HHC vs. THC

HHC vs. THC

The effectiveness of HHC and THC is hotly contested. Some people will solely use THC, while others will attest to the advantages of HHC. Which is preferable, then? Here, we'll compare and contrast the two compounds to help you pick the one that's right for you.

 

Legality

HHC is often claimed as a legal alternative to THC. Although this is true in some areas, the issue can be complex.

Since HHC is so similar to THC, there are some areas where it’s illegal. Since it is derived from industrial hemp, it could be considered legal in places like the United States thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. The same goes for legislation in most European countries.

Ultimately, HHC is technically legal in the vast majority of Europe and many other places in the world. This makes it a legal high for many people. However, this could change with time, so make sure you check your local laws regularly.

 

Chemical similarities

Cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and hexahydrocannabinol (THC) are present naturally in the cannabis plant. They may have different names, but they are both derived from the same chemical, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

The hydrogen bonds are what set these chemicals apart from one another. The amounts of hydrogenation implied to by the labels "hexahydrocannabinol" and "tetrahydrocannabinol" are present in the compounds. The prefix "hexa-" in hexahydrocannabinol denotes that the molecule has been hydrogenated further than the original THC molecule, adding six hydrogen atoms.

 

The effects

The psychoactive effects of cannabis, commonly known as the "high" or euphoria, are caused by a molecule called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Since HHC is similar to THC structurally, it too possesses psychotropic effects, albeit possibly less potent ones due to the added hydrogenation. THC's strong psychoactivity is widely attributed to the existence of its double bond.

Many HHC users, however, claim to have had effects comparable to those of THC. The major distinction is in how quickly the high sets in and how long it lasts. It has been hypothesized that the effects of HHC take a little longer to manifest but may last for a bit longer as well.

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