Most consumers who are familiar with the cannabis plant have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a controlled substance that gets you high. But other cannabinoids like hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) offer a potent rush while still being federally legal. If you haven’t tried HHC products yet, many users report that it has a cleaner high, one without any overpowering negative effects.
HHC products have some potential benefits for health and wellness. So, if you’re curious about the hemp plant and THC but aren’t interested in a strong high, this might be the substance for you.
What Is HHC And How Does It Compare To THC Products?
HHC is a trace component of the phytocannabinoid found in legal hemp plants derived from hydrogenation and has different chemical compositions from THC, with no psychoactive effects. HHC is considered to be one of the synthetic cannabinoids, unlike the THC molecule naturally found in marijuana plants.
Chemical composition and properties
HHC is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants, similar to other cannabinoids like THC. It is considered psychoactive and contains 21 carbon atoms, 32 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Its chemical structure is C21H32O2.
Unlike THC, which only has single bonds between the carbon molecules, HHC bears two additional hydrogen atoms and lacks double bonds. The three-dimensional arrangement of these elements imparts unique effects on the body and mind compared to THC, making it an attractive prospect for medical applications.
Furthermore, research suggests that due to this structural difference, HHC does not bind as strongly with receptors found throughout our bodies as compared to its cousin THC – leading many to believe that it may have fewer negative side effects than THC while also providing potential therapeutic benefit.
Differences between HHC and THC
HHC and THC, while both cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, have several distinct differences.
When it comes to chemical structure, HHC is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant with a unique molecular structure. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
While both these hemp-derived products have effects on the body and mind, HHC offers a milder experience. Unlike other intoxicating cannabinoids, the effects of HHC last around 12 hours. THC is known to produce psychoactive effects, resulting in a strong high.
HHC products, including HHC vape cartridges, have a long shelf life. This is longer than delta 9 THC products and delta 8 THC products. THC products might degrade when exposed to light and heat.
HHC molecules have less of a psychoactive effect as other chemical compounds derived from THC. Meanwhile, THC has strong effects on the endocannabinoid receptors, altering perceptions and mood.
Diet Smoke
<p>Each of the Delta-8 THC/HHC vapes has 950mg of hemp-derived delta-8 THC and 950mg of hemp-derived HHC. It’s the easy, legal way to achieve a lighter, uplifting version of the blissful state you already love.</p>
Shop Now
How is HHC Produced?
HHC is created through hydrogenation, in which field-grown hemp flowers are subject to specific conditions that induce chemical reactions to produce delta THC. Unlike delta 9 THC, HHC can sometimes be considered a synthetic product, making it more similar to delta 8 THC. This is why, occasionally, federal regulations treat HHC as one of the controlled substances regulated by the Controlled Substances Act. However, for those wondering is HHC legal, the answer generally is yes.
Processing from legal hemp plants
HHC is synthesized from THC or other hemp-derived cannabinoids in the laboratory through a multi-step process. Typically, this involves converting active cannabinoid molecules from one form to another, often by using reagents and catalysts in chemical reactions.
In most cases, commercially available HHC products are synthesized from THC using a process called catalytic hydrogenation. This is done with legal hemp plants, which contain negligible amounts of detectable THC levels and thus remain within federal compliance limits for cannabis byproduct production without further processing. The Farm Bill made hemp products with under .3 percent THC legal, making the cannabinoid HHC easy to find.
The resulting product can be produced as low-THC HHC flower or resin that is sprayed or mixed with synthetic cannabinoids. While state law may vary on the legality of HHC due to its stoppered relationship with hemp derivatives containing trace levels of psychoactive compounds like THC, it remains federally compliant despite these potential risks being present more so than entirely synthetic versions found elsewhere on the market today.
Effects Of HHC On The Body And Mind
HHC may produce different physical and psychological effects compared to delta 9 THC, so it is important to study its potential impacts on the body and mind further. Not much is known about this substance, but some users have testified to the effects of HHC products.
Psychoactive effects
HHC produces psychoactive effects on the body and mind when consumed. This causes altered perception of reality, changes in moods and emotions, as well as heightened paranoia. Some physical side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, impaired judgment, and memory impairment.
It has similar effects to delta 9 THC but is considered more potent in comparison on a milligram per milligram basis, causing euphoria or an overall sense of well-being, which may be agreeable and desirable for some people.
However, it is important to remember that such feelings are highly subjective – everyone reacts differently, so individuals should take caution if they decide to consume HHC. Additionally, consuming HHC has been known to induce anxiousness and impair motor skills due partly to its hallucinogenic properties, thus creating a risk of harm if one does not exercise responsible use while under its influence.
Legal Status and Restrictions
The legal status of HHC varies from country to country, and in many places is a closely monitored substance; this has been confirmed by the EMCDDA report (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) in 2018.
Potential risks and regulation
HHC use is associated with some potential risks, both physical and mental. These include increased heart rate, dizziness, nausea, memory, and cognitive function impairment. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has taken measures to investigate the prevalence of its use in Europe as well as any potential adverse effects on health or public safety. These studies may eventually affect whether HHC legal products can still be sold.
Potential Benefits And Uses
An increasing number of research studies demonstrate potential beneficial medical applications for HHC, such as aiding sleep disorders and pain relief.
Research findings
One study found that there might be some potential for HHC cannabis products to help treat colon cancer and ocular hypotony. While some might not want to take a psychoactive cannabinoid like delta 9 THC, HHC gummies or HHC materials might offer a lower psychological effect.
Where Can HHC Be Found?
Most vape shops that sell delta 9 THC and delta 8 THC will sell HHC products, including HHC gummies or vape products.
Products containing HHC
HHC is found in a range of commercially available products. These can include other cannabinoids, cannabis alternatives for recreational use, CBD products, psychoactive substances, and legal high products. It is also a common ingredient in herbal smoking blends and hemp-based products and as an alternative to more hazardous delta 9 THC replacements such as novel cannabinoids and new psychoactive substances. All these HHC products can be found through physical shops or online stores, with availability differing depending on the region and country.
Is HHC Safe?
Though HHC is a trace component of hemp, being closely monitored and controlled by the EMCDDA report, its use should still be done responsibly due to its strength and psychoactive effects.
Safety considerations
When considering the use of HHC, it’s important to consider potential risks and safety concerns. A few key safety considerations should be considered when using products containing HHC:
- A 2022 in vitro study concluded that hemp-derived HHC is safe for human consumption. It has, however, not been evaluated by any health regulatory body. Hence, its long-term effects remain unknown.
- Limited research on the safety of HHC has resulted in unknown side effects, which may arise after prolonged usage or high doses of ingestion of these products.
- The quality of many commercial products containing this compound can be difficult to verify due to an oversaturated market with varying levels of regulation, creating additional safety considerations for consumers who may unknowingly purchase low-quality and potentially unsafe products from untrustworthy sources online and offline stores alike.
- Careful consideration should also be given before purchasing any hemp-based product as there is wide variation among different suppliers regarding both potency and purity – some will contain higher concentrations than others – leading to further concern about the level of adulteration during manufacture, including contaminants such as pesticides or mold which could present their own health hazards if unwittingly consumed through ingesting these types of products.
What Is HHC? The Delta 9 THC Alternative With Milder Effects
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. HHC has been rarely identified as a trace component in Cannabis sativa and is typically produced synthetically by people.
It can be processed from compounds found in legal hemp plants and produces mind-altering effects similar to THC but it is believed to have less of an impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system due to its 7-carbon atom configuration compared to the 8-carbon atom formation of THC.
While there are potential benefits associated with using HHC, more research needs to be done before any meaningful conclusion. Additionally, HHC remains a closely monitored substance due to its close relationship with other cannabinoids such as Delta THC. Because of this, it must abide by the regulations set out by governing bodies like the EMCDDA report if sold legally. These stipulate that products containing 0.2% or lower values of THC do not require regulation for sale when derived from hemp extracts under regional laws.
For this reason, users should always educate themselves thoroughly on legal restrictions associated with any type of product containing HHC.
Other Forms of THC to Explore
FAQs
1. What Is HHC?
HHC is one of the cannabis cannabinoids derived from THC and THC isomers. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, much in the same way that the marijuana plant does. However, considering HHC compared to THC, the effects are much less intense.
2. Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?
Hemp products do not show up on drug test panels, but THC will show up on a drug test. If you have a medical marijuana prescription, you will be able to seek an exemption for a drug test.
