Cannabinoids are available in hundreds, each providing unique benefits and effects to give users their unique personal experience. Among the latest products on the market is hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Being psychoactive and (most likely) federally legal, HHC is making the headlines as the latest legal high substance.
HHC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid present in modest amounts in cannabis. Randino et al. (2016) explained that HHC results from adding hydrogen molecules to THC through hydrogenation to form an entirely new molecule. For instance, vegetable oil is converted to margarine through hydrogenation. HHC can be derived from compounds in hemp other than Delta -9 THC. Being the newest cannabinoid on the block, let’s discuss how HHC products make an individual feel.
How is HHC Made?
According to Delta et al. (2021), HHC is considered semi-synthetic because it’s produced in a lab from an organic source, industrial hemp. When THC oxidizes into CBN over a long period, small concentrations of HHC are created. Since so little exists in cannabis, HHC is frequently created in labs through the simple hydrogenation of THC. A chemical saturation of the hydrogen atoms results from the completion of successful hydrogenation of THC. The atoms are then exposed to zinc or nickel catalyst, thus converting into HHC. The catalyst aids in speeding up the reaction in the compound without destroying it. HHC is more stable and has a longer shelf life than THC due to the added hydrogen atoms.
Does Using HHC Produce a Psychoactive High?
It produces a high psychoactive effect, but not like Delta-9 THC in marijuana. In other words, a high similar to marijuana is produced though not as intense. The high is less potent than traditional Delta 9 but considered stronger by some or equal to Delta 8. It’s been described as a euphoric high by users. In addition, the high affects everyone differently, just like THC. The effects depend on various factors such as how much is taken, how the body processes HHC and how frequently HHC is used along with other products. The sensation is quite calming. Depending on personal preferences, it’s an excellent way to start or end the day.
Is there a Difference between HHC and THC?
Although there are many similarities, there are varying differences between HHC and THC. According to Morales et al. (2015), the major difference is that HHC has two more hydrogen atoms than THC. The two extra hydrogen atoms allow for prolonged shelf life compared with other products. In addition, HHC is semi-synthetic, so it’s technically a legal hemp extract.
How does HHC High Victim Feel?
According to its users, HHC causes a steady improvement in mood. It increases activity to a greater degree than other THC products. While it can alter the brain and headspace, it doesn’t fully take away one’s ability to maintain control. The high from Delta-8 THC is quite comparable to the high from HHC products. A Delta-8 high is a softer version of a Delta-9 high. You get all of the therapeutic benefits of a psychoactive THC high without the anxiety, paranoia, or other negative side effects. In comparison to Delta-9 THC, an HHC high is extremely comparable to a Delta-8 high in that it’s baked in a gentler form. HHC and Delta -8 provide an incredible relaxation feeling; both get the user significantly high while avoiding the adverse effects of anxiety, paranoia, etc., that occur when using traditional Delta -9 cannabis.
The intake technique’s bioavailability usually determines when the HHC high kicks in. For example, an inhalable’s bioavailability is relatively quick, such as disposable vapes. It may take 1-5 minutes from the time it’s inhaled until the benefits are felt. The high would last a couple of hours, just like any other inhalable supplement, whether through smoking flower or vaping. All the while being in complete charge of your wits.
How Potent is HHC?
Research is yet to be finalized regarding the potency of HHC. This is because when the cannabinoids are produced, the resulting product is a mixture of two different types of HHC molecules. Even so, Ho et al. (2021) provided a preview of the potency of HHC. One of the molecules actively binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, while the other does not bind so well due to its molecular structure. The molecules that fit into the receptor produce similar effects as delta-9 THC, except with a higher dosage. Therefore, with a significant HHC dosage, one can notice THC-like effects. HHC can have similar effects as THC on the mind and body, although HHC has a lower potency than delta -9 THC.
How Safe is HHC?
There’s limited evidence on the long-term and immediate effects of HHC, just like any other new hemp-derived cannabinoid. Many cannabinoids, including HHC, have no standard dosages. Because hemp-derived cannabinoids are exempted from cannabis legislation in jurisdictions where adult use is permitted, retailers and manufacturers fail to test their products. As a result, hemp-derived cannabinoids such as HHC are not guaranteed to be safe, pure, or potent. Some businesses, however, continue to use third-party laboratories to evaluate their HHC items, and according to the testing, the product contains 99% HHC.
Effects and Benefits of HHC
HHC is the closest duplication of Delta-9 THC in terms of the chemical structure and therapeutic benefits among those recently introduced. As a result, many people have reported pain reduction, anxiety relief, cerebral and bodily relaxation, and enjoyment after taking HHC. Although many studies are still being conducted to understand HHC better, certain studies have connected HHC to cancer cures by decreasing tumors in cancer patients. This is fantastic news for HHC and its potential benefits as a medical cannabinoid in the future.
Conclusion
Chemically hydrogenated HHC from THC is used to produce all HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) products. According to current research, HHC is not dangerous nor harmful, but the process by which it is formed can be hazardous. As a result of poor hydrogenation techniques, the HHC product may include a lot of impurities and pollutants. Therefore, get your HHC items from reliable and trustworthy HHC merchants who have their products tested by third parties.
References
Delta, D., Ages, T. C. V. C., & So Inaccurate, W. A. C. (2021). CBD Oracle Lab Study Shows Some Delta-8 Products Are 7700% Over The Legal Delta-9 THC Limit. We Got 51 Hemp-Derived Delta-8 THC Products Tested By An Independent Lab, And Found High Levels Of Delta-9 THC In Most Of Them. And That Was Just The Beginning. Delta.
Ho, T. C., Tius, M. A., Nikas, S. P., Tran, N. K., Tong, F., Zhou, H., … & Makriyannis, A. (2021). Oxa-Adamantyl Cannabinoids. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 38, 127882.
Morales, N. P., Sirijaroonwong, S., Yamanont, P., & Phisalaphong, C. (2015). Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study Of The Free Radical Scavenging Capacity Of Curcumin And Its Demethoxy And Hydrogenated Derivatives. Biological And Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 38(10), 1478-1483.
Randino, R., Grimaldi, M., Persico, M., De Santis, A., Cini, E., Cabri, W., … & Rodriquez, M. (2016). Investigating The Neuroprotective Effects Of Turmeric Extract: Structural Interactions Of Β-Amyloid Peptide With Single Curcuminoids. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 1-17.
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