While delta 8 THC, delta-O THC, and even delta-10 THC (all hemp-derived cannabinoids) are becoming increasingly popular, few have skirted the public’s attention like hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). But what is HHC?
Making sense of HHC is challenging in part because it is new to the market, and only a few retailers sell it, usually in the form of vape carts.
However, the cannabinoid does seem to have tremendous potential, so don’t be shocked if you start hearing more about this compound in the near future!
Continue reading to discover the answer to the question: What is HHC?
What is HHC?
Long known to science but rarely mentioned by cannabis users until lately, HHC is a cousin to THC. HHC is a cannabinoid found naturally in cannabis but in quantities too small to make extraction cost-effective.
Although commercial manufacturing of HHC is still in its preliminary stages, it is not widely known.
Most cannabinoids may be transformed into other cannabinoids, by changing the chemistry of the molecules. Commercially available HHC, such as delta 8 and delta 10 THC, is synthesized in a laboratory utilizing chemical methods from CBD extracted from hemp.
How is HHC produced?
In the 1940s, Roger Adams, a chemist, developed HHC. He created HHC by incorporating hydrogen into the THC molecule and altering its physical properties.
The process, dubbed hydrogenation, was first outlined in a 1947 patent paper.
Hydrogenation alters the structure of delta 9 THC by substituting two hydrogen atoms to form a double bond, increasing its molecular weight, and making it more stable.
Hydrogenation enhances stability and resistance to a thermo-oxidative breakdown, meaning that HHC has a longer shelf life and is much less susceptible to UV radiation and heat damage.
Is it possible to get high from HHC?
Although HHC is not technically THC, it does cause comparable effects when used in sufficient quantities. So, the simple answer is yes, HHC leads to a high, but it depends entirely on the selected product.
For example, HHC vape juices can provide a high which can last up to three hours, edibles up to eight hours, and tincture oils up to an hour.
However, the impact of any HHC product is dependent on your body’s tolerance. Individuals who use HHC products frequently develop tolerance, to the point that only greater doses produce the desired high.
Will HHC be detected in a drug test?
HHC may not degrade in the body the same way THC does. Actually, in contrast to the delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 forms of THC, there is some evidence that HHC does not convert into 11-hydroxy-THC, the breakdown component that many drug panels test for.
Yet, this has not been explored and is not confirmed. So far, no one can guarantee that HHC will not leave traces of its usage in your blood, urine, or hair. If your workplace screens for drug usage, we recommend that you not take HHC.
Does HHC have medical benefits?
According to research conducted in 2011, several synthetic analogues of HHC “significantly suppressed breast cancer cell-induced angiogenesis and tumor development.”
In 2007, Japanese researchers released a report revealing HHC’s remarkable pain-blocking capabilities in mice.
However, considering the lack of extensive research, it is probably too early to tell whether HHC has considerable therapeutic potential.
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Other Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I store HHC products?
To preserve the quality of HHC goods over time, they should be maintained in a dry, cold atmosphere. If kept in direct sunlight, HHC is susceptible to losing its efficacy.
Gummies should be kept in the refrigerator to avoid melting. Flowers can oxidize if exposed to dangerous surroundings; hence, they should be stored in sealed jars. Alternatively, you can keep HHC goods in resealable bags.
Keep these goods out of the reach of children since they may produce psychoactive effects or other health issues.
2. Is HHC legal?
Yes, it is. Since HHC is not tetrahydrocannabinol, it is legal.
3. Besides those already mentioned, what other benefits does HHC have?
As with other hemp-derived products, HHC assists individuals in making positive lifestyle choices. It helps reduce the effects of stress, the stimulation of hunger, the alleviation of sleeplessness, the lowering of discomfort, and the enhancement of concentration.
The effects vary according to individual. However, consult your physician before using HHC as an alternative medication for depression or stress.
4. Is HHC safe to consume?
The research on hemp-derived products is lacking. Yet, there have been no reported adverse effects connected to HHC and no overdoses have been recorded. The primary source of concern is the addition of other materials that may be harmful to an individual’s health.
Conclusion
The HHC sector is rapidly growing, and many consumers are opting for these products over conventional medicines. The majority of newcomers appear to enjoy the results of HHC and are likely to purchase more in the future.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, and other material contained in this article, is for informational and educational purposes, solely intended to be used as a self-help tool. No information in this article or on this website is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek guidance and advice from a qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
