HHCP vs. THCP: Wholesale Cannabinoid Comparison for Retailers

Consumers are actively looking for THC alternatives that fall under the legal category. Recently, many cannabis consumers, including hemp fans, are seeing cannabinoids having a ‘p’ attached to the end. Among those, two of the most potent hemp cannabinoids are THCP and HHCP.

The nuanced effects of both cannabinoids encourage consumers and retailers to know more about the HHCP and THCP and how they are different from each other. P is a short form of “-phorol”, which contributes to changing the chemical structure of the cannabinoid to enhance its absorption rate.

Both cannabinoids are legal and widely available in different product forms, including vapes, edibles, and flowers. This article will provide a wholesale cannabinoid comparison of THCP and HHCP for retailers. 

What is HHCP?

HHCP stands for hexahydrocannabipherol, a hydrogenated form of THCP. HHCP is known as a potent cannabinoid and has a strong affinity to bind and interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body. HHCP is formulated by hydrogenating the THCP, resulting in increased stability of the molecule and altered effects. 

The chemical structure is similar to that of THCP except for the addition of hydrogen molecules. This difference in structure allows it to bind more effectively with the endocannabinoid receptors and produce potent effects.

What is THCP?

THCP is a naturally occurring cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. THCP is known as the most potent psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis industry. It was first discovered by an Italian researcher in 2019 and is known to be 33 times more potent than the delta-9 THC. THCP has a longer (7-carbon) side alkyl chain, increasing its affinity to bind strongly with CB1 receptors to produce potent effects.

Understanding the Key Differences

The restrictions imposed on the use of delta-9 THC allow users to look for some hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids to experience potent effects. Understanding the key differences between the THCP and HHCP opens the doors for retailers to stock the right cannabinoid products to cater to their customers’ demands. 

1.   Potency & Effects

Though there is limited research on the potency of the HHCP, it is believed to be 30 times more potent than the delta-9 THC but less than the THCP. On the other hand, THCP is known to have a 33 times higher binding affinity towards CB1 receptors than the delta-9 THC. This makes it the most potent cannabinoid known in the industry.

HHCP produces deep, euphoric, and long-lasting highs, providing users with a smoother and mellow experience than THC. THCP offers an intense, bodily-heavy experience, including deep euphoria, therapeutic potential, and sedation, with effects lasting for 4-8 hours.

2.   Legal Status & Compliance

At the federal level, under the 2018 Farm Bill, both HHCP and THCP are legalized if they are hemp-derived and contain THC less than 0.3% by dry weight. However, in different states, these laws vary according to state rules. 

For instance, in Texas, the use of THCP is strictly prohibited. Some states, like Georgia, follow the Farm Bill rule with an additional lab verification process. On an international level, France and Japan prohibit the use of HHCP, while in the European Union, the laws may vary in different regions. 

To confirm the legal status of any product, retailers must stay informed of all the cannabis regulations at the federal and state levels. However, to ensure compliance, verify the third-party lab testing for delta-9 THC and cannabinoid content. Source products from a reliable wholesale supplier that ensures labeling and packaging compliance in marketing. 

3.   Market Demand & User Experience

Retailers report increasing consumer interest in the use of vape cartridges, distillates, gummies, and flowers, formulated with these two novel cannabinoids. THCP distillates and flowers are highly growing cannabis categories with a high differentiation potential. While HHCP products offer a unique shelf-stable appeal. 

The effects of both HHCP and THCP are quite similar, except for the potency or intensity of the effects. Users reported experiencing long-lasting effects usually for 4-8 hours, clear-headed high, relaxation, appetite, and sleep aid potential. 

4.   Available Product Types and Strains

Both HHCP and THCP are available in different cannabis products. HHCP is available in vapes, tinctures, edibles, gummies, distillates, and infused flowers. Each cannabis product comes in a variety of strain types, including Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. 

The THCP cannabinoids are used to formulate products, including flower buds, distillates, carts, gummies, and wholesale flowers, gaining consumer traction. Each product has terpene-rich strains catering to the diverse flavor profiles loved by consumers. Moreover, these cannabinoids are present in the products formulated by blending different cannabinoids, such as HHCP + CBD + THCP, which appeal to functional users.

Choosing Between HHCP and THCP for Your Inventory

Smart retailers update their retail inventory according to the customer's needs and preferences. Stocking the trending hemp-derived products allows you to stand out in the retail market. Both HHCP and THCP have significant consumer demand. 

1.   Customer Demand

Before stocking HHCP or THCP products, understand your customer base. If your customers are looking for a super potent experience with natural appeal, go for THCP products. If the customers want a smoother high in a state where semi-synthetic cannabinoids are legal, then source HHCP products.   

2.   Price vs Potency Strategy

Due to the easy synthesis process, HHCP offers cost-effective per-milligram potency for retailers. On the other hand, THCP hits the premium retail shelves due to its high potency and natural product narratives. THCP can be stocked as premium cannabis products for high-profit margins.

3.   Quality and Compliance

Staying informed with the updated legal guidelines is crucial to stocking any product in your retail inventory. It ensures smooth retail operations and allows users to build confidence in your compliant products. Though HHCP is a hemp-derived cannabinoid, in some areas, its semi-synthetic nature raises legal concerns. These states consider hydrogenated cannabinoids as analogs of THC and strictly ban their use. 

THCP is a naturally occurring hemp-derived cannabinoid, but some states consider it a controlled substance due to its strong potency and close relation to THC. Therefore, partner with a reputable supplier like AHDist that provides premium-quality, legally compliant products and stay informed on all legal updates.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking towards the future of the cannabis industry, it’s hard to ignore the high around THCP and HHCP. It’s a golden opportunity for retailers to approach these cannabinoids with the aim of retail growth and fulfilling consumer needs. 

Stay updated on the trending cannabinoids and their legal framework. Explore our wholesale inventory collection to stock high-quality HHCP and THCP products.