HHC vs THC. This is a debate that has been plaguing the cannabis world for a while now. And I believe as somebody who enjoys consuming cannabis from time to time. I should present my personal opinion in order to help you choose the better alternative between the two. So stick around to know everything there is to know about these two similar yet very different cannabinoids.
What Is HHC?
HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that can be found in marijuana or hemp plants. The overall amount of cannabis is small, as a result, it is usually ignored. In fact, companies who are looking to experiment with HHC need to take naturally occurring THC and transform it into HHC by a process called Hydrogenation in the industry. Therefore, this is an important point to consider whenever you are doing a HHC vs THC comparison.
When you look at the history, then the discovery of this cannabinoid is actually a result of an accident. A scientist named Roger Adams was one of the first-ever individuals who added hydrogen to the THC molecules to make it HHC. Nowadays, most of the HHC circulating in the market are essentially derived from hemp plants. And since this is not regulated in the way THC is, HHC has become the new cool kid in town.
How It Functions
When you add hydrogen molecules to Delta 9 THC, the end result becomes HHC. In fact, HHC has a reduced ability to bind with CB1 or CB2 receptors of your endocannabinoid system. And subsequently, it also influences the pain receptors of the body.
Another thing that happens whenever you add hydrogen to the THC is that the overall stability of the substance increases. Users also claim that HHC products have more shelf life than THC products.
Uses & Benefits
Cannabis is known to produce a calming and euphoric high. Some users also claim that there are some alterations to your visual and auditory perception, which is another word for hallucinating. Moreover, HHC is also known to directly influence the pain receptors in your brain. Therefore, people dealing with terminal or chronic pain will find respite if they consider using HHC. Some of the known usage and benefits of this cannabinoid include alleviating pain, dealing with depression or anxiety, reducing any inflammation, better sleep, and at times respite from nausea.
Risks
Even though there are some really potent benefits to HHC, it does not mean that it is devoid of any sort of risks. Some of the documented risks of using HHC entail:
- Nausea
- Dry Mouth
- Red yes
- Tachycardia or Increased Heartrate
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Dependency
What Is THC?
How can we do a HHC vs THC without discussing THC? Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive agent in cannabis. THC is the most common cannabinoid, so there is no need to synthesize it. The feeling of high that people associate with marijuana is because of this cannabinoid.
One fun fact about this cannabinoid is that it enabled or rather paved the path for scientists to study the endocannabinoid system. In other words, in an attempt to study how cannabinoids affect the human body, a group of scientists led by Professor Raphael Mechoulam stumbled upon one of the most significant discoveries of human physiology.
How It Functions
Even though scientists have proved that there are credible benefits and usage of THC in our everyday lives. Still, some people still harbor the notion that THC is the ‘non-medical’ part of cannabis that has no tangible benefits apart from mood-altering capabilities. This is far from the truth.
Cannabis affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors of our brains. Activating the CB2 receptors in the brain helps the THC to work as an anti-inflammatory chemical which can help people with chronic pain. In fact, scientists have also noticed that THC is also effective in dealing with nausea and even enhances appetite.
Uses & Benefits
Scientists believe that the substance has potent medicinal qualities. Still, cannabis is still mostly used for recreational purposes. Cannabis has been used for ages in order to handle or deal with a myriad of ailments in many parts of the world.
It is a proven fact that THC activates the dopamine center of our brain, which makes us feel more euphoric. So, if you are somebody who suffers from mental illness like depression, anxiety, etc., you can certainly give THC a try.
Some other benefits of using THC include help with anxiety, better sleep, enhanced appetite, pain management, dealing with PTSD, bouts of migraines, and even IBS. Therefore, it is definitely one of the magic herbs that you can procure in order to help yourself with several problems.
Risks
Now, just like HHC, THC usage also has some downsides. The general downsides that these two cannabinoids share are not that different from each other.
- Severe coughing fits
- Pulmonary discomfort
- Hallucination
- Fainting
- Losing the sense of individuality
- Extreme anxiety and paranoia
- Dependency
HHC vs THC Which Is Better?
With that, we have reached the absolute final stage of our HHC vs THC debate. Both cannabinoids have proven to be master of their domain and mostly share similar benefits and downsides. Hence, it is futile to choose one over the other.
But being a cannabis aficionado myself, I prefer something that is more natural and not synthetic. Therefore, if you ask my opinion on the whole debate. I believe that THC is the better alternative as it is naturally more abundant. But on the other hand, HHC has to synthesize by hydrogenation.
Conclusion
In summation, in this HHC vs THC debate, I have decided that THC is the winner. THC shares similar characteristics with the HHC, yet it is more naturally occurring. As a result, you do not have to stress yourself out with the manufacturing process when it comes to THC. But if you do share a different opinion, do let us know in the comments
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