Although all the elements on the periodic table make up the universe, if there are elements that humanity must honor, they are hydrogen and carbon. On the one hand, hydrogen is a perfect example of the incredible power of the cosmos itself; it can become water or bombs, and it can give us life or take it away depending on how it is used. Hydrogen is the simplest and, at the same time, most abundant element in the entire universe; it is an element that, behind its simplicity, holds a unique power and magic. On the other hand, carbon exemplifies the eternity of the universe. 18% of our body is made of this element, and although we die, carbon does not; it simply returns to the ground and patiently waits until it returns to life in the form of another living being. But why talk about hydrogen and carbon in a cannabis post? Simple! Adding hydrogen and carbon atoms to the chemical formula of some cannabinoids can significantly alter their qualities. Such is the case of HHC-P, one of the most recent discoveries in the cannabis universe that have taken the world by surprise and is rapidly becoming one of the cannabinoids in vogue among connoisseurs and lovers of the psychoactive power of cannabis across the globe. If you have heard of HHC-P and want to know a little more about it, this is the post for you! Read on, and you will find out everything you need to know about this novel cannabinoid and understand why it is becoming a favorite for so many so quickly. So, let's reap it from the beginning!
Key takeaways
- “HHC-P hemp is just hemp buds that have been infused with this novel cannabinoid.”
- “...it is no more than the hydrogenated form of THC-P or tetrahydrocannabiphorol…”
- “...we could say that the effects of HHC-P are pretty similar to those of Delta-9, only much more powerful.”
What is HHC-P?
HHC-P, or hexahydrocannabiphorol, is such a rare and complex word that many may think it is something only brainy people would understand; however, it is actually something very simple to get. Have you heard about HHC before? HHC-P follows the same principle; it is no more than the hydrogenated form of THC-P or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, one of the newer and lesser-known forms of hemp-derived THC. HHC-P has hydrogen particles added to its chemical structure, which makes it much more stable without affecting the ability to deliver the same solid effects and potential benefits as its cannabinoid predecessor THC-P. So, those users familiar with THC and HHC will quickly understand that THC-P and HHC-P have the same kind of relationship. The most important thing to understand here is what the “P” stands for in the HHC-P. Coming from THC-P, HHC-P also has one of the most significant qualities of tetrahydrocannabiphorol: its side carbon chain is longer, with a few more carbon atoms than other THC forms. For this reason, compared to traditional THC, both THC-P, and HHC-P have different ways of interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system. Experts believe THC-P and HHC-P have a 30 times higher binding affinity than regular Delta-9 THC or HHC. In turn, this translates into much more powerful effects, which some users describe as up to 10 times stronger than the effects of Delta-9 THC. Now, as the name suggests, HHC-P hemp is just hemp buds that have been infused with this novel cannabinoid. Since it's a very new cannabinoid on the market, you may not find HHC-P-infused hemp flowers in every dispensary out there just yet. Nevertheless, some brands offer users different HHC-P concentrates, vape cartridges, and gummies. HHC-P products are quickly becoming a favorite for many cannalovers in search of powerful psychoactive effects as they offer a hemp-derived alternative to enjoying the potential benefits that the powerful psychoactive effects of HHC-P could bring.
What are the Effects of HHC-P?
To sum it up, we could say that the effects of HHC-P are pretty similar to those of Delta-9, only much more powerful. HHC-P comes from THC-P, which means that, like THC-P, it is at least 30 times more potent than Delta-9 and HHC. The potency of HHC-P is something fundamental to consider, especially if you are only beginning to deal with psychoactive effects. If you're not used to psychoactivity, HHC-P effects can likely be too much to handle. But, if you are already familiar with the psychoactive power of THC or one of its isomers, you can expect to feel quite similar but way stronger effects. Because HHC-P is such a new cannabinoid, science still needs more specific studies on its effects on humans and the potential benefits that it could provide. Still, many user reports indicate that the effects of HHC-P are much longer lasting and generate a remarkable feeling of euphoria that is much more intense and persistent than that caused by some Delta-9 strains. Additionally, the HHC-P can develop a strong body and mind experience, excellent for releasing physical tension. Reports also suggest that HHC-P can make you feel relaxed and calm thanks to its potential anti-anxiety qualities. HHC-P, like THC-P and other cannabinoids, also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities and is a great mood enhancer that can give users who tolerate its potency a delightedly happy and markedly euphoric experience.
Side Effects of HHC-P
Although it is unlikely to experience adverse effects from HHC-P under the correct doses, taking too much carries the risk of side effects associated with excessive consumption of Delta-9 and other THC isomers such as HHC, Delta-8, and Delta-10. The list of possible side effects that HHC-P could generate includes under incorrect doses:- Cognitive impairments.
- Difficulty in focusing.
- Anxiety.
- Confusion.
- Increased heart rate.
- Low blood pressure.
- Dry mouth.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Memory loss.
- Tiredness.
- Slower reaction times.
Due to the short time that HHC-P has been on the cannabis market, there is still very little scientific data on the possible specific side effects it could cause. But, since HHC-P closely mimics the effects of THC-P, we can assume that it could cause the same adverse effects associated with high doses of THC-P. In any case, the best way to avoid adverse effects is to start with low doses, especially when trying this cannabinoid for the first time. It's better to wait for the effects to reach their peak to assess whether it is necessary to increase the dose.
Is HHC-P Synthetic?
Indeed, HHC-P, or hexahydrocannabiphorol, is a synthetic cannabinoid. This novel cannabinoid does not occur in nature on its own, nor does it happen due to THC decarboxylation or metabolization like Delta-11. Instead, and like other cannabinoid isomers such as Delta-3 or Delta-7 THC, HHC-P requires artificial synthesis done in the laboratory by professional scientists to exist. Although HHC-P's predecessor cannabinoid, THC-P, can come from organic hemp-derived CBD, it must undergo several chemical reactions to convert it into HHC-P. This chemical processing results in changes at the molecular level that generate a much more stable structure and, consequently, prolong the time it takes for HHC-P to degrade. Due to its more stable form, HHC-P has a longer shelf life than other cannabinoids, making it ideal for inclusion in distillates, oils, and vaping devices.
How is HHC-P made?
As we said, HHC-P does not occur naturally in cannabis plants but is made by synthesizing other cannabinoids, usually from hemp-extracted CBD isolate. After isolating CBD, it must undergo a chemical process that turns it into THC-P. Although THC-P does occur naturally in cannabis plants, it only does so in trace amounts, yet it is possible to isolate it. But, because the quantities of THC-P in cannabis are so small, it ends up being more practical and less expensive to synthesize it from other cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, or hemp-derived THC. Once you obtain THC-P, it must be hydrogenated to become HHC-P. The hydrogenation process involves using strong chemicals and heavy metal reagents that add hydrogen atoms to the molecular structure of THC-P. These extra hydrogen atoms generate greater stability in the structure of this cannabinoid and, in addition to turning THC-P into HHC-P, also slightly affect its qualities. Besides making it more stable and resistant to degradation, the added hydrogen particles smoothly attenuate the effects of HHC-P compared to THC-P. Yet HHC-P still has more than 30 times the affinity to bind to endocannabinoid receptors than THC or HHC. Therefore, even if they are slightly milder, the effects of HHC-P are still among the most powerful in the cannabis universe.
When was HHC-P discovered?
HHC-P is one of the newer cannabinoids on the cannabis market. There is not much information about the exact date that HHC-P was discovered. What is certain is that HHC-P is one of the most recent advances in hemp-derived cannabinoids. HHC-P is the hydrogenated form of THC-P, the same as HHC is of THC. HHC was synthesized from natural THC for the first time more than 70 years ago (1947) by Roger Adams, to be precise. But, although scientists have been hydrogenating some cannabis compounds for decades, everything indicates that HHC-P is less than 5 years old. This is because the precursor cannabinoid of HHC-P, THC-P, was first isolated as a natural cannabis compound only in 2019.
Is HHC-P the same as HHC
Short answer, no. Although HHC and HHC-P are closely related, they are significantly different compounds. In theory, almost all cannabinoids are derivatives of one another since they all come from a “mother” cannabinoid called CBG or Cannabigerol. CBG occurs in the early stages of the cannabis plant, and as the plant matures, CBG converts into CBD or THC, depending on whether the plant is hemp or cannabis. Other minor cannabinoids also occur in the CBG conversion process. But, producing both HHC and HHC-P involves artificial processes to be synthesized. The hydrogenation process that THC and THC-P must go through to become HHC and HHC-P makes the chemical structures of these cannabinoids a bit more degradation resistant and causes a very slight attenuation of the effects they generate. Despite having this feature in common, HHC and HHC-P share a key difference in their structure that makes them very different compounds: HHC has a pentyl side chain, which means that it contains five carbon atoms in its molecular structure. In contrast, HHC-P extends that side chain from pentyl to heptyl, having seven carbon atoms instead of five. This seemingly minor change in the structural form of HHC-P greatly differentiates it from HHC because it makes both cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors differently. In turn, the longer carbon side chain causes HHC-P to have a much bigger affinity to bond with cannabinoid receptors, which prolongs the time and increases the potency of HHC-P's effects. The effects of HHC-P are so remarkably potent that many users agree they can be more than ten times stronger than those of Delta-9 itself.
HHC-P vs HHC?
Determining which would be the winner between the HHC vs. HHC-P can be somewhat complex since it depends a lot on the point of view that you looked at them. It also depends on the specific needs of each user. In general, both the effects of HHC-P and HHC are similar to those of Delta-9. But, when comparing HHC-P vs. HHC, we will find a relationship quite similar to THC vs. THC-P. This is because both HHC-P and THC-P have an extended carbon chain compared to THC and HHC. This slight structural change in the chemical composition of these cannabinoids brings about significant changes in their qualities. The most critical and marked difference between the HHC-P and the HHC is that the HHC-P can generate much stronger effects than the HHC in question. Users also report that the effects of HHC-P tend to last significantly longer than the effects of HHC. In this sense, the increased potency of HHC-P may be an advantage for users with more pronounced pain, anxiety, or stress. But, for inexperienced users or those with low tolerance to psychotropics, the stable, subtle, and manageable effects of HHC might be better. The fact that HHC-P lasts longer than HHC can also be an advantage for some and a disadvantage for others. Therefore, the main thing is to establish the specific conditions to treat or the final effects expected by the user. Interestingly, many currently marketed HHC-P products combine both compounds and even accompany them with other cannabinoids such as CBD, Delta-8, hemp-derived Delta-9, or CBG. This is because there seems to be a synergistic relationship between these compounds in which the qualities and effects of some cannabinoids boost or enhance the qualities of others. If we compare the prices of the HHC-P and the HHC to determine which is better, we will find that they are practically the same. Sure, HHC-P can be a couple of dollars more expensive. But, if we consider that the effects of HHC-P are much more potent than those of HHC, we could consider HHC-P the same or even cheaper than HHC concerning the dose necessary to reach the same threshold of effects. The difference between the prices of HHC-P and HHC is so small that it might not be a determining factor as to which cannabinoid is more convenient. Again, it depends on each user's tastes, needs, and criteria to decide which is the winner between HHC-P vs. HHC.
Is HHC-P Safe?
As long as you take a proper dose, yes, HHC-P is safe. Still, accurately answering this question can still be difficult because specific research on the effects of HHC-P in humans is virtually non-existent. Most of the information available about the safety of HHC-P comes from anecdotal reports from users who tried it or that regularly use HHC-P as part of their medical cannabis treatment. We could deduce that the safety of HHC-P is similar to that of THC-P. But, it would still be challenging to determine how safe HHC-P is since there is not much information about the safety of THC-P either. Considering that the potency of HHC-P is much greater than that of Delta-9, the most appropriate thing to do is recommend caution to users when using HHC-P since increased strength also increases the risk of experiencing adverse effects. Therefore, it is best to apply the old “start low and go slow” and use small doses at first to reduce the risk of unwanted effects.
Where to buy HHC-P?
HHC-P is one of the newer cannabinoids on the cannabis market. Therefore, while its popularity continues to increase exponentially, it may still not be as readily available in all dispensaries near you compared to other cannabinoids, such as CBD. Obtaining your HHC-P products online remains the best and most recommended option so far. Currently, several brands and retailers, such as Binoid, CannaAid, or Great CBD Shop, offer HHC-P products from different strains and even some that combine HHC-P with other cannabinoids to meet the varying preferences of all users. Buying online and directly from the manufacturer brands, or failing that, from reliable retailers, is by far the most recommended option. In this way, you make sure your product is safe and of good quality before buying it. It is crucial to check if the product you want to buy has third-party lab tests that clearly indicate the exact cannabinoids and others ingredient content. We also recommend looking at the reviews and comments left by other users who have tried the products before deciding to add them to your cart.
