualities.
The Chemistry Behind HHC
Similar to cannabinol (CBN), HHC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that is produced as a byproduct of THC degradation. Hydrogenation, or adding two hydrogen atoms (H2) to THC, is another method of producing HHC from cannabis extracts. THC has the molecular formula C21H30O2, while HHC has C21H32O2.
Unlike delta-8 and delta-9 THC, HHC has no double bonds in the cyclohexyl ring. Cannabiripsol, a new cannabis ingredient, and HHC have a similar structure.
When referring to related compounds, it is important to distinguish Hexahydrocannabinol from 9-Nor-9β-hydroxy-hexahydro cannabinol (9-Nor-9Beta-HHC), 9-hydroxyhex hydrocannabinol (9-OH-HHC), and 11-hydroxyhex hydrocannabinol (11-OH-HHC and 7-OH-HHC).
How It Works
Although HHC binds to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) less strongly than THC, it still does so. It therefore has significantly less euphoric and intoxicating effects than THC.
This is due to the fact that adding hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC reduces HHC’s affinity for binding to the body’s CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, as well as certain pain receptors.
Additionally, the compound’s stability is increased in its hydrogenated form, extending its shelf life and maintaining its potency over time. Additionally, compared to other cannabinoids, HHC is more resilient to improper storage, heat, and UV light exposure.
There are two enantiomers of HHC: 9α-HHC and 9β-HHC. Enantiomers are pairs of compounds that have exactly the same connectivity but different three-dimensional shapes. Compared to 9α-HHC, the 9β-HHC enantiomer is much more active and may attach to CB1 receptors more easily.
Up to 1.5 times more potent than HHC is HHC acetate, or HHC-O, another related cannabinoid.
Uses
HHC is said to have the sedative and relaxing effects of other compounds, like delta-8 THC (which is nearly identical to delta-9 THC), but it also produces a high akin to that of delta-9 THC.
In addition to euphoric effects and changes in auditory and visual perception, HHC can also affect body temperature, heart rate, and cognitive function. Since HHC is relatively new to the market, few researchers have looked into its effects and potential applications in medicine.
Potential Benefits
Given their similar structural makeup, HHC and THC may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiemetic properties. However, because of its longer shelf life and consistent potency, the primary advantage of HHC is its stability as a compound. It is also believed to offer advantages comparable to those of THC, such as:
- Control or alleviation of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain
- Reduction of insomnia, depression, and anxiety symptoms
- Lowering inflammation
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Lowering nausea or vomiting
- Spasms linked to illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Chemotherapy side effects and cancer
Risks and Drawbacks
Due to its intoxicating nature, HHC may have some negative effects that are comparable to those of THC. This includes sensations like lightheadedness, dry mouth, red eyes, anxiety, memory loss, elevated heart rate, difficulties with coordination, and slower reaction times.
But these adverse effects might not be as noticeable because HHC is not as strong as THC. Additional typical adverse effects could be:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Red Eyes
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Increase in appetite
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
On the other hand, HHC produced synthetically might cause more serious adverse effects. This is due to the fact that harsh chemicals used in industrial processes frequently end up in the finished product.
Higher doses of synthetically produced HHC products may result in more severe adverse side effects because they are likely to contain higher concentrations of HHC than natural cannabis.
In the end, more investigation is required to ascertain the efficacy and safety of HHC.
Strains High in HHC
Locating cannabis strains (cultivars) with high concentrations of HHC, in particular, can be difficult. But because THC breaks down into HHC as cannabis ages, cultivars with a high THC content may also have a higher HHC content.
Several THC-rich cultivars include:
- Bruce Banner
- Kush Mints
- Strawberry Cough
- White Rhino
- Gorilla Glue #4
What Is THC?
One of the cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. It is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and is what gives users of the drug their high. Due to its plant origin, delta-9 THC is frequently referred to as a phytocannabinoid.
How It Works
THC attaches itself to the body’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system. Although it remains in the body for a long time, the effects become less psychoactive within a few hours.
Uses
Though it has many medical applications, THC is primarily used recreationally. Marijuana has been used for millennia to cure and lessen medical symptoms. It is frequently applied topically as an ointment, swallowed, sublingually administered, or inhaled.
Feelings of euphoria are brought on by THC stimulating the brain’s release of dopamine. When used, it can have enjoyable effects, and users might get:
- Relaxation
- Increased sensory perception
- An altered perception of time
- Increased appetite
Potential Benefits
Using THC may have a variety of therapeutic advantages, including helping to treat conditions like:
- Depression and anxiety
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Migraines
- Nausea
- Pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Seizures
Even for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, HIV/AIDS-related weight loss, and decreased appetite, the FDA has approved dronabinol, a synthetic THC drug.
Risks and Drawbacks
Despite the fact that using THC can be enjoyable, there are possible negative effects to consider. Among the adverse consequences are:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Coughing fits
- Chest and lung discomfort
- Fainting
- Cold sweats
- Hallucinations
Additionally, THC use has been linked to a decline in memory formation and an increase in learning impairment, especially in adolescents. Lastly, marijuana is prohibited by federal law. You must have a medical cannabis recommendation when using this cannabis for medicinal purposes is permitted in order to use it.
Similarities and Differences Between HHC and THC
Both THC and HHC are intoxicating cannabis compounds that give users a euphoric high. The chemical structures of THC and HHC differ from one another. To create HHC, THC needs to be hydrogenated, which is a process that gives the molecule an extra hydrogen atom to increase its stability and resistance to heat and UV light.
How to Determine Which Option Is Best for You
When to Use HHC
Notwithstanding the fact that people use HHC recreationally and medicinally, no research has been done to support any one use of the compound. Because there is so little safety and regulation surrounding the consumption of synthetically produced hemp products or any other synthetic cannabinoid, caution must be exercised. It might be best to refrain from eating them at all.
When to Use THC
THC has both medical and recreational uses. Many states have medical marijuana programs that allow their citizens to use THC to treat a variety of medical conditions. Therapeutic, synthetic THC products are also available for medical applications.
Ending Words!
The effects of THC and HHC are extremely similar in that they both cause euphoria and altered perception. Since HHC is a relatively new product on the market, little research has been done to determine the compound’s long- and short-term effects.
Regular THC, or THC derived from marijuana, is the best option if you’re looking for a regulated product with some scientific backing. Obtain a medical marijuana card in your state of residence right now to enjoy all the advantages of medical marijuana.
