In recent years, the cannabis industry has seen a surge in the discovery and exploration of various cannabinoids, each with its own unique properties and potential benefits. Two such cannabinoids that have gained significant popularity are HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) and THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol). This article aims to provide an informative comparison between these two cannabinoids, examining their psychoactive effects, molecular structure, and potential benefits.
What’s HHC?
One of the most common questions we hear is if HHC is a natural cannabinoid. So, let’s take care of that right now: the answer is yes!
HHC is a Delta-9 THC relative that’s been known to science for a while, but it hasn’t been on the radar for most cannabis users until recently. It’s a minor cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis, but not in amounts large enough to make extraction worthwhile. Since commercial production of HHC is just starting up, it’s still pretty under the radar.
Most cannabinoids can be changed into other cannabinoids by tweaking their chemistry. Like Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC, commercial HHC is made from hemp-derived CBD in a lab through chemical processes. HHC has one big legal edge over Delta-8 and Delta-10: it’s not classified as THC.
Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC, is a cannabinoid, meaning it binds with cannabinoid receptors in your body, including your brain. These receptors are part of your endocannabinoid system, which controls many daily functions, from how you feel and think to how you eat and sleep.
What’s THCp?
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol, or THCp, is a pretty rare cannabinoid that was discovered in 2019. Researchers used advanced liquid chromatography techniques to isolate it from the cannabis plant.
Molecularly, THCp looks a lot like Delta-9 THC, which is the famous cannabinoid known for its therapeutic benefits and psychoactive effects. But there’s a key difference: while THC has a pentyl chain (five carbon atoms), THCp has a heptyl chain with seven carbon atoms. This slight change significantly impacts how THCp interacts with the body.
Our bodies have something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps maintain balance (homeostasis) and overall well-being. The ECS has receptors, CB1 and CB2, that respond to cannabinoids like delta-9 THC and THCP. Because of its longer carbon chain, THCP is believed to bind more strongly with the CB1 receptor, potentially making it more potent than THC.
In the cannabis plant, THCP is found in very tiny amounts, often less than 1% of the plant’s chemical makeup. Extracting and isolating it is complex due to its low concentration, so most THCP you find on the market isn’t directly extracted from the plant. Instead, it’s usually made in labs by transforming other naturally derived cannabinoids, like THC or CBD, into THCP through precise chemical processes.
Molecular Structure and Potency
The molecular structures of HHC and THCp play a crucial role in their potency and effects. HHC has a similar structure to THC, but the addition of hydrogen molecules makes it more stable and less prone to oxidation. This stability could contribute to its increased shelf life and effectiveness.
THCp’s unique structure, with its extended side chain, allows it to bind more effectively to the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This stronger binding affinity results in THCp being significantly more potent than Delta-9 THC, the traditional form of THC. Some studies suggest that THCp may be up to 33 times more potent than Delta-9 THC.
Potential Benefits of THCp and HHC
Both HHC and THCP exhibit psychoactive properties, but their effects can vary significantly. HHC is reported to produce a euphoric high similar to Delta-9 THC but with milder effects. Users often describe HHC products as providing a balanced and clear-headed experience, making it a suitable option for those seeking the benefits of THC without intense psychoactivity.
THCp, with its increased potency, can deliver much stronger psychoactive effects. Users may experience a more intense euphoric high, which can be both a positive effect and a potential concern for those sensitive to strong cannabinoids. Due to its potency, THCP may offer significant benefits for physical relief, relaxation, and other therapeutic applications, but further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses.
Potential Side Effects of HHC
There isn’t a ton of data on how HHC affects your body, but since it’s a form of THC, we can expect some similar short-term effects.
Similar to Delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid HHC can:
- Mess with your senses, including how you perceive time
- Change your mood
- Affect your coordination and motor skills
- Make it harder to think clearly, remember things, or solve problems
- In high doses, THC can cause hallucinations. Long-term high doses can increase the risk of psychosis.
- Lower birth weight if used during pregnancy
- Increased risk of car accidents due to their psychoactive effects
- Habitual use can be hard to stop (cannabis use disorder), especially in teens
- Negative impacts on relationships and productivity at home, work, or school
- Higher risk of injury in older adults
- Dizziness, which can lead to falls or fainting
- Increased risk of mental illness in some people
Risks and Side Effects with THCP
THCp is a pretty intense cannabinoid, so its effects on your mind can be pretty strong and sometimes overwhelming. If you’re not used to cannabis, or you take too much, you might feel some psychological distress, like anxiety or paranoia. Also, since it messes with your perception and decision-making skills, you might have trouble with coordination, which could up your risk of accidents, especially if you try to drive or handle heavy machinery while under the influence.
Quality of THCp Products
Another big issue with THCp is the quality and safety of the products out there. Since THCp naturally occurs in such tiny amounts in cannabis plants, making THCp products involves some tricky chemical processes. If manufacturers cut corners or don’t have solid quality controls, it can lead to unsafe products.
Plus, as the cannabis world is still catching up, the rules and testing for these new cannabinoids aren’t fully in place yet. So, some THCp products might not have been tested for safety, purity, or strength. There’s also a chance they might not have the amount of THCp they claim, or they could have harmful contaminants. Always check the label and source of your products to stay safe!
Natural vs. Synthetic Cannabinoids
While both THCp and HHC can be derived from the hemp and cannabis plants, their production methods can vary. HHC is typically produced through a chemical process involving the hydrogenation of THC. This process can be carried out using chemical solvents, making it a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.
THCp, being a naturally occurring cannabinoid, can be extracted directly from the cannabis plant. However, its low natural abundance often necessitates synthetic production methods to obtain sufficient quantities for research and commercial use.
Legal Landscape and Research Needs
The legal status of THCp and HHC can vary depending on local laws and regulations. As of now, HHC is considered federally legal in the United States, provided it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. THCp’s legal status is less clear due to its potency and similarity to Delta-9 THC, making it essential for consumers to check local and state laws before purchasing or using THCp products.
Despite the growing interest in these cannabinoids, more research is needed to fully understand their safety, efficacy, and potential benefits. The cannabis community and industry continue to explore these compounds, aiming to unlock their full therapeutic potential and ensure safe usage.
Final Thoughts: HHC vs THCp
THCp and HHC represent two of the most effective cannabinoids currently being explored in the cannabis industry. While HHC offers a milder, balanced high with potential therapeutic benefits, THCP stands out for its significantly stronger psychoactive effects and potential medical applications. As research continues, these cannabinoids may provide new opportunities for consumers and researchers alike, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of hemp-derived and naturally occurring cannabinoids.
More Articles About THCp and Cannabis Compounds:
- THCP Gummies Review – What To Expect
- HHC + CBD Gummies Are a Game Changer
- Is Delta-8 Legal in California?
- HHC vs Delta-8 – Which One is Right for You?
- Is THCP Legal In the United States? Get The Latest Updates
- THCP vs. Delta-9 THC – Which Is Better For You
- Delta-8 vs. THCP – Which Is Stronger
- THC-O vs. THC-P – What Is The Difference
- Do Delta-9 THC Gummies Help With Pain Relief
- Delta-9 THC Gummies Review – The Best Legal THC Gummy
Resources:
- Nature.com – Discovery of THC-P
- Clinical Study – Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoid
- Federal Drug Administration – 2018 Farm Bill
- Leafwell – What is THCp?
- Clinical Study – Cannabis Sativa, an Overview
- Clinical Study – A Novel Phytocannabinoid, Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCp)
FAQs About THCp and HHC
Other cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, CBN, and traditional THC variants like delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
Yes, both are naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, though they are found in much smaller quantities compared to THC.
THCp is currently considered one of the most potent cannabinoids due to its strong binding affinity to cannabinoid receptors.
HHC has hydrogen molecules added to its structure, while THCP has a longer alkyl side chain, increasing its potency.
HHC offers a stable, milder high, while THCp provides a stronger, more intense, and longer lasting psychoactive experience due to its unique chemical structure.
