HHC vs. THC: What You Need to Know

There's a wealth of natural cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and each of them has something different to offer. When it comes to having a positive experience, picking the right cannabinoids for your needs is key!

So when it comes to HHC vs. THC, which is the best pick? They have similar effects in some respects but very different in others.

In this article, we break it down, so you'll have all you need to pick between HHC and the different forms of THC. Let's dive right into our guide on all things HHC vs. THC.

HHC vs. THC: The Basics

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of comparison, let's establish a few basic ideas:

• HHC stands for "hexahydrocannabinol".
• THC stands for "tetrahydrocannabinol". There are multiple forms of THC, most famously Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. However, the term is typically used to refer to Delta 9.
• Both HHC and THC are natural phytochemicals known as cannabinoids that are produced by the cannabis plant.
• When taken into the body, both HHC and THC can have strong, noticeable effects on the human body and/or mind.
• For both cannabinoids, some such effects are therapeutic. Others may be useful for recreation.
• Research on HHC is somewhat scarce, and most information we have on it is gleaned from anecdotal reports.
• There is a much more significant body of research on THC, whose effects are typically fairly-well understood.

From there, let's discuss what makes these cannabinoids distinct from one another.

HHC vs. THC: Legality

For some, this is the be-all-end-all comparison. Cannabis is becoming legal throughout more and more of the United States, but the cannabinoids derived from it are still of varying legality.

• HHC and Delta 8 THC are legal throughout most of the United States. This is thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hemp-derived products.
  • However, both HHC and Delta 8 are the subject of some controversy; though they are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, some argue that they fall outside of the spirit of that law and should be made illegal again.
• Delta 9 THC is legal wherever cannabis has been formally legalized but is not legal at the federal level. Delta 9 is the most famously intoxicating cannabinoid, and Delta 9 products were specifically not legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill.

In short: If you live in a state where marijuana has been legalized, then all of its cannabinoids are available to you; If you live in a state that has not, then Delta 8 and HHC are likely legal, while Delta 9 is likely not.

Be sure to check your local laws before seeking out any cannabis compounds.

Origins in Cannabis

Although both HHC and THC come from the cannabis plant, they are present in wildly different concentrations.

• Delta 9 THC is the dominant cannabinoid in marijuana (intoxicating cannabis), making up to ~30% of the total cannabinoid profile.
• HHC and Delta 8 THC are far less prevalent, making up less than 0.1% of the total cannabinoid profile.

As such, raw cannabis is typically very high in Delta 9 THC but very low in HHC and Delta 8.

Therapeutic Potential of HHC and THC

Typically, users seek out HHC and THC for their recreational benefits rather than their therapeutic ones. However, both compounds have shown the potential for some legitimate health-boosting potential.

According to anecdotal reports, HHC has demonstrated the ability to benefit users in the following ways:

• Pain relief
• Anti-inflammatory benefits
• Relaxation
• Anxiety relief
• Better sleep
• Reduced nausea

THC is sometimes used for the following therapeutic benefits:

• Pain relief
• Reducing muscle spasticity
• Treating glaucoma
• Better sleep
• Improved appetite
• Reduced nausea
• Reduced anxiety (though it can increase anxiety in some users or at high doses)

Intoxicating Effects of HHC and THC

Both HHC and THC are intoxicating and can cause a cannabis "high".

Delta 9 THC is famously intoxicating and has been the cause of cannabis's historic bans and lasting social stigma.

HHC, on the other hand, is milder, but users will experience a similar "high" with a slightly larger dose.

According to most user reports, HHC is about 80% as intoxicating as Delta 9 THC. It is believed to offer a more clear-headed, energetic high with a more distinct bodily sensation.

Effects on Appetite

Cannabis is positively infamous for its ability to stimulate appetite, which is often referred to as the "weed munchies". Both HHC and THC are contributors to the munchies, but to different degrees.

If you're taking them on their own, here's how you can expect the different cannabinoids to affect appetite:

• HHC is believed to weakly stimulate appetite but can cause strong food cravings at high doses.
• Delta 8 THC is believed to be a very strong appetite stimulant, even at moderate doses.
• Delta 9 THC is believed to be a moderate appetite stimulant, somewhere between HHC and Delta 8.

Anxiety as a Side-Effect

For some users, cannabis can cause anxiety and paranoia. This can occur at high doses or in individuals who are highly sensitive to one of the underlying compounds.

Taken on their own, both HHC and THC have some potential to cause anxiety, though in different amounts.

• HHC's potential to cause anxiety is typically very mild and only relevant at very high doses.
• Delta 8 THC's potential to cause anxiety is typically very mild and only relevant at very high doses.
• Delta 9 THC's potential to cause anxiety is somewhat higher, and some users may experience anxiety regardless of dosage.

HHC vs. THC, In Closing

So, which is the cannabinoid for you? Both HHC and THC have a lot to offer, both for health and for recreation. But for many, the stigma and legal restrictions attached to THC make it a less attractive option.

If you're looking to try HHC for yourself, then our selection of HHC products is the perfect place to start.

We're always expanding our inventory of the cannabis industry's best offerings, so check back to see as our HHC selection continues to grow!