HHC vs. HHC-O vs. HHC-P

Delta Munchies HHC Gummies in Blue Razz flavor, surrounded by strawberry, blackberry & blue gummies, set against a glossy blue background with tree reflections

There are many new cannabinoids out there, and HHC and its derivatives (HHC-O and HHC-P) are fast becoming mainstream. Not surprisingly, consumers and cannabis enthusiasts have begun to ask a lot of questions about these newcomers.

If you’re looking to find information on HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P, you’ve come to the right place. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find insight into these three cannabinoids as we walk you through everything you need to know about them.

Want to try HHC? Check out our selection of HHC vape carts, disposables, and gummies!

 

Key Takeaways

  • HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P are all hemp-derived cannabinoids that are quickly making a name for themselves.
  • HHC occurs naturally in hemp plants but in trace amounts, while HHC-O and HHC-P are synthesized from HHC.
  • All three cannabinoids have psychoactive properties and will get you high if you consume them.
  • HHC-P may be the most potent, while HHC-O typically yields the mildest effects.

 

HHC vs. HHC-O vs. HHC-P

HHC, HHC-O, and HHC-P are similar but unique. To properly compare them, we will examine their extraction process, compound structure, reported effectiveness, and effect significance. Let’s get into it:

Extraction Process

When it comes to extraction from hemp or cannabis plants, only HHC is extracted from cannabis plants since it is a naturally occurring cannabinoid like THC or CBD. The other two — HHC-O and HHC-P — are typically synthesized from HHC.

However, it is important to note that HHC occurs in small amounts in cannabis plants; therefore, it is typically synthetically produced by adding hydrogen to THC. This makes HHC the hydrogenated version of THC.

However, if you were to extract HHC from cannabis, it follows virtually the same process as other cannabinoids — harvesting, drying, and curing, extraction typically using solvent-based methods, winterization, decarboxylation, isolation, and purification. All these steps are typical in getting specific cannabinoids from cannabis plants.

On the other hand, HHC-O is obtained by adding acetate to HHC. This makes HHC-O a prodrug, possessing different and more potent effects than are obtained from HHC.

Lastly, HHC-P is made by enhancing the structure of HHC’s carbon side chain by adding two more carbons. The additional carbons change how HHC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain and gives us what we call HHC-P.

Compound Structure 

All three compounds have very similar structures since HHC-P and HHC-O stem from HHC. HHC’s original compound structure involves five carbon elements, and it is typically made by adding hydrogen to THC.

On the other hand, HHC-P enhances the carbon side chain of the original HHC by adding two additional carbon atoms. In contrast, HHC-O involves the addition of acetate to HHC to make it a pro-drug (a compound with minimal or no pharmacological activity that transforms within the body into an active drug compound).

These structural differences affect the compounds’ interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Reported Effectiveness

At this point, it is essential to note that the research on HHC is still quite limited, so many reported effects result from anecdotal evidence.

For HHC, users all agree that it is psychoactive, even though the potency of its high is not exactly clear. Some claim HHC is as strong as delta 9, while others state that it is milder than delta 9, even though it is still more potent than delta 8.

Furthermore, like delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids, potential health benefits have been linked with HHC. They include sleep and mood improvement.

HHC-O is typically described as more potent than HHC in terms of psychoactive high. Some experts have placed it at about 1.5 times more potent than HHC. Like HHC, HHC-O has been linked with some health benefits, with users stating that it helps them relax and reduces their pain and stress.

Lastly, HHC-P is referred to as the “King of Cannabinoids” because it is far more potent in terms of psychoactive high than most other cannabinoids. It is difficult to measure precisely how potent it is, but it is about 20 times stronger than HHC and ten times stronger than THC. As a result, HHC-P is usually taken in small doses and often mixed with other cannabinoids.

However, you should also note that research on all these cannabinoids is still limited, and most of their reported effects are based on anecdotal evidence. Besides, the effects of each cannabinoid on individuals will typically differ from person to person.

Effect Significance

Another comparison point between all three cannabinoids is the significance of their effects.  

For HHC, the importance of its effects is that individuals looking for an average high would typically choose it. You’ll find HHC may be more potent than delta 8 but maybe a little lesser than delta 9.

On the other hand, HHC-O may be ideal for those who want something more potent than typical HHC. In contrast, HHC-P may only be suitable for individuals with some experience in taking cannabinoids. We would not recommend that a new cannabis user takes HHC-P, whereas HHC may be an ideal place to begin for such an individual.

 

What is HHC?

HHC, short for hexahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive compound within the realm of cannabinoids. Much like its well-known counterparts, it’s derived from cannabis plants. What sets HHC apart is its unique molecular structure, distinguishing it from other cannabinoids and giving rise to its distinct effects on the body. 

Interestingly, the high gotten from HHC is typically reported to be somewhere between what you get from delta 8 and delta 9.

Another thing to note is that HHC occurs in small amounts in cannabis plants. As a result, it is mostly synthetically produced by adding hydrogen to THC. Lastly, keep in mind that HHC is not as extensively studied as some other cannabinoids. Still, its intriguing properties are expected to attract more attention from researchers and enthusiasts alike as the field of cannabis science continues to evolve.

What are the Benefits of HHC?

HHC edibles and gummies have been associated with several potential benefits. They include:

  • Pain Relief: While further research is needed to fully understand HHC’s effects on pain, a study on rats in 1977 indicated that it might possess pain-relieving properties akin to painkillers.
  • Improved Sleep: According to a 2007 study, HHC might aid individuals with sleep disorders. Since it increased sleeping time significantly in rats, with a promising 80% to 700% boost. 

Please note that while these studies show promising results, more extensive research, especially involving human subjects, is required to fully comprehend the extent of these potential benefits.

What are the Effects of HHC?

HHC’s effects are primarily euphoric. Some users claim it lifts their mood and gets them energized. However, some claim that HHC helps them sleep. It all depends on the terpene profile of the HHC product.

In terms of the side effects of HHC, these are not exactly clear as a result of limited research.  However, since HHC is commonly reported to feel like THC, some possible side effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Dry mouth
  • Red eyes
  • Memory loss
  • Slow reaction time

How is HHC Made?

Commercial HHC products are typically made synthetically because HHC occurs in trace amounts in cannabis plants. The process involves hydrogenating THC, which is the addition of hydrogen to THC to form HHC.

What is HHC-O?

HHC-O is a version of HHC made by adding acetate to HHC to produce more potent effects of HHC in the body. It is a pretty new cannabinoid, and much still has to be studied about its overall effects, especially because it is a derivative of a cannabinoid that already has limited studies on it.

What are the Benefits of HHC-O?

HHC-O may have similar benefits to the body that HHC has. However, scientific research will need to prove that. 

Some other potential  benefits that HHC-O may possess based on the experiences of users include:

  • It relaxes the body and mind.
  • It may reduce pain and stress.
  • It helps users feel more in control of their body and emotions.

What are the Effects of HHC-O?

Users have generally reported feeling their body and muscles relax along with a calming mental buzz. Even other users have reported feeling social, giddy, and happy. The body becomes drowsy during the peak of these effects, which may make you feel more relaxed and open overall.

The overall side effects and safety of HHC-O are not well-known as of now. However, we assume that the same side effects common to most cannabinoids will occur with HHC-O. Furthermore, because it is a little more potent than HHC, we advise that you are careful with the dosage. 

How is HHC-O Made?

HHC-O can be said to be an updated version of HHC. To make it, a chemical compound referred to as acetic anhydride (acetate) is added to the original HHC cannabinoid. This enhances the potency of HHC.

What is HHC-P?

HHC-P is another HHC derivative obtained by enhancing and increasing the carbon atoms in HHC from 5 to 7. As a result, the effects of HHC-P on the endocannabinoid system are different, so much so that it is believed to be 20-30 times more powerful than HHC.  

Note that HHC-P is also described as the hydrogenated form of HHC and the king of cannabinoids because of its potency.

What are the Benefits of HHC-P?

HHC-P has been linked with a couple of benefits based on users’ experience with the cannabinoid.

These benefits include:

  • It may promote pain reduction. 
  • It may improve the mood of users. 
  • It may help soothe the mind and body. 

What are the Effects of HHC-P?

The euphoric effects of HHC-P are the basis for its rising popularity. Many cannabis users claim that the exhilaration it causes is unmatched.

Additionally, this euphoria has a very potent effect on the body. Since users describe it as “intensely relaxing,” this cannabinoid is a popular option for folks looking to reduce physical strain.

Some of the side effects that have been linked with HHC-P are consistent among cannabinoids. They include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Loss of sensory motions
  • Red eyes

How is HHC-P Made?

We have already established that HHC-P is made synthetically in the lab by scientists. It is made by adjusting the structure and atoms in HHC and, sometimes, delta 8.  For HHC, HHC-P is made from it by adjusting its carbon atoms. 

Note that synthetically making cannabinoids is not uncommon, especially in cannabinoids that occur in trace amounts like delta 8, delta 10, etc. 

 

HHC vs. HHC-O vs. HHC-P: Which is Better?

None of them is intrinsically better than the other. Instead, your ideal choice depends on the experience you’re looking to have. 

For instance, experienced cannabis consumers with higher tolerance levels may choose HHC-P if they are looking for a more intense experience. But we recommend proceeding with caution either way.

On the other hand, someone looking for something mild or needing cannabinoids majorly for their potential health benefits may find HHC the best one for them. 

Furthermore, individuals’ tolerance and biological makeup may also inform which of the cannabinoids is better for them. 

 

Where to Buy HHC Products Online

If you are looking to get into the world of HHC, then we recommend trying out the products at Delta Munchies. You will find many unique and exciting products and flavors. And most importantly, you can be assured that they have been lab-tested. 

 

Final Thoughts — HHC vs. HHC-O vs. HHC-P

All three cannabinoids are unique even though they are derivatives of each other. If you are looking to choose between them, we advise that you define your reason for taking cannabinoids, which will help you pick one or all of these cannabinoids. 

 

HHC vs. HHC-O vs. HHC-P: FAQs

Which is Stronger, HHC or HHCO?

HHCO is stronger and more potent than HHC. Users report it to be about 1.5-2 times stronger than HHC. 

Is HHC Stronger than HHCP?

No, it is not. In fact, HHCP is said to be 20 – 30 times stronger than HHC

Is HHC-P Stronger?

Yes, HHC-P is said to be more potent than the other two cannabinoids. 

What’s the Difference Between HHC and HHC-P?

The significant difference is their chemical makeup since HHC-P contains more carbon atoms than HHC. Furthermore, HHC-P is far stronger or more potent than HHC regarding psychoactive high.