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Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

HHC vs THC-O: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to cannabinoids, you may have heard of THC and CBD, but have you heard of HHC and THC-o? HHC, or delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, while THC-o, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol oxide, is a chemical compound that is formed when THC is oxidized.

While both HHC and THC-o share some similarities with THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, there are also some key differences that make these compounds unique.

Hemp Derived Cannabinoids

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is used for a variety of purposes, including the production of fibers, seeds, and oils.

It is also a source of various cannabinoids, including HHC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids.

These hemp-derived cannabinoids are found in the oil extracted from the hemp plant, which is known as hemp oil or hemp extract.

Cannabis Plant

The cannabis plant is the source of both THC and CBD, as well as a wide range of other cannabinoids.

Cannabis plants are classified into two main categories: marijuana and hemp.

While both types of plants belong to the same species, they differ in their chemical composition and legal status.

Marijuana plants are high in THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid that is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects.

On the other hand, hemp plants are low in THC and high in CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have a range of therapeutic benefits.

Psychoactive Effects

One of the main differences between HHC and THC-o is their psychoactive effects.

THC is well known for its psychoactive properties, which is why it is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana and recreational marijuana products.

When consumed, THC can produce a range of psychoactive effects, including feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and altered senses.

On the other hand, HHC is not as psychoactive as THC.

While it can produce some psychoactive effects, they are generally much milder and shorter-lasting than those of THC.

This makes HHC a potentially useful cannabinoid for those who want to experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.

THC-o, on the other hand, is not as well-known as THC and is not as commonly studied as other cannabinoids.

However, it is believed to have some potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is not as psychoactive as THC, as it is formed when THC is oxidized and is less potent than THC in its pure form.

Hemp Plant

As mentioned earlier, hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is low in THC and high in CBD.

While hemp plants contain small amounts of THC, they are not psychoactive and do not produce the same effects as marijuana.

Instead, hemp plants are used for a variety of purposes, including the production of fibers, seeds, and oils.

HHC and THC-o Legal Status

The legal status of HHC and THC-o varies depending on where you are located.

In the United States, hemp and hemp-derived products, including HHC, are generally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.

This means that HHC products that meet this requirement can be legally sold and consumed in most states.

However, it's important to note that the HHC legal status and other hemp-derived products can vary from state to state.

Some states may have stricter laws regarding the use and sale of these products, so it's important to check your local laws before consuming HHC or any other hemp-derived products.

As for THC-o, its legal status is more complex. THC-o is formed when THC is oxidized, and THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, which is a federally illegal substance in the United States.

This means that THC-o is also illegal under federal law.

However, some states have legalized the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes, and in these states, THC-o may be legally available as a component of marijuana products.

Chemical Structure

HHC and THC-o have a similar chemical structure, as both are derivatives of THC. However, there are some key differences in their molecular structures that set them apart.

HHC has two hydrogen atoms at the delta-8 position, while THC-o has two oxygen atoms at the delta-9 position.

This difference in the arrangement of atoms gives HHC and THC-o their unique properties and effects.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

In addition to natural cannabinoids found in the hemp and cannabis plants, there are also synthetic cannabinoids that have been created in the laboratory.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are designed to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids, but they are often much more potent and can produce more severe side effects.

Synthetic cannabinoids are not naturally occurring and are not derived from the hemp or cannabis plant. Instead, they are created in a laboratory using a variety of chemical processes.

Some synthetic cannabinoids have been developed for medical use, while others are used recreationally and are often sold as "designer drugs."

HHC Gummies and Other Cannabinoids

HHC is available in a variety of forms, including gummies, oils, tinctures, and other products. These products are typically made using hemp oil or hemp extract, which is rich in various cannabinoids and other compounds found in the hemp plant.

In addition to HHC, these products may also contain other cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids.

These cannabinoids may work together to produce a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect," in which the different cannabinoids and compounds in the hemp plant work together to produce a range of therapeutic effects.

HHC Vs. Delta 8 THC

HHC and delta 8 THC are two hemp-derived cannabinoids that are related to THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.

While both HHC and delta 8 THC share some similarities with THC, there are also some key differences that make these compounds unique.

HHC is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is found in smaller quantities in the hemp plant. It is not as well-known as THC or CBD, and research on its potential therapeutic effects is still in its early stages.

Delta 8 THC is also found in smaller quantities in the cannabis plant and is less psychoactive than THC. While delta 8 THC edibles are not as well-known as THC or HHC, it is believed to have some potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

One key difference between HHC and delta 8 THC is their legal status. In the United States, hemp and hemp-derived products, including HHC, are generally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. This means that HHC products that meet this requirement can be legally sold and consumed in most states.

On the other hand, delta 8 THC is more complex. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, which is a federally illegal substance in the United States. This means that delta 8 THC is also illegal under federal law.

However, some states have legalized the use of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes, and in these states, delta 8 THC may be legally available as a component of marijuana products.

In terms of their effects, HHC and delta 8 THC are similar but not identical. Both compounds are believed to have some potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

However, HHC is not as psychoactive as THC, while delta 8 THC is less psychoactive than THC but more psychoactive than HHC.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HHC, delta 8 THC, and THC-o are three cannabinoids that are found in the hemp and cannabis plants and have their own unique properties and effects.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds, early studies suggest that they may have a range of therapeutic effects, including pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects.

If you are interested in trying out the potential therapeutic benefits of these hemp-derived cannabinoids, you may want to consider purchasing delta 8 THC gummies.

Delta 8 gummies 500mg are a convenient and discreet way to consume delta 8 THC, and they may offer some potential therapeutic benefits.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.