HHC or hexahydrocannabinol is a new cannabinoid that has burst onto the cannabis scene as the legal option to THC, both of which have psychoactive effects. HHC is usually promoted as an alternative to THC, with a milder “high”, and with the advantage of ease of purchase, as it is not illegal. Nowadays you can find numerous products with HHC: from buds with HHC, HHC resins, HHC vapes and more products that try to mimic the psychoactive effects of THC, taking advantage of the existing legal vacuum in this regard.
In today’s Cannactiva post, we explain: THC and HHC have important differences, from how they are made to how they affect us. We tell you the key differences between HHC and THC.
Main difference between THC and HHC
The fundamental difference between THC and HHC lies in their molecular structure.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, also called Delta-9-THC, is the most studied component of the cannabis plant, known for its strong psychoactive effect, which produces the euphoric feeling typical of marijuana.
HHC, on the other hand, is a synthetic derivative of cannabis, obtained through chemical modification of THC, which produces a milder psychoactive effect than THC. Or so, at least, theoretically.
HHC and THC: Differences in Effects
HHC and THC exert their effects on the body through the endocannabinoid system, which is a cell-to-cell communication system responsible for regulating vital functions such as sleep, appetite, pain and immune response. More specifically, HHC and THC have a high affinity for cannabinoid CB1 receptors, which are widely distributed in the brain and are associated with psychoactive effects. For this reason, both produce cerebral effects.
Because THC and HHC molecules differ in structure, the way they exert their effects is different. THC causes intense psychoactive effects, including euphoria and altered perception. On the other hand, HHC is also psychoactive, but tends to generate a less intense but longer-lasting experience, probably due to HHC’s greater molecular stability and the way it is metabolized in the body.
Delta 9 (THC) y HHC: ¿Cuál es más potente?
No obstante, esto es sólo la teoría, porque no todos los productos con HHC tienen la misma potencia ni composición. Durante la hidrogenación del aceite de cannabis para la obtención del HHC se producen dos moléculas de HHC, una más psicoactiva que la otra. Debido a la falta de control sobre estos productos, es posible encontrar productos con HHC de diferente potencia psicoactiva, no sólo dependiendo de la dosis, sino también por la diferente proporción de moléculas de HHC activas.
Además, en el mercado europeo se han encontrado productos de HHC que en realidad contenían una mezcla de HHC y THC.
¿Qué efectos duran más? ¿HHC o THC?
How are THC and HHC obtained?
While THC is produced in cannabis by cannabinoid biosynthesis within the trichomes, HHC is not synthesized in the plant, but is produced during bud maturation by the degradation of THC. However, trace amounts of HHC are found in cannabis, and all HHC products contain HHC obtained synthetically or semi-synthetically from CBD- or THC-rich cannabis extract.
THC is most commonly found in naturally occurring, THC-rich cannabis flowers (marijuana buds). Cannabis extractions from THC-rich strains are available in different qualities, with an appearance similar to that of CBD oil. And there is also the chemical process to obtain THC of synthetic origin.
In contrast, HHC is mainly produced synthetically or semi-synthetically. This is achieved by hydrogenation of THC or CBD, a process that involves heating cannabis oil at a certain temperature and pressure to add hydrogen to these molecules under specific conditions, resulting in a cannabis oil rich in HHC. The transformation from CBD to HHC is more complex, requiring additional steps to first convert CBD to THC or a derivative, and then to HHC.
Benefits of THC and HHC: Which is better for your health?
In terms of therapeutic potential, THC is by far the most studied cannabinoid, especially in areas of pain relief, nausea reduction and appetite stimulation. Although it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it has side effects such as anxiety and paranoia in some users, especially in younger ones.
While THC has been extensively researched, little is known about HHC. It is believed that it can bind to the same cannabinoid receptors as THC, producing similar, although milder, psychoactive effects.
HHC, by contrast, is just beginning to be investigated, and is not known to have potential therapeutic benefits or applications.
In relation to which of the two cannabinoids is better for your health, the answer is not so much between THC and HHC, but in the quality of the products chosen and the purpose of their consumption.
Risks and side effects of THC and HHC
Safety of THC and HHC products
There are a wide variety of synthetic cannabinoid products on the market, including HHC, of dubious origin, quality and composition. Similarly, there is marijuana with a very high THC content, which can produce a very intense and unpleasant psychoactive experience.
In addition, both products can be found in cannabis flowers that have been contaminated by molds or pesticides. Therefore, making sure that the product being used is of good quality is the first thing to consider.
THC is safer than HHC because of more data on its effectiveness, adverse effects and safety.
In addition, the oral or ingested route presents a greater risk of adverse effects, more intense and lasting over time, compared to the pulmonary route, which is smoking or vaping. For example, in terms of intoxications due to the consumption of this type of products, there are numerous cases of hospitalizations in children due to the consumption of gummies containing HHC, H4CBD, THC or other synthetic cannabinoid products.
Side effects of THC and HHC
Although there are no reliable data on the effects of HHC, it can be expected to be similar to those of THC, since they act through the same receptor in the brain. The side effects of THC and HHC are:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Cognitive alterations: impaired perception of time and space, memory and ability to concentrate.
- Changes in sensory perception, such as more vibrant colors or greater sensitivity to visual or auditory stimuli.
- Increased appetite (known as “munchies”)
- Lack of motor coordination
- Dry mouth (“cottonmouth”)
- Red, glassy-looking eyes
Conclusion
HHC is sold as a milder alternative to THC, but the lack of safety and differences in quality and composition of HHC products make it a highly undesirable option. THC is a cannabinoid of natural origin and its effects are better known and studied. It should be noted that THC also has risks: it can produce intoxication, addiction, and adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia in some users, especially in young people, in high doses and with continued or chronic use.