The cannabis plant contains more than a hundred different cannabinoids. Moreover, new cannabinoids are discovered regularly, so the list of familiar cannabinoids is growing daily. You’ve probably heard of CBD by now, as it’s one of the most popular legalized hemp cannabinoids.
However, scientists discovered plenty of other cannabinoids, including HHC. Although it’s not as popular as CBD, cannabis fans are increasingly interested in it. If you’ve heard about HHC, you’re probably interested in how it compares to the much more popular CBD.
From exploring the two cannabinoids in great detail to comparing them, you can find out everything about CBD and HHC.
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What is CBD?
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Before we jump into the CBD vs. HHC comparison, it’s important to say something more about CBD.
Cannabidiol, CBD, is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It was discovered in 1940 by the American chemist Roger Adams. CBD has seen tremendous growth over the last decade, despite the initial misunderstanding of it as simply another cannabinoid from the cannabis plant.
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound used for various medical and therapeutic benefits, including relief from anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures. Thanks to its molecular structure, CBD can have outstanding effects on the endocannabinoid system without having any psychoactive THC effects.
There are three types of CBD products. These include an isolate containing only one cannabinoid, a broad spectrum that typically has all cannabinoids except for Delta-9 THC, and a full spectrum that includes even the naturally occurring cannabinoid Delta-9 THC.
These potent compounds have different effects, but it’s important to mention the full spectrum CBD can result in a failed drug test due to the presence of Delta-9 THC.
Benefits of CBD
It’s safe to say CBD is best known for its numerous benefits, including the ones mentioned below.
- Pain relief:Â CBD can be anti-inflammatory and analgesic, helping reduce pain. That makes it a great alternative to traditional pain medications.
- Reduced anxiety and depression:Â CBD can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in humans and animals by helping reduce cortisol levels.
- Reduced inflammation:Â CBD can reduce the inflammation associated with various chronic illnesses, including arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
- Reduced nausea and vomiting:Â CBD can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and other medical treatments.
- Improved sleep:Â CBD can help reduce insomnia, improve sleep quality, and reduce the time needed to fall asleep.
- Improved appetite:Â CBD can stimulate appetite, benefiting those who are underweight or have difficulty eating.
- Reduced acne:Â CBD can control the production of sebum, which can lead to reduced acne.
- Anti-seizure properties:Â CBD can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in those with certain types of epilepsy.
Is CBD legal?
The legality of CBD depends on where you live. In the United States, the legality of CBD is a slightly complicated issue. The 2018 Farm Bill removed every hemp-based cannabinoid with less than 0.3% THC from the Controlled Substances Act, making it federally legal to possess and consume CBD.
However, each state has its own regulations for certain cannabinoids, with some states legalizing hemp-derived CBD and others putting restrictions on the sale of some CBD products.
Therefore, checking your state’s laws is essential to determine whether CBD is allowed.
How to take CBD the right way?
Taking CBD correctly depends on several factors, including the dosage, what kind of CBD product you’re using, and your tolerance and metabolism. Here are a few helpful tips.
- Start with a low dose:Â Begin with the smallest recommended dose and increase gradually until you find a proper amount that works best for you. Taking too much CBD at once can result in experiencing undesirable effects.
- Choose the right product:Â Depending on your symptoms and preferences, CBD can be taken in various forms, including tinctures, edibles, capsules, topicals, and vape oil. Experiment with different products until you find a product you prefer.
- Monitor your symptoms:Â Pay attention to how you feel after taking different CBD products and adjust your dosage accordingly. Going with a moderate dose will ensure you avoid experiencing significant side effects.
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What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC, is another hemp-derived cannabinoid. It was discovered in 1947 by chemist Roger Adams. Although it’s less popular than CBD, it’s quickly catching up.
HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC, which you probably know as the main psychoactive component of cannabis and a highly potent cannabinoid. HHC is a cannabinoid isomer, a unique structural variant of THC modified through different chemical means.
HHC is found in hemp plants primarily in the form of seeds and pollen, and it has to be manufactured from these sources to produce more significant quantities of it.
The hydrogenation process is the main reason why HHC hydrogen molecules are so stable and why hydrogen atoms in HHC have a double bond. Namely, they’re more resistant to UV and heat exposure than other cannabinoids.
However, HHC can still appear on a drug test, so users must be careful when using the available HHC products.
Benefits of HHC
Benefits of HHC compare to CBD, considering they have a lot in common. Nevertheless, it’s essential to keep in mind HHC has been studied only over the last few years, so there’s still a lot to be discovered about the benefits of HHC.
These are some of the HHC advantages discovered so far.
- Improves mood:Â HHC is an outstanding entry-booster and mood-alleviator. Improving mood with it is a breeze.
- Relieves pain:Â Since HHC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it might effectively relieve pain among its users.
- Reduces inflammation:Â HHC might also reduce inflammation thanks to its powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Reduces nausea:Â Like many other cannabinoids, HHC might reduce nausea and prevent vomiting.
- Has anti-seizure and anti-cancer properties:Â HHC begins to show outstanding results when combating seizures and symptoms that could eventually lead to cancer.
- Protects against neurological diseases: HHC could be a great way to prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Is HHC legal?
When it comes to legality, HHC can be made out of hemp, so hemp-derived HHC is legal. According to the 2018 US Farm Bill, all hemp derivatives with less than 0.3% THC content are considered legal country-wide, including HHC.
With that said, HHC is currently legal across the US. However, some state laws conflict with the 2018 US Farm Bill, which automatically makes the topic of HHC legality a more complex issue.
Nevertheless, HHC is still a fairly new product on the market, and there are currently no laws in place that are directed specifically toward HHC. Still, some states are beginning to restrict Delta-8, and we can only assume the same will happen to HHC once it reaches a higher level of popularity.
Since every state handles HHC differently, finding the most relevant information on HHC legality for your state specifically will inform you about the latest updates in laws and regulations.
How to take HHC gummies the right way?
HHC-manufactured gummies are the go-to HHC product among fans of this cannabinoid. They’re tasty, discreet, and easy to take.
Also, you can carry them everywhere with you. These gummies look exactly like regular ones, so no one will suspect a thing if you take your HHC gummies in public.
Since HHC-infused gummies are a great way to get your daily dose of HHC.
The best way to take HHC gummies is to start with a small dose and gradually increase it over time if needed.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different and that the effects of HHC can vary from person to person.
Considering HHC-infused gummies are ingested, their effects are different from vaping HHC and other products that aren’t edible. They’re highly potent but require more time for the effects to kick in. Once they do, they can last even up to 8 hours.
Additionally, we strongly encourage you to read the instructions on the package and follow the recommended dosage.
Remember that HHC can interact with other medications, so it might be helpful to talk to your doctor before using any HHC products in case you’re taking any other medication.
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How is HHC & CBD different from Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is by far the most famous cannabinoid found in cannabis. Conventional cannabis-derived THC is widely known for its powerful psychoactive effects, so many people are interested in learning how HHC and CBD compare to the famous Delta-9 THC.
Compared to Delta-9, HHC and CBD have slightly different use cases, which are mainly relaxing and therapeutic. For instance, HHC and CBD may help reduce inflammation, anxiety, and pain. They may also help treat certain types of seizures.
While it’s true HHC and Delta-9 THC are more similar than CBD and Delta-9 THC, that’s only because HHC has a more powerful effect on the central nervous system and can cause a mild euphoric effect. Still, you can’t compare that to the impact of Delta-9.
However, some people compare the effects of HHC with those of Delta-8 THC, claiming they both combine the beneficial effects of CBD and Delta-9 THC.
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Difference Between HHC & CBD
Now that we know HHC and CBD are different from Delta-9 let’s focus on how these two cannabinoids compare to one another. When discussing HHC vs. CBD, it’s important to mention how these cannabinoids are typically produced.
On the one hand, CBD is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid and is not psychoactive.
On the other hand, HHC is mainly produced by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta-9, a process better known as hydrogenation. While HHC can be found in hemp seeds and pollen, the amounts are extremely limited. HHC is more potent than CBD, and it has psychoactive effects.
These two cannabinoids are similar since they share therapeutic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and anti-cancer properties.
Nevertheless, HHC has slightly stronger effects than CBD and has a better chance of showing up on a drug test.
That makes HHC an excellent choice if you’re looking for a therapeutic cannabinoid with a slight euphoric effect. Contrary to that, CBD is a better choice if you’re interested in the ultimate relaxation.
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Cannabis & Hemp Plant: What is the difference?
Many people use the terms hemp and cannabis interchangeably, although they don’t precisely refer to the same thing. Even though cannabis and hemp are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species, they have different concentrations of certain compounds, hence different names.
In most cases, THC and CBD are the principal cannabinoids used to differentiate between cannabis and hemp. Cannabis typically has a higher THC content and lower CBD content, while hemp has a higher CBD content and lower THC content.
While this difference may seem insignificant at first glance, it results in cannabis and hemp producing significantly different effects.
Having in mind THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with the plant – it’s clear why so many people prefer hemp over cannabis.
Moreover, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound with numerous health benefits, further adding to the global preference toward hemp.
This crucial difference between cannabis and hemp is also the foundation of the 2018 US Farm Bill, which legalized hemp cultivation across the US. That makes hemp a legal plant in the US, while cannabis still doesn’t have that status.
Being informed about cannabis vs. hemp differences is essential if you want to purchase and use different products. Not only will that ensure you’re on board with all the latest updates, but it’ll also ensure you don’t accidentally get into trouble with the law.
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Conclusion
CBD is ruling the industry of cannabis and hemp-related products. While HHC didn’t reach that level of popularity yet, it’s quickly catching up as more people find out about it.
We discussed some of the main similarities and differences between CBD and HHC in this article. In addition to that, we compared CBD and HHC to the famous Delta-9.
Now you know all the essentials regarding CBD and HHC, which will allow you to select the right cannabinoid and the right product for your needs.
References
https://weedy.fr/en/hhc-quelle-difference-avec-cbd/
https://www.atlrx.com/blogs/cannabis/cbd-vs-hhc/
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-oil-benefits/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00759/full
