HHC is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis but in too small amounts to make. The extraction costs and processes are more effective. Herein are the differences between HHC and THC.
Since commercial production of HHC is just commencing off the ground, it is still not widely known. Many cannabinoids are converted to other cannabinoids by changing the chemistry of the molecules. Like delta-8 THC and delta 10 THC, commercial HHC is extracted from hemp-derived CBD in a lab through chemical processes. The major difference between HHC over Delta 8 and 10 is THC content.
How is HHC Produced?
Hydrogenation is used to modify the structure of delta 9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms. It changes its molecular weight and makes it more stable. According to Cecilia et al. (2020), hydrogenation improves stability and resistance to thermos oxidative breakdown. It means that HHC has a longer life and is less prone to damage caused by UV light and heat.
Can HHC Get You High? And Does it Have Side Effects?
Although HHC is not technically a THC, it produces similar effects when someone uses too much of it. Sweet & Dahl (1970) noted that the HHC batch mixes with active and inactive HHC molecules when produced in the lab. The active HHC binds well with the body’s cannabinoid receptors while the others don’t.
Manufacturers are still trying to determine a cost-effective way to separate high potency HHC from its low potency twin. The commercial HHC, a mixture of the two forms, can be a crapshoot for the buyer but has noticeable effects. Reports from consumers generally describe the high from HHC products as being between delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Everything we know about HHC effects and side effects is anecdotal. Bonn-Miller et al. (2017) identified that the users report the same set of side effects similar to delta 9 THC users: Paranoia and anxiety, dry mouth, hunger, insomnia, and dry and red eyes.
Can HHC Show up in a Drug Test?
It shows that HHC may not break down in the body like THC. Unlike Delta 8, 9, and Delta 10 forms of THC, there is some proof that HHC does not metabolize into 11 hydroxy- THC, which is the breakdown substance many drug panels tests for. However, that has not been studied and is not proven true. No one knows that HHC won’t leave evidence of use in blood, hair, or urine. If an employer tests for drug use, do not risk your job by using HHC.
Does HHC Have Medical Benefits?
HHC has not been widely studied. However, unlike other abundant cannabinoids like delta 9 THC or CBD, they have promising results from the ongoing research. Kim et al. (2014) proved that some synthetic analogs of hexahydrocannabinol strongly inhibited breast cancer cell-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth. Japanese researchers published a paper describing HHC’s impressive pain-blocking capacity in mice. However, it can be probably too early to conclude that HHC has some great promise as a therapeutic drug.
Is HHC Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill Legalized the hemp plant and all the products derived from it unless the plant or the product made from it contains delta 9 THC and a higher concentration than 0.3%. HHC is not THC, so it should be subjected to federal scrutiny. Although HHC is found naturally in the cannabis plant, this is not where the commercial HHC comes from. It is a lab-produced product made by the process of hydrogenating hemp-derived cannabinoids under pressure with catalysts like palladium. Researchers at the National Cannabis Industry Association call the result a Semi-Synthetic cannabis compound.
This means that HHC gets the attention of the drug enforcement Administration. HHC may be banned by states too. It can likely be done if HHC becomes popular and threatens legal cannabis, like delta 8 THC. For now, HHC is probably too niche to catch the attention of state lawmakers.
Where Can I Get HHC?
Currently, in the United States, only one manufacturer produces HHC and offers it wholesale. Although it has not been proven to be true, it is a fact that not many companies produce it. And this is why only a few handfuls of companies are offering HHC at retail price. Many sellers offer vape carts filled with HHC oil with many gummies. The less common HHC products are disposable vapes, tinctures for oral consumption, and concentrates for dabbing. If HHC remains legally viable and becomes less expensive to manufacture high potency HHC, the products will be more available in the diverse cannabis marketplace.
What Is The Right Dose For HHC?
The right dose for any psychoactive substance depends on various factors like Age, tolerance levels, and weight. For the new users of HHC, you may not know an individual’s tolerance level, but for a general guide, its potency lies between the mellower high of Delta 8 and the more intense delta 9 THC. It would be best if you always started on the low end until you get the right dose that suits you, depending on how the body responds. For the relatively experienced users of one or other products, taking a similar or slightly lower dose of HHC can be a good starting point.
Can HHC Show up on a Drug Test?
Despite its long shelf-life, another key selling point made by HHC is that a standard 12-panel drug test won’t detect it. This factor is attractive to many because other THC alternatives like delta 8 and delta 10 THC will show up on blood or urine tests for THC when consumed sufficiently.
Where Can I Buy HCC?
HHC being a new product, there is no standard testing yet. Even the companies that test their products are unlikely to provide accurate results. Until a proper mechanism for testing, HHC is laid down. You won’t see the products available in all areas. The major priority is quality, and without the testing parameters well defined, the users will feel that the products are not safe.
Conclusion
Most vendors don’t sell HHC, but it may be available soon. The main problem with the potential danger is that novel cannabinoids, especially HHC are co, ming to the market as something new. But it is always good to use caution if you decide to try HHC or any product under research.
References
Bonn-Miller, M. O., Banks, S. L., & Sebree, T. (2017). Conversion Of Cannabidiol Following Oral Administration: Authors’ Response To Grotenhermen Et Al. Doi: 10.1089/Can. 2016.0036. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 5-7.
Cecilia, J. A., Ballesteros Plata, D., Alves Saboya, R. M., Tavares De Luna, F. M., Cavalcante, C. L., & Rodríguez-Castellón, E. (2020). An Overview Of The Biolubricant Production Process: Challenges And Future Perspectives. Processes, 8(3), 257.
Kim, D. G., Kang, Y., Lee, H., Lee, E. K., Nam, T. G., Kim, J. A., & Jeong, B. S. (2014). 6-Amino-2, 4, 5-Trimethylpyridin-3-Ols: A New General Synthetic Route And Antiangiogenic Activity. European Journal Of Medicinal Chemistry, 78, 126-139.
Sweet, R. M., & Dahl, L. F. (1970). Molecular Architecture Of The Cephalosporins. Insights Into Biological Activity Based On Structural Investigations. Journal Of The American Chemical Society, 92(18), 5489-5507.
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