HHC: what you need to know.

Hemp-derived HHC isn’t THC, but it gives a THC-lite experience.

You may know that recently, the cannabis industry has produced many exciting cannabinoids and developed novel formulas to diversify the legal cannabis market. HHC is currently one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market.

Getting information on HHC is tricky because it has only recently reached the market and only a handful of retailers are selling it, mostly in the form of vape carts. So the information you find online may be contradictory and confusing.

This is why we’ve decided to give you all the right information about HHC, its legality, its effects on the body, and even whether it occurs naturally in the cannabis plant.

Although it’s fairly new (especially in vape form), the cannabinoid offers lots of potential, so don’t be surprised if you start hearing more about it soon.

But what is HHC?

It is a minor cannabinoid, similar to delta-8 THC. It’s found naturally in the cannabis plant but in insufficient quantities to make extraction cost-effective, which is why we haven’t heard much about it before. Now, manufacturers have discovered how to convert the more abundant molecule CBD into HHC, Delta-8, and more. This has allowed us all to enjoy these cannabinoids at a reasonable cost.

HHC offers a hemp-derived cannabinoid experience that’s not actually THC.

HHC was first created in 1944 by the American chemist Roger Adams, when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process, known as hydrogenation, converts THC to hexahydrocannabinol.

You can simply think of it as the process used to convert vegetable oil to margarine.

Hydrogenation modifies the structure of delta-9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms, which changes its molecular weight and also makes it more stable.

This hydrogenation improves stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative breakdown, which means HHC has a longer shelf life and is less prone to damage caused by UV light and heat. Good news, right?

While Adams created HHC from conventional cannabis-derived THC, these days the cannabinoid is typically derived through a process that begins with hemp.

How is HHC different from THC or delta-8?

Remember when we said hemp-derived HHC isn’t THC, but it gives a THC-lite experience? Let’s explain why.

Although HHC isn’t technically a THC, it does produce similar effects—if you use enough of it.

Chemically speaking, HHC includes a hydrogen molecule that THC does not.

When the cannabinoid is manufactured, the end result is a mixture of two different kinds of HHC molecules: 9R HHC actively binds to the body’s natural endocannabinoid receptors, while 9S HHC, because of its slightly different molecular structure, doesn’t do so nearly as well.

It fits [into the receptors] and produces similar effects as delta-8 THC, but takes a much higher amount to do so. With a sufficient dose, THC-like effects can be observed.

In other words, HHC can have THC-like effects on the body and mind, but HHC is less potent, milligram-per-milligram, than delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is itself generally regarded as about half as potent as the standard delta-9 THC.

People who try HHC and scientists alike observe that HHC induces less potent and psychoactive effects than conventional delta-9 THC.

It’s important to know that most of what we know about the high produced by HHC is based on the experiences of others. That said, we found out that a couple of people find HHC to be even less psychoactive than delta-8.

Users also report the same set of side effects familiar to delta-9 THC users: anxiety and paranoia, dry mouth, dry and red eyes, hunger, and insomnia.

Is HHC legal?

Really, it depends on where you live.

The American Congress made the hemp plant and all its derivatives federally legal in the 2018 Farm Bill—as long as the plant or anything made from it contains less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC.

In May 2022, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that delta-8 THC was legal under the Farm Bill hemp definition and that all other compounds and derivatives of hemp are also legal, as long as they don’t contain more than the legal maximum of 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. That apparently makes HHC a legal hemp product and offers protection for manufacturers and sellers of HHC (and delta 8 and delta 10 THC, and THCP).

So, good news for Americans.

Also, HHC is technically legal in Europe and many other places in the world. Be sure to check local laws to confirm.

Does HHC show up on a drug test?

We did some research and some retailers believe that some of HHC’s appeal stems from evidence suggesting that it can evade drug tests. But—and this is important—they say the evidence is only anecdotal. This is just what they are hearing from their customers.

However, there’s no hard evidence, so it’s probably better not to risk it.

Does HHC have medical benefits?

It’s too early to say, but there has been some promising research. A 2011 study showed that some synthetic analogs of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) “strongly inhibited breast cancer cell-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth.”

We are sure that with time, HHC will be properly studied, like delta-9 THC or CBD, and we will have more evident medical benefits in our hands.

How much HHC should I take?

You may want to start slow and work your way up.

You may have a high tolerance to regular Delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids, but it’s better to be safe than paranoid and sorry.

With that in mind, below are the recommended HHC dosages for different kinds of users:

Beginners: the recommended HHC dose will be 5 to 12 mg per day.

Intermediate: the recommended HHC dose will be 12 to 30 mg per day.

Pro: The recommended HHC dose will be 30 to 60 mg per day.

If this isn’t so clear, you could try using it this way for a starter dose;

• One gummy
• One dropper of a tincture
• Three puffs from a vape cartridge

Some side effects

We have to make sure you’re aware of all that you may experience on HHC. Not everyone gets them, but if you do and you’re inexperienced, they could be an inconvenience. Some of these side effects are:

• Drowsiness
• Grogginess
• An uneasy feeling of being “too high” (don’t we all get them?)
• Dry eyes
• Paranoia
• Mild tachycardia (increased pulse rate)
• Elevated sensory receptivity

If you do get these effects, try to calm down and remember that they will pass. It’s all part of the experience, and with time, you’ll achieve the perfect high spot you’re looking for.

Average High Length

You can expect to be high on HHC for around 2 and 6 hours; however, this depends on several things, including dose, dosing method, metabolic activity, and body fat percentage.

If you’re using a vape, the effects are felt within 5 minutes and can continue for up to four hours. HHC gummies, on the other hand, take up to 60 minutes and may last up to six hours (sometimes more). Like we said earlier, this all depends on your physical constitution.

Detoxing HHC

If you want to eliminate HHC, the only way to do it is through time and abstinence. This is because HHC is stored in fatty tissue in your body. You could try getting rid of all the fat in your body, but we believe that could be inconvenient AND impossible.

Our Thoughts 

With all the information shared about HHC, we want you to be able to make an informed decision about trying HHC and know exactly what it is and how best to enjoy it.

Would you try it?

We say, go for it! We would recommend that you give HHC vapes a try because they are quick and easy to use and very good at getting you high and making you feel happy and relaxed. With a short, high length, you’d be able to manage, especially if you’re a beginner.

If you have tried it, let us know how the experience was! We will love to hear from you.