Many people have been turning to HHC because it creates a head high that’s stronger than delta 8 THC, but not as strong as the classic delta 9 THC. It’s also not as likely to show up on a drug test, and it’s legal in more places.
In this respect, HHC is very similar to CBD; it’s less regulated than THC, and it won’t show up on a drug test.
But while HHC and CBD have some similarities, they also have many differences. In this article, we’ll be exploring those differences so you can choose the right cannabinoid for your situation.
TAKEAWAYS:
- HHC is more potent than CBD. Unlike CBD, it has psychoactive effects and will make you high.
- Both cannabinoids have therapeutic potential. CBD has been researched for use with insomnia, stress, anxiety, inflammation, nerve pain, and more. HHC has been researched for use with pain, sleep, and anxiety.
- CBD won’t show up on a drug test unless you buy a full-spectrum CBD product. Anecdotal evidence suggests HHC doesn’t show up on drug tests, however, no research has confirmed this.
What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant (hemp is a variant of cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC).
However, HHC only occurs naturally in very small amounts, so it’s synthetically produced for use in products — this is typically done by combining delta-9 THC with hydrogen molecules.
Like delta 9 THC, HHC is psychoactive. However, it’s not as strong and renders different types of effects.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is also one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant (hemp is a variant of cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC).
Because of its high abundance and wide array of therapeutic benefits, CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids.
Research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for anxiety, stress, sleep, and pain, among other things.
HHC vs. CBD Effects: Which is Stronger?
So, which is stronger, HHC or CBD?
HHC is quite a bit stronger than CBD. Whereas CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a high, HHC is psychoactive and will get you high.
Most anecdotal evidence suggests HHC is roughly 75% as strong as delta 9 THC (the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the plant’s signature effects).
HHC Effects
HHC induces a euphoric, relaxing high, similar to delta 9 THC. However, it’s milder and more uplifting, and some users note that HHC isn’t as likely as THC to produce feelings of anxiety or paranoia.
Additionally, HHC tends to spread its effects evenly across the mind and body, whereas delta 9 THC’s effects are concentrated in the head.
CBD Effects
CBD won’t make you high, and it doesn’t create noticeable mental effects. Most people describe CBD in terms of the negative sensations they don’t feel, rather than the positive ones they do.
CBD promotes mild mental and physical relaxation and provides therapeutic benefits by stabilizing bodily systems in a comprehensive way.
Side Effects of HHC and CBD
Side effects you may feel after taking HHC include:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
- Rapid heart rate
- Red eyes
Side effects that you may feel after taking CBD include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
HHC vs. CBD: What are the Benefits?
Before we dive into the benefits of HHC and CBD, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how these cannabinoids work in the body.
HHC and CBD work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system in your body that helps to regulate your vital functions. The ECS’s job is to keep the body in a state of homeostasis, or balance.
Though both cannabinoids interact with the ECS, they do so differently — this is why both cannabinoids have therapeutic benefits, but each renders unique effects.
HHC binds strongly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which is how it produces noticeable psychoactive effects. CBD doesn’t bind stronger to these receptors, but instead supports the ECS in other ways.
Benefits of HHC
Due to the mild, uplifting high HHC creates, it’s popular for recreational use.
However, research suggests HHC may be good for much more – studies suggest it has therapeutic benefits in several areas:
- Pain: Research on mice indicates HHC may have analgesic (pain-reducing) properties. In one study, HHC induced anti-nociceptive (pain-suppressing) effects in mice subjected to a pain test [1]. Another study, from the 1980s, found that HHC expressed inebriating properties in monkeys, suggesting that it may create a distraction from discomfort [2].
- Sleep: Anecdotal evidence suggests HHC may promote restful sleep by inducing psychoactive effects and promoting mental calmness. Studies have shown that HHC binds to the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system – the same receptors that THC primarily binds to. From this, it’s plausible that HHC creates psychoactive effects that may be beneficial for sleep [3].
- Anxiety: A 2023 survey of people who use HHC products found that anxiety was one of the main reasons people use this cannabinoid. Most users reported that HHC yielded more good than bad effects, with relaxation and euphoria being among the most commonly reported positive feelings [4].
Benefits of CBD
Although CBD isn’t psychoactive as HHC is, it offers a diverse range of therapeutic benefits that have made it one of the most popular cannabinoids.
Research suggests CBD has benefits in the following areas:
- Anxiety: Several studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, suggest that CBD has anxiolytic properties. In one 1993 study, participants were subjected to a public speaking test that was designed to increase their anxiety levels. Those who took CBD saw decreased levels of anxiety compared to those who didn’t [5].
- Pain: Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties [6]. In 2021, scientists conducted a survey of 253 CBD users to better understand how effective it is for pain. Overall, results were positive: participants reported that CBD helped their pain (59.0%) and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%) [7].
- Sleep: A 2017 research review found that CBD has therapeutic potential for insomnia [8]. CBD may directly promote mental relaxation, but its benefits for sleep are also due to its physically supportive effects.
- Epilepsy: CBD is FDA-approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy in the form of the prescription drug Epidiolex. Epidiolex clinical trials show that CBD may improve Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy most commonly found in children. Patients of this condition who took CBD only experienced half as many seizures as those who received a placebo [9].
- Addiction: There is a small body of research suggesting CBD may have therapeutic potential for people addicted to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulant drugs, as well as for cannabis and tobacco addiction [10].
How to Use HHC and CBD: Best Products
There are a variety of different HHC and CBD consumption methods. None of them are necessarily the best – rather, they each have upsides and downsides. Here’s a bit about each:
Edibles
The most common type of HHC or CBD edibles are gummies. Gummies are one of the best ways to consume cannabinoids because they taste great and allow for easy and predictable dosing.
Both HHC gummies and CBD gummies take roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in.
Oils/tinctures
HHC or CBD oils (also called tinctures) offer a fast-acting way to take these cannabinoids, and they allow you to measure very precise doses.
Oils are taken under the tongue, and the cannabinoids they contain are absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth. Because of this, oils start working in just 10-15 minutes.
Vapes
HHC and CBD vapes provide a quick and easy way to dose these cannabinoids, and they begin rendering effects in just 5-10 minutes.
While vapes have an obvious health downside, many people who take cannabinoids to manage discomfort find that being able to take many small doses throughout the day is what works best for them – doing this is easier with a vape than an edible.
Methods we don’t recommend
While THC flower is popular, we generally recommend against buying HHC flower.
Because HHC only occurs in very small amounts in the hemp plant, most of the HHC flower you’ll find is CBD flower that’s been sprayed with HHC distillate.
While HHC flower isn’t dangerous, it’s not anywhere near as effective as other products made with HHC concentrate, such as edibles or vapes.
HHC vs. CBD Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
Earlier, we discussed the side effects you may experience after using HHC or CBD. While these effects may sometimes occur, they can be greatly reduced with proper dosing.
Starting out, we recommend you take a low-strength dose of HHC or CBD. This way, you can discover how these cannabinoids make you feel before taking more.
To calculate your starting dose of CBD, you can use this formula:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dosage in mg.
To calculate your starting dose of HHC, you can use this formula:
(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dosage in mg.
So if you were 150 lbs, you’d start by taking 10mg of CBD or 7.5mg of HHC.
The reason the HHC formula gives a lower dose is because this cannabinoid is psychoactive.
Once you’re used to how these cannabinoids make you feel, you can slowly add to or subtract from your dose until you land on a dose that provides maximum comfort with minimal side effects.
For more, see our guides to HHC dosage and CBD dosage.
The Legality of HHC vs. CBD
The 2018 Farm Bill made HHC, CBD, and other cannabinoids federally legal when derived from hemp. Hemp is defined as cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. This is purely a legal definition; apart from the THC percentage, the two plants are genetically the exact same.
However, some states ban chemically modified cannabinoids or THC isomers, so HHC has been made illegal in certain states.
Restrictions have also been imposed on CBD, including stipulations that certain types of CBD products aren’t allowed or that they can’t contain above a certain level of THC.
That being said, here are the states where HHC and CBD are and aren’t legal.
Note: While we aim to keep legal status information accurate and up-to-date, err on the side of caution and conduct your own research before making a purchase.
States where HHC is legal
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States where HHC is illegal or restricted
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- Washington
States where CBD is legal
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- Washington
States where CBD is legal, but restricted
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Wyoming
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Will HHC Show Up on a Drug Test?
Even though HHC will get you high, it won’t show up on drug tests — at least, based on what we know right now.
HHC isn’t delta-9 THC (which does show up on tests), and it doesn’t cause false positives by converting into 11-hydroxy-THC (a THC byproduct) once in the liver.
There isn’t scientific research to prove that HHC won’t show up on a drug test, though.
Because of this, we recommend you exercise caution with using HHC if you have to undergo regular drug tests.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
No, CBD won’t show up on a drug test unless you use a full-spectrum CBD product, which contains up to 0.3% THC. If you have to undergo regular drug testing, opt for a broad-spectrum or isolate CBD product.
HHC vs. CBD vs. THC
We’ve discussed how HHC and CBD compare. But how do these cannabinoids compare to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the best known, most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant?
Below, we break down the differences between HHC vs. CBD vs. THC.
HHC vs. THC
Both HHC and THC are naturally-occurring in cannabis and are psychoactive. Research and anecdotal evidence suggests both cannabinoids have therapeutic potential for mental and physical uses.
However, the two cannabinoids differ considerably in their strength and effects. HHC is just 75% as strong as THC, and while THC renders a deep, relaxing head high, HHC is more energizing and uplifting, and tends to spread its effects evenly across the mind and body.
HHC may be the better option if you’re dealing with physical discomfort, while THC is better if you’re looking for deep mental relaxation.
To learn more, see our article on HHC vs. THC.
CBD vs. THC
CBD and THC both occur abundantly in cannabis, and both offer a variety of therapeutic benefits for mental and physical uses. They’re the most-researched cannabinoids.
But their effects couldn’t be more different. THC creates the classic euphoric, relaxing, potent head high, while CBD creates mental and physical balance without rendering many noticeable effects.
We recommend THC for physical discomfort due to its powerful effects, while many people prefer CBD sleep support and mental relaxation.
Conclusion: Which Cannabinoid is Right For You, HHC or CBD?
Out of all the differences between HHC and CBD, the most noticeable is the effects each cannabinoid brings to the table. HHC is psychoactive and will induce a high roughly 75% as strong as that of THC, while CBD isn’t psychoactive and will instead promote mild mental and physical relaxation.
If you’re looking for a milder alternative to THC, HHC is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re looking for comprehensive therapeutic support and aren’t interested in the high, CBD is the better option. It has research-backed benefits for a variety of conditions, and it won’t render psychoactive effects.
Overall, both HHC and CBD are great cannabinoids with lots of benefits. While CBD has been the subject of more research than HHC has, we haven’t investigated either cannabinoid enough to know their true therapeutic potential.
HHC vs. CBD: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us when deciding between HHC and CBD.
Is HHC a good high?
Yes, many people enjoy the high HHC brings. Most people report that it’s a milder and more uplifting version of the high you’d get from THC. HHC elevates the mind and body without being sedative, and it’s about halfway between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC in terms of strength.
What does HHC do to you?
HHC’s benefits are similar to those of delta 9 THC, but only three-fourths as strong. Most people who try HHC find that it creates a euphoric, uplifting high effect.
Is HHC a form of CBD?
HHC is not a form of CBD. HHC and CBD are distinct compounds with different chemical structures and properties. Both cannabinoids occur naturally in the cannabis sativa plant, however, HHC can be made from CBD through a conversion process.
Is HHC better as an indica or sativa?
HHC is better as a sativa due to its energizing, uplifting, and euphoric psychoactive effects.
Is HHC healthier than delta 8?
Apart from minor differences in potential side effects (delta 8 THC may cause nausea and vomiting, while HHC typically won’t), neither HHC nor delta 8 is necessarily healthier. It all comes down to which cannabinoid works the best for you from a therapeutic or recreational standpoint.
Does HHC get you higher than delta 8?
Yes, HHC’s high is slightly stronger than delta 8’s, while not being as strong as delta 9 THC’s.
Sources
[1] Watanabe, K., Itokawa, Y., Yamaori, S. et al. Conversion of cannabidiol to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and related cannabinoids in artificial gastric juice, and their pharmacological effects in mice. Forensic Toxicol 25, 16–21 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-007-0021-y
[2] Mechoulam, R et al. “Stereochemical requirements for cannabinoid activity.” Journal of medicinal chemistry vol. 23,10 (1980): 1068-72. doi:10.1021/jm00184a002
[3] Nasrallah, Daniel J, and Neil K Garg. “Studies Pertaining to the Emerging Cannabinoid Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).” ACS chemical biology vol. 18,9 (2023): 2023-2029. doi:10.1021/acschembio.3c00254
[4] Ferretti, Morgan L et al. “A Survey Study of Individuals Using Hexahydrocannabinol Cannabis Products: Use Patterns and Perceived Effects.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10.1089/can.2023.0143. 7 Nov. 2023, doi:10.1089/can.2023.0143
[5] Zuardi, A W et al. “Effects of ipsapirone and cannabidiol on human experimental anxiety.” Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) vol. 7,1 Suppl (1993): 82-8. doi:10.1177/026988119300700112
[6] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. 4, Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
[7] Schilling, Jan M et al. “Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes.” Journal of pain research vol. 14 1241-1250. 5 May. 2021, doi:10.2147/JPR.S278718
[8] Babson, Kimberly A et al. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” Current psychiatry reports vol. 19,4 (2017): 23. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
[9] Seizure Reduction and Treatment | Clinical Study Results | EPIDIOLEX® (cannabidiol). (n.d.).
[10] Prud’homme, Mélissa et al. “Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence.” Substance abuse : research and treatment vol. 9 33-8. 21 May. 2015, doi:10.4137/SART.S25081
