What Is THC-H?
This article focuses on THC-H. We explore its chemical properties, uses, potential health benefits, and the profile of side effects. Keep in mind that THC isomers that are stronger than delta-9 should be approached with caution due to the risk of inducing paranoia and anxiety. After reading this guide, you’ll learn how to use THC-H responsibly and where to find lab-tested products.
THC-H is one of the many THC isomers. It happens to be 25 times more potent than delta-9 THC from marijuana.
What exactly is it?
Short for tetrahydrocannabihexol, THC-H is a newly discovered homolog of THC that has just made it to mainstream news.
The reason why it’s already strongly in-demand lies in its psychoactive potency.
Delta-9 THC looks pale when compared to THC-H.
This comes with some obvious benefits, but it also raises the risk of experiencing paranoia and anxiety.
That’s why you should never start your adventure with psychoactive cannabinoids from THC-H.
But if you know your tolerance and sensitivity to THC — oh boy, are you in for a treat!
Let’s elaborate on THC-H.
What is THC-H?
THC-H is the second-strongest cannabinoid in the hemp plant. Its potency is calculated at 25 times higher than regular THC.
Yes, you need a 25 times lower dose to experience the same kind of buzz as with regular weed.
That sounds like a budget-friendly solution for folks with a high tolerance to THC.
The molecules of THC-H and delta-9 THC have identical formulas, but they’re arranged uniquely. This gives them unique psychoactive properties.
However, all THC analogs have one feature in common — they can get you high.
With THC-H, that part is particularly appealing considering its strength.
How is THC-H Made?
THC-H is isolated from the hemp plant. The cannabinoid was just discovered in 2020 by Italian scientists who also discovered THC-P (tetrahydrocannabiphorol).
These two new variants of THC are believed to be the strongest analogs found in the hemp plant because of the intense psychoactive effects they produce.
As a minor cannabinoid, THC-H occurs in hemp only in trace amounts, so manufacturers make it by converting other hemp-derived cannabinoids. The direct extraction of THC-H from cannabis would be cost-prohibitive.
What Does THC-H Do?
THC-H binds to cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) in the brain and central nervous system. However, it has 25 times stronger binding affinity to these receptors than delta-9 THC.
Not only does it create a powerful high, but it also offers significant health benefits, such as relief from pain, nausea, vomiting, inflammation, and depression symptoms.
Here’s what you can expect after you take THC-H.
THC-H Effects and Benefits
Although scientists are still exploring the full effects of THC-H, the first reports show potential for mood elevation and pain relief.
However, we still need more solid evidence to draw solid conclusions.
The researchers who discovered THC-H examined its pharmacological effects in mice, finding that it helped significantly reduce pain signals, offering promising avenues for treating severe pain.
As mentioned earlier, THC-H creates an incredibly potent psychoactive experience, especially when combined with other isomers like delta-8.
According to those who have tried THC-H, it induces feelings of:
- Relaxation
- Happiness
- Euphoria
- Pain Relief
The side effects of THC-H include dry mouth, red eyes, a large boost of appetite, anxiety, paranoia, cold sweats, increased heart rate, and a possible panic attack.
THC-H vs. Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC
To help you get a good grasp of the THC-H’s potency, let’s focus on the difference between this cannabinoid and three other popular THC isomers you’ve probably come across.
Delta-8 THC comes first. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that forms as a byproduct of THC’s degradation over time. It comes with similar effects and health benefits, but the psychoactive potency is about 50% lower than delta-9 THC. Users describe this buzz as smooth, clear-headed, and relaxing.
Delta-10 THC is even less psychoactive than delta-8. It’s arguably the best isomer to start if you’ve never tried THC in your life. Not only does it provide more energizing effects, but it also doesn’t stimulate CB1 receptors to such an extent as delta-9.
Speaking of which, delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. It’s the “why” behind the signature cannabis high. Most people respond well to its psychoactive effects, but for some users, they’re too intense due to THC’s strong binding affinity with CB1 receptors.
Unlike delta-9 THC, THC-H and other hemp-derived isomers are federally legal.
Related: Differences Between Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10
Does THC-H Come from Hemp?
Yes, THC-H comes from hemp plants — that’s why it’s legal in most states in the USA.
THC-H products are made with 100% hemp distillate, which contains high levels of THC-H and trace amounts of terpenes and supportive cannabinoids.
While THC-H doesn’t occur in significant concentrations in hemp, it’s a natural cannabinoid. It’s just not as common as THC and CBD.
Is THC-H Legal?
THC-H is perfectly legal at the federal level — and so are the other isomers of THC.
That’s because the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and its derivatives from the list of controlled substances.
As long as the end product contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC, it’s legal to buy in the USA.
However, as with any federal law, individual states retain their right to regulate THC-H within their jurisdictions.
Currently, you won’t buy THC-H in:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Where to Buy THC-H
THC-H hasn’t reached its peak popularity yet. That’s because it’s difficult to extract, and manufacturers are facing challenges when it comes to achieving the right level of purity.
The lack of standardization and regulations regarding manufacturing, testing, and labeling practices makes it difficult to find a safe and effective product in the sea of mediocrity.
You can look for THC-H products in your local dispensary or in specialized CBD stores. But knowing how the hemp market works, the best deals on high-quality THC-H are found online.
You just need to know what to look for.
How Do I Know I’m Getting High-Quality THC-H Products?
Not all THC-H products are created equal, but you can steal this simple playbook to always be able to separate decent products from substandard extracts:
- Certificates of analysis (CoAs): always make sure that your THC-H product was tested by a third-party laboratory before it made it to the store shelves. These labs analyze the potency and purity of the tested sample, providing unbiased results for quality and safety.
- Customer reviews: read what other users are saying about your vendor and its products before buying THC-H online. If a company is decent, it will have plenty of 5-star reviews on its websites and on independent services.
- Product selection: you need to find your ideal product type that will suit your lifestyle. Look for companies that offer at least a few different forms of THC-H, with different potency options, flavors, sizes, and delivery methods.
- Ingredients: look for brands that use locally grown, organic hemp that is free from pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. If the other ingredients are organic too, it’s all the better.
Key Takeaways on THC-H
THC-H is a newly discovered cannabinoid that should be approached with caution.
With 25x the potency of delta-9 THC, THC-H provides a powerful psychoactive experience, but it can also easily drive you anxious and paranoid if you’re not careful with the dosage.
You need far less THC-H to experience the same kind of buzz as with marijuana.
If you’re just dipping your toes in the world of psychoactive cannabinoids, don’t start with THC-H. Instead, pick a milder isomer like delta-8 or delta-10 THC.
THC-H is reserved for experienced users who have a high tolerance to THC and know their limits.
If you’re looking for high-quality THC-H products, the safest bet is to look for them in your local cannabis dispensary or find a reputable online store that provides batch-specific CoAs for every product.
