THCH Products

THCH: The Second Strongest Cannabinoid

We’re not sure what’s in the water in Italy, but we want whatever they’re drinking! The brilliant team of Italian researchers that discovered THCP in 2019 — the cannabinoid over 30 times more potent than THC — came out with their follow-up album only a year later, and it was a hit! In 2020, the group published their sophomore lp, a study about their discovery of THCH, also known as Delta 9 THCH, also known as Tetrahydrocannabihexol. What did they find? THCH products are 25 times stronger than cannabis!

We don’t think it’s hyperbole when we say that these researchers and scientists from Italy have made the most important contributions ever to the cannabis community. And we salute them.

As the second most powerful hemp-derived cannabinoid on the market today, THCH holds a lot of intrigue. But what exactly is THCH? How does it compare to delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids? What types of THCH products are available on the legal market? Is it safe to ingest THCH? Let’s take a deeper dive into this bellissimo cannabinoid.

What's THCH?

Like most cannabinoids to gain popularity following the passage of the Farm Bill, signed into law by Donald Trump in 2018, THCH is a naturally occurring, hemp-derived cannabinoid. However, it’s the baby of the bunch, having only been discovered a few years back. Still, the team that found THCH was thorough, and as such, we know quite a few things about this new cannabinoid. 

Researchers discovered that THCH, much like THCP, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp. However, like many compounds, it’s only found in small amounts. To produce enough for the consumer market, manufacturers have to turn to conversion processes — they use natural chemical conversions to turn delta 8 and delta 9 into THCH. And though we don’t know much about THCH, it’s similar to delta 9 THC.

THCH vs. Delta 9 THC 

How similar is THCH to delta 9 THC? Both cannabinoids offer users warm body highs and cerebral head buzzes that are almost identical, save for the potency. THCH is the second most potent cannabinoid known to researchers ― it’s 25 times stronger than delta 9. But scientifically, the two are almost identical. For example, we now understand the following about THCH as compared to delta 9:

• Both THC-H and its more famous cousin, delta 9 THC, share identical molecules.
• However, THCH and delta 9 have their molecules put together in different ways.
• Are identical, but they are arranged differently to produce distinctive properties.
• We know that THCH is a hexyl homolog of delta 9 THC.
• THCH has six carbons in its alkyl sidechain.
• Traditional cannabis, or THC, has five carbons in its alkyl sidechain.

So what does this all mean? When you break it down, the similarities tell us why both cannabinoids give users a euphoric high when ingested. Because they’re almost identical, users can expect highs that feel equal in some senses. However, the tiny differences are what give THCH its potency. Both compounds may feel the same, but THCH will be much more intense. There’s a reason that THCH is 25 times stronger than delta 9.

How Strong is THCH? 

We can’t stress this enough, which is why we continue to mention it — THCH is the second most powerful cannabinoid known to scientists. It ranks second only behind THCP, which is 30 times more potent than cannabis. Over the past few years, scientists discovered two of the most powerful cannabinoids — what an exciting time to be alive! While it may be challenging to put those numbers in perspective, the following chart, which ranks the potency of different cannabinoids, may help:

According to some research and a few user reports, THCH, which is over 20 times stronger than THC, has a profoundly euphoric, relaxing, and calming high. Those who have had the opportunity to try it state that it offers an overwhelming feeling of warmth throughout the body, making you want to sit down and wrap yourself in a blanket with a good book. Moreover, users note that THCH has an unusually long-lasting high, something many say is unexpected but welcome.  

How Does THCH Compare to Other Cannabinoids?

• THCH is strong. It’s so strong that you will struggle to find too many other compounds with a higher potency, as we can see from our chart above. So how does THCH compare to other cannabinoids like delta 9, delta 8, and HHC? Why would I choose one over the other? Let’s take a look!
• THCH vs. Delta 9 THC: THCH is what’s known as a homolog of delta 9. The two compounds are structurally similar, though not identical. Both offer users a bold, potent high with strong wellness properties. But THCH’s longer chemical chains give it the extra kick and stringer potency.
• THCH vs. Delta 8: Delta 8 is a great mild cannabinoid. It’s a great introduction to compounds with a buzz and perfect for new users. One of the benefits of delta 8 is the fact that there is no paranoia and no anxiety from too much use. THCH’s potency, unfortunately, may cause users to experience both of those things.
• THCH vs. Delta 10: Delta 10 is a mild cannabinoid, but its primary purpose is to offer consumers a burst of energy and focus. It’s great for creativity too. Delta 10 typically stands on its own, as it’s a compound for getting things done and accomplishing tasks. THCH is more for sitting around and doing nothing.
• THCH vs. HHC: HHC rests comfortably between delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the potency scale. At 80% of the potency of traditional cannabis, HHC is an incredible next step for anyone who wants a more substantial buzz or for folks who want more potency but don’t have access to the legal cannabis market.
• THCH vs. THCP: One is 25 times stronger than cannabis, and the other is 30 times stronger. Potato, Po-tato.

How Are THCH Products Made?

Like most cannabinoids in the post-Farm Bill era, THCh comes to us in a semi-synthesized form. But this powerful compound is all-natural. In fact, it’s one of the over 150 phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant. So how does an all-natural, hemp-derived cannabinoid end up with a semi-synthetic tag?

It’s a bit more complicated than you might think.

An All-Natural Chemical Conversion 

Compounds like THCH, delta 8, HHC, and others are naturally occurring in hemp. However, they’re found in such small amounts that it's not viable for retailers and manufacturers to extract and cultivate them for sale on the consumer market. But — and this part is very cool — contemporary scientists have found a way to mimic natural processes in the lab to make more significant amounts of these cannabinoids. 

With the second longest chemical chain next to THC-P, THCh is a highly potent cannabinoid. It is also a very in-demand cannabinoid. However, if you’re buying this compound anywhere, it’s coming from an all-natural chemical conversion that transforms various cannabinoids into legal ones in a safe, natural way. We should also note that most THCH products are part of a blend. They’re typically combined with other high-inducing cannabinoids like delta 9, HHC, and others.

Did You Know That THCH Can Come From Delta 8 & Delta 9?

In nature, there is a process called decarboxylation, where heat or UV light changes chemicals like CBD-A into CBD. Today, chemists can mimic that process in the lab, turning CBD into delta 8 or delta 8 into HHC. It’s really quite impressive — and it’s why an argument continues to rage over whether or not these compounds are natural (they are!).

Even though THCH was only discovered a few years ago, researchers have already found ways to create new and different forms of this fantastic compound in the lab through natural processes. For example, did you know that THCH can come from the following:

• Delta 8 THC
• Delta 9 THC

It may seem simple at first, but when chemists develop cannabinoids using pre-established compounds, they create new compounds — or, instead, new variations of compounds. Is there a difference between THCH that comes from delta 9 and THCH from delta 8? You bet. Just take a look below:

• When THCH comes from delta 8, the final form is Delta 8 THCH
• When THCH comes from delta 9, the final form THCH
• Delta 8 THCH gives users an extremely powerful high, as it is still a THCH compound
• However, THCH is a bit stronger, as it began as a derivative of delta 9

THCH, like THCP before it, is a homolog of THC. Structurally, it is almost identical to delta 9, save for the placement of a few molecules here and there, which account for its potency. That’s why it is so easy to convert delta 9 into THCH.

Is THCH Legal? 

Yes, THC-H is legal. It is 100% federally legal. 

Regular readers here will know by now that cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabihexol are now allowed by law in the United States thanks to the Farm Bill, the famous piece of legislation passed into law in 2018. The Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derivative compounds— CBD, delta 8, delta 10, HHC, THCP, and even delta 9 under 0.3%.

As long as your compound comes from the hemp plant, you’re solid. A few years ago, the CBD industry began leaning on Congress to legitimize the industry. At the same time, tobacco farmers in Kentucky and other states were looking for a new crop to pick up a dying industry. The perfect storm of needs brought about the legalization of hemp. And so many people have benefitted over the years, from consumers to retailers to manufacturers.  

Is THCH Legal in My State?

Things get a bit trickier here. Technically, THCH is so new that it hasn’t been prohibited in any state — yet. Not a single piece of state or local legislation mentions THCH, delta 9 THCH, delta 8 THCH, or any combination of those words or letters. But (and there’s always a but…) several states have passed blanket analog laws stating that any cannabinoid that mimics the effects of delta 9 or delta 8 is illegal. Those laws haven’t been tested yet, as far as we know, but we caution everyone to proceed carefully.

Here’s a list of those states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington

Is it Safe to Use THCH Products? 

So far, there have been no reports of any undue side effects from THCH. Again, it is a relatively new compound, having only been discovered in the past few years, and products are only now beginning to hit the market. Still, as a hemp-derived compound, we always like to note that hemp products have, to this date, never harmed anyone.

THCH is potent and can cause some side effects. As with anything this strong, you want to be cautious not to use it excessively. Some users have reported the following side effects:

• Powerful psychotropic experiences
• Cottonmouth
• Headache
• Lasting too long

Always start with a small dose and work your way up until you find an amount that works for you. Remember that personal tolerance, eating habits, body size, height, weight, and more will affect dosing.

Different THCH Products Available at Diamond

Diamond has only begun to step into the world of extra-strong, highly potent cannabinoids. The store just recently started to stock THCP products and has only brought in its first THCH products in the past few weeks. We’re excited for everyone to try our new THCH disposable vapes, which offer a smooth, sweet, delicious vaping experience with a potent high that will take you to the moon.

As with many THCH products, our THCH vape pens come in a blend. They’re mixed with other exciting cannabinoids, including Delta 11, CBG, HHC, and Delta 8. It’s a highly-relaxing, calming mixture made for anyone who wants to take their cannabinoid game to the next level.

THCH: Final Thoughts

THCH is among the most potent cannabinoids ever discovered. It’s a testament to the can-do spirit of humanity and our never-give-up attitude. We could have stopped with delta 9 and said, “we’re high enough!” But did we? NO! We kept going, kept digging, and kept looking. Because we knew, somewhere out there, was a compound that could get us higher. And we found it! 

What does the future hold? Who knows, but it sure looks bright!