The different variety of cannabinoid products that have hit the market has skyrocketed since the legalization of hemp products containing less than 0.3 percent THC in 2018. HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P are some of the newest cannabinoids and have quickly gained popularity with the cannabinoid community.
Many people wonder what the differences are between HHC and its derivatives, HHC-O and HHC-P. With this guide, you’ll learn all about these popular cannabinoids and the products that contain them.
Table of contents:
- Key Takeaways
- What Is HHC?
- What Is HHC-O?
- What Is HHC-P?
- HHC Vs HHC-O Vs HHC-P
- Recommended Products
- Where Can I Find HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis and hemp plants contain naturally occurring cannabinoids called HHC.
- A cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis, Delta-8 THC, is similar to HHC.
- HHC is the precursor cannabinoid for both HHC-O and HHC-P.
- HHC-O and HHC-P are both derived through a chemical reaction between HHC and a compound called aceticanhydride.
- While few studies have been done regarding the effects of HHC, people report more significant effects from HHC-O.
- HHC-P, the newest form of HHC, is said by many to produce the most significant effects.
- According to the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P are all legal in the U.S.
- We sell a variety of HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P products, including vape cartridges, tinctures, gummies, dry flower, and capsules.
What Is HHC?
Cannabis and hemp plants contain HHC, a naturally occurring cannabinoid. Known also by its scientific name, Hexahydrocannibinol, it was first derived in the early 1940s by combining hydrogenated carbons with a THC molecule to create a new molecule.
HHC is normally found only in small amounts inside the leaves and flowers of mature hemp and cannabis plants. This process allows the HHC to be concentrated and extracted more efficiently. Like all cannabinoids, HHC interacts with the body in various ways through the cannabinoid receptors.
HHC reacts strongest with the first cannabinoid receptor system to create various effects in the body. Many have described their experience with HHC as similar to Delta 9 THC but much milder.
Because of this, HHC has quickly become a popular choice as a standard THC alternative for its legal status and less impairing effects. A full scope of the currently verified research on HHC can be found here.
Most notably, HHC is the precursor cannabinoid for both HHC-O and HHC-P, meaning that they are both derived directly from the HHC cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant.
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What Is HHC-O?
HHC-O is a cannabinoid directly derived from HHC. This process is carried out by adding an acetate group to the HHC compound. Once HHC has an added acetate group, it becomes HHC-O and is said to produce effects that are closer to standard Delta-9 THC.
HHC-O tends to be more popular than standard HHC due to the reported effects being more significant. It is thought that the effects of HHC-O can be up to twice as significant as standard HHC. This makes HHC-O a great choice for experienced cannabinoid enthusiasts.
HHC-O is a form of synthetic cannabinoid that was derived with the intention of increasing the significance of the effects. People report varying effects during their experience with HHC-O but generally say there is a some desired effects that they find quite pleasant.
While there is not enough scientific evidence to claim concrete effects, researchers are working hard to determine the perks of the new cannabinoid.
What Is HHC-P?
HHC-P is the newest derivative form of HHC. Also known by the scientific name Hexahydrocannabiphorol, HHC-P is said to produce significant effects, even stronger than standard delta-9 THC.
That being said, much less is known about the effects of HHC-P in comparison to HHC. HHC-P is thought to have a similar chemical structure to Delta-9 THC and produce many of the same effects.
HHC-P derivatives are much less common than HHC and HHC-O and do not contain any tetrahydrocannabinol. This makes HHC-P a great choice for experienced cannabinoid enthusiasts.
HHC Vs HHC-O Vs HHC-P
The next section of this guide will focus on the major differences between the three cannabinoids and how those differences affect the overall experience. The differences include their compound structures, effectiveness, potential perks, and extraction processes.
All of these and more will be detailed in the sections below.
Compound Structure
The first notable difference between HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P is the way the compounds are structured. HHC is structured identically to standard THC with one major difference, a missing double bond in the cyclohexane ring.
HHC-O combines an acetate group with an oxygen molecule, which causes a reaction that changes the structure of the compound. HHC-O will be derived due to the reaction caused by interacting with the acetic anhydride.
HHC-P is structurally similar to delta-9 THC with one notable difference, an extra carbon molecule. All of these minor compound differences cause major variances in effects and effect significance.
The way the compounds are set up causes the three cannabinoids to vary greatly in effectiveness.
Reported Effectiveness
Cannabinoids take effect in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a system of nerves that runs throughout the body. The cannabinoids must bind to these receptors to cause various effects.
HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, also known as a true cannabinoid. This means that they have a much greater affinity for binding with the cannabinoid receptors in the body. HHC-O creates enhancement effects for the metabolic properties of HHC.
This means that HHC-O will only become active inside the body after metabolism. HHC-P, on the other hand, has extremely strong binding properties due to the extra carbon added to the structure.
Effect Significance
The significance of the effects is also a major difference these cannabinoids have. HHC, the precursor cannabinoid to HHC-O and HHC-P, has effects that are said to be comparable with standard Delta-9 THC, although milder.
HHC-O ramps things up slightly and has been said to be closer to the actual Delta-9 experience due to the acetate group that enhances HHC metabolism. Finally, HHC-P forms the most powerful binding with the cannabinoid receptors and therefore causes the most significant effects.
This means that HHC is a better option for someone with less experience with cannabinoids, while HHC-P is more suited for experienced cannabinoid enthusiasts. Keep in mind that effect significance will depend highly on the method you use to experience HHC as well as your physical tolerance.
Suspected Benefits
Although there is not enough scientific data to definitively say that HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P have any potential, all three cannabinoids are believed to have a variety of possible positive effects; however, the FDA has not approved any cannabis-related products, so these effects are not guaranteed.
The most significant potential perk being explored by scientists is the relaxation-support caused when HHC binds with cannabinoid receptors. HHC is also being studied for its potential to combat certain illness, and some other diseases.Â
All of these factors make more research into the effects of HHC and its derivatives vital and could prove beneficial for the medical community in the future. Along with these potential scientific perks, people report significant effects similar to Delta-9 THC.
These potential benefits are shared across the three cannabinoids and will be researched further in the future to determine concretely how they can be applied.
Extraction Process
The extraction process differs slightly for the three cannabinoids. Standard HHC is obtained from THC using a process called isomerization. This process involves extracting CBD from a mature hemp plant and applying solvent.
The CBD is then transformed into HHC by adding an additional acid to the solvent, which changes the molecular compound of the extracted HHC. The final step of the extraction is completed when hydrogen is added to convert the THC to HHC.
This process must first be completed before HHC-O and HHC-P can be derived by being exposed to acetic anhydride. The exact method of extraction will vary depending on the company that you are purchasing your HHC products from.
Because of this, it is important that you only purchase from reputable companies like us here at ATLrx. We ensure that all of our products are high-quality, safe, and lab-tested before they make their way to you.
Recommended Products
There are a wide variety of different forms that you can find HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P. The section below will provide some details on the products so you can find one that best suits you. The products include HHC dabs, distillates, flower, and shatter. All of these will be discussed in more detail below.
HHC Dabs
HHC dabs are extracted concentrates of HHC meant for use with a dab rig or vaporizer. HHC dabs contain concentrated levels of HHC for more significant effects than other methods. We recommended our Sativa dominant Fruit Punch HHC dabs.
These dabs have a mixed terpene profile with subtle fruity hints when smoked. The tins containing 1 gram of premium HHC dabs can be purchased here for $69.99 and contain HHC extracted from hemp grown in the USA.
HHC Distillate
HHC distillate is the purest form of HHC you can currently purchase. It generally comes packaged in tins and can then be mixed in with other products or experienced by itself. You will find HHC distillate commonly mixed with HHC dabs, tinctures, or other terpenes to heighten the experience.
We recommend our HHC distillate which contains an impressive 99.4% cannabinoid content. You can purchase a 1-gram tin of HHC distillate here for $7.99.
HHC Flower
HHC flower is one of the most popular ways to experience HHC. The HHC flower resembles typical THC buds and features a wide array of visible terpene crystals. You can roll HHC flower, smoke it out of a bong or pipe, or vaporize it.
We recommend our Wedding Cake HHC flower, which can be found here. This is an Indica dominant strain that is said to potentially produce relaxation support.
HHC Shatter
HHC shatter is a form of HHC dabs that have been distilled, causing them to take a harder, glassier form than typical dabs. Generally, the HHC content between dabs and shatter is very similar, but many prefer HHC shatter due to its ease of handling.
While HHC dabs are sticky and can only be handled using a tool, HHC shatter is solid enough that it can be handled with your bare hands without making a mess. We recommend our HHC shatter, found here for $14.99 per gram.
HHC-P Distillate
HHC-P distillate is similar to HHC distillate in that it can be experienced alone or mixed with other cannabinoid extracts but with significantly more potent effects. HHC-P distillate is said to cause effects extremely similar to standard Delta-9 THC. HHC-P distillate can be used to make HHC-P dabs or mixed with other terpenes for more potent cannabinoid concoctions. HHC-P distillate is popular for being an extremely versatile way to experience HHC-P. We recommend our HHC-P distillate containing 94.6% cannabinoid content. A .25-gram tube can be purchased here for 54.99
HHC-O Distillate
HHC-O distillate is similar to HHC distillate in that it can be experienced alone or mixed with other cannabinoid extracts but with moderately more potent effects. HHC-O distillate is said to cause effects more significant than standard HHC but less than HHC-P. HHC-O distillate can be used to make HHC-O dabs or mixed with other terpenes for more potent cannabinoid concoctions. HHC-P distillate is popular for being an extremely versatile way to experience HHC-P.
We recommend our HHC-O distillate, which can be found here.
Which One Is Better?
Which of the cannabinoids is best will depend largely on your personal preferences. HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P all produce similar effects but with different degrees of significance. This means that people will less experience with cannabinoid products should consider experiencing standard HHC products first.
This will ensure that the effects do not become overwhelming and allow you to gradually work up to stronger strains. HHC-O would be better for someone with slightly more experience with HHC and other cannabinoids but who wants a more moderate experience compared to HHC-P.
Finally, for those who have a good amount of experience with HHC products and other cannabinoids, HHC-P will provide the most significant experience. This is best for someone who wants to get as close as possible to the true Delta-9 THC experience.
One other thing to consider is your own tolerance levels. If you have been using cannabinoid products containing THC frequently, there is a high chance your tolerance has gone up. A high tolerance can mean you would be better suited experiencing one of the stronger HHC derivatives.
As far as the best method of experiencing HHC goes, this is also a personal preference, but generally, HHC distillate or HHC dabs will contain the highest cannabinoid contents. While many people enjoy rolling up HHC flower, it is generally thought to be less effective.
Where Can I Find HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P?
Here at ATLRx, we feature a wide variety of high-quality HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P products, including HHC dabs, distillates, flower, and shatter. It is important that you only purchase your HHC products online from reputable brands like us.
This will ensure that the HHC products you purchase are safe and of the highest quality possible. We offer affordable prices, fast and reliable shipping, and stellar customer service to resolve any issues or questions that you have with your order.
You can also occasionally find stores that stock HHC products, though it is rare as HHC is not as popular as other cannabinoid products like HHC or Delta-8. If you do find HHC in a store in your area, carefully research the brand and the company to ensure they are reputable.
Since there is little known scientifically about HHC at this point, it is important that you pay attention to where your HHC is sourced. You should only purchase HHC products that contain HHC extracted from hemp plants grown in the US.
This will help you avoid low-quality, potentially dangerous products. You can visit our online store here for a full selection of safe, lab-tested cannabinoid products, including HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P.
Related Article: Where Can I Buy HHC Online In The USA?
Conclusion
While HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P are all very similar, they all act with different levels of significance in the body. While there is still much research left to be done to determine the effects of these cannabinoids concretely, they are said to produce effects similar to Delta-9 with varying levels of significance.
Standard HHC products will produce a milder experience compared to HHC-O, the next step up in cannabinoid potency. Finally, HHC-P will produce the most significant effects of all, with some saying it is close to identical to Delta-9 THC.
If you are interested in purchasing HHC products online, our website has a large variety of the highest HHC products currently available. All orders come with free shipping and affordable prices. Make sure to check us out if this article got you interested in the popular HHC cannabinoid and its powerful derivatives, HHC-O and HHC-P.
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