What is HHC?
HHC, which stands for hexahydrocannabionol, is a minor cannabinoid. This means that the compound occurs naturally in cannabis but only in small amounts. Regarding its chemical structure, HHC is most similar to THC, but some significant differences exist. Namely, HHC has no double bonds. If you're a cannabinoid expert, you'll know that the double bond's location is what differentiates Delta-8 THC from Delta-9 THC.
Instead, HHC has hydrogen atoms where THC's double bonds would typically be. An easier way to think of HHC is a hydrogenated version of THC.
But what does "hydrogenated" mean? It means that a molecule has been charged or combined with hydrogen.
Effects of HHC Products
HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it offers active effects like THC as opposed to the passive effects of CBD. Some enthusiasts have reported feeling
uplifted, energized, euphoric, and relaxed while enjoying HHC. For that reason, HHC is often said to offer a pleasant
mood-boost.
However, cannabinoids affect everyone a bit differently. If you've never tried HHC before, start with a small serving of an edible and wait at least one hour for the effects to kick in.
When considering HHC gummies, or any edibles in general, what should be known is that there's a slower onset of effects but a longer duration. Plus, the effects are more pronounced than with other methods such as inhalation.
With vapes, you'll be able to tell relatively quickly how HHC affects you, but you should still start small (for example, with a small puff or two) Then, decide whether you want to increase the amount based on how you're feeling. You shouldn't operate a motor vehicle after consuming HHC gummies or vaping HHC.
HHC Benefits
The main benefit to HHC is that you can buy it online because HHC is a hemp-derived cannabinoid. Hemp-derived cannabinoids (also called alternative cannabinoids) are legal on a federal level which means that they can be shipped over state lines, and most credit card/banking institutions will allow you to purchase such products with their cards.
Are HHC Products Legal?
HHC gummies and vapes are legal on a federal level because HHC is derived from hemp. Hemp is merely cannabis with a 0.3% or lower concentration of Delta-9 THC by dry weight. However, on a state level, the legality of HHC gummies will vary. Before you look to buy HHC gummies, you should check with your local government to see if HHC and similar hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal in your state.
Are HHC Products Safe?
When it comes to HHC or other cannabinoids, there is very little threat of physical danger. You should avoid HHC if you have a cannabis allergy, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant. You should also avoid consuming HHC before or while operating a vehicle or machinery.
How Strong is HHC?
When discussing the "strength" of cannabinoids, it's good to consider that much of what we know comes from subjective, anecdotal evidence. On a 1-milligram basis, many would say that HHC is more "active" than CBD but not quite as noticeable as Delta-8 or hemp-derived Delta-9.
Then there are other factors to consider when figuring out the strength of a hemp-derived cannabinoid. One factor is serving size, also known as "dosage." For example, 200mg of HHC might be "felt more" than 5mg of Delta-8 THC.
And on top of this, there is the medium in which the HHC is consumed. For example, HHC edibles will offer more pronounced effects than HHC vapes.
The best way to determine the effects of a cannabinoid is to first consult your doctor, and if you have the green light, try a small amount.
HHC Dosage
When it comes to enjoying HHC, there is no universal amount that one should take. This is because cannabinoids affect everyone a bit differently. So how much do you take? You'll need to use the "low and slow" method to determine this. This means starting out with a low amount, waiting until you feel the effects, waiting a bit after that, and then deciding if you want to take any more.
It may sound time-consuming, but once you find your "sweet spot," you've got a lot of good times and relaxation ahead of you.
HHC vs. THC
HHC and THC are both psychoactive cannabinoids that can be derived from hemp, but HHC is generally milder. Further, although Delta-9 THC derived from hemp is legal, it cannot exceed 0.3% of a product's dry weight (so no hemp-derived Delta-9 smokables exist.) HHC, on the other hand, has no limitation to its concentration imposed by federal law.
Let's review HHC and THC's differences and similarities in more detail:
- Abundance in Cannabis: Both Delta-9 THC and HHC come from cannabis plants but in different natural concentrations. Delta-9 THC is very abundant in cannabis, but HHC is a minor cannabinoid. It can only be found in very small amounts.
- Molecular Structure: HHC has hydrogen atoms where THC's double bonds would be. For this reason, HHC is known as a hydrogenated form of THC.
- Psychoactivity: THC is generally perceived as having more intense, active effects than HHC. However, both are psychoactive- in other words, they can make you "high."
- Legality When Derived From Hemp: One similarity between HHC and hemp-derived THC is their legality on a federal level. This means that you can buy HHC online and have it shipped to your home. However, there are no limitations set on the concentration of HHC within a product whereas Delta-9 THC, even when derived from hemp, cannot exceed a 0.3% concentration on a dry-weight basis.
- Types of Legal Products Available: Due to the legal limitations on hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, you can't find any hemp-derived Delta-9 vapes online, just Delta-9 gummies and edibles. However, alt-cannabinoids like Delta-8 and HHC aren't subject to the same federal regulation under the 2018 Farm Bill. So you can buy federally legal HHC gummies and HHC vapes online.
How long does HHC stay in your system?
There is no definitive timeframe for how long HHC or any other cannabinoid will stay in your system. That applies to whether you're enjoying HHC-infused gummies or even HHC vapes. If you anticipate having to take a drug test, we highly advise you not to consume HHC products or any other products with hemp-derived cannabinoids.
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