Molecularly speaking, HHC is just THC without a double bond and with more hydrogen atoms. But you're probably more interested in the more... interesting differences, primarily regarding the active effects of these cannabinoids.
The ECS works in a lock-and-key model, using chemical compounds called endocannabinoids as the keys. Then there are the locks, or receptors, to which these compounds bind to "tell" the ECS that it needs to take action toward one of its functions.
What does this have to do with anything? Well, phytocannabinoids (which are the cannabinoids you find in cannabis) can also interact with the endocannabinoid system- including THC and HHC.
Delta-9 THC is known to have a
very strong binding affinity for CB1 receptors,
stronger than Delta-8 THC and most other cannabinoids. This results in its more intense effects on a milligram-by-milligram basis.
HHC, on the other hand, has less intense effects. There are
two types of HHC derived from hemp. There's 9RHHC which
can bind to ECSs' receptors, and then there's 9SHHC which doesn't bind so well.
Separating the two is…a bit tricky, so the "active" and "inactive" HHCs are left together.
If you had a 50mg THC gummy (either Delta-8 or hemp-derived Delta-9), each milligram of that cannabinoid has the potential to bind to your cannabinoid receptors. However, if you had a
50mg HHC gummy, roughly half of that can bring about effects.
So if you've tried hemp-derived Delta-9 or Delta-8, think of a 50mg HHC gummy as more of an approximately 25mg gummy, if that makes sense.
How Does HHC Make You Feel?
Remember that endocannabinoid system we talked about earlier? Well, just like my digestive or nervous system is not identical to yours, everybody's endocannabinoid system is unique. As a result, , resulting in unique effects.
Generally speaking, however, enthusiasts who have tried HHC have reported feelings of:
If you are familiar with the effects of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, the effects of HHC will feel "closer" to Delta-9 THC because of similarities in their binding affinities.
But keep in mind that statements regarding how HHC feels or how potent it is are purely anecdotal. The best way to figure out the effects of HHC is to start in small amounts. For example, if you have HHC gummies, you should only eat a small part of the gummy to start. Then, you need to wait a bit to feel the effects, wait a bit more, and then decide if you want to take more.
This process may take some time (maybe a night or two). However, you should be set for a while once you find the right amount.
How Long Does It Take HHC To "Kick In?"
The answer to this question greatly depends on how you consume HHC (consumption method) and how much you consume (serving size).
Regardless of the cannabinoid, there is a faster onset of effects if consumed via inhalation, i.e. vaping, or by taking it sublingually with a tincture.
The slowest effects will come from consuming HHC in the form of an edible, such as an HHC gummy.
When trying HHC or any cannabinoids, take it slow. Don't be in a rush to consume too much because that can leave you overwhelmed.
How Long Does HHC Last?
Interestingly, although edibles typically take the longest to "kick in," research shows that the effects of edibles last longer in the body than vapes.
Then, there's the factor (which we'll say again) that cannabinoids affect everyone a bit differently. There's no universal answer for how long the effects of HHC last, but there could be a specific duration for how long it lasts for you.
What Are The Effects Of HHC?
sativa
indica
hybrid
