Most hemp users would ask, “THC or CBD?” when choosing a hemp product. But somewhere out there lies a cannabinoid in the middle of these two, a compound that gives out not much of the high feeling you can get from THC and not much of the relaxing feeling you can get from CBD.
This cannabinoid is what we call HHC. You’ve likely heard or read about HHC being compared to THC more often than a comparison between HHC and CBD because it’s believed to resemble THC as a hemp compound.
So how does HHC compare to CBD exactly? Let’s dig in below.
(Note: As HHC is still a new compound in the industry, peer-reviewed studies about it are minimal, and most reports are purely anecdotal.)
HHC vs. CBD
HHC, also known as hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol, is a form of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol with hydrogen added to the THC molecule. HHC naturally appears in hemp but only in trace amounts.
Producers convert CBD into Delta-8 THC, which is then hydrogenated to make the majority of HHC. The Delta-8 double-atom bonds are then cleaved by two active catalysts, introducing two hydrogen atoms and converting THC to HHC.
Due to the bonded hydrogen atom, HHC is incredibly shelf-stable and far less heat and UV-sensitive compared to Delta-8. Thus, HHC edibles won’t lose potency when they are stored.
CBD is non-intoxicating or psychoactive and has been an increasingly popular option for consumers that do not want to be intoxicated. However, CBD’s entry into the market wasn’t hastened because of a misconception about CBD, as it was lumped into illegal marijuana products simply because it is a hemp plant.
Gladly, we now have enough data to erode these misconceptions which is why CBD has become a stable option for many hemp consumers.
As mentioned earlier, CBD is an indirect precursor of HHC. However, it also occurs naturally and is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoid in the hemp plant, unlike HHC, which only amounts to a few portions in the plant.
What benefits can you get from HHC and CBD?
Based on user accounts, HHC and CBD are good for pain relief. Both CBD and HHC also help in improving sleep as it gives out a relaxing feeling. In addition to improving sleep, people report that CBD helps reduce anxiety and stress disorders.
As was previously indicated, HHC is a THC variation that has undergone hydrogenation and other chemical processes. Therefore, it keeps part of THC’s psychotropic properties and reacts similarly to the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
HHC is said to be less potent than its close relative, Delta-8 THC. But as mentioned earlier, HHC is a more stable compound due to hydrogenation, so its psychoactivity lingers longer than THC’s.
Researchers are studying CBD as a potential aid for users recovering from addiction since it is non-psychoactive. In addition, the rather relaxing instead of high feeling is one of the factors why many users prefer CBD over THC products.
Which should you choose between, HHC and CBD?
If you’re into hemp for recreational purposes, then HHC is your obvious choice. Although less potent than THC strains, HHC is said to give out a more relaxing than a euphoric feeling, according to those who have tried it.
However, the challenge lies in the scarcity of HHC product options since it is still new to the hemp market. Thank goodness, Elevated Trading offers HHC in dabs, flower, diamonds, and moonrocks and has HHC vape cartridges for sale. Ingesting and smoking these product forms is the best way to reap HHC’s potential benefits.
If you aim for pure therapeutic benefits from hemp and do not want to get any high, you should go with CBD products. CBD is one of the most available cannabinoids, so you would have less trouble looking for it in any dispensary.
Again, ensure that there’s only 0.3% or less of Delta-9 THC in your hemp-derived products to avoid legal repercussions.
Where can you buy HHC and CBD products?
You can buy HHC and CBD products wholesale at Elevated Trading online or through one of our sales pros.
HHC and CBD are fantastic additions to your shelves, for they will surely aid in boosting sales.
Elevate Trading will be looking out for you to ensure you have the newest cannabinoids available for your clients constantly looking for something new.
We specialize in providing brands and merchants nationwide with bulk cannabinoid products like Delta 8 THC products, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products, THC-O, and THCa products that are all third-party tested. If you want to package your brand of hemp products, look at our product catalog.
We carry a lot of different options, both bulk and retail-ready in packaging, to ensure that our wholesale products are the right fit for your smoke shop, vape shop, or retail location.
Contact us today for a free consultation to see if we fit your store.