Comparison of HHC and THC: what they have in common and how they differ
In a nutshell: THC, its importance and effects
THC, aka tetrahydrocannabinol, or more precisely delta 9-THC, is a substance many people associate with cannabis, as are its intoxicating effects and the feelings of daze and euphoria that come with its use. THC acts on the endocannabinoid system in our body - stimulating its CB1 and CB2 receptors. Activation of these receptors triggers, among other things, a cascade of effects in the brain that lead to changes in consciousness (so-called psychoactive effects). These can include euphoria, changes in auditory and visual perception, changes in the interpretation of time and more.
The perception of the potential risks of THC and marijuana in general varies quite dramatically across the planet. For example, while the sale of THC is legal in some countries in the USA and Canada, in many countries in Asia and Europe, the sale of THC is completely outlawed. In the Czech Republic, there are strict restrictions in this respect and over-the-counter cannabis products can contain (from 2022) no more than 1 percent THC. In some other European countries it is even less - the limit is often 0.2 or 0.3 %. THC in such small amounts has no psychoactive effects, but in over-the-counter products (with CBD, CBN or CBG) it can enhance the effects of the cannabinoid ingredients contained and thus contribute to the so-called entourage effect.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and its "noble" origin
HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) first saw the light of day in 1944, when American chemist Roger Adams combined THC with hydrogen molecules in laboratory experiments, changing the molecular weight of the hydrogen to replace the double bond present in THC through a process of hydrogenation. This is the first time HHC has been created in the laboratory. It was not until 2020 that two Spanish researchers, J. Basas-Jaumandreu and F. Xavier C. de las Heras, analysed a lipid extract from the seeds of the cannabis sativa plant and discovered 43 cannabinoids - one of which was HHC. It turned out that HHC occurs naturally in cannabis. Unfortunately, it is so scarce that extracting it directly from the plant would be financially unprofitable. So today it is extracted from CBD in the laboratory using more complex chemical processes.
The recently popularised cannabinoids delta 7-,8- and 10-THC are also slight variations of THC, all differing in the location of the double bond in their molecular structure. All are THC but with varying degrees of compatibility with the endocannabinoid system. The molecular structure of HHC is largely identical to that of the most abundant cannabinoid. The fundamental difference that distinguishes it is precisely the breaking of the double bond, which has been replaced by hydrogen. The addition of hydrogen makes HHC more structurally stable than THC. This allows it to be stored for much longer periods of time. In addition to being less susceptible to oxidation, HHC resists heat and UV radiation better than THC.
Effects of HHC compared to THC
Although there is little reliable information on HHC, and it is good to be more than cautious in assessing it, the effects of HHC are often discussed in terms of feelings of intoxication at about half the intensity of THC. Unlike THC, which is hard to come by in its (almost) pure form, there are products on the market with up to 99% HHC concentration. So there is no need to be cautious.
With hexahydrocannabinol, there is not such a significant increase in body temperature or heart rate, and the sedative effects are not very strong, but just promote calm and relaxation. Preliminary findings from studies suggest that the profile of HHC is strikingly similar to THC in terms of its effects on the human body.
On the one hand, there is the potential for pain relief and a sense of calm and balance, and on the other, the risk of developing anxiety, dizziness or paranoia. But the biggest paradox concerns sleep. HHC affects each user differently. For some it can promote falling asleep, for others it can exacerbate insomnia problems.
Users are particularly attracted by the fact that the substance is legal and thus easily available. The question is whether the current setting is permanent and whether it could change in the future. The fact that, although there is intense interest in HHC in certain circles, it has only been around for a very short time. Thus, for the time being, there has been no directional research or studies that have mapped well the effects of hexahydrocannabinol and its risks. It is true that hexahydrocannabinol is currently legal in the Czech Republic. However, the legislative framework in other countries may operate differently with HHC.
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