2021 Cannabinoid Matchup: THC-O vs. HHC

There has never been a more exciting time to be a hemp enthusiast. It seems like not all that long ago when the only real cannabinoid we cared about was CBD. Now, however, thanks to lots of research and advanced chromatography methods, we have access to a diverse array of individual hemp cannabinoids that each offer their own fascinating effects that can be valuable to the body in different ways. Two prominent cannabinoids that have popped up only fairly recently are THC-O and HHC.

As you may have guessed, each cannabinoid has its own distinctive variety of associated effects that play a critical role in how the user will feel after taking them. And that’s why it’s so important to know what to expect with each one.

Where THC-O and HHC Come From

THC-O and HHC have completely different origins. HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant that acts as a hydrogenated form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while being present in the seeds and pollen of the hemp plant. Molecularly, it looks very similar to delta 9 THC. HHC was discovered sometime in the 1960s or 70s, and while before that, synthesized versions existed, we now know that we can derive it naturally from the hemp plant.

Then, there is THC-O, which is not a naturally occurring derivative of hemp. It’s a synthetic cannabinoid that is produced using THCA, the acidic predecessor of delta 9 THC prior to decarboxylation. THCA is blended with acetic anhydride to convert it into THC-O, offering entirely new chemical properties. THC-O was actually invented during the middle part of the 20^th century by the United States Military but was not utilized as expected.

Their Psychoactive Properties

THC-O and HHC are both psychoactive cannabinoids, but the highs that they are associated with are quite different from one another. THC-O was developed to be powerfully intoxicating by the military, and its development centered around that. THC-O is about 3 times as intoxicating as delta 9 THC, meaning that it can, in short, get you extremely high. Not only that, but its molecular structure enables it to induce a psychedelic response at certain dosage levels, potentially offering some form of visual effects to accompany the high. As for other qualities of the high, many describe it as euphoria-inducing, with a feeling of comforting warmth radiating throughout the body.

HHC, as we said, shares surprising structural similarities to delta 9 THC, being its hydrogenated form. Unsurprisingly, therefore, HHC seems to offer what feels like the same exact high as delta 9 to its users. Many people say that taking HHC basically feels just like taking delta 9. This would likely make HHC about 30% more intoxicating than either delta 8 or delta 10, and about a third as intoxicating as THC-O. The high is often described as euphoric and soothing at the same time, but note that with any cannabinoid, the specific nature of the high can vary based on the strain and the user’s body, along with other factors like milligram strength, dosage amount and delivery method. The key takeaway is that HHC is less intoxicating than THC-O.

Non-Psychoactive Properties

THC-O, as already stated, was invented to be highly intoxicating by the military. It was not created to offer therapeutic value to the user, although it is a cannabinoid, which means that it does work with the endocannabinoid system in some way. THC-O attaches to CB1 receptors, which we know from its psychoactive activity, and these same receptors can regulate various nervous system functions that pertain to how we feel, both physically and mentally. Therefore, we hope that as THC-O becomes more popular on the market, researchers begin to analyze its value beyond how intoxicated it can make a person feel.

As for HHC, there’s also, sadly, a lack of studies regarding its effects, but instead, analyses into its structural makeup and general chemical properties that don’t pertain to therapeutic uses. But, as we’ve said, HHC seems to perform exactly like delta 9 THC in the body according to data we have so far. So, it is quite likely that HHC offers the same properties as delta 9 THC beyond those that are psychoactive. We know that delta 9 may offer effects related to appetite, mood, nausea, pain, sleep and more, and that delta 9 binds to both CB1 receptors in the nervous system, and CB2 receptors in the digestive and immune systems, to offer effects all throughout the body.

Purpose for Taking Them

Most people who take THC-O are doing so because they want to explore a powerful and potentially psychedelic high. Of course, this is the cannabinoid’s main selling point, since as of now, we just don’t know much else about what it’s capable of. Since we don’t know if any other properties it may offer, it’s understandable that it’s a hugely popular choice for recreational enjoyment.

With HHC, there can be many reasons for taking it. Many view it as a legal alternative to delta 9 THC, which means that they can potentially experience the same properties as delta 9 without worrying about breaking the law. This could be valuable for those looking for the same high, or other properties that are associated with delta 9 THC that affect how we feel both physically and mentally.

Whether or Not They are Legal

Because of the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, both THC-O and HHC are considered federally legal hemp derivatives. However, they may be illegal in states in which delta 8 THC is banned due to vague wording in the legislation. These states are:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Rhode Island
• Utah

You should also note that THC-O is metabolized by THC-COOH, an enzyme that breaks down delta 9 THC as well. This enzyme is what causes a positive drug test, rather than delta 9, which means that using THC-O may result in a positive test result. HHC does not metabolize by THC-COOH, and so it is unlikely to have an effect on a drug test result. Further, both cannabinoids are intoxicating, which is why you should never drive under the influence of either.

Products That They Come in

THC-O and HHC are both cannabinoids that are easily converted into extracts, which means that they both come in the same general product forms.

• Vape Carts: Vape carts are pre-filled oil cartridges compatible with low-wattage vape pens. They come in lots of great strain options.
• Disposable Vapes: Disposable vapes are complete vape setups that are ready to use out of the box, which never require recharging, refilling or assembly.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are sublingual oils that absorb under the tongue, offering a simple form of administration.
• Edibles: Edibles are known for delivering long-lasting effects and can produce an enjoyable body high sensation.
• Flower: Flower is raw hemp flower infused with THC-O or HHC, available in many strains.
• Dabs: Dabs are very potent concentrates for vaporization with a dabbing device. They’re considered too strong for beginners.
• Capsules: Capsules offer encapsulated forms of HHC or THC-O.

THC-O and HHC: Two Different but Equally Exciting Cannabinoids to Try

At the end of the day, THC-O and HHC will provide two noticeably different experiences when consumed, as each one behaves differently when processed by the endocannabinoid system. But, if you’re open to exploring the various compounds within the hemp plant, you can try out both and enjoy the specific effects of each.

At The Calm Leaf, you’ll find both THC-O and HHC in various formulations as you explore our premium hemp products. Each of these products comes from organic hemp and has been thoroughly lab-tested by a third party to guarantee the quality and purity levels that you deserve.