HHC and THC-O are some of the newly discovered cannabinoids present in the market. They have slowly gained a lot of recognition and popularity by many people in the world today. However, these two cannabinoids have caused many debates among people about which one is better and stronger or which one carries more benefits. 

With the help of our blog, you can find out more about these two cannabinoids, which one is stronger, what are their differences, and you can also figure out which one is more suitable for you. 

What Is HHC?

HHC also known as hexahydrocannabinol is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that is found in hemp plants in very small traces, which is why it is also referred to as a minor cannabinoid and it is also called the hydrogenated form of the cannabinoid Delta 9. HHC was first discovered in early 1944 by an American chemist named Roger Adams who was trying to combine hydrogen molecules with Delta 9. 

HHC also has quite similar relaxing effects as the cannabinoid called THC. Although it might not be as strong as the Delta 9 cannabinoid, it’s definitely considered stronger than the Delta 8 cannabinoid because it produces stronger psychoactive effects. HHC can be consumed in multiple ways such as vaping, consuming HHC-infused edibles and tinctures, and even applying it to your skin. 

What Is THC-O?

THC-O is also known as THC-O Acetate and it is a synthetic cannabinoid that doesn’t occur naturally in hemp like other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, etc. Instead, it is created in a lab by scientifically trained professionals. 

THC-O is also considered to be much stronger than traditional weed and can create stronger and more intense highs and effects than cannabinoids like Delta 8 and Delta 9. THC-O’s chemical structure is said to be similar to the chemical structure of Delta 9. THC-O is also sold in the form of various products such as distillates, gummies, tinctures, etc. 

What Is The Difference Between HHC & THC-O?

Many people make the mistake of assuming that they both don’t have any differences and are quite similar to each other because both of these cannabinoids are variants of THC, However, that’s not the case here. HHC and THC-O are both very different from each other, and these differences are their proof. Such as:

• Origin

As mentioned before, HHC is considered as a naturally occurring cannabinoid even if it is found in very small traces and can’t be extracted properly which is why people have to use other scientific methods to extract this cannabinoid. Whereas THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid that doesn’t naturally occur in hemp and is created in a lab by specialists instead. 

• Extraction/Manufacturing Process

Since HHC is found in very small traces in hemp and can’t be extracted, people tried to look for other ways to produce this cannabinoid and that was through a process called Hydrogenation. This process allows you to convert THC or Delta 9 into HHC by changing its chemical structure and removing its double bonds and adding two hydrogen atoms in their place. This causes a change in THC’s molecular weight and makes it more stable. Through the process of hydrogenation, HHC has very less chances of getting damaged from being exposed to oxygen, heat, or light, and it also helps HHC have a long shelf life. 

The process of creating THC-O is considered dangerous and must not be performed at home. It should only be done in a lab by scientifically trained professionals. It involves converting hemp-derived CBD into Delta 8, by extracting CBD from hemp and then removing the Delta 8 cannabinoid from it. Once that’s done you add or mix a highly flammable chemical called acetic anhydride to the Delta 8 cannabinoid which will create the THC-O cannabinoid. 

• Chemical Structure

The base structure of HHC is altered by hydrogenating Delta 9 or THC by removing the double bond in its chemical structure which helps create HHC. HHC is also referred to as the more stable version of Delta 9 or THC because of the two hydrogen atoms added to its chemical structure which help it to have a longer shelf life and withstand exposure to heat, light, and oxygen better.  

THC-O on the other hand is referred to as the acetylated version of THC. This is because the base structure of THC-O is the same as the base structures of Delta 8, Delta 9, and THC without any alterations. 

• Potency 

Although THC-O is considered as a variant of THC, its potency is still 5 times stronger than Delta 8’s potency and 3 times stronger than Delta 9’s potency. Due to its high potency, THC-O Acetate creates strong and intense highs which is why it’s important that you consume it with caution and not go past your tolerance levels. 

However, HHC is only more potent than Delta 8 but less potent than Delta 9 but its effects are still quite strong. This also means that THC-O is much stronger than HHC as well due to its high potency. 

• Effects

The effects of THC-O are much stronger than the effects of HHC because of its high potency. It’s perfect for people who enjoy intense highs. The amount of time that it takes for the effects of THC-O to kick in is around 30 minutes and it lasts for 3-5 hours depending on the type of product you consume, how you consume it, and the amount that you consume.

HHC’s effects kick in after 30 minutes, and they last for 2-3 hours based on the type of HHC product you use. For example, the effects of HHC gummies kick in an hour or 2 after consumption and they last for 2 hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can HHC Be Detected In A Drug Test?

Yes, HHC can be detected in a drug test. 

• Is THC-O Legal?

According to Federal law, THC-O and its products are considered legal as long as they don’t contain more than 0.3% of THC in them.

• How Long Can THC-O Stay In Your System?

THC-O can stay in your system for up to 80 days depending on how often you consumed it. 

• What Is The Cost Of HHC Gummies?

The cost of HHC gummies is around $4 – $29 based on the size and amount of the gummies. 

• What Is The Best Way To Consume THC-O?

It all depends on what you feel most comfortable with. Some people might prefer vaping THC-O, while others would prefer consuming its edibles. 

Final Words – HHC Vs THC-O

When it comes to potency, THC-O is definitely one that gives a more lasting high, but both these cannabinoids are massively sought-after in the market. However, it’s always recommended for first-timers to start slow and gradually increase intake until their tolerance gets better.

Related Articles: 

What Is THC-H

Will THC-B Get Me High?

Do Delta 8 THC Dabs Get Me High?