What is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)

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Hemp and marijuana are frequently linked due to their THC and CBD content. Each variety of Cannabis Sativa L. plant, though, contains over 100 additional cannabinoids. Further study into a few of them has revealed amazing effects as well as some intriguing possibilities.

The chemical compounds in cannabis that make people high are known as THCs. Delta-8 and delta-10 THCs, for example, are newer options to marijuana’s main ingredient, delta-9-THC. The ambiguity surrounding these chemicals has a lot to do with the market’s willingness to take risks by selling them.

Another chemical that straddles the line between legal and illegal is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). It is, in fact, arguably more perplexing since hemp-derived HHC does not contain THC, even if it produces intoxicating effects. However, HHC may be derived from THC as well!

Read on to learn more about the effects, benefits, legality, and risks associated with HHC. The article concludes with a brief overview of three trustworthy HHC sellers and their products.

HHC Meaning & History

Did you know that CBD was first isolated and identified by chemist Roger Adams in the 1940s? In the same decade, he also created hexahydrocannabinol.

Adams added hydrogen molecules to delta-9-THC through a process called hydrogenation, which creates HHC from THC. This is similar to the way vegetable oil becomes margarine.

Although the concept of HHC was created over 7 decades ago, little research has been conducted to study its effects on people. From what we do know, however, is that adding hydrogen atoms to the molecules creates a much longer lasting product. There are now more than 10 types of HHCs , including hexahydrocannabinol (the original), HU211, 7-OH-HHC , and HU243 .

HHC differs from THC in that it has no double bonds. Instead, it contains two extra hydrogen atoms. It’s the polar opposite of CBN, which is produced when THC undergoes further double bonds as it decomposes. The double bonds in THC are broken and replaced with hydrogen when HHC occurs, altering the molecule’s affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body.

When you purchase HHC, you’ll find that it retains a high percentage of its potency for a lot longer than delta-9-THC. It is significantly more resistant to breakdown when exposed to UV light and heat.

How Is HHC Made?

Companies that produce HHC use hemp, though it was originally created from THC by Adams. The main reasoning for this is due to legalities, which will be explored in the next section.

HHC is derived from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from raw hemp. The CBD is distilled and concentrated. This product has a fluffy texture and is usually sold as an isolate CBD product.

After you have isolated the delta-8, the next step is to convert it into a concentrate that has 96% potency. To do this, you hydrogenate the D8 by using a pair of active catalysts with HHC. These catalysts are usually heavy metals.

From there, it is all about the producer. Many companies claim their HHC manufacturing method is a “proprietary process,” but provide little information. We understand that manufacturers must complete various filtering steps to eliminate any contaminants before introducing the product to market.

By subjecting THC to hydrogen, high pressure, and a metal catalyst, the concentration of THC can be increased. HHC can also be created from lab-grown THC in this manner. The process of hydrogenation exposes concentrated THC to these elements which then binds with the atoms in the substance. A catalytic converter is used during this process and is removed once it has fulfilled its purpose.

In 2007, a study discovered that it might be possible to convert CBD into different forms of HHC by using gastric juice. However, there is very limited information on this method available. Additionally, there is a suggestion that citronellol, a terpene, could also create HHC.

The creation of HHC by companies also creates a legal debate.

Is HHC Legal?

The creators of HHC cannabinoid products say that the compound is legal. deliberately They use hemp and CBD to create their products from scratch .CBD is legal under Hemp was legalized in 2018 due to it occurring naturally in the plant. You can grown industrial hemp in The United States, as long as the maximum delta-9-THC content does not exceed 0.3%.

Despite being commonly known for CBD production, hemp has many other cannabinoids. According to the law, products containing other hemp cannabinoids are still legal as long as they don’t exceed the 0.3% THC limit. Many manufacturers of HHC products are confident that their content is within the boundaries of what’s legal.

The DEA’s recent update around synthetic cannabinoids makes matters more difficult. In a September 2021 letter, the DEA announced that THCs produced synthetically from hemp compounds are legal. This is excellent news for delta-8 product sellers, and HHC brands will no doubt believe the same applies to them.

The DEA’s decision followed a year after the FDA published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that stated that synthetic cannabinoids in hemp are illegal, whereas naturally occurring ones are legal.

The Federal Analog Act, on the other hand, prohibits any analog of a Schedule I drug, such as delta-9-THC.

Although the DEA recently stated that sale of HHC is federally allowed, many states have chosen to ban it. These include:

• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New York

Although the legal status of HHC is unclear in many states, you can still use it if you’re willing to accept the risks.

Is HHC Stronger Than Delta-9-THC?

Due to the lack of study on HHC, determining its potency is difficult. Manufacturers of HHC goods acknowledge a lack of consistency, to say the least. The proportions of inactive to active HHC molecules in each batch can vary considerably. While these businesses do their best to boost the amount of active chemicals in a product, they don’t have total control.

Hexahydrocannabinol’s chemical structure indicates that it is likely stronger than delta-8 but not as potent as delta-9. While estimates vary, most experts agree that HHC is approximately 80% as intoxicating D9.

The most common THC forms that produce intoxicating effects have four or more carbons in their side chain. Delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC all have five carbon sides, as does HHC. THCP, the most powerful form of THC, has seven carbon sides.

Does HHC Get You High?

Yes, HHC will lead to intoxication, but not as harshly as the delta-9 THC in marijuana.

Many people who have used HHC say that its effects are similar to THC, including euphoria, alterations in auditory and visual perception, and changes in cognition. In general, you can expect the effects of HHC to be closer to delta-8-THC in terms of relaxation. However, other users claim they feel energetic with a sharper mind after taking it.

What Benefits Does HHC Offer?

There is a dearth of scientific evidence to suggest that the HHC cannabinoid has any real health benefits.

A study from 1977 investigated HHC in rats. The cannabinoid was found to have features in common with narcotic painkillers, but there were significant differences.

HU211 and HU243 were tested on mice in a 2007 study. It was discovered that HHC increased sleeping duration by 80% to 700%. The researchers also said that the cannabinoid exhibited delta-9-THC-like effects in the mice, with less potent pharmacological impacts.

In 2011, a study found that analogs LYR-7 and LYR-8 could stop tumor cell growth and angiogenesis from happening.

A study published in 2010 found that HHC’s effects were noticeable even after a long period of time in rats. However, there is very little else research-wise to support the manufacturers’ claims of benefits outside of what is mentioned in this section. Additionally, there are no studies on humans regarding this topic.

Apart from suggestions that it has painkilling potential, HHC could have the following benefits:

• Relief from anxiety
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Cerebral and bodily intoxication
• Reduced inflammation
• Alleviation of nausea and vomiting
• Improved sleep

If it is truly 80% as powerful as delta-9-THC, those who have a low tolerance for THC should exercise caution. To determine how it affects your body and mind, use no more than 3-5mg at first.

HHC Side Effects

Because of its connections to THC and the fact that it is comparable in intoxicatingness, the following side effects are possible, based on what we know about Delta-9:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Heightened anxiety and paranoia
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Elevated heart rate
• Red eyes

Further research is needed, but as it stands, HHC probably has similar negative consequences as delta-9-THC.

What Are the Dangers of Cannabinoids Like HHC?

That said, the FDA does not recommend this product for general use because there is no evidence to prove it is beneficial. Many people believe that cannabis oil products can cure a wide range of ailments and conditions. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products like Canna Hemp Oil are legal in all 50 states, they have yet to be proved as effective or safe as other medications by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). -> No one knows for sure. HHC manufacturers claim that because it comes from the hemp plant, it is completely safe. Once again, however, a lack of research is a concern. While there are no historical reports on side effects, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that it’s safe. Because CBD oils are new on the market, there isn’t much data regarding short-term negative effects or long-term risks.

A large problem is the Dearth of standardization. Even though numerous firms peddle HHC goods, only a tiny minority are famous. Dishonest HHC providers market dangerous and possibly perilous formulas to hemp brands that unknowingly pass these risky products on to consumers. Also, lots of HHC items will fail potency assessment because they barely contain any measurable quantities of the desired compound.

Because HHC is a relatively recent cannabinoid, its safety profile remains to be established.

HHC, or 9-beta-hydroxy-hexahydrocannabinol, is the most prevalent form of HHC available commercially. It’s a manmade HHC product and can be challenging to distinguish from delta-8 via laboratory testing. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners by blending cheaper HCH with D8.

HHC vape cartridges are flooding the market. However, given that vaping might be correlated with lung problems, customers need to be careful when selecting HHC products. Even if a product is top-notch quality, the mere act of vaping might still pose some danger.

Therefore, it is best to stick with the few companies that are reputable and sell this cannabinoid. Later on, we will outline which brands are worth considering.

Does HHC Show up on a Drug Test?

The manufacturers of HHC claim that it does not show up on standard 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests, but this is unverified. The suggestion is that HHC does not metabolize into 11-hydroxy-THC metabolites, like delta8 or delta10. These are the particular metabolites that drug tests can detect.

The appeal of HHC is that it would be undetectable in a drug screening. This means people could use the substance recreationally without any negative consequences.

However, we must emphasize that there is no proof one way or the other. If you take HHC, you have no idea whether a drug test will detect it in your body.

Who Sells the Best HHC Products?

There are just a few reputable HHC merchants or useful goods on the market right now. However, in this part of our review, we have three excellent brands to feature.

PureKana

PureKana, a company known for producing superior CBD goods, has recently expanded its THC-O and HHC cannabinoid offerings. Each bottle contains 20 pieces of the THC-O gummies, each containing 25mg of the chemical. The HHC in these gummies comes from American-grown hemp and is vegan because it is produced from strawberries and grapes. Furthermore, the brand’s HHC product page exposes updated third-party lab reports.

In addition to its regular HHC vape pen, PureKana is also set to launch a dual HHC pen containing 900mg of the cannabinoid. This innovative new product will offer users two different effects using the same device!

Moonwlkr

Moonwlkr not only specializes in CBD and delta-8 products, but also offers HHC gummies to help get users through their day. This watermelon zkittlez and blue dream berry flavored Gummies each contain 12.5mg of HHC. The brand recommends starting with just one gummy, waiting an hour, and seeing how it makes you feel before having more.

You can always try the Moonwlkr trial pack, which includes four 12.5mg HHC gummies, if a big container is not your thing. Each package has two of each flavor, allowing you to decide whether you like them. You may also pick your favorite taste as a bonus!

Binoid

Binoid is one of the most reputable providers of HHC, and many people appreciate “exotic” cannabinoids. It offers a wide range of HHC goods, including:

• Vape cartridges
• Tinctures
• Capsules
• Gummies
• Cookies

Each capsule contains 25mg of HHC, and they’re fantastic for taking the cannabis quickly. Binoid’s tincture has 1000mg of HHC per milliliter (33.33 mg per ml), making it one of the highest-concentration THC products available.

Final Thoughts on the HHC Cannabinoid

Although an HHC product may be appealing because it’s new, keep in mind that there isn’t concrete evidence yet to support claims about its efficacy and safety. HHC probably has THC-like effects, which would include intoxication. People who have used this cannabinoid say they feel relaxed, calm, and happy after using it. Additionally, there is a chance that it also has analgesic effects.

Since it is slightly milder than delta-9-THC, it may be useful for individuals who find cannabis barely too strong.

However, the long-term consequences of HHC are still unknown. There’s also a lot of confusion about its legality right now. Synthetic THCs from hemp may be legal as long as the delta-9 content is kept low enough, according to the DEA. However, a growing number of states have outlawed the substance.

Please make sure to check your state’s laws before buying HHC. Otherwise, you could end up with a legal problem.