What is the Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)?
Until recently, HHC was not often discussed by cannabis users. Nevertheless, HHC is a THC that has been relatively long known to science. The difference between the HHC and the THC is the presence of two extra hydrogens. HHC is a minor cannabinoid; it occurs naturally in cannabis but in amounts too small to make extraction cost-effective. Thus, the commercial HHC is made from hemp-derived CBD in a laboratory through hydrogenation processes. HHC has one major legal advantage over delta 8 and delta 10: it isn’t called THC.
Is the HHC safe?
Unfortunately, there is not much research on HHC safety. At the moment, there is no indication that HHC is any less safe than THC. It is very similar to THC since it is a hydrogenated form of THC. It has similar effects and similar potency but has a longer shelf-life. Future research will likely find that HHC is just as safe as THC.
Very recently, Arianna C. Collins et al. conducted Nonclinical In Vitro Safety Assessment Summary of Hemp Derived (R/S)-Hexahydrocannabinol ((R/S)- HHC) demonstrating that HHC as a safe cannabinoid for potential human consumption. The preclinical assessments of HHC did not indicate any cardiac safety issues. HHC also demonstrated no cytotoxicity in the plated human liver hepatocyte cell viability assay. HHC, according to in vitro data produced potential cytotoxic effects in human lung fibroblasts when exceeding 10 mM concentrations. The authors concluded that the HHC is safe for possible human consumption without complications.
There is still very little danger of becoming hurt or sick by taking too much delta 9 THC. Instead, you risk experiencing adverse side effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, fatigue, fear, or nausea. These side effects can last as long as 6 to 8 hours or until the effects of delta 9 THC are completely gone from your system.
HHC vs THC?
HHC is said to produce a mind-stimulating and energizing high, making it ideal for social settings and creative work. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is known for its relaxing and sedative effects, making it better suited for unwinding at the end of the day. HHC and delta-8 THC are said to have milder psychoactive effects than delta-9 THC from marijuana. HHC and THC Both have a binding affinity to CB1 receptors in the brain that will impair your judgment and motor control, so you shouldn’t operate machinery under the influence of HHC or THC.
- Both HHC and THC offer users a euphoric psychoactive effect.
- THC’s high is 30% stronger than HHC’s.
- THC’s high is more potent because it has a double bond on the ninth carbon chain.
- HHC has no bonds.
- Both have wellness benefits, including stress relief, pain relief, rest, and relaxation.
- THC offers more powerful effects overall.
HHC effects?
Unsurpassed HHC products for your absolute relaxation, pain relief, and also against nausea or vomiting. Many of our customers use it for its euphoric, relaxing, increased appetite, and stimulating effects, which some liken to THC. However, as is usual with cannabinoids, we can observe a different effect in each person and in the type of HHC products used. Some people like the HHC gummies and others prefer to use HHC vape. Interestingly, the HHC tinctures are less popular, and most of them are sold in the MCT carrier oil.
HHC distillate?
Although the presence of the HHC cannabinoid in hemp is widely acknowledged, the commercial HHC distillate is produced in the laboratory using the catalytic hydrogenation of the Hemp CBD, followed by purification of the crude reaction to remove impurities and heavy metals. Most of the commercial HHC distillates have purity between 95% and 99%. The 95% purity distillate has an amber colour and the 99% are colourless. It’s worth mentioning that it’s important to ask for third laboratory testing of cannabinoids and heavy metals to avoid HHC distillate contamination. The presence of heavy metals can lead to complex side effects and having a THC above 0.3% is illegal.
Final Thoughts
HHC products were one of the most exciting cannabinoid products over the past few years. They present a good alternative to THC products because they allow many people to manage their pain, stress, nausea, or vomiting conditions at a better price and milder high feeling.