HHC Versus CBD: Which One Will You Choose?

Unless you have lived on another planet for the last decade, you have surely heard of CBD. It is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid used to help with a variety of medical issues.

HHC, on the other hand, is a new kid on the block, even though researchers knew about it in the 1940s. It offers an intoxicating high and is available in the cannabis plant in small amounts.

Even though they both come from the same source, CBD and HHC are not alike. I outline their differences below so you can determine which one, if any, is likely to be your preference.

Chemical Structure

CBD has the same molecular structure as THC. Both have 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and two oxygen atoms, and a chemical formula of C21H30O2. The difference in the arrangement of the atoms helps explain why the cannabinoids offer such different effects.

HHC has two extra hydrogen atoms, and that’s it! Thus, the chemical formula for HHC is C21H32O2.

For legal reasons, sellers of HHC products begin the process of hydrogenation by using CBD extracted from hemp. They then separate the cannabidiol into powder form and transform it into a delta-8 concentrate. Then, they use a pair of active catalysts to turn the delta-8 into HHC.

Effects & Benefits

Many users of CBD find that they feel relaxed and content. While there is no intoxicating high or feeling of euphoria, cannabidiol can help calm the mind and make you feel happier through that process.

The benefits of CBD potentially include:

Improved mood
Better sleep
A reduced feeling of pain
A decrease in the appearance of skin issues such as acne
An immune system boost

Although HHC has a similar molecular structure to THC, the broken double-carbon bond is replaced by hydrogen. Overall, HHC doesn’t have the same affinity for the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Therefore, while it offers intoxicating effects, they are about 70-80% as strong.

The benefits of HHC could include:

A feeling of euphoria
More energy
A more controlled high than what one experiences with delta-9 THC
Improved sleep
A greater feeling of relaxation

Adverse Effects

There has been a significant degree of research into CBD’s effects in recent times. Overall, it is considered a safe, well-tolerated substance with a low risk of addiction. Nonetheless, the following CBD side effects have been reported, albeit amongst individuals who take large doses:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Low blood pressure
Reduced appetite
Dizziness

It’s also important to note that CBD interacts with a high percentage of medications. Thus, if you’re using a medication, particularly one that carries a grapefruit warning, discuss your usage of cannabidiol with your physician before using it.

There isn’t much research into HHC at present. Many of the concerns surrounding it relate to the unregulated nature of the industry and the possibility of products containing contaminants like heavy metals. HHC could also have similar side effects to THC, including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Hallucinations
Memory loss
Coordination difficulties

Before using HHC, please ensure it’s sold by a reputable brand and comes with updated lab reports.

Legal Status

As long as the CBD you buy is extracted from hemp and contains a maximum of 0.3% THC, you should have few issues in buying cannabidiol in the United States. While the 2018 Farm Bill didn’t legalize CBD, it did permit the cultivation of industrial hemp with minimal THC.

However, it’s important to note that in Idaho, CBD oil must contain no more than 0.1% THC. Meanwhile, in Kansas, there can’t be any THC in a cannabidiol product. If you live in one of these states, you’re best served by picking a CBD isolate product.

Things are less clear with HHC. At present, a Federal Court ruling in 2022, which stated that delta-8 and other cannabinoids taken from hemp (in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill) were legal, has provided an opportunity.

Technically speaking, if a HHC seller uses hemp and CBD in the manufacturing process and ensures there is minimal delta-9 THC in their products, they are not breaking federal law. However, several states have moved to ban HHC, so you need to check the laws where you live. Also, the FDA is planning to do something about the existing loophole.

Consumption Methods & Dosing

Neither cannabinoid has a ‘standard’ dosing protocol, as research is ongoing. CBD has been on the market for a long time, so you can buy it in many forms. These include:

Oils/tinctures
Gummies
Chocolate
Vape juice
Hemp flower
Topicals

While there are no clearly outlined dosing recommendations for CBD, it is often said that users should consume 5-10mg at first to gauge how it affects them. Gradually increase the dosage until you’re happy with the results.

HHC is a relatively recent entrant to the marketplace. At present, you can mainly buy it in gummy and vape juice form. Since it is an intoxicating substance, you should err on the side of caution. Consider using no more than 5mg at first to ensure you can handle the effects.

Detection

When you consume cannabinoids, their original forms are converted into a variety of metabolites as your body processes them. For instance, when you consume CBD, it converts into 7-OH-CBD at first, followed by 7-COOH-CBD. By contrast, HHC becomes 9R-HHC-COOH at first, then 11-OH-9R-HHC. That being said, the 9S-HHC stereoisomer of HHC converts into different metabolites.

In any case, it’s difficult to determine whether HHC will show up on a typical drug screening. Suppose you have to provide urine for a urinalysis, for instance, after using the cannabinoid. In that case, there’s no way of knowing whether you’ll test positive since marijuana drug tests are designed to detect the THC-COOH metabolite.

As far as CBD is concerned, there’s always the risk of a false positive result. However, it is unlikely as long as you use a product that contains minimal delta-9 THC. Remember, CBD products in the United States are supposed to contain a maximum of 0.3% THC.

If a product contains a higher concentration of THC and you consume enough of it regularly, there’s a chance that a drug test will detect THC metabolites. You can make things easier by only picking a reputable CBD brand that includes third-party lab reports with its products.

HHC Is Intoxicating, CBD Is Not!

Ultimately, there is no real comparison between CBD and HHC. Although they both come from the cannabis plant, HHC is only available in trace amounts. Moreover, those who create it must use CBD first and go through a complicated process to develop HHC.

If you’re in the market for a cannabinoid that doesn’t cause an intoxicating high, CBD is the right option. However, if you want to experience a high but are also wary of overdoing it, you may elect to try HHC rather than delta-9 THC since it isn’t quite as potent.

No matter which one you consume, begin with a small dose and be patient!