​The recent surge in interest in HHC and other cannabinoids has the global population pondering what is HHC? HHC is the most stable form of THC and is one of the fastest-growing products made from the cannabis plant. As per a survey conducted by Cowen and Company, the legal cannabis market is expected to grow by $76 billion by 2024.

The cannabis industry has attracted millions of people to try hemp-derived cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes. Hemp-derived cannabinoids such as HHC, delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, and CBD are the latest chemical compounds that are making waves around the world. Here’s what you need to know about HHC products and their benefits in 2022.

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC. It is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the hemp plant.

 

The molecular structure of HHC is similar to delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. The double bonds have been removed from the cyclohexyl ring, and hydrogen atoms have been added to the chemical compound. The addition of hydrogen atoms to the molecular structure of HHC helps the chemical bind with cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

The intoxicating effects of HHC are less severe than hemp-derived THC. People have been consuming HHC in mild doses without realizing it, as the hydrogenated form is found in many strains of the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids such as delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC have inactive HHC molecules and act differently on the cannabinoid receptors.

HHC products such as HHC vapes and HHC gummies can induce the effects of HHC on its users. The HHC high has a stronger potency and is super resistant to damage caused by heat and UV light. It is also less likely to turn positive on drug tests compared to delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC.

How is HHC made?

Chemist Roger Adams discovered HHC during the 1940s. He altered the physical properties of THC by adding hydrogen molecules through several chemical processes. The chemical structure of HHC is similar to intoxicating cannabinoids such as delta 8.

If you’re wondering if HHC is a natural or synthetic compound, the answer is both. HHC occurs naturally in hemp plants and can also be made in a laboratory. It is a psychoactive substance that can be extracted from cannabis.

HHC oil and beta HHC molecules can be obtained through a process called hydrogenation. Vegetable oil becomes margarine after the hydrogenation process. Hemp-derived delta 8 compounds are processed through hydrogenation, and the resulting chemical reaction creates HHC.

Metal catalysts such as Palladium are added to the hydrogenation process to form stable compounds of THC. These catalysts are highly inflammable and require proper equipment to prevent explosions.

It is one of the novel cannabinoids that is federally legal in most states in the U.S. HHC products such as HHC vape cartridges are widely used by people for getting a milder high than THC.

It does not lose potency when exposed to direct sunlight and can be stored for months without being damaged. HHC legal products do not get detected on drug tests.

Does HHC get you high?

Yes, HHC does get you high. HHC products such as HHC gummies and HHC vapes are federally legal and provide a sense of euphoria.

Unlike hemp-derived CBD, HHC flower can have mild psychoactive effects that work on TRP pain receptors. Hemp products containing HHC can be used to manage pain without losing control over your body.

HHC users claim that consuming cannabinoid products has helped them ease chronic pain, although anecdotal evidence is yet to be documented. Many people have compared HHC’s effects to that of delta 8.

HHC proves that there is a genuine interest from cannabis consumers in HHC products that induce subtle audio and visual effects on them. However, high doses of HHC can lead to effects that are identical to THC.

Is HHC legal?

The legal status of HHC has been a much-debated topic in the cannabis industry. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all products that contain hemp and its derivatives are legal under federal law and state law. The 2018 Farm Bill, or the Agriculture Improvement Act, states that you can buy HHC from medical marijuana dispensaries and retail stores without a prescription.

If a company sells HHC as a hemp-derived cannabinoid, it must have a valid Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to verify HHC’s safety and HHC’s legality for its products.

The Drug Enforcement Administration(DEA) plays a vital role in ensuring that HHC-safe products are available throughout the different states of the U.S. Despite the active interest shown by the DEA, there are thousands of cannabis products that are yet to be regulated by them.

Cannabis strains that contain higher than 0.3% of THC are considered illegal. Products made from these cannabis strains are controlled substances that cannot be sold without a medical prescription. HHC’s legal status has made numerous cannabis products appealing to the general masses.

Does HHC show up on a drug test?

Many people have claimed that HHC derived from cannabis does not show up on a drug test, although research is inconclusive. Early evidence from drug testing procedures states that HHC compounds do not metabolize into 11-hydroxy-THC in the body. Cannabinoids such as delta 8 and delta 9 turn into 11-hydroxy-THC, the primary byproduct that shows up on a standard THC drug test.

Since there isn’t sufficient evidence to support these claims, it is recommended to avoid HHC and other compounds derived from cannabis, such as delta 8 and delta 9, before taking drug tests.

Reputed organizations such as ACS Laboratory conduct HHC testing on millions of cannabis products for synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols. The content and percentage of cannabis products are listed on the labels.

How potent is HHC?

The potency of HHC is compared to the high of delta 8. Based on your tolerance level for cannabis, you can take an appropriate dosage to feel the full effects of HHC.

 

If you’re new to using cannabinoids, you can start with a low dose of 10-20 mg per day. If you’ve used hemp-derived products before, you can take 20-50 mg per day. For advanced users of cannabis, you might want to take 100 mg or more to get to the peak of the effects.

Psychoactive substances such as HHC and THC can have an impact on your day-to-day activities. Your height, weight, and metabolism can also determine the right dosage of HHC to have a pleasant experience.

You must ensure that you are consuming the proper dosage for the condition you’re treating. Taking excess amounts of HHC can interfere with other medications and have adverse effects as well.

Types of HHC products

THC products aren’t the only trend in town. HHC products are available in varied forms to satisfy your growing needs. Some of these products may also contain THC, CBD, and other chemical compounds in them to enhance the experience for HHC users.

HHC vapes

HHC vape devices are hugely popular among adults living in the U.S. Cartridges containing e-liquid and vape juices offer people plenty of fresh flavors along with a high dose of HHC to help people relax.

These electronic gadgets have various mods and parts to help people customize their experience.  Box mods with larger batteries are used by seasoned vapers to extend their vaping sessions. Most of these vape cartridges contain 1-2 gm of HHC in them.

HHC concentrates

HHC concentrates are pure forms of HHC extracts. HHC distillates and concentrates are highly potent. You can use HHC concentrates in vaping devices and dab rigs to maximize the effects of the cannabinoid.

HHC oils

HHC oils are cannabis products that are perfectly safe to consume. These products contain hemp seed oil infused with HHC to give people a mild high. Cannabis users can ingest them sublingually or add them to their favorite food and beverages. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to feel the effects of HHC.

HHC flowers

HHC flowers are strains of hemp that are coated with HHC distillate. These products can be used to roll the HHC flowers into a joint, smoke them in a pipe, or even heat them in a herbal vape.

HHC syringes

HHC syringes are the latest products to offer HHC. These compact syringes contain the highest grade of HHC. You can use HHC syringes in baths and cooking recipes to enjoy the cannabinoid. Unlike a medical syringe, HHC syringes do not have a needle and can be ingested orally for immediate effects.

 

HHC edibles

HHC edibles include delightful treats that are easy to travel with. These gummies usually contain 10 mg of HHC and can be consumed on a regular basis. People who love natural and organic products can opt for HHC edibles to get their daily dose of cannabinoids.

What are the benefits of HHC?

HHC is a newly introduced cannabinoid that has been included in many cannabis products. Researchers are still studying the effects of hexahydrocannabinol and are yet to determine its results on the human body.

Take a look at some of the benefits of using HHC.

1. May relieve anxiety

Cannabis and its derivatives are known for treating mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. The regular use of cannabinoids such as HHC and THC can reduce anxiety in people and motivate them to stay positive throughout the day.

2. May induce euphoria

HHC is a psychoactive substance that can cause euphoria in its users. Hundreds of products on the market use HHC to provide a feeling of intoxication. Unlike THC, the effects of euphoria are not as severe in HHC.

Most of the cannabis consumers that indulge in HHC have said that the high they get from using the cannabinoid is easily controllable. A majority of cannabis consumers can also perform their daily duties without any hindrance from the high they get from using HHC.

3. May reduce chronic pain

Chemical compounds that are extracted from hemp are best known for their ability to alleviate pain in people. HHC, CBD, and THC are recommended by top physicians as an alternative to over-the-counter drugs to treat physical discomfort.

HHC can relieve its users of chronic pain. According to the Pharmacol Exp. Ther. Volume 200, the effects of hexahydrocannabinol in treating physical pain have been compared to morphine. However, these treatments have only been tested in mice and are yet to be studied in humans.

4. May reduce inflammation

Products containing HHC are widely used as antiseptic treatments. Topical creams are loaded with HHC in their content to help people reduce inflammation. CBD oils may also contain HHC and THC in trace amounts to amplify their antiseptic abilities.

5. May improve sleep

Lack of sleep has been a cause of concern for many adults in the U.S. Cannabinoids such as HHC and CBD have been known to greatly improve the quality of sleep in their users. People who consume HHC have claimed that they get a full night’s rest with the help of HHC products. On average, cannabis users get around 8 hours of undisturbed sleep at night.

Psychoactive chemicals such as HHC and THC can be used to treat insomnia. A large number of people have claimed that they could sleep longer within the first 30 days of using cannabis products. It can also be used to reset sleep patterns without causing harm to the body.

What are the risks of consuming HHC?

The recently discovered cannabinoid HHC has several risks involved with its usage. Further research needs to be conducted to verify the long-term side effects that are associated with the regular consumption of HHC.

In general, paranoia, increased heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, and red eyes are some of the risks that are observed in cannabis consumers who prefer HHC in their diet. These side effects are remarkably similar to the risks of consuming high doses of THC.

How is HHC different from THC?

HHC is a cannabinoid distinctly different from analogs of THC, such as delta 8 and delta 9. While both HHC and THC are psychoactive chemicals, the effects of THC are much stronger than HHC in equal doses.

Delta 9 is the most potent psychoactive chemical. The potency of HHC and delta 8 are milder compared to delta 9. It is also the primary reason why delta 9 THC products cost more than delta 8 and HHC.

The concentration of cannabinoids makes a huge difference to the availability of HHC and THC in the market. HHC is only available in less than 0.1% of cannabis plants, whereas delta 9 THC can be found in about 30% of hemp.

Cannabis consumers take approximately 5-20 mg of delta 9 per day. People who prefer HHC can take up to 10-30 mg per day.

How is HHC different from HHC-O?

HHC-O is an acetate of HHC. Acetate anhydride is added to HHC compounds to double the potency of HHC-O. The end result is that the high from HHC-O is a lot stronger than HHC, comparable to delta 9.

You can store HHC for years without any harm

HHC is one of the most stable extracts of marijuana. The chemical structure of HHC makes the chemical more durable than CBD and delta 9. You can easily store several grams of HHC products for years together without losing potency, making it a suitable choice for moderate marijuana consumers.