What all you need to know about HHC?

Over the last couple of years, there has been a wave of new products in the cannabis industry, and the latest one is HHC. Every few months, a new contender steps up to grab the attention of cannabis enthusiasts, and HHC is no different. But unlike other cannabinoids, HHC products aren’t easy to find.  

It’s a relatively new and unfamiliar cannabinoid, and a Google search may not yield all the answers you’re looking for. So, what is HHC, and is it beneficial? Stick around to find out more about this new but elusive compound. 

What is HHC? 

HHC was created in 1944 by an American chemist called Roger Adams. He added hydrogen molecules to Delta 9 through a hydrogenation process, which converted Delta 9 to Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). 

Hydrogenation isn’t used in the production of HHC alone; a similar process is used to convert vegetable oil into margarine. Adam may have created HHC from a cannabis-derived compound, but HHC is derived directly from hemp these days. 
The process is complex and usually involves intricate pieces of equipment such as distillation equipment, CBD supercritical extractors, and chemical reactors. Thus, high-quality Hexhydrocannabinol only comes from a modern upscale lab. 

Is HHC Legal? 

That’s a somewhat tricky question to answer. HHC is technically derived from hemp and not Delta 9, but it can be deemed as an analog to the latter. The growth and processing of hemp were made legal in the 2018 farm bill.  As such, HHC from hemp is also legal, but it’s essential to do your research depending on the state you live in and learn more about HHC products‘ state laws. 

Several companies may be making HHC and shipping it to various parts of the country, but in truth, its legality is in a gray area. 

How Potent Is HHC? 

There is no common ground concerning HHC’s potency yet. This is because this cannabinoid is a mixture of two different molecules.   

These molecules are the 9R HHC and 9S HHC. One of these, 9R HHC, actively binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, but 9S HHC does not. This is because of their different molecular structure. 

The 9R HHC molecules affect the endocannabinoid receptors in the same way Delta 9 does but in a much higher dosage. Thus, with a significant amount of HHC, you will notice the psychoactive effects similar to marijuana. But you don’t have to worry since it has a lower potency than D9.  

According to some HHC users, it gives them an averagely pleasant cerebral high, and they also claim that it may help with pain relief. Others claim to experience an energetic and alert feeling after using HHC recreationally. 

Potential Benefits of HHC 

The research on HHC isn’t substantial enough to give definitive conclusions on its benefits. The handful of available studies are on animals, but they show HHC has some potential benefits worthy of attention. 
HHC is said to be effective against bodily discomfort, and it may also have long-lasting effects from a study published in 2010. HHC has also been purported to help users get longer sleep, although the studies have only been done on rats. 

Anecdotal reports have also shown that HHC may help with a range of things, including: 

• Enhancing energy levels 
• Promoting relaxation 
• Calming racing thoughts 
• Supporting good sleep 
• Helping with bodily discomfort 

 These are only anecdotal reports and claims from HHC users and are not well-established by clinical research. 

Does HHC Get You High? 
 

HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, but only in high amounts. Its effects are much less pronounced than Delta 9. On the other hand, taking a larger dose may cause psychoactive effects. Regardless, products with HHC should be taken with caution as they can cause intoxication. 
Therefore, you should only try HHC products in the comfort of your home until you’re sure of how they will affect you. 

Reported Effects of HHC  

HHC can have various effects on the user, depending on several things. These include:  

• How much of it do you consume 
• Your experience with cannabinoids 
• Your tolerance to cannabinoids 
• The ratio of 9R HHC to 9S HHC to in the product. 
   

Some users claim that HHC makes them feel energetic and focused, while others say they have a more relaxed and soothing experience with the occasional cerebral high. 

Will HHC Show Up On Your Drug Test? 

The lack of definitive data makes it hard to answer this question. It’s unclear whether HHC will show up in a drug test. Most drug screening tests are made to detect a specific level of THC metabolites in the urine, saliva, and blood. Researchers have yet to discover how HHC metabolizes in the body and what metabolites are produced. 

With this in mind, you should use HHC with caution, especially if you’re anticipating the possibility of a drug test. 

Conclusion 

The HHC industry proliferates as more people lean towards cannabinoid products. Most users of HHC are happy with its effects as its popularity grows. You can easily find HHC online from legit vendors. Just ensure your due diligence and ensure they offer high-quality products that aren’t tainted.