HHC: What it is and what you need to know about it

You’ve probably heard about CBD and THC. Both are extremely popular cannabinoids that can be found in many products. But have you heard of HHC?

We know, it might be hard to keep track of all these different compounds in the cannabis industry. But don’t worry, we’re here to make it easy for you. HHC is gaining popularity in the wellness world and is often marketed as the way to experience a “legal high.” (Though we will talk more about the legality of HHC later on, so keep reading.) 

But what is the HHC cannabinoid? Will HHC gummies make me high? How potent is HHC? We will answer these questions and more in this guide. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the HHC cannabinoid?

HHC stands for ‘Hexahydrocannabinol’ and it is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis Sativa and hemp plants. However, this cannabinoid is only present in trace amounts. 

For this reason, the HHC found in many products nowadays isn’t derived directly from the plant.

While HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, only a very small amount is produced by the plants. It needs to be synthesized in order to cultivate it produce enough HHC cannabinoid for sale. This synthesized version of HHC is identical to the HHC made by the plants, and it has the same effects. 

What is HHC cannabinoid made from?

HHC was first synthesized from THC in 1947 by Roger Adams, so it’s been around for a while.

Nowadays, HHC is typically made from the hydrogenation of CBD. This means that hydrogen (H2) is added to CBD.

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are two different THC molecules. Delta-9 THC is the common version of THC that most people are familiar with. Although both these molecules are psychoactive, Delta-9 is the most popular and produces the most potent “high.”

HHC is similar to both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. It has similar psychoactive effects, even though it is a different cannabis compound. 

Is HHC stronger than Delta-9?

Many people wonder, “is HHC stronger than Delta-9?” Although we need more research to know exactly how potent each cannabinoid is, many claim that HHC is slightly less potent than Delta-9 THC. However, it’s said that HHC is more potent than Delta-8 THC. 

The HHC cannabinoid effects and “high” are very similar to what you feel with regular Delta-9 THC. Many people are starting to choose HHC instead of THC because HHC is legal in many places, even where THC is not. 

Delta-8 THC has a slightly different chemical structure, making it not as strong. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, so it does not produce a high at all. CBD is known for its many potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits.  

What does HHC feel like? 

Just like the other cannabis-derived compounds, HHC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to exert mental and physical effects. Most people compare the effects of HHC to those of THC – euphoria, relaxation, improved mood, and an altered perception of reality.

This raises the questions: “Does HHC get you high?” and “How potent is HHC?”

From anecdotal reports, the short answer is yes, HHC can get you high. As mentioned before, it’s a less potent high than what is experienced from Delta-9 THC, but slightly more potent than Delta-8. The way some users explain it is that while Delta-9 THC gives you a euphoric high, HHC is more similar to Delta-8 THC in the way that it makes you feel more relaxed.

What are the HHC cannabinoid effects?

Besides providing a feeling of relaxation similar to Delta-8 THC, HHC also exhibits some potential therapeutic effects.

When it comes to the potential therapeutic effects of HHC, there are not many studies that have focused specifically on this cannabinoid. A notable animal study from 1997 found that HHC may possess some pain relief effects. 

While more research is needed to fully understand how this cannabinoid interacts with our body’s ECS, so far it seems that HHC has a similar therapeutic profile to THC. Therefore, some possible HHC cannabinoid effects may include alleviating symptoms of anxiety, nausea, reducing inflammation, and managing insomnia. But again, we need more studies before we know the full benefits of HHC. 

Is HHC cannabinoid Legal?

HHC is often touted as an alternative to THC, allowing you to experience a “legal high”. However, the reality is a bit more complex. 

Being a hemp plant derivative, HHC may be considered federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill, The Farm Bill defines hemp as a subspecies of the cannabis Sativa plant that does not contain more than 0.3% THC. 

Currently, there are not many laws regarding HHC because it is so new. This means that it’s likely legal in most places. In any case, make sure to check your local laws to avoid any penalties. 

Will HHC show up on drug tests?

It’s unlikely that HHC will show up on a drug test for a variety of reasons. For one, drug tests don’t currently test for HHC. They focus more on THC and other illegal substances. Because HHC does not convert into THC in the system, it won’t trigger a positive drug result.

However, because some areas may consider HHC to be illegal, there’s the possibility that it could be tested for in the future. Also, certain HHC products may contain THC as well, which would cause a positive drug result. It’s always best to consult with whoever is administering the drug test for more details on what is being tested.

How do you consume HHC?

With the rising popularity of this cannabinoid, you can find HHC infused in a variety of products, from HHC Oil, Vape Cartridges, to HHC Gummies and HHC Hash

The method of consumption will depend on your personal preference. An important factor to take into consideration about HHC consumption is its bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the percentage of the substance that enters the bloodstream. Different methods of HHC consumption define its bioavailability (how fast can you feel the effects).

Smoking or vaping may take around 20 minutes to “kick in”. Whereas edibles like HHC gummies typically take around an hour. 

What is an HHC gummy? Gummies are a very popular way to use HHC. Many people are turning to HHC gummies as their preferred method of consumption to avoid the inhalation of smoke. They taste great, there’s no smoke, and the effects last longer than most other methods. 

As with many cannabis-related products, the general guideline is to start slow, see how you react to it, and adjust your dosage accordingly.

Moreover, it’s also important to only purchase from reliable brands that accompany their HHC products with a third-party lab-tested quality certificate.

In conclusion

Although HHC was discovered decades ago, it is just now beginning to grow in popularity. Since CBD has become increasingly popular over the past few years, other cannabinoids are becoming more popular as well. 

Many cannabis companies are beginning to sell products containing HHC. This cannabinoid offers a unique type of intoxicating experience, which makes it one of the reasons it is gaining such widespread popularity. While CBD offers potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive “high” feeling, HHC is intoxicating. 

It’s important that only adults use HHC, and it may be beneficial to speak with your primary care provider before using HHC as well. 

The future of HHC looks bright as we’re learning more about its safety and possible therapeutic effects. Keep an eye out for news on HHC as more research is done in the future. 

In summary, HHC is gaining attention as one of the noteworthy hemp-derived cannabinoids, offering an experience that users report as both soothing and uplifting. Sourced from legal hemp, HHC produces effects that are somewhere between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, appealing to a broad audience of cannabis aficionados. Although the side effects are generally mild, it’s important to think about the long-term implications and consult healthcare professionals for advice. Hailing from the cannabis plant, HHC also has a longer shelf life compared to some other cannabinoids, making it a convenient option for both new and seasoned users. Stay tuned as more research emerges, further defining HHC’s role in the ever-evolving world of cannabis.

HHC in Germany: Is it Legal?

In recent times, the European market, particularly Germany, has shown a keen interest in cannabinoids, their potential therapeutic benefits, and their legality. As of the last update, Germany has strict laws surrounding THC, but what about HHC? The legality of HHC in Deutschland (Germany) is still a gray area. As HHC gains traction in the international wellness scene, it is crucial for consumers to keep themselves updated with the local regulations. While many countries are liberalizing their stance on various cannabinoids, HHC’s legal status in Deutschland is yet to be clearly defined. Always consult local guidelines or legal advisors before purchasing or consuming HHC in Germany.