More and more cannabinoids are being discovered in hemp plants every day, and their products are being introduced in the market as we speak. Many people find it challenging to keep up with these new cannabinoids and end up not knowing much about them at all. Lack of information can lead to people getting confused with certain cannabinoids and mixing them up with others. In this HHC and HHC-O have very similar names, because of which people get confused and mix them both up, and some people also make the mistake of thinking that they’re both the same cannabinoid. 

With the help of our blog, you can find out what these 2 cannabinoids are, how they work, and what makes them different from each other. 

What Is HHC?

This semi-synthetic cannabinoid is known as HHC or hexahydrocannabinol and it is mainly found in the seeds and pollen of hemp in very small amounts. It was also first discovered in 1944 by an American Chemist named Roger Adams who was trying to merge hydrogen molecules with the Delta 9 cannabinoid. HHC is also referred to as a hydrogenated version of the Delta 9 cannabinoid. 

HHC can create psychoactive and intoxicating effects which are similar to that of THC. These effects are stronger than the effects of Delta 8 but they’re not stronger than the effects of Delta 9. You can consume HHC in various ways such as through vaping distillates, eating gummies, and applying topicals on your skin. There are different products that contain HHC that you can consume, they include; gummies, vape carts, candies, tinctures, distillates, and topicals. 

What Is HHC-O?

HHC-O also known as HHC-O acetate is a synthetic cannabinoid that is created in a lab because it doesn’t naturally occur in hemp as HHC does. This cannabinoid is also referred to as the acetate version of HHC and it has a very high potency. 

The reason why HHC-O has a high potency is because of the way it quickly interacts and binds with all of the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. HHC is sold in the form of various products that you can consume, they include, HHC-O vape carts, HHC-O gummies, and HHC-O pre-rolls. 

What Is The Difference Between HHC & HHC-O?

Just because these two cannabinoids share very similar names, people make the mistake of assuming that these two cannabinoids don’t have any differences, and are quite similar to each other. Some people even assume that they’re both the same thing, but that’s not the case here. HHC and HHC-O acetate are both completely different cannabinoids. Some of their differences include:

• Extraction Method

Since hemp plants have very small traces of HHC, it’s not possible to extract those small traces, which is why scientists searched for other ways and methods to extract or obtain this cannabinoid from hemp. One of those methods is called Hydrogenation. This method involves the process of changing the chemical structure of the Delta 9 cannabinoid and converting it into HHC, by removing its double bonds and replacing them with 2 hydrogen atoms. Thanks to the hydrogenation process, the HHC cannabinoid can have a long shelf life, and also not get damaged from exposure to oxygen, heat, or light. This is because HHC’s molecular structure becomes more stable from the change in its weight. 

HHC-O acetate, on the other hand, has a similar extraction method as the THC-O acetate’s extraction method. The only difference is that instead of adding acetic anhydride to THC, you’re adding it to HHC. 

• Potency 

HHC-O acetate can create psychoactive and intoxicating effects, which are considered to be stronger than the HHC cannabinoid itself, which means that HHC-O acetate has a higher potency than HHC. This is also because of the way that HHC-O interacts and binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system located in the brain and the central nervous system. Some also say that its effects are on the same level as Delta 9’s effects. 

The HHC cannabinoid is considered to be more potent than the Delta 8 cannabinoid, but it’s not as potent as HHC-O or the Delta 9 cannabinoid. 

• Effects

The amount of time that it takes for the effects of HHC to kick in depends on the type of product that you consume, how much you consume, and how you consume it. For example; HHC gummies take at least an hour for the effects to kick in and they last for about 2 hours. However, if you vape HHC, the effects kick in as soon as 10-20 minutes and last for an hour or two. 

Similarly, the amount of time it takes for the effects of HHC-O to kick in depends on the type of product you use. For example, vaping HHC-O takes about 30-40 minutes for the effects to kick in and last about 4 hours, whereas, HHC-O gummies take at least an hour to kick in, and their effects last for 6 hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can HHC Make You Fail A Drug Test?

HHC can make you fail a drug test because it is made up of Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC. Drug tests are designed to pick up traces of THC in our bodies, which is why it’s best to wait until HHC completely leaves your system, before deciding to take a drug test.

• How Long Does HHC-O Stay In Your System?

HHC-O can stay in your system from a few days to a whole month depending on how often you consume this cannabinoid. 

• What Is The Cost Of HHC Gummies?

The cost of HHC gummies ranges from $20 – $45 depending on where you purchase them from. 

• What Is The Best Place To Store HHC Gummies?

The best place to store your HHC gummies is in a dark and cool place such as a cabinet, a drawer, or a fridge. 

• What Happens If Your HHC Gummies Are Exposed To Heat?

Exposure to heat can cause your HHC gummies to not only lose their flavors and potency but also start degrading at a much quicker rate. 

Final Words – HHC Vs HHC-O – Which One Is Suitable For You?

At the end of the day, it all depends on your tolerance levels and your preferences. HHC can provide psychoactive and intoxicating effects which are stronger than Delta 8 but are a bit milder than Delta 9. 

Although HHC-O has been considered safe, there is limited information about it. As long as you’re careful, your HHC-O experience could never go wrong.