HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC. It is similar to turning vegetable oil into margarine using the hydrogenation process. HHC is made into different products, including gummies. So, can HHC gummies make you high? Herein is all you need to know.
HHC occurs naturally in the hemp plant but only in a trace concentration. A sophisticated process is performed to saturate THC with hydrogen atoms using high pressure and palladium catalyst for a usable amount. The process breaks the THC double bond chemical structure and replaces it with hydrogen, but the cannabinoid effects and potency remain unchanged. This seemingly minor change increases the HHC binding affinity for the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors.
HHC effects are similar to THC’s, such as increased heart rate, feeling of euphoria, body temperature, and auditory perceptions. HHC users describe its effects as more relaxing than stimulating. Since HHC is familiar to those of THC, It can offer many THC therapeutic benefits. A few studies have investigated this. Miyajima et al. (2015) showed that it possesses notable painkillers benefits through the examination of rats, but more research is still needed to access the HHC’s full potential.
Is HHC Legal?
Many vendors claim it is legal because it occurs naturally, and no law explicitly prohibits it. HHC does not occur naturally in substantial quantities. Hence various chemical processes are needed for the usable amounts. The Drug Enforcement Administration issued an interim rule clarifying the regulatory control over cannabis and its constituents under the 2018 farm bill.
Can HHC Cause a Psychoactive High Effect?
Not all products that are enjoyable can intoxicate you. CBD is psychoactive, but many users incorporate it into their daily routine. According to Bonn-Miller et al. (2017), HHC can get you high, but not how Delta 9 in marijuana does. A highness similar to THC is produced but not as intense. It mostly makes the experience stronger or equal to delta8. Consumers describe it as a euphoric type of high, and the feeling is relaxing. Depending on personal preference, it is a great way to start or end the day. Delta 8 high is very familiar to HHC. Delta 8 THC high has a milder experience versus a typical delta 9 high. You experience the full therapeutic potential of a psychoactive THC high but without the attached paranoia, anxiety, and other adverse effects. HHC high is similar to delta 8 high. Everyone processes cannabinoid products differently. HHC feels a lot like the sativa plant in that it delivers more or less energy during the daytime. Delta 8 is more of a full-bodied melt-on-couch sort of feeling. But both are incredibly relaxing and can get you high.
Is HHC Safe?
Andersson et al. (2017) identified the safety measures of HHC. Like any of the recent hemp-derived cannabinoids, there is little information on the long-term and immediate effects of HHC. There is no standard dosage for these cannabinoids, including HHC. As hemp-derived products are not liable to cannabis laws in legal adult use, the retailers and producers fail to test their products. As a result, the purity, safety, and potency of hemp-derived cannabinoids are not assured. Some retailers go ahead to test HHC products using third-party laboratories. The test shows the products that contain 99% HHC.
The Side Effects of HHC
Like the other Cannabinoids, HHC does not match the comprehensive studies on its effects and safety. Golombek et al. (2020) concluded that HHC has safety profiles compared to THC. The reported side effects are similar to those resulting from high doses of THC, which include anxiety, dry mouth, insomnia, red eyes, and rapid heart rate. Of all cannabinoids that have been introduced recently, HHC is the only one that shares close similarities with Delta 9 THC. It is similar to delta 9 THC because of its chemical structure and therapeutic effects. Many have reported effects like anxiety relief, pain relief, cerebral and body relaxation, and happiness after consuming HHC.
Although many studies are still investigating HHC, some studies have already linked HHC to curing cancer. Du Plessis et al. (2013) linked HHC to curing pulmonary cancer. It has been discovered to shrink tumors in cancer patients, and it is good news for HHC and its future stability as a medical cannabinoid.
Can HHC Fail a Drug Test?
Many people have started turning to HHC, claiming that cannabinoids can evade drug tests. However, all the evidence supporting this claim is only anecdotal and hearsay. There is not enough proof to claim that HHC does not show on drug tests.
How Potent is HHC?
The common ground is yet to be reached concerning the potency of HHC products. When cannabinoids are produced, the product is usually a mixture of two different molecules. These molecules include PS HHC and 9R HHC. The 9R HHC actively binds the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. PS HHC does not bind well, resulting in a difference in its molecular structure. The 9R molecules that fit into the receptor get the same effects as delta 9 THC but with a high dosage. Some users of HHC have claimed that it provides a pleasant and average cerebral high. Others claim HHC serves as pain relief, while others claim that they feel energetic, sharp, and strong after using HHC for recreational use.
Is HHC Legal?
HHC is derived from hemp and produced from THC. Based on that, HHC should be clear. HHC Gummies, vapes, and edibles are legal on the federal level and should remain legal at the state level. Other arguments promoting the legality of HHC claim that it is found on the seeds and pollen of hemp plants, so it is non-synthetic and should be federally legal.
Lately, HHC products are treading the grey areas of legality between hemp and cannabis. Retailers and producers are selling it, assuming it is legal until definite legislation is announced.
Conclusion
HHC products are made using semi-synthetic HHC, chemically hydrogenated from THC. Synthetic cannabinoids are not harmful or dangerous, but how they are produced can be harmful. So the product can carry some contaminants or impurities due to poor production or hydrogenation techniques. It is good to purchase your HHC from credible and legitimate HHC vendors that third part has tested their products.
References
Andersson, H., Lindholm, M., Pettersson, M., & Jonasson, L. L. (2017). Nurses’ Competencies In Home Healthcare: An Interview Study. BMC Nursing, 16(1), 1-8.
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.
Du Plessis, N., Loebenberg, L., Kriel, M., Von Groote-Bidlingmaier, F., Ribechini, E., Loxton, A. G., … & Walzl, G. (2013). Increased Frequency Of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells During Active Tuberculosis And After Recent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection Suppresses T-Cell Function. American Journal Of Respiratory And Critical Care Medicine, 188(6), 724-732.
Golombek, P., Müller, M., Barthlott, I., Sproll, C., & Lachenmeier, D. W. (2020). Conversion Of Cannabidiol (CBD) Into Psychotropic Cannabinoids Including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A Controversy In The Scientific Literature. Toxics, 8(2), 41.
Miyajima, A., Bamba, M., Muto, T., & Hirota, T. (2015). Dysfunction Of Blood Pressure Regulation In Hyperhomocyteinemia Model In Rats. The Journal Of Toxicological Sciences, 40(2), 211-221.
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
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