You might have heard someone mention a new type of THC in your local dispensary, or you might have come across the vape cartridge of a friend of yours with HHC written on it.
At those times, your mind would have swarmed with questions like, “What is HHC?” and “How is it different from regular THC?” Is it like a clone, or does it offer something unique?
If you have any such questions, you’re in the right place, as we’ll be happy to answer them all.
Moreover, looking at the ever-evolving cannabis industry, a new product seems to make it to the market every day, making it important for you to understand what you are consuming.
So, without much ado, let’s dive in and find out all about HHC.
What is HHC?
For starters, HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. It is a hydrogenated derivative of THC.
For easier understanding, HHC is a cannabinoid that is formed when a hydrogen atom is added to the THC molecule. This process is somewhat similar to the one by which vegetable oil is converted into margarine.
Now, if you are wondering what this hydrogenation process does to the THC molecule? This little tweak makes the resulting HHC more stable and alters its physical properties. It makes HHC resistant to heat, light, and air, thus ultimately prolonging its shelf life.
When was HHC Made?
Now, you might be thinking, “What is HHC weed, and when was it made”?
HHC was first synthesized by American chemist Roger Adams in the 1940s. He synthesized hexahydrocannabinol by reducing delta-8 or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) through the process of catalytic hydrogenation.
It is worth mentioning that this chemical compound was undoubtedly created decades ago. Still, it has just recently gotten more popular owing to the growing interest of the masses in the THC alternative cannabinoids.
Is HHC Stronger than THC?
Undoubtedly, the hydrogenated version of THC, HHC, is more stable and has a longer shelf life than other cannabinoids.
But HHC is milder than THC. It is associated with moderate psychoactive effects as compared to the latter. Many individuals have reported that they got a more intense high with THC as compared to HHC.
Is HHC Stronger than CBD?
While HHC is milder than THC, it is stronger than the cannabinoid (CBD).
Moreover, we all know that CBD does not provide any cerebral buzz or euphoria, but unlike CBD, users can get a “high” from using HHC.
HHC vs Delta 8: What’s the Difference?
HHC and Delta-8 are both derivatives of hemp and offer psychoactive effects, but there are some differences between the two cannabinoids.
| Feature | HHC | Delta-8 THC |
| Potency | Slightly stronger than Delta-8 | Milder than HHC |
| High | Euphoric, body-focused, energizing | Smooth, relaxing |
| Origin | Chemically hydrogenated | Naturally occurring in trace amounts |
| Made from Hemp | Yes | Yes |
| Benefits | Help curb depression and anxiety | Help to alleviate pain, insomnia, anxiety, and stress |
| Stability | Considered more stable than Delta-8 | Stable |
It is worth mentioning that Delta-9 THC is more potent than both HHC and Delta-8. Thus, if Delta-8 is too mild while Delta-9 is too intense for your liking, you can opt for HHC, which provides the perfect in-between high.
What Does HHC Feel Like?
HHC effects are milder than THC, making it a perfect choice for beginners. It offers a balanced effect, combining euphoria, mild cognitive enhancement, and relaxation.
Moreover, users have reported that the use of HHC has helped alleviate pain and improve their mood.
It is worth mentioning that just like medical marijuana, the effects of HHC depend on the quality of the product, its dosage, consumption method, and body chemistry. Moreover, check out this breakdown if you are curious about the medical marijuana health effects.
Is HHC Safe?
Now that we have understood the meaning of HHC and its effects, it is pivotal to address the elephant in the room: “Is HHC safe?”
HHC is a new, semi-synthetic drug on the market, and research on it is limited. Thus, its overall health effects and safety are uncertain. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that HHC is well-tolerated by healthy individuals when consumed responsibly.
It is worth mentioning that you should always consult your healthcare professional before trying any new substance.
It is always best to go for reputable companies when it comes to medical marijuana. Moreover, if you are going to use cannabis for medical purposes, it is a smart move to consult a medical marijuana doctor near me.
Is it Legal to Use HHC in the US?
The legal status of HHC varies from state to state in the US. In some of the US states, the usage of HHC derived from hemp is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
According to this law, the usage of hemp and its derivatives like HHC is legal, provided that their THC content lies within the legal limit of 0.3%.
It is worth mentioning that the usage of HHC is banned in different countries, and if you are planning to travel or relocate, it is always best to know about countries where weed is legal to avoid any legal surprises.
Conclusion
HHC is a part of a broader movement towards a personalized cannabis experience. The research on it is limited, making its health effects and safety uncertain.
However, as the body of research grows, we will come in a better position to understand what this psychoactive cannabinoid brings to the table.
Undoubtedly, the benefits of cannabis are vast and include alleviating pain, curbing anxiety, and reducing stress. Still, it is always best to first consult your healthcare professional and then buy your medical marijuana from a reliable source.
FAQs
Does HHC get you high?
Yes, the usage of HHC is associated with mild to moderate euphoria. It is more potent than Delta-8 THC but milder than that of Delta-9 THC.
Is HHC stronger than THC?
Delta-9 THC is stronger than HHC due to its stronger affinity to CB1 receptors in the brain. Therefore, it provides more intense psychoactive effects.
