CBG Vs HHC
THC is no longer the only cannabinoid in town, thanks to an explosion of different cannabinoids on the market in recent years. CBD, delta 8, THCA, CBN, THCP, HHC… honestly, it’s hard to keep track of them all. Here, we’ll dive into two of the cannabinoids that are heavily featured on our site: CBG and HHC. If you’re curious about these cannabinoids, and how they compare to one another, then keep reading to learn everything there is to know about CBG vs HHC.
In the meantime, you can discover CBG vs HHC for yourself by checking out our selection of lab tested blunts and prerolls.
Cannabinoid basics
CBG and HHC are both cannabinoids. But, what exactly are cannabinoids, anyway? According to Leafly, “cannabinoids are a class of compounds produced in the resin glands of the cannabis plant”. What’s super interesting is that we humans have cannabinoids within our own bodies as well. These are known as endocannabinoids; they work with our bodies endocannabinoid system to regulate various functions within the body.
The endocannabinoid system
Since the cannabinoids found in cannabis bear a molecular resemblance to the endocannabinoids in the body, they too interact with our endocannabinoid system. The ECS is made up of two sets of receptors within the body. The first of these receptors are the CB1 receptors. These are located primarily in the brain and central nervous system. They help to regulate mood, memory, pain perception, and motor skills. When a cannabinoid from hemp/cannabis interacts with these receptors, it can produce a high.
The second set of receptors are the CB2 receptors. These are located in the peripheral nervous system. The CB2 receptors help to manage inflammation and immune response. When a cannabis/hemp cannabinoid binds to these receptors, it can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
CBG vs HHC: origins
Though both can be derived from hemp, when it comes to CBG vs HHC, their origin stories are pretty different. CBG is known as “the mother of all cannabinoids”. It is present in young cannabis plants; however, as the plant matures, CBG evolves into other cannabinoids. All cannabinoids present in a mature plant started as CBG. HHC, on the other hand, is a hydrogenated form of THC. HHC was first synthesized in the 1940s by American chemist Roger Adams; the cannabinoid is far from “new”.
Today, most, if not all, of the HHC on the market comes from hemp. By using hemp-derived delta 8 THC, and the process of hydrogenation, HHC is made.
Are they psychoactive?
The effects of HHC vs CBG are on opposite ends of the spectrum. The addition of hydrogen makes HHC less psychoactive than THC. However, the HHC molecules are still able to attach to our CB1 receptors, so it is psychoactive, but less potent than THC . Unlike HHC, CBG is not psychoactive. Both cannabinoids interact with our CB2 receptors; however, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of their therapeutic effects.
The entourage effect
Just because CBG isn’t psychoactive doesn’t mean you should write this cannabinoid off completely. Like CBD, CBG can provide relief for people looking to reap the benefits of cannabis, without the high. Not to mention, when cannabinoids are paired together, they work better than they do alone. Here at DVNT, we infuse all of our blunts and prerolls with CBG so you can experience the entourage effect for yourself. This theory describes the phenomenon of cannabinoids and terpenes working synergistically in a way that is different than how they work alone. So, instead of deciding between CBG vs HHC? You can enjoy both, simultaneously.
Legal stuff
The legality of HHC vs CBG is interesting, to say the least. Since HHC and CBG can be derived from hemp, they are both legal on a federal level. In legal terms, hemp is defined as cannabis containing .3% or less delta 9 THC by dry weight. However, certain states have imposed legislation that bans hemp-derived cannabinoids. So, the legality of HHC vs CBG comes down to each individual state. Additionally, since CBG is found in cannabis, it would be legal in states with legal cannabis, provided it comes from a state-run dispensary.
The bottom line
So, when it comes to HHC vs CBG, which cannabinoid is better? Turns out, one is not better than the other, they simply work differently with our bodies. HHC is psychoactive, while CBG is not. You can experience the magic of the entourage effect by enjoying one of our HHC blunts or prerolls, which also contain CBG. Definitely stay aware of the laws in your state before indulging, as things can get pretty complicated in legal terms for both cannabinoids.