HHC vs. THC: Differences, Effects, & vs. CBD

What’s the difference between HHC and THC?

THC is the psychoactive compound most abundant in cannabis that’s responsible for the signature “high” effect. By contrast, HHC is a less-abundant cannabinoid that is known to render milder psychoactive effects and is just 75% as strong as THC. 

In this article, we’re diving deeper into the differences and similarities between HHC and THC – from their effects to their legality – and we’re going to discuss how they compare to CBD.

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant (hemp is cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC).

While HHC occurs naturally, it’s only found in very small amounts. Consequently, the HHC used in products is produced synthetically from delta 9 THC (aka THC). 

HHC is psychoactive and will create a head high, but the high it produces tends to be milder and more uplifting than that of THC. 

What is THC?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (aka “delta 9” or simply “THC”) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant. 

Delta 9 is the cannabinoid most people are referring to when they say “THC”; it’s the THC variant most abundant in cannabis, and the one responsible for the plant’s signature psychoactive effects.

THC is associated with feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and it’s been researched for its potential therapeutic uses for pain, sleep, nausea, and more.

HHC vs. THC Effects & Potency

HHC creates a euphoric, relaxing head high effect similar to THC’s. However, it’s just ¾ as strong and tends to be more uplifting and energizing. 

Said another way: THC is more indica, HHC is more sativa. This makes THC’s effects better for evening and nighttime use, whereas HHC is better during the day.

Most people also report that HHC is less likely to cause anxiety and paranoia than THC is.

HHC vs. THC on Drug Tests 

HHC and THC are distinct in terms of the effects they render, but they’re fairly similar on a chemical level. 

HHC might cause you to fail a drug test because it’s chemically similar to THC. Therefore, drug testing technology may mistake HHC for THC. 

While you might be able to pass a test with HHC, we do not recommend using this cannabinoid if you have an upcoming drug test.

Unfortunately, drug tests can’t tell whether detected THC is derived from hemp (which is federally legal) or ‘marijuana’ (which is the version of cannabis with >0.3% THC that’s a schedule I substance).

Potential Benefits of HHC

There hasn’t been much scientific research done on HHC, and more is needed before we understand its full therapeutic potential. 

However, preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggests HHC may have 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].

Potential Benefits of THC

While THC is well-known for the effects it creates, it’s good for a lot more than recreational use. 

Research suggests THC has therapeutic potential in many different areas:

• Stress & Anxiety: Research on THC for anxiety shows that it may either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how much you take. A Yale School of Medicine study found that THC may exert anxiety-reducing effects at smaller doses [5]. Larger doses may cause anxiety. 
• Pain: Several studies have indicated that THC has potential analgesic (pain-reducing) properties, which may be due in part to its psychoactive effects [6]. 
• Nausea: In a  2010 study from a major research institute in Barcelona, Spain, a THC:CBD mix exerted antiemetic (anti-nausea and vomiting) effects [7].
• Sleep: Anecdotally, THC may promote restful sleep through its euphoric, relaxing effects. In a 2022 study by three Australian researchers, medical cannabis improved both duration and quality of sleep [8]. 
• Appetite: THC’s ability to stimulate appetite is the origin of the term “munchies,” which refers to the feeling of hunger you get after smoking cannabis. However, researchers also have investigated this effect for therapeutic applications. A 1994 study by the Cleveland Clinic found that THC may have appetite-stimulating properties [9]. 

HHC vs. THC vs. CBD: How Do They Compare?

How do HHC and THC compare to cannabidiol (CBD)? 

HHC vs. CBD

The primary difference between HHC and CBD is the effects each cannabinoid creates. While HHC is psychoactive and is roughly ¾ as strong as THC, CBD will not create any sort of a head high. 

HHC creates a noticeable head and body high. CBD renders beneficial effects on both the mind and the body, but its effects are best described as an absence of bad feelings, rather than an overt presence of positive sensations. 

We recommend HHC if you’re looking for mental and physical relaxation, but don’t mind the head high and want something that brings feelings of energy and euphoria. CBD is better if you want the therapeutic benefits, but aren’t a fan of the head high. 

THC vs. CBD

THC and CBD are the two most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and both offer a variety of therapeutic benefits. They are also the most-researched cannabinoids.

But their effects couldn’t be more different. THC renders the classic euphoric, relaxing, potent head high, while CBD creates mental and physical balance without many noticeable effects. 

We recommend THC for physical discomfort due to its powerful effects, while CBD is better for sleep and anxiety.

HHC vs. THC: Safety & Side Effects

Both HHC and THC are safe to consume. However, some users may experience adverse effects after taking these cannabinoids. 

Potential side effects of HHC include:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia
• Paranoia
• Rapid heart rate
• Red eyes

Potential side effects of THC include:

• Dizziness & lightheadedness
• Paranoia & anxiety
• An increase in heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Inability to concentrate
• Nausea

Anecdotally, HHC is less likely to cause paranoia or anxiety than THC is.

How to Take HHC and THC: Types of Products

There are many different ways to take HHC and THC. None of them is necessarily the best; rather, they’re all beneficial depending on your situation and preferences.

Edibles & gummies

Average Bioavailability: 10-20%

Edibles are one of the most popular ways to consume HHC and THC. They come in a variety of forms, including gummies, hard candies, candy rope, and more. 

One benefit of gummies is that they’re fixed-dose. Each piece will contain the same amount of cannabinoids, so gummies are ideal if you’re going to be taking the same amount of HHC or THC on a regular basis.

In edible form, HHC and THC take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in. 

Check out our guide to the best HHC gummies. 

Flower & vapes

Average Bioavailability: 40-50%

Flower and vapes offer a faster-acting way to consume HHC and THC. When inhaled, HHC and THC will kick in within just 5-10 minutes. 

The downside of inhaling HHC or THC is the health risk posed by breathing any kind of infused vapor or smoke into your lungs.

Additionally, note that HHC flower isn’t naturally grown due to HHC’s low concentration in cannabis. Instead, these products are made by infusing other flower with HHC concentrate. There are still high-quality HHC flower products out there; it’s just good to know how these products are made.

Concentrates

Average Bioavailability: 40-50%

HHC and THC concentrates (dabs, distillate, etc.) are inhaled using a dab rig, which is a type of bong. 

Dabbing HHC or THC will render stronger effects than smoking or vaping it will, because the product itself is more concentrated.

This alternative method of inhalation offers the same onset time as other methods – you’ll feel the effects in 5-10 minutes.

Capsules

Average Bioavailability: 10-20%

HHC and THC can also be taken in capsules, which function very similarly to edibles in terms of onset time.

The downside to capsules is that, unlike edibles, they can’t be split into smaller pieces if you want to take a smaller amount.

Oils/tinctures

Average Bioavailability: 20-30%

HHC or THC oil (also sometimes called tincture) is a product consisting of carrier oil and cannabinoid extracts. These products are taken under the tongue and absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth. 

There are three main upsides to oil-based HHC and THC consumption:

1. Oils allow for very precise dosing, as you can measure your dose down to the drop using the metered dropper that comes in most products.
2. Oils are slightly more bioavailable than edibles and capsules due to their direct delivery of cannabinoids to the blood vessels.
3. Oils begin working in just 10-15 minutes (also due to their delivery method).

Ready to get started with HHC and THC? Check out our HHC dosage and THC dosage guides.

Legality of HHC vs. THC

The 2018 Farm Bill made THC and naturally-occurring THC isomers (including HHC) federally legal in the US when derived from hemp. Hemp is cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

That said, some states have made HHC and THC illegal or placed other restrictions on it. 

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of this legality data, you should always conduct independent research on your state’s laws before purchasing HHC or THC online. 

States where HHC is legal

• Alabama
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

States where HHC is illegal or restricted

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

States where THC is legal

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

States where THC is illegal or restricted

• California
• Idaho
• North Dakota
• Mississippi
• Colorado
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania 
• Vermont

Conclusion: Which Cannabinoid is Right for You?

HHC provides a milder, more uplifting THC alternative. It also provides a happy medium between delta 8 THC, a THC isomer that’s ½ as strong as THC, and delta 9 THC.

Since HHC is ¾ as strong as THC, it’s the step between these two THC isomers in terms of potency.

More scientific research is needed on HHC for us to fully understand its potential benefits (and adverse side effects), but anecdotal evidence suggests that it might be the perfect cannabinoid to people looking for something stronger than delta 8, but not quite as strong as delta 9.

HHC vs. THC: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about the differences between HHC and THC.

Is HHC stronger than THC?

No, HHC is not stronger than THC. In fact, the opposite is true – HHC is just ¾ as strong as THC.

Does HHC get you very high?

While HHC is just ¾ as strong as THC, it still renders a decently potent high that tends to be uplifting and euphoric in nature.

Does HHC get you higher than Delta 8?

Yes. HHC is roughly 50% stronger than delta 8, although its effects are similar in nature to delta 8’s.

What does HHC do to you?

HHC renders a euphoric, uplifting head high that’s about ¾ as strong as that of THC.

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] Lichenstein, Sarah D. “THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids.” Current addiction reports vol. 9,4 (2022): 473-485. doi:10.1007/s40429-022-00450-7

[6] Bains S, Mukhdomi T. Medicinal Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pain. [Updated 2022 Dec 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574562/

[7] Duran, Marta et al. “Preliminary efficacy and safety of an oromucosal standardized cannabis extract in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 70,5 (2010): 656-63. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03743.x

[8] Ried, Karin et al. “Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.” Journal of sleep research vol. 32,3 (2023): e13793. doi:10.1111/jsr.13793

[9] Nelson, K et al. “A phase II study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia.” Journal of palliative care vol. 10,1 (1994): 14-8.