THC vs HHC: Key Differences Explained

Hemp products can do wonders when used in the right amount with the right direction. Be it the light consumers or heavy users, there’s something in store for everyone. With the hemp market flourishing like never before, we see the introduction of new cannabinoids quite frequently. However, with this comes competition and confusion. While competition is for producers, confusion is for users. Making a choice is always difficult. But with little help from the internet, things can be made easier.

Both regulars and beginners are familiar with THC. But there’s a new cannabinoid HHC in the block that has shifted the focus. Now, with HHC gaining more followers and THC being a cult classic, users are confused to the core. Well, to clear your basics out, we will be defining both THC and HHC and how they differentiate from each other. Read on.

What is THC?

THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is the main psychoactive compound that produces the “high” that people experience after consuming cannabis products.

Read More: Delta 8 vs Delta 9 vs HHC

How does it work?

When you consume cannabis, TCH binds to ECS receptors CB1 and CB2 in the brain and central nervous system, producing various psychological effects. it can stay in the body for a long time, but the psychoactive effects can be felt for a few hours only, largely depending on the strength of the substance you consumed.

Potential Benefits of THC

THC is as popular for its recreational use as it is for medicinal use. We have mentioned some of its recognized potential benefits below:

1. Pain relief: THC is known to have analgesic properties, meaning it can help alleviate pain and cure chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis among others.
2. Appetite stimulation: Anecdotal experiences have suggested that THC can help those suffering from sleep-related problems. Consuming THC right before bed is said to enhance the quality of sleep.
3. Muscle relaxation: THC has muscle relaxant properties and proves relief from muscle spasms or stiffness such as Parkinson’s disease/
4. Anti-inflammatory properties: THC has proven to be a bane against inflammation.
5. Stress/relaxation relief: THC produces a happy buzz often recognized as a feeling of euphoria which makes you feel relaxed and burst stress.

6. Nausea relief: THC can reduce nausea and vomiting. It is specially used by patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with HIV/AIDS for the same.

Read More: What is THCP?

Risks associated with THC

While THC has potential benefits, cannabinoid also comes with its set of drawbacks. If you are someone who uses THC on a regular basis or even those who are willing to incorporate it into your wellness routine, it’s important to be aware of its negative effects.

1. Impaired cognitive effects: THC can hamper your learning abilities and has the potential to cause memory loss. It can be harmful when used at high doses or for an extended period.
2. Respiratory issues: THC inhalation can cause respiratory as the process is similar to smoking in which the compound is directly inhaled by the lungs. It can cause coughing, bronchitis, and lung irritation.
3. Addiction Potential: THC has every potential to be an addiction. Those who induce frequent intake of cannabis can experience withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and difficulty when they lower the dose or moderate it.
4. Impaired motor skills: THC can make you feel distant from reality, affecting your motor skills, which further have the risk of increased accidents.
5. Cardiovascular effects: THC is known to increase heart rate as it produces a buzz. However, the increased heart rate can increase blood pressure, which may come with the risk of heart stroke or stroke, particularly among individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

What is HHC?

HHC is found in cannabis and hemp plants in trace quantities. Due to its low occurrence, commercial HHC is produced by a process called hydrogenation in which THC is converted to HHC.

How does it work?

HHC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system along with some more pain receptors in the body. The process is known to produce therapeutic effects.

Does HHC get you high?

Although HHC is a distant relative of THC, it does produce similar effects when used enough of it. However, it is said to have the sedative and relaxing properties of other compounds, such as Delta 8 THC.

Read More: Does Delta 8 Help you with Sleep?

Potential benefits of HHC

The superpower of HHC lies in its soothing properties as it is said to be a more stable compound due to its increased shelf life and stable potency. Some of the potential benefits of HHC are similar to THC.

1. Pain management: HHC has been reported to provide relief from chronic pain conditions, helping with pain associated with conditions like arthritis.

2. Decreasing symptoms of anxiety: HHC is known to produce cerebral effects which are relaxing in nature. Its calming properties help you relieve anxiety and depression.

   3. Psychoactive effects: Though little, HHC is known to make you “high”. However, this high is soothing in nature.

   4. Ensures quality sleep: HHC is known to relax the mind by binding with CB1 and CB2 receptions, promoting quality sleep.

Drawbacks of HHC

1. Nausea: When used in higher doses, HHC can cause nausea. It is common among beginners.
2. Dry mouth: HHC can also cause dry mouth and red eyes.
3. Increase in appetite: HHC can cause munchies forcing you to eat at irregular intervals, mostly too frequently.
4. Increased heart rate: The consumption of HHC can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which further promotes the risk of stroke.

Read More: Potential Side Effects of HHC and How To Avoid Them?

THC vs HHC

THC and HHC are both cannabinoids that produce psychoactive effects with the former being more potent than the latter. However, the major difference between THC and HHC comes from the difference in their chemical structure. HHC is produced via a process called hydrogenation in which THC is hydrogenated by adding a hydrogen molecule.

THC vs HHC: Psychoactive effects

Since THC is more potent in nature, it produces more psychoactive effects in comparison to HHC. However, HHC can produce psychoactive effects similar to Delta 8 THC when consumed in higher doses.

THC vs HHC: Benefits

THC has more usage on the recreational side, while HHC is known for its medicinal properties. A THC high is euphoric in nature, while the high produced by HHC is said to be more cerebral and calming.

THC vs HHC: Side effects

Both THC and HHC have side effects when used in higher quantities. Therefore, it’s required to moderate your dosage, irrespective of the compound consumed.

Read More: What are Cannabis Concentrates?

Bottomline

Both THC and HHC have common effects with the main differentiating factor being potency. While THC has been rocking the hemp market, HHC is still yet to carve a niche.

Whether to choose HHC or THC comes down to personal preference in most cases. However, those who seek therapeutically benefits are recommended to opt for HHC, while those wishing for a great heady and body buzz should go for THC.