What is HHC-P: Effects, Uses & Risks

Delta Munchies' Melon Dreams HHC Gummies on a grassland background.

The rate at which new cannabis derivatives are popping up all over the place is astounding. 

Not so long ago, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) were probably all we knew about cannabis. Now, you cannot count cannabinoids using your fingers! 

There are new additions to the cannabinoid family (which seems to be growing by the day!). So, in this article, we focus on hexahydrocannabiphorol (also known as HHC-P, HHCP, or HHCp). 

Ever heard of it? Read on to learn more about this rare cannabis compound.

 

Key Takeaways

  • HHC-P is a synthetic cannabinoid made by reconfiguring the molecules of CBD. Also, this means there’s nothing like high-HHCP strains.
  • HHC-P is a long-tailed cannabinoid, potentially more potent than THC.
  • Little is known about HHC-P’s health benefits, safety profile, and side effects.

 

What is HHC-P

Cannabis has over 100 cannabinoid compounds, so it’s easy to lose track of the ones that have been discovered. HHC-P may sound new to many cannabis users, but surprisingly, this compound has been around since 2019.

HHC-P is not a natural cannabinoid like delta 9, delta 8, or HHC. It is a synthetic compound made in labs by trained chemists. To be precise, HHC-P is the hydrogenated form of THC-P (tetrahydrocannabiphorol). As a result, it is chemically stable but still capable of producing the effects of THC-P. 

If you are familiar with HHC, you may comprehend the analogous relationship between THC-P and HHC-P. 

At the risk of making this article sound like a chemistry white paper, let’s point out that HHC-P is obtained via an isomerization process that reconfigures the molecules in the parent compound CBD. In fact, minor cannabinoids, like delta 8 THC, delta 10 THC, and HHC, are predominantly produced this way.

Chemically, HHC-P can be considered the lovechild of THC-P and HHC – it possesses the best of both compounds.

What is HHCP Hemp

All cannabis products are effectively legal if derived from hemp with no more than 0.3% THC content. This is spelled out in the 2018 Farm Bill, and its implications have been far-reaching. 

It makes hemp the only federally approved source of natural and synthetic cannabis compounds. Many of these active ingredients of cannabis exist naturally in minute quantities, so extracting them directly from hemp makes little commercial sense. As a result, cannabis companies have found ways to synthesize them from major cannabinoids like CBD.

So, HHC-P hemp is hemp from which the parent compounds for synthesizing HHC-P can be obtained. Typically, high-CBD hemp may be the ideal HHC-P hemp since CBD is first converted to THC-P, which is then hydrogenated to HHC-P.

What is HHC-P Live Resin

The first step to answering this question is by defining live resin.

Cannabis extracts are made in different ways. You can dry and cure the flower or perform extraction straight away from fresh cannabis. Each method has its merits and demerits.

When they want to preserve the original profile and flavor of cannabis, companies opt for live resin. This is a cannabis concentrate obtained from the freshly harvested hemp plant. In most cases, the fresh plant matter is flash-frozen before the extraction process.

Getting cannabis compounds from live resin is also advantageous because it saves costs. Manufacturers forego intermediate processes like drying and curing and go straight to the extraction process.

Because the processes involved in making live resin are gentler on the plant material, delicate compounds like terpenes and essential oils are preserved. As a result, live resin tends to be richer in cannabis compounds like the CBD needed to make the precursor THC-P.

 

HHC-P vs. HHC

HHC is a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis. It occurs in minuscule quantities, so, like other minor cannabinoids, it is majorly synthesized by adding hydrogen to THC molecules – a process called hydrogenation. 

Nowadays, HHC is produced from CBD via isomerization – a cheaper and simpler route. As earlier noted, all cannabinoids come from one parent compound called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). It is the precursor molecule from which major cannabinoids like THC and CBD emerge.

In other words, all cannabinoids have the same molecules. By chemically rearranging these molecules, we can create different cannabinoids.

Little is known about HHC despite being discovered in the mid-1940s by American chemist Roger Adams. But it is known to possess effects similar to delta 9 THC, but less intense. Its popularity has grown in recent years due to its desirable effects and because, technically, it is not THC.

Comparatively, HHC-P shares more with delta 9 THC and THC-P than HHC. For instance, HHC-P and delta 9 have a carbon “tail” of seven carbon atoms. As a result, both cannabinoids are stronger than HHC, with HHC-P thought to be the strongest of the bunch.

Both HHC-P and HHC have broad therapeutic and medicinal effects. Users say they improve cognitive functioning and may even stimulate appetite. Additionally, both induce euphoric experiences, albeit in different magnitudes.

HHC-P is said to produce a high of psychedelic proportions. So, it is advisable to consume it in moderation. It’s definitely more potent than conventional THC, so if large THC doses give you an intense “high,” you may want to go slow on HHC-P.

 

HHC vs. THC P

Like HHC-P, THC-P has not been around long – it was discovered in 2019 by a team of Italian researchers investigating a particular cannabis strain.

Even though it occurs naturally, THC-P exists in extremely small quantities, so direct extraction from hemp is not viable. Like other cannabinoids with the acronym “HC,” THC-P is an analog of THC and exhibits a greater affinity for cannabinoid receptors.

This is attributed to its longer alkyl side chain, which contains seven carbon atoms, compared to the five of traditional THC. As a result, THC-P is believed to attach 33 times more firmly to cannabinoid receptors! 

It’s probably overly simplistic to infer that THC-P is 33 times as potent as THC. However, people who have tried products with THC-P say its effects are 5-10 times stronger than THC’s. That says a lot about THC-P’s potency! Little wonder it is also called “the king of cannabinoids.”

Compared to THC-P, HHC is milder. Like delta 8, HHC is a novel cannabinoid that has been getting attention in recent years. Its growing popularity has paved the way for other new cannabinoids like HHC-O and HHC-P.

One key characteristic of HHC that makes it a good cannabinoid is stability. Typically, hydrogenation creates stable and thermos-resistant products. So, HHC is a hugely stable compound, probably explaining its subdued effects.

It’s considerably less potent than common cannabinoids like delta 8 and delta 9. However, it has more or less the same effects as THC. To experience its high, you may need to take quite a bit.

 

Does HHC-P Get You High?

Being a new cannabinoid, there is limited research on HHC-P. So, there is no way of knowing whether it makes users high.

However, because it is an analog of THC, it is potentially psychoactive. Remember that THC’s psychoactivity comes from its ability to activate CB1 receptors in the brain. Since HHC-P can also bind to the same receptors, there is reason to believe it may also have THC-like effects. 

As to how intense its high is, we cannot say with certainty. On this, we have to rely on anecdotal evidence, most of which suggests it’s “potently euphoric.” This makes sense considering the striking similarities with THC.

For most users, what HHC-P offers is probably more than enough. A strong euphoric experience coupled with a high potentially stronger than THC’s and wide-ranging health benefits is perhaps what many cannabis lovers are after.

 

HHC-P Effects

Let’s start with the good news.

Because it can interact with cannabinoid receptors, HHC-P is thought to have a variety of positive effects like:

  • Relaxation
  • Pain relief
  • Euphoria
  • Intense physical and mental buzz
  • Better mood
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Appetite stimulant
  • Increased energy
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-oxidant

 

The main thing to remember about HHC-P is that its growing popularity revolves around its euphoric experience. Many cannabis users say the euphoria it produces is unlike any other in the cannabis world. Apparently, the euphoria also lasts as long as the high.

Moreover, this sense of euphoria has a uniquely powerful impact on the body. Users say it is “intensely relaxing,” making this cannabinoid a top choice for people seeking relief from physical tension.

Knowing the potential side effects of anything you put in your body is vital. And with the influx of new cannabinoids on the market, it is perhaps an imperative you cannot ignore.

Now the bad news!

HHC-P is associated with the following side effects:

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Intensely powerful body and mind experience which some users find overwhelming
  • Long-lasting high

Logically, large doses of a psychoactive compound can cause intense and unwanted side effects. So, it is always a great idea to go easy with potent psychoactive substances. Only take larger doses once you can handle the effects.

As usual, when using psychoactive cannabis compounds, avoid handling heavy machinery or driving. Tasks that require keen attention may also be unsuitable. 

Over and above everything, we recommend consulting a qualified health practitioner before using potent cannabis products. 

Get a doctor’s opinion when supplementing conventional medications with cannabis products.

 

Is HHC-P Safe?

We’ll answer this question from two perspectives – health-wise and from a legal viewpoint– just for good measure.

HHC-P is a derivative of THC, and its effects are similar to THC’s, if not stronger. This cannabinoid will likely produce a negative experience like THC if taken in large doses. Used in moderation, we contend it may be well-tolerated by humans. BUT (and it’s a big “but”) since HHC-P is not natural, it’s not easy to predict its safety profile.

The main concern for many cannabis users is whether they can fail a drug test after using cannabis products. On this, the answer depends. 

If you take a cannabis product containing non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, or CBG, it is unlikely you’ll fail the test. However, cannabinoids with THC in their nomenclature puts you at risk. That’s because all analogs of THC are metabolized by THC-COOH, the enzyme drug tests seek to detect in urine.

HHC-P is a potent psychoactive cannabinoid, so there’s good reason to believe you are likely to test positive in a drug test after taking it.

 

High HHC-P Strains 

Hexahydrocannabiphorol does not exist naturally in cannabis like other cannabinoids. As discussed in this article, this cannabinoid is synthetic. 

As a result, there is no HHC-P-rich cannabis strain. Any advertisement claiming to the contrary is pure marketing spin!

 

Where to Buy HHC-P 

Want to try out some high-quality cannabinoids? Visit us at Delta Munchies, your tried, tested and tried cannabis brand for one-stop shopping. You’ll find a wide array of cannabis-based products, from gummies to tinctures and vape carts!

Featured Products

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You can try out our Maui Wowie HHC Vape for a chilled experience only HHC can offer. A combination of 1000mg of HHC, natural terpenes, and CDTs makes this product perfect for users seeking to unlock their creative energy or an uplifting experience for which sativa strains are known. 

We also have the Melon Dreams HHC Gummies that pack 25mg of HHC per gummy. These are ideal for users seeking to unlock their creative energy while maintaining a calm, relaxed mien. A dream burst of mouth-tingling flavor is sure to leave you smiling joyfully!