Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is naturally found in hemp plants in high quantities. Delta-9 THC is the most commonly known type of THC, but there are also delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC. After ingesting THC, it binds to the receptors in your brain and nervous system, producing a psychoactive effect.

Hexahydrocannabionol (HHC) was discovered in 1944 by chemist Roger Adams through a process called hydrogenation on delta-9 THC. This process adds hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC, altering its chemical makeup and converting it to HHC. Similar to THC, HHC binds to receptors and produces a high, though the hydrogenation weakens HHC's binding abilities.

Where can I find quality HHC or THC products?

Carolindica hand-crafts legal THC and HHC products in Raleigh, North Carolina. They prioritize quality by producing in small batches and using top-tier ingredients.

HHC vs THC: A Differences & Comparison Guide to Help You Choose

Q: How are HHC and THC made?

HHC is almost identical to THC on a molecular level but differs due to the hydrogenation process, replacing carbon bonds with hydrogen. Most HHC products are made via chemical reactions in a lab. Delta-9 THC is naturally produced in hemp plants, while delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC are created by altering delta-9 THC or CBD oil from hemp.

Q: Is HHC stronger than THC?

HHC produces a mellow high and is generally about 70% to 80% as potent as delta-9 THC. In comparison, delta-9 THC produces the strongest high, while delta-8 THC is about ⅔ as potent as delta-9.

Q: How does HHC feel compared to THC?

Both HHC and THC produce feelings of euphoria, changes in sensory and time perception, and a relaxed state. However, delta-9 provides a more overpowering high, whereas delta-8 and HHC produce a less intense and more clear-headed high.

Q: How long is HHC and THC's shelf life?

HHC has a longer shelf life compared to THC products due to the hydrogenation process. HHC retains its potency longer and is more resistant to UV light and heat damage.

While many people enjoy THC edibles, smokeables, and tinctures for their pleasant high, another option you might want to consider is HHC, which is legal in many states and delivers a relaxing high. As HHC becomes more popular due to its legality and relaxing psychoactive effects, you’ll want to know the difference between HHC and THC so you can make the right choice.

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is naturally found in hemp plants in high quantities. Though delta-9 THC is the most commonly known type of THC, you can also find products made out of delta-8 THC or delta-10 THC. After you ingest a THC product, it will bind to the receptors in your brain and nervous system, producing a psychoactive effect. While different forms of THC vary in their potency, they all deliver a high.

What Is HHC?

In 1944, a chemist named Roger Adams found that he could create Hexahydrocannabionol (HHC) by using a process called hydrogenation on delta-9 THC. In the hydrogenation process, hydrogen molecules are added to delta-9 THC, with these molecules altering delta-9’s chemical makeup. After the alteration occurs, the delta-9 THC is converted into HHC. Like THC, HHC binds to receptors and produces a high, but the hydrogenation process does weaken HHC’s binding abilities.

Differences Between HHC vs TCH

While HHC and THC are fairly similar, they have a few differences that make them better suited for different people. If you’re interested in either product, learn more about their primary differences below:

How Are HHC and THC Made?

HHC and THC are almost identical on a molecular level, but they do have one key difference. While THC has double carbon bonds, HHC does not. Instead, the hydrogenation process replaces those carbon bonds with hydrogen. While some argue HHC can be found in trace amounts in the hemp plant, most HHC products are produced via chemical reactions. In a lab, a chemist will use hydrogenation to transform THC into HHC.

In contrast, delta-9 THC is produced naturally in hemp plants and is harvested from these plants prior to being sold. Additionally, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC are often created by altering delta-9 THC or CBD oil made from hemp. However, since delta-8 and delta-10 occur naturally, they can also be produced by using Hexane or another similar chemical while growing delta-9 THC, resulting in a higher delta-8 or delta-10 yield.

Is HHC Stronger than THC?

As you might expect, THC and HHC have different strengths. Though they both produce a high, the potency of the high tends to be different. For example, delta-9 THC is known to produce the strongest high, while delta-8 THC is about ⅔ as potent as delta-9.

HHC tends to produce a more mellow high compared to THC products, with it generally being about 70% to 80% as potent as delta-9. Since delta-8 and HHC are less potent than delta-9, they tend to be good options if you want a milder high.

How Does HHC Feel Compared to THC?

Typically, HHC, delta-8 THC, and delta-9 THC produce a feeling of euphoria, a change of sensory and time perception, and a relaxed state. Despite their similar effects, delta-9 tends to provide a more over-powering, euphoric high that leaves users feeling “stoned.”

Since delta-9 has the strongest effects, delta-8 and HHC are often good choices for those who often feel paranoid or anxious after taking delta-9 THC. For example, delta-8 and HHC usually produce a less intense and more clear-headed high, making them popular among those who find delta-9 too overpowering. Some users have also reported that HHC produces a more noticeable body high compared to delta-9.

How Long Is HHC and THC’s Shelf Life?

One of the biggest advantages HHC has over THC products is its shelf life. Over time, both THC and HHC products will lose their potency. However, the hydrogenation process makes HHC have a longer shelf life, meaning it will retain its potency for a longer amount of time than THC products. HHC is also more resistant to damage due to improper storage, as it’s more resistant to UV light and heat. Due to HHC’s longer shelf-life, you might prefer it over THC if you only plan to get high occasionally.

Are HHC and THC Legal?

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC and many forms of THC are legal on the federal level. While delta-9 THC is still mostly illegal federally, you can legally purchase delta-8, delta-10, and HHC in North Carolina and many other states. Additionally, you can legally purchase products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis.

Find Your Next Favorite HHC or THC Product at Carolindica

At Carolindica, we’re proud to hand-craft legal THC and HHC products at our home base just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina. Due to our commitment to providing our customers with only the best products, we create our products in small batches and use only top-tier ingredients. As a result, you can expect any of our HHC or THC products to deliver the effects you expect. We also pair our commitment to quality with a commitment to affordability, ensuring our products cost less than our competitors.

Review our inventory of hand-crafted HHC, delta-9, and delta-8 products today. If you have any questions about our products or want advice on the right product for you, please contact us.