HHC vs. THC: Making the Right Choice for Your Preferences
Are you thinking about switching to HHC? Here’s our take on HHC vs. THC to help you see which cannabinoid and its products are right for your needs!
Since 2018, we’ve seen many cannabinoids come onto the market. Each compound is supposed to be stronger than the other. THC remains the star among the masses. But recently, its distant cousin, HHC, has also come under the spotlight.
- They Both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, impacting mood, pain perception, and more. They offer psychoactive effects, albeit with potential variations in experience.
- On the other hand, HHC’s unique structure can result in different receptor activation patterns and potential effects compared to THC. THC is renowned for its potent “high” and perceptual changes, while HHC’s psychoactivity may differ due to its distinct composition. THC is more widely studied and regulated, while HHC is relatively newer and less understood.
If you’re a beginner or just a THC user, you might be confused about whether shifting to HHC is worth it. We’ll review the HHC vs. THC debate and decide which product is better for you.
But before that, let’s take a quick look at the best HHC and THC brands:
- Apollo – Best Flavors – Editor’s Choice
- Binoid – Cutting-Edge Formulas
- IndaCloud – Best Choice for Newbies
- TRĒ House – Variety of Flavors
- PureKana – Premium Products
- Premium Jane – Organic, Ethical CBD
- Galaxy Treats – Cosmic Edible Experience
What is HHC?
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) has been around since 1944. At that time, it wasn’t discovered. It was invented by Roger Adams. He did it by adding hydrogen to THC, specifically Delta-9 THC. The hydrogenation process is still used today, and the cannabinoid industry isn’t the only one using it.
Of course, you can find it in the cannabis plant, but the overall concentration is minimal. Companies can extract HHC from hemp, which isn’t feasible commercially. That’s why most companies just derive it from hemp.
HHC does produce a high, but it’s not nearly as strong as a D9 THC high. Therefore, those who enjoy a more relaxed high prefer it. You can find HHC products in online stores and physical dispensaries. These products include gummies, vapes, cartridges, and more.
HHC Benefits
HHC is relatively new on the commercial scene, so we don’t have much information about its health benefits.
- It’s supposed to mimic the same benefits as THC and CBD. If that’s true, it should be able to help with issues like insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation, and nausea. It could also alleviate your mood, reducing anxiety.
Of course, we don’t have peer-reviewed studies to support these claims.
- It does have the potential to work against cancer and the side effects related to chemotherapy. We have a study from 2011 that explored its effectiveness against cancer. It showed that HHC could inhibit tumor growth and spread throughout the body.
HHC Side Effects
Again, we don’t have any studies to confirm HHC’s effects on the masses. But it’s widely regarded as safe when taken in moderation. If you take too much HHC, you experience symptoms like:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Red eyes
- Anxiety
- Increased heartbeat
Of course, it could also have other long-term effects, but these effects are still unknown.
What is THC?
THC is the OG cannabinoid. It’s found in large quantities in the cannabis plant and has strong psychoactive effects. D-8 THC and Delta 9 THC are its more popular forms. THC is very popular, and you can find it in multiple forms. The more popular THC products are vapes, gummies, cigarettes, oils, and more.
THC Benefits
THC is a recreational cannabinoid, but that isn’t the full story.
- The compound has pharmacological potential as an alternative to steroids and pain medications. There have been multiple studies to explore THC’s benefits, but these are still limited. We don’t know the long-term effects.
- THC can reportedly help with insomnia, letting users fall asleep more easily.
- It can also increase appetite, potentially helping people with anorexia gain weight.
- Other benefits include relief from chronic pain, neuroprotective properties, decreased epileptic seizures, help with symptoms of Tourette’s, and more.
THC Side Effects
Generally, you can take a little THC to get the benefits. However, overdosing can cause some side effects. They can be the usual:
- Dry mouth
- Increased heartbeat
- Sleepiness
However higher doses may cause more severe side effects like anxiety, hallucinations, paranoia, weakness, dizziness, and decreased control over your movements. The THC may interfere with their function if you’re already taking some medications.
THC vs HHC: The Difference
Chemically, both THC and HHC have similar molecular structures. We say similar because HHC has extra Hydrogen atoms that replace a double bond in the THC molecule.
HHC is more stable than THC. It can withstand UV rays and heat, giving it a longer shelf life than THC. In terms of high, D9THC wins. D8’s psychoactive effects are less potent than those of HHC. However, HHC’s effects last longer than THC’s.
Both compounds are legal at the federal level if they are derived from hemp. However, individual states can declare them illegal. As of now, states are much harsher on THC. So you should be okay with HHC.
How Do THC and HHC Work?
Both cannabinoids work by combining with your endocannabinoid system. They can bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Of course, the CB1 receptor is their favorite. The CB1 receptor can trigger euphoria, pain relief, and other effects due to its position in your central nervous system.
THC binds to the CB1 receptor more strongly than HHC. That’s why it’s so much more potent. However, THC can permanently alter your brain’s chemical and functional pathways. The effect onset and metabolic pathway will differ based on how you took these cannabinoids.
Smoking THC or HHC will give you the fastest effects, but they don’t last as long. Effect onset after ingestion can take 20 minutes to a few hours. But the products make up for the delay with their long-lasting effects.
HHC vs. THC: Which One Is Right For Me?
That’s the ultimate question, but the answer depends on you. What do you want your cannabinoid experience to be like? If you prefer a mellow high that leaves you clear-headed and lasts longer, HHC is the thing for you. You’ll feel euphoric and calm under HHC’s effects. You might even get more talkative.
If you want something more intense, delta-9 THC is your friend. It has everything from euphoria to pain relief. We can even say both HHC and THC have similar highs. The only difference is the intensity.
If you want to use the compounds for medical purposes, stick to low dosages. Both THC and HHC produce intense highs in large enough doses. All these compounds impair your mental abilities to some extent. Since these compounds can mess up your senses, you must not drive any machinery while you’re high.
Some people try HHC because they think it won’t appear on drug tests. If you plan on doing that, let us warn you that that’s a considerable risk. We haven’t personally verified it, but there’s a massive chance that HHC will show up as THC on drug tests. That’s because there’s a chance that your body metabolizes HHC the same way it metabolizes THC.
Best HHC and THC Products
By now, you will know which compound is better for you. Now the question is finding the right stuff. We’ve shortlisted a few trusted brands for both HHC and THC. You saw that list at the start. Now, we’ll do a detailed breakdown for those brands.
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Apollo – Best Flavors – Editor’s Choice
Rating: 9.8/10
Highlights
- Mild THC for soothing hits
- Best products for starters
- Solid value for money.
HHC Products
Apollo only offers one HHC product – HHC Vape 1G – which is available in Tangie Dream, White Cherry Gelato, Rainbow Sherbert, and Strawberry Lemonade flavors continuing 1000mg of HHC with zero additives or cutting agents.
THC Products
Apollo offers THC + CBD gummies for the lovers of THC in Blue Razz and Watermelon flavors offering you an uplifting and relaxing feeling. These gummies are manufactured in a GMP facility and are all-natural and vegan.
Brand Overview
The brand is from Wilmington. It prioritizes the highest-quality, hemp-derived products to states where recreational cannabis is unavailable. With top-quality domestic hemp to manufacture their products and conduct independent lab testing before putting products on the shelf, this brand ensures transparency.
Pros
- All-natural products
- Delicious and fruity flavors
- Legal THC limit in every product
Cons
- Small variety of strains
General Disclaimer: It is important to educate yourself about HHC and its potential risks before using it. Follow the link to find more information on this topic here.
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Binoid – Cutting-Edge Formulas
Rating: 9.7/10
Highlights
- Extensive testing protocols
- Hemp from Oregon
- Potent Products
HHC Products
Binoid has multiple product lines with HHC. These include vapes, carts, gummies, capsules, and tinctures. Their Indica Strain HHC Vape Cart remains the best in the series. You can go for the popular flavor, Sunset Sherbet, or choose other options.
THC Products
Binoid has an extensive THC collection. It includes gummies, carts, rechargeable vapes, chocolate cones, soft gels, capsules, tinctures, wax dabs, and disposable vapes. Their best D8 THC product would be the Mixed Flavors gummies. Each gummy has 25 mg of THC, and they’re vegan.
Brand Overview
The brand is from Los Angeles. It prioritizes the distribution of high-quality cannabinoid products to the masses. That’s why they source their hemp from Oregon. They test the product five times before sending it for independent testing. You can find the reports on their website.
Pros
- Potent products
- Extensive THC collection
- Delicious flavors
Cons
- Limited contaminant information
- There is no money-back guarantee
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IndaCloud – Best Choice for Newbies
Rating – 9.6/10
Highlights
- 4 unique flavors
- Multi-lab tested products
- Quick and long-lasting effects
HHC Products
IndaCloud has a huge range of HHC carts made from natural ingredients and offers 920mg of HHC in one gram of pure hemp oil. These carts are 510-threaded and can be attached to any supported vape pen. The coil inside these carts is solid, and it won’t burn the flavor.
THC Products
IndaCloud has a good collection of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC Gummies, Vapes, Cereal Treats, and more. These products have less than 0.3% THC, contain natural colors and flavors, and are vegan-friendly.
Brand Overview
IndaCloud, founded in 2020, is dedicated to offering premium CBD products derived from hemp. They partner with trusted hemp farms to ensure the highest quality ingredients. Their top-selling product is their full-spectrum CBD oil. IndaCloud provides fast shipping and a customer-friendly return policy, demonstrating their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Lab-tested products (before and after production)
- Legal THC limit
- Vegan and Non-GMO
- Free shipping
Cons
- Limited HHC products
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TRĒ House – Variety of Flavors
Rating: 9.5/10
Highlights
- Detailed Certificate of Analysis
- Extensive HHC collection
- Potent products
HHC Products
TRĒ House’s HHC collection includes gummies, vape pens, carts, pre-rolls, and syrup. Their Strawberry Burst flavor HHC gummies remain their best HHC product. Each jar comes with twenty gummies. Each of these gummies packs 25 mg of HHC. The Purple Stuff HHC syrup would undoubtedly be an exciting product to try.
THC Products
The THC collection includes vape pens, pre-rolls, carts, and gummies. You can find D8 products or products with blends of multiple cannabinoids. Live Resin D8 Vape Pen in the flavor Green Crack is a popular product. The 2-gram product lasts for 800 puffs.
Brand Overview
TRĒ House was created to distribute superior-quality cannabinoid products. All the products are tested through independent labs, and you can find every batch’s CoA on their website.
The tests are comprehensive and detail the cannabinoid profile. Other data includes information about contaminants like residual solvents, pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins.
Pros
- Potent products
- Full-panel lab reports
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Limited information on hemp sources
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PureKana – Premium Products
Rating: 9.3/10
Highlights
- Potent products
- Affordable prices
- Excellent customer reviews
HHC Products
The brand’s HHC collection consists of gummies, vapes, dual vapes, and cartridges. If you’re a newbie, you can try the gummies. Their best product would be the Premium HHC Gummies in the Mango flavor. You can choose other flavors. Each gummy has 25 mg of HHC.
THC Products
The THC collection includes gummies, vapes, and cartridges. You can opt for the Delta-8 Vape Pens in Berry Gelato. The 1-gram vape pen has 900 mg of D8. If you want something more potent, go for the extra-strength gummies.
Brand Overview
PureKana is an Arizona-based brand that specializes in CBD products. They’ve expanded their product lines to include other cannabinoids, like HHC and THC. You can find the CoA with every product, and it’s a full-panel test. They check the potency and presence of contaminants.
Pros
- Full-panel lab reports
- 30-day refund policy
- Free shipping
Cons
- Unknown hemp source
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Premium Jane – Organic, Ethical CBD
Rating: 9/10
Highlights
- Potent products
- Delicious flavors
- Organic, non-GMO hemp
HHC Products
The HHC collection includes vape pens, carts, and gummies. Their best product would be the HHC Dual Vape Pen. It has two strains: Sour Diesel and Northern Lights. The pen has 2 grams of product infused with 1800 mg of HHC. The gummies are also worth a try. You can choose the ring or belt versions if you’re feeling adventurous.
THC Products
The entire THC collection can be categorized into gummies and oils. You can start with the standard D- 8 gummies. There are twenty-five gummies, each with 25 mg of D8 THC. You can choose from three flavors: Watermelon, Grape, and Mango.
Brand Overview
Premium Jane is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. It started as a CBD brand but has also launched other product lines. All of their hemp is non-GMO and locally sourced.
Their lab reports have a complete cannabinoid profile. The reports also include information about pesticides, heavy metals, pathogens, mycotoxins, and residual solvents.
Pros
- Vegan options are available
- Full-panel lab reports
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Unclear hemp source
- Limited THC collection
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Galaxy Treats – Cosmic Edible Experience
Rating: 8.9/10
Highlights
- Delicious gummies
- Free shipping for orders over $30
- Made in USA
HHC Products
Currently, Galaxy Treat only offers HHC gummies. The gummies have two flavors: Galaxy Grapple and Pluto’s Punch. The gummies aren’t potent, with only 15 mg of HHC per gummy. The gummies don’t have any gelatin. If you want more potent stuff, try their Moon Babies line.
THC Products
The THC collection is limited as well. The brand only offers gummies and vape carts. The gummies are more popular. They have multiple flavors, and Strawberry is the best flavor among them. Each gummy has 25 mg of D8 THC.
Brand Overview
Galaxy Treats offers cannabinoid products made in the USA. Their main focus is their gummy collection. The brand uses completely organic hemp to make these products. They send their products to independent labs.
You can find the reports on the website. They include a full cannabinoid and terpene profile. The lab also checks for the presence of pesticides and heavy metals.
Pros
- Perfect for beginners
- Great flavors
- Accessible lab reports
Cons
- Limited contaminant information
- Unspecified hemp source
HHC vs. THC FAQs
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Are THC and HHC Safe?
THC and HHC are safe in the recommended dosages. However, you should always start small. Once you’re comfortable with the products, you can increase your dosage.
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How Long Does HHC Stay in Your System?
HHC can stay in your system for four weeks to three months if you’re a long-term user. But if you just take it once, it’ll probably clear out in a week or two. Remember, research on HHC is limited, so these figures are rough estimates.
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Is HHC Legal?
Yes, the Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives in 2018. You’re okay if the final product has been made from the hemp plant with less than 0.3% THC concentration.
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Is THC Good For You?
THC is good for you in small doses. However, it has psychoactive effects, so you must be careful with the dosing. If you have a pre-existing condition, you should talk to your doctor before taking any THC.
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Is HHC Stronger Than THC?
HHC is stronger than D-8 THC but weaker than delta-9 THC. You could say it’s the middle ground between the two compounds.
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How Long Does HHC Last?
HHC effects can last from three to twelve hours. It depends on the dose, consumption method, and metabolism. Remember that this number is based on anecdotal evidence because we don’t have any studies about the compound’s effects.
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What Is The Difference Between HHC and THC (Delta 8, 9, and 10)?
D-8 and 9 THC are similar to HHC. The only difference is their potency. D9 is stronger than HHC, while HHC is more potent than D8. It’s also stronger than D10, but it has very different effects. It’s supposed to help people focus and give them an energy boost, rather than relax.
Summing Up
HHC is a good alternative for people seeking a middle point between D8 and D9. The products give you a decent high without being overwhelming. But if you want more potent effects, your choice should be D8. In short, both are decent compounds. It just depends on what you need.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33215831/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34875873/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28182367/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24001294/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22716160/
