HHC vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
The discussion on HHC vs. THC can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, but in this post, we’re going to make things simple. After all, this entire blog is about simplifying things and breaking down (seemingly) confusing topics into their most basic elements.
First, we’re going to discuss some very basic chemistry regarding the differences between THC and HHC.
Then, we’ll discuss how HHC is made, and finally, we’ll discuss the different effects produced by both HHC and THC to help you decide which might be best for you.
HHC vs. THC: Nearly Identical Chemical Structures
Like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a type of chemical compound called a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are produced naturally by cannabis plants (both hemp and marijuana).
We get asked all the time if HHC occurs naturally in cannabis plants. Yes, it does. But it’s not very common. In fact, naturally occurring HHC is quite rare to find in cannabis plants – particularly in any sort of abundance.
From a molecular level, THC and HHC are very similar to each other. In fact, HHC is what’s called an analog of THC. This means it has nearly the same chemical formula as THC. The only difference is that HHC has two more hydrogen atoms than THC. These two extra hydrogens exist in the form of a hydroxyl group, which is located at the double bond of something called a cyclohexyl ring.
Easy, right?
Let’s compare the chemical formulas of THC and HHC to better visualize the molecular structures of each compound.
The chemical (or atomic) formula for THC is C21H30O2. This means it has 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.
The atomic formula for HHC is C21H32O2: just two hydrogen atoms different from THC.
Honestly, the chemical formula of the two compounds isn’t what’s important. What’s important is how this minor difference in chemical structure produces such different effects on the human body and mind.
Before we get into that, though, let’s talk briefly about how HHC is made since it’s quite rare to find it naturally in cannabis.
How is HHC Made?
Laboratories can synthesize HHC from either THC or CBD through a process called hydrogenation. The first step of the process is extracting the natural compound from the plant.
Let’s use CBD as an example.
After extracting CBD from hemp, the compound is chemically altered in a lab to produce HHC. Hemp is commonly used to make HHC since it is legal in the USA (thanks to the Hemp Farming Act).
After extraction, raw CBD is sent to a lab for hydrogenation. This process saturates (or ‘adds’) two hydrogen atoms to the CBD compound.
Remember the chemical formula of THC from earlier in the post? CBD actually has the same exact formula (C21H30O2). The addition of two hydrogen atoms gives HHC its chemical structure and formula: C21H32O2.
Believe it or not, these two extra hydrogen atoms in HHC produce pretty different effects on the body and mind—especially when compared to the effects of THC.
The Magic (and Mystery) of Hydrogenation
Interestingly, both THC and CBD can undergo hydrogenation naturally over time. However, natural hydrogenation (which occurs when cannabinoids are exposed to air) is an incredibly slow process.
It would take years, for example, for even a small percentage of CBD in hemp to hydrogenate and break down into HHC naturally.
The process is also highly influenced by environmental factors, such as moisture content in the air, UV light exposure, and air temperature.
This is why HHC products today are made in a laboratory in a highly controlled and regulated setting.
Comparing the Effects of HHC vs. THC
Due to the two extra hydrogen atoms in the atomic structure of HHC, the compound has less potent effects compared to full-strength THC.
You might think of HHC as a less potent version of THC. Both compounds have intoxicating effects, but THC is typically far more potent.
That being said, research suggests that HHC may share many of the same health benefits as THC. These benefits include the ability to lower inflammation, reduce pain, and improve sleep.
For these reasons, you might think of HHC as ‘healthy’ THC: many of the same health benefits without the powerful high.
Of course, HHC can still make you feel high and give you a feeling of euphoria.
If you’re new to cannabis or are worried about getting “too high,” we definitely recommend taking a small dose of HHC first. Once you gauge the effects, you can then dose accordingly depending on what you want to achieve.
Is HHC or THC a Better Option for You?
Taking all of this information into consideration, it’s up to you to decide which compound might suit you and your needs best. If your main goal is to get as high as possible, go with THC. If you’re more interested in health benefits with a far milder euphoric sensation, HHC may be the better option.
Of course, this brings up another key topic in the HHC vs. THC discussion, and that is legality.
Even for people who love the experience of getting high, THC is still not readily available (and/or legal) in many parts of the USA.
For people in this situation, HHC may well represent a happy medium. It’s not as potent as THC, but since it’s made from hemp, it might be available in places where THC is banned. However, you need to check your state’s laws to ensure it’s okay to purchase HHC.
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