THCA vs. HHC

THCA and HHC are two intriguing cannabinoids gaining traction in the cannabis market. Surprisingly, there aren’t many direct comparisons between them regarding psychoactive strength, cost, legality, and effects on the body.

This article delves into the HHC vs. THCA debate, providing detailed insights into each cannabinoid and its key differences.

Key Takeaways 

• Natural Occurrence – THCA naturally occurs in hemp plants, whereas HHC does not.
• Chemical Nature – THCA is the acidic precursor to THC, while HHC is produced through the hydrogenation of THC.
• Psychoactivity – THCA is non-psychoactive in its natural form. However, when heated, it converts to THC and becomes psychoactive. HHC, on the other hand, is psychoactive in all forms and will get you high.
• Cost – HHC is typically more expensive than THCA.

What is THCA?

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is one of several cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike many other cannabinoids, THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form, meaning it does not cause a high. When THCA is exposed to heat, it converts into THC through a process called decarboxylation. Once it converts to THC through this process, it becomes psychoactive. 

To read more about THCA, click here. 

What is HHC?

HHC is a cannabinoid present in small quantities in cannabis plants. Although it is a relative of THC, it is relatively new to the cannabis market. A common question about HHC is whether it is psychoactive, and the short answer is yes. 

However, HHC binds to the receptors in our endocannabinoid systems differently than other cannabinoids like THCP or THC, so even if your tolerance is high for other cannabinoids, it may be lower for HHC. It’s important to note that research on HHC is still limited, so most evidence of its psychoactive properties comes from user experiences.

THCA Vs. HHC: How Are They Made?

How is HHC Made?

HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, but it occurs in such small quantities that mass production directly from the plant is impractical. Due to its scarcity, manufacturers typically produce HHC from THC through a chemical process known as hydrogenation.

What is Hydrogenation?

Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that involves adding hydrogen atoms to a molecule. In the context of HHC production, hydrogenation alters the chemical structure of THC. This process modifies the double bonds in the THC molecule, saturating them with hydrogen atoms, resulting in the formation of HHC. 

The Hydrogenation Process for Producing HHC

• Starting Material Selection – The process begins with selecting a suitable form of THC, often derived from hemp, to ensure compliance with legal THC limits.
• Catalyst Use – A catalyst, typically a metal such as palladium, platinum, or nickel, facilitates the hydrogenation reaction. The catalyst helps in breaking the double bonds in the THC molecule and adding hydrogen atoms to the structure.
• Reaction Conditions – To promote the hydrogenation reaction, the THC and catalyst mixture is subjected to specific conditions, including controlled temperature and pressure. 
• Formation of HHC – During the reaction, hydrogen atoms are added to the THC molecules, converting the double bonds into single bonds. This chemical modification results in the formation of HHC, a cannabinoid with a different structure and potentially different effects compared to THC.
• Purification – After hydrogenation, the mixture contains HHC along with other by-products and residual catalyst. The mixture undergoes purification steps, such as filtration and distillation, to isolate pure HHC.

How is THCA Made?

THCA flower and THCA concentrates are both derived from the cannabis plant but differ significantly in form, use, and processing. THCA flower is the raw, unprocessed buds of the cannabis plant that contain high levels of THCA. It retains its natural plant structure and appearance. THCA flower can be consumed raw by blending into smoothies, juices, or salads. Additionally, when smoked or vaporized, the THCA in the flower is converted into THC through decarboxylation, resulting in psychoactive effects.

On the other hand, THCA concentrates are highly purified forms of THCA extracted from cannabis plant material. They come in various forms, including crystals, diamonds, and isolates, known for their high potency and purity. Producing THCA concentrates involves several steps: extraction, purification, isolation, and crystallization, using solvents like hydrocarbons or ethanol. These concentrates are typically consumed through dabbing, vaping, or adding to edibles, and when heated, the THCA converts to THC, delivering potent psychoactive effects.

Difference in HHC and THCA Flower

Primary Ingredients

• THCA Flower – THCA is sufficiently naturally occurring to be extracted directly from cannabis plants.
• HHC Flower – The primary ingredient for manufacturing HHC is THC (delta-8 or delta-9).

Production Methods

• THCA Flower – THCA can be made from natural cannabis plants, as some cannabis strains are naturally rich in THCA.
• HHC Flower – HHC is made by hydrogenating delta-8 or delta-9 THC, which involves a chemical process to add hydrogen molecules.

Natural vs. Synthetic

• THCA Flower – Since THCA is directly extracted from cannabis plants, you could argue that THCA flowers are more naturally made.
• HHC Flower – HHC, being a product of the hydrogenation of Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC, may be considered more synthetically made.

Legal Considerations

• THCA Flower – The production of THCA involves strains naturally high in THCA, avoiding many legal complexities.
• HHC Flower – Most manufacturers prefer making HHC from delta-8 rather than delta-9 THC due to stricter legal restrictions on delta-9 THC.

THCA Vs. HHC: Best Ways To Take

Best Ways to Take THCA

There are several options for consuming THCA, each suited to different preferences and goals. Your preferred method will depend on your goal with THCA consumption. For instance, smoking THCA will expose it to heat, causing decarboxylation and converting THCA to the psychoactive THC. Here are some common ways to consume THCA:

Raw THCA

• Tinctures – THCA tinctures can be consumed orally by placing drops under the tongue, offering a quick onset of effects.
• Topicals – THCA-infused topicals, such as creams and balms, can be applied to the skin for localized relief without psychoactive effects.
• Capsules – THCA can be encapsulated, allowing for precise dosing and ingestion, similar to traditional pills or supplements.

Heated THCA (Converted to THC)

• Vaporizing – THCA can be vaporized using a dab rig or a vaporizer designed for concentrates, allowing inhalation.
• Dabbing – Similar to vaporizing, dabbing involves heating a concentrated form of THCA and inhaling the resulting vapor.
• Edibles – THCA can be incorporated into various edible products, such as gummies, candies, and baked goods, providing a longer-lasting and more gradual effect.

Best Ways to Take HHC

Each method has its unique advantages. For example, smoking HHC flower or using tinctures will deliver the effects of HHC more quickly than taking gummies. Vaping is also fast-acting compared to consuming gummies or tinctures. It’s important to be cautious with your HHC dosage, especially if you are new to it. We recommend starting with low doses and gradually increasing as needed to find the right amount for you.

HHC can be consumed in various ways, each offering a unique experience and method of delivery:

• HHC Gummies – Convenient and discreet gummies provide a tasty way to consume HHC.
• Vaping – Using a vape cartridge allows for quick and efficient absorption of HHC.
• Smoking HHC Flower – Smoking provides rapid effects and a traditional cannabis experience.
• Tinctures – Taking HHC under the tongue with tinctures allows for fast absorption and precise dosing.

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THCA Vs. HHC: Potential Benefits Effects, and Side Effects

What are the Effects and Potential Benefits of HHC?

HHC produces effects in the body that are very similar to the classic cannabis THC “high”. However, as with all cannabinoids, their impact can vary greatly from person to person based on factors like biological makeup and previous tolerance levels to cannabinoids. HHC binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system in a different way than other cannabinoids, so the effects may be stronger even for those who have a high THC tolerance. 

HHC also has been associated with various therapeutic effects, including:

• Improved sleep
• Increased appetite
• Pain relief
• Mood enhancement

Potential Side Effects of HHC

The side effects of HHC are not well-researched, but anecdotal evidence suggests potential issues such as dry mouth, red eyes, paranoia, anxiety, and insomnia. These reactions can vary between individuals, often depending on dosage and personal tolerance. Due to limited research, it is crucial to approach HHC with caution. Start with a low dose, monitor your body’s response, and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or pre-existing conditions. As more studies are conducted, a clearer understanding of HHC’s side effects and safety profile will emerge.

What are the Effects and Potential Benefits of THCA?

In its raw form, THCA offers therapeutic benefits without causing a high. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding conditions like arthritis. Preliminary research suggests neuroprotective effects are beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. THCA may also reduce nausea and vomiting, relieve pain, inhibit certain cancer cell growth, and help with muscle spasms.

When THCA is heated through smoking, vaping, or cooking, it converts to THC, which is psychoactive. THC provides the typical cannabis high, including euphoria, altered sensory perception, and increased appetite. It also offers medicinal benefits such as pain relief and anti-nausea effects but may cause side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and impaired cognitive and motor functions.

It’s important to note that these potential health benefits still require thorough research and study.

Potential Side Effects of THCA

While THCA is generally considered non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive in its raw form, it may still have some effects, especially in high doses when heated or for individuals sensitive to cannabinoids. Some potential side effects of THCA include red eyes, dizziness, fatigue, paranoia, and dry mouth.

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Potency: Is HHC Stronger than THCA?

The potency of THCA compared to HHC depends on the form of THCA in question. Raw THCA does not get users high, making HHC stronger in this context since HHC is psychoactive in all forms and can produce the euphoria associated with cannabinoid highs. However, when THCA is heated—through smoking, vaping, or other methods—it converts into THC. In its converted form, THC is stronger and more potent than HHC as a psychoactive cannabinoid.

The fundamental difference between HHC and THCA lies in their psychoactive properties. Raw THCA is non-psychoactive and won’t produce a high, whereas HHC is psychoactive and likely to induce euphoria. When THCA is converted to THC through heat, it surpasses HHC in psychoactive potency.

Legality: THCA vs HHC

THCA and HHC fall under the same legal category at the federal level. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, these cannabinoids are generally legal. However, some states have stricter regulations regarding THC and other cannabinoids. Therefore, users must know their state laws to determine whether THCA or HHC products are permitted in their area.

Cost: THCA vs. HHC

The simple fact is that HHC tends to be more expensive than THCA and other cannabinoids like Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC. This higher cost is due to its relative scarcity compared to THCA and the others.

While you may find some products for both cannabinoids in the same price range, THCA generally offers more affordable options. For example, you might find a THCA product for $15, whereas the lowest prices for HHC typically start around $30.

Final Thoughts

The conversation of HHC versus THCA is an important one among cannabis users. However, it gets interesting that they have more similarities than differences. The one notable difference is that THCA is non-psychoactive in its raw form, while HHC will get consumers high regardless of the consumption method. 

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.