HHC products is not unfamiliar to the scientific community, but with the amount of “what is HHC” Google searches, it is clear that most people know very little about it. This is also true for enthusiasts who know THC from T to C. HHC is a new player in the cannabinoid arena and is poised to become an even more accessible alternative to THC.
While the HHC cannabinoid is a different cannabinoid as compared to THC, the HHC effects are somewhat similar, however milder. Let’s explore what is HHC and what you need to know about this hemp derivative.
What Does HHC Do? – A Brief Peek Into Cannabinoid Metabolism
HHC, much like any other cannabinoid, binds with specific cellular receptors when consumed, resulting in effects similar to that of delta-9 THC, although milder. The HHC cannabinoid effects can be stronger if you consume more, but since half of the HHC molecules are inactive when distilled, the effect is usually less potent than THC.
Users describe feeling “high” after consuming HHC – the HHC cannabinoid gives a sensation of buzz similar to that of THC. The strength of this feeling of relaxation is halfway between delta 8 and delta 9 THC. Once you consume some HHC cannabinoid gummies, it will take about half an hour or 45 minutes for the effects to kick in wholly.
Many users have also reported that HHC cannabinoid consumables have helped them with their sleep.
How Is HHC Made – A Short Intro
You’d assume that HHC, much like THC, is extracted directly from hemp plants, but that’s not the case. Why? Well, it is not very cost-effective to do things this way. Now that you know what HHC does, let’s dig a bit deeper into how HHC is made.
All cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, and HHC can be chemically modified to become one another. These cannabis derivatives have a similar chemical structure, and with some chemical reactions, it is possible to make one from the other. This is also true for premium HHC cannabinoid edibles.
To keep the price tag within reason, the only practical way to produce HHC cannabinoids is via the hydrogenation of THC, as it was first prepared decades ago. But as mentioned earlier, HHC molecules are not all active – half of them can’t bind with the cannabinoid receptors in your body.
Nevertheless, consuming HHC will deliver strong effects.
Is HHC Safe & How Much Can You Consume?
So, is HHC safe? Short answer – yes.
Normally, consuming HHC is perfectly safe, much like THC and CBD products.
But you need to be sure that the products you’re using have been prepared properly and tested for safety. Even if the products are safe to consume, you may experience some negative HHC effects (especially in case of overdose), such as:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Dry mouth
- Red and dry eyes
- Hunger
- Insomnia
A Peek Into Key HHC Effects And Benefits
Now that you know what HHC is and how it is made, let’s take a look at the possible HHC effects. While in-depth studies are wanting, based on what consumers report, there is a consensus about how HHC cannabinoid edibles affect the body.
Users have reported experiencing:
- Euphoria
- Body high
- Stress relief
- Pain relief
- Mental calmness
- Help with sleep
Some researchers have also correlated HHC consumption with:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Anti-anxiety effects
- Neuroprotective effects (which can help with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease)
Shortly after a user consumes HHC cannabinoid gummies (some 30-45 minutes later), the effects begin to become apparent. A sense of euphoria engulfs the user, comparable to that of THC. Following this, all other aforementioned described effects also come into play.
The effects may be different for different people – remember that all of these aforementioned HHC effects have been described by users.
Bottom Line: Does HHC Have THC?
Lastly, if you’re wondering “does HHC have THC” – know that both HHC and THC are distinct cannabinoid chemicals. So it would be wrong to ask “is HHC the same as THC?” However, as mentioned earlier, HHC is produced via the hydrogenation of THC, so the confusion is understandable.
Chemical reactions lead to intrinsic changes in the properties of the reactants, so although HHC is made from THC, it is not the same as it or contains it.
Just be sure to read the ingredients of the product you plan on consuming and trust only reliable dispensaries for your vape and other hemp product needs.
We hope this cleared up any confusion you had about HHC!
