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Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause drug-like effects throughout the body, and you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis.
The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Below, we’ll be exploring a different substance that you might not have heard of…
What is HHC and How Does it Work?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a synthetic cannabinoid, meaning it’s manufactured or artificially created in a lab. When HHC was first created, THC was used. Today, however, CBD also works, and is actually preferred by some. One thing is clear though: HHC is not naturally found in the cannabis plant like CBD and THC.
THC vs HHC: Is HHC stronger than THC?
Because THC is used to create HHC, their chemical structures are similar.
But with little to no evidence on the effects of HHC, it’s unclear whether it’s stronger than THC. Some people have said they’ve experienced HHC ‘high’ effects after consumption, and similar effects to THC in general. But it’s also been reported to be slightly milder than THC. However, there is no concrete evidence on this.
Potential HHC Benefits
In all honesty, there’s not a lot of research on HHC and whether or not it has any medical benefits. Some people claim to use HHC for pain relief and inflammation, HHC for anxiety and improved mood, HHC for sleep and to enhance relaxation, and some say it has had potential neuroprotective effects. But without proper evidence to back any of this, it's something you should maybe take with a pinch of salt.
Medical cannabis that is prescribed by licensed clinics like Alternaleaf could have a number of potential medical benefits for some people. Not only is there ongoing research exploring THC and CBD (we have lots more information on the benefits and uses of these cannabinoids on our blog), but the cannabis plant also produces over 150 different terpenes. These are naturally found in every plant, and give them their individual smells and flavours. However, they also have medicinal uses.
Terpenes work in holistic harmony with cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis, helping everything to operate more effectively overall. Together, they can offer a number of potential medical benefits, and this is known as the entourage effect.
So we would argue that the synthetic HHC isn’t necessary, especially as many people are drawn to it as a potential legal loophole. And due to the lack of research, it’s maybe not something you should be actively seeking. Instead, consuming medical cannabis prescriptions from a trusted source is much safer. Plus, you have the additional benefit of expert care and guidance from our clinicians throughout your medical cannabis journey with Alternaleaf.
Safety, Risks, and Side Effects
We touched on this above, but there isn’t a lot of research on HHC. And this presents the huge risk of unpredictability and untrusted suppliers. And due to this lack of research, we have next to no information on the side effects of HHC. In fact, there are some news articles that highlight the potential dangers of HHC - it’s unregulated and unknown.
Some people have said that consuming HHC has resulted in similar experiences as THC. And it might be useful to know what the side effects of THC are if you’re looking into medical cannabis as a possible treatment option.
Some short-term side effects of THC include:
- Coughing
- Bloodshot or irritated eyes
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
The above should wear off within a few hours. The best thing to do is follow the advice of your clinician, and ask them any questions you have.
Is HHC legal in the UK?
When it comes to HHC legality UK it falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making it a controlled substance. Possession, production, and supply of HHC without a license or prescription is illegal. This is because it’s a synthetic cannabinoid.
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 as long as it’s prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
Do cannabis-based medicines contain HHC?
It is possible. Although HHC isn’t commonly found in cannabis plants, it can be present as a trace compound. So, if your medical cannabis does contain HHC, it will be naturally produced and be an extremely small amount.
It’s not something our clinicians at Alternaleaf are actively looking at when prescribing medical cannabis, because there simply isn’t enough research on the effects of HHC. And as we’ve mentioned, there are so many potential benefits of CBD, THC and terpenes combined, that it’s not really something we need to think about right now.
Summary
HHC is a cannabinoid that’s artificially created in a lab. With very limited research on HHC, it's hard to say if there are any medical benefits. There’s also next to no research on the side effects and risks.
The best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second questionnaire.