CBD and THC are the most popular cannabinoids in the cannabis industry, but there’s more to weed than the famous two.
Aside from those, cannabis plants produce over 150 cannabinoids, some present in such trace amounts that you don’t even know they’re there.
One such cannabinoid is hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC for short, and it has recently garnered much attention. But what is HHC? Does it provide any benefits?
Let’s find out.
What is Hexahydrocannabinol?
Hexahydrocannabinol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in cannabis plants. HHC occurs in tiny amounts, so the one found in consumer products is semi-synthetic; part of it is a product of a lab procedure.
This production process involves isolating HHC molecules from cannabis sativa plants and combining them with a catalyst to form these new chemical compounds.
Hexahydrocannabinol was first created in 1944 by Roger Adams, an American organic chemist at the University of Illinois when he added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC in a process known as hydrogenation. This chemical process converts THC to HHC.
Using high potency cannabis sativa plants, however, goes against US regulations these days, as delta-9 is a controlled substance. Thus, extractors have pivoted.
How is HHC Made?
Now, scientists get most of today’s HHC from hemp.
They extract CBD from the hemp plant, then distill and isolate it down to powder form, after which they conduct chemical processes that produce HHC.
The hydrogenation process discovered by Adams can also extract hexahydrocannabinol from Delta-8 THC, olivetol, and citronellal.
How Does HHC Work?
Like all other cannabinoids and cannabis-derived compounds, HHC works harmoniously with the endocannabinoid system.
It binds to the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system, but this binding is weaker than that between THC and CB1.
As a result of this weak bond, HHC produces intoxicating and psychoactive effects that are not as strong as THC’s effects.
What Are The Effects of HHC?
If you’re wondering whether or not HHC can get you high, it absolutely can. This cannabinoid is a psychoactive substance, and you should only enjoy it if you’re on board with getting intoxicated.
That being said, HHC has THC-like effects but is less potent.
Experts are yet to agree on the exact potency of HHC; however, they estimate it to be less powerful than delta-9 but more potent than delta-8. Like other cannabis-derived products, scientists are still studying the effects and properties of HHC.
That said, they’ve discovered one notable characteristic of the compound: its high bioavailability. This refers to how easily your body can break down and absorb a substance.
By contrast, THC and CBD are not completely bioavailable, meaning the body does not fully absorb them.
Essentially, the proportion of these cannabinoids that enter your bloodstream isn’t as high as it could be.
As a result, we don’t experience the full benefits of the compound.
On the other hand, hexahydrocannabinol can metabolize in our bodies more efficiently, creating fuller, more potent results overall.
One benefit of high bioavailability is that a small amount of HHC can produce a potent effect, which varies from person to person depending on tolerance level and body system.
HHC Benefits
On the benefits of HHC, Liam Burns of Bearly Legal said: “Personally, with HHC, I feel energetic. I go to the gym. I’m sharp; my brain’s working properly. I typically have back and shoulder pain, but I have no pain when I’m on it.”
Also, a scientific study has suggested that the benefits of hexahydrocannabinol include cancer-fighting properties. According to a 2011 study, there is a connection between HHC and shrinking tumors in cancer patients. Of course, more evidence is needed here to draw concrete conclusions.
In general, consumers report feeling pain relief, anxiety relief, relaxation, and happiness after consuming this unique cannabinoid.
HHC can also help manage insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, and pain.
Scientists have not conducted enough studies to confirm these reported HHC benefits, which are mostly anecdotal reports from users, so consult a qualified marijuana doctor for expert advice on this psychoactive substance.
Does HHC Have Side Effects?
HHC is intoxicating and can have similar side effects to THC, and these include:
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Anxiety
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Dizziness
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Dry mouth
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Increased heart rate
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Memory loss
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Poor coordination
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Red eyes
These side effects often happen when you consume too much, so starting with a small dose is best.
Don’t panic if you feel any of these effects; one thing you must remember is that unlike opioids, a cannabis overdose rarely causes serious injury.
Lie down, call someone you trust, and wait it out; the feeling will pass.
Click here for tips on what to do if you consume too much HHC.
Does HHC Show Up on A Drug Test?
While some people claim that HHC products won’t make you fail a drug test, that simply isn’t proven. Because HHC has a similar molecular structure to THC, there’s a very high chance that these synthetic cannabinoids will trigger a positive drug test result.
Hemp-derived cannabinoids, in general, pose a risk if they are any variation of THC. This is because when these cannabinoids break down in the body, they turn into a compound called THC-COOH, and that is what these tests are searching for.
Thus, THC products of any kind, including synthesized hemp-derived compounds, are going to show up on a drug test.
If you have consumed HHC recently and you’re worried you’ll fail a drug test, you can clear the marijuana from your system.
Where Can I Buy HHC?
Buying HHC products isn’t going to be like walking into a dispensary and picking out your favorite edibles. Instead, these products are primarily available online.
When buying HHC products online, though, you have to be extra careful regarding the product’s purity and safety.
Looking for third-party test results is key, as well as researching the brand’s credibility.
These semi synthetic cannabinoids have a federally legal status; however, they are not as closely regulated as other cannabinoids like CBD or THC. Because of this, you have to be extra careful when purchasing these products.
Keep a close eye on how the HHC affects you before consuming more of your online buys.
How Long Does It Take For HHC To Kick In?
The onset time for HHC effects can vary significantly based on the consumption method.
When ingested as an oil or edible, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects to manifest, as the compound needs to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Inhalation, through vaping or smoking HHC products, provides a quicker onset, typically within minutes, as the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs.
Individual factors such as metabolism, body weight, and tolerance also play a crucial role in how quickly and intensely one feels the effects.
Is Hexahydrocannabinol Safe to Consume?
Generally, cannabis is safe, and the most unpleasant experience you’ll have are side effects that wear off with time.
However, these semi-synthetic cannabinoids haven’t been on the light cannabis market for too long. This also means that haven’t been around long enough for their effects to be studied as the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists they are.
Hence, there is little to no research on the immediate or long-term impact of HHC on mental and physical health. Also, there is no standard HHC dose.
Another gray area is regulation. In states where adult use is legal, cannabis-derived products like hexahydrocannabinol are not regulated nor covered by state medical cannabis laws. Additionally, HHC producers and retailers are not required to test their products for potency and purity. And, of course, HHC products are not FDA approved.
To be safe, conduct your research on cannabis-derived products before you buy them, and buy from only licensed dispensaries you trust.
This absence of convincing evidence doesn’t in any way mean that you should turn your back on cannabis-derived products; increased research will lead to standardization and, with time, regulation.
Is HHC Legal?
The law is not explicit on the legal status of HHC; legality is subject to interpretation. Despite being around for decades, hexahydrocannabinol has been a consumer product only for a few years.
As a result of its novelty, there’s no actual set of rules in place to regulate its production and distribution.
Barely Legal argues that HHC is legal. The company’s website claims that they should be in the clear since HHC comes from the hemp plant and is not THC.
“HHC vapes, gummies, or edibles are perfectly legal on the federal level and will most likely remain legal on the state level as well,” the website reads.
Producers, distributors, and consumers tend to argue that hexahydrocannabinol is legal because manufacturers derive it from CBD, and CBD is legal.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis products derived from CBD are legal as long as they contain 0.3% or less delta-9 THC.
Not everyone agrees that HHC is lawful, though.
Those on the opposing side cite the Federal Analogue Act, which states that we must treat any substance similar to or chemically resembling Schedule I or II drugs as a Schedule I drug.
Though HHC is not THC, it mimics THC, and since THC is illegal, they believe HHC should be illegal, too.
Understand HHC Better With Our Experts’ Help
HC is not THC, even though its effects are similar to THC’s. More so, the legal status of hexahydrocannabinol is still up for debate. However, legal or not, it’s best to avoid HHC if you want a clean drug test result.
Here at Elevate Holistics, we strive to have all the information you need to keep up with the fast-paced cannabis industry. From delta-9 THC to how HHC affects you, we’re here to help.
We understand that consumers may find the many terms and concepts overwhelming; that’s why we’ve made it our duty to be your guide on your cannabis plant journey.
Not only are we here to answer your questions, but we can also help you get your MMJ card and link you up with licensed dispensaries.
All you have to do is click the button below to get started.
