You've heard of Delta-8 THC, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, CBD, and now… there's an HHC.
So what is HHC, and why are people raving about this hemp-derived cannabinoid?
Well, that's what we'll cover in this blog post.
Here, we're going to go over:
Table of Contents
Let's begin!
What is HHC?
HHC stands for "hexahydrocannabinol."
It is a compound naturally occurring in cannabis (both hemp and marijuana).
The chemical structure of HHC is similar to that of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
If you recall, Delta-8 and Delta-9 get their names because they have a double bond.
Whether the double bond is on the molecule's eighth or ninth carbon chain determines if it's Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC.
Now let's get back to HHC.
HHC does not have this double bond. And instead, it has two more hydrogens.
THC molecules (even CBD molecules) have 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms - C21H30O3.
HHC molecules have 21 carbon atoms, 32 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms - C21H32O3.
One easy way to think of HHC is its hydrogenated form of THC. When something is hydrogenated, it is either charged or combined with hydrogen.
You probably might be familiar with this chemical quality if you've had margarine, simply hydrogenated vegetable oil.
But in nature, one of the reasons why you'd find HHC in cannabis is that it can be a byproduct of the degradation of Delta-9 THC.
And that just about covers it for what is HHC.
What Is The Difference Between HHC And THC?
Molecular speaking, HHC is just THC without a double bond and with more hydrogen atoms.
There are also some interesting differences, primarily with "activity."
And now, let's do some more brushing up, but this time with the endocannabinoid system or "ECS."
The ECS is a network of neurotransmitters located throughout the human body. It helps with various functions such as:
- Memory
- Learning
- Sleep
- Emotional processing
- Temperature
- Immune responses
- Pain management
- Appetite
The ECS uses compounds called endocannabinoids. It also has receptors in which these compounds bind to "tell" the ECS that it needs to take action towards one of its functions.
When derived from hemp, there are two types of HHC. 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 just 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?
The effects of cannabinoids will vary from person to person. However, enthusiasts who have tried HHC have reported feelings of:
- Comfort
- Euphoria
- Fascination
- Creativity
- Calmness
Compared to other cannabinoids, if you are familiar with Delta-8 THC and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, HHC will feel "closer" to hemp-derived Delta-9 THC.
But keep in mind that this is anecdotal like how “potent” is HHC.
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 that 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 HHC Last?
The answer to this question greatly depends on how you consume HHC and how much you consume.
Regardless of the cannabinoid, there is a faster onset of effects if consumed via inhalation, followed 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.
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?
In general, "active" cannabinoids such as Delta-8, hemp-derived Delta-9, THC-O, and HHC can offer similar effects.
These effects include the typical relaxation, relief, and euphoria, but nuances exist between each cannabinoid.
Everyone experiences cannabinoids differently. However, consider that although HHC is technically not THC, you do not want to drive or operate machinery after consuming it.
How Long Does It Take HHC To "Kick In?"
There is no single answer to this question. The onset of effects for HHC will vary depending on how you consume it. Inhalation (vaporization/smoking) will deliver a faster onset of effects.
Through a tincture, there will be a slightly slower onset of effects, and then it will take longer for the effects of HHC edibles to kick in.
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 Much HHC Should I Take?
There is no right amount of HHC that everyone should take. There is only the amount that's right for you.
In order to find the quantity that's right for you, it's best to take the "low and slow approach."
That means start with a low amount.
Wait for the effects, if any.
And proceed slowly from where you want to go from there.
If you should take more or not is all up to you and how you're currently feeling.
The amount of HHC you should take will also vary among mediums.
So if you already found your "sweet spot" for HHC edibles, you will still want to take the low and slow approach if you move on to inhalation or taking it sublingually.
How Long Does HHC Stay In Your System?
There is no "set" duration in which a cannabinoid will stay in your system. Do not drive or operate machinery if you have consumed HHC. And do not take HHC or any other hemp-derived cannabinoids if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant.
Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?
Although HHC is technically not THC, we recommend avoiding HHC products and hemp-derived cannabinoids if you have a drug test soon.
While there is not much research out there on the subject of HHC and drug tests, the thing is that HHC is very structurally similar to THC.
So it's not too much of a stretch of the imagination that the byproducts of your body breaking down HHC would be the same or similar (we're not scientists, but remember, there's only a slight molecular difference between HHC and Delta-8/Delta-9).
Is HHC Legal?
Yes, HHC is legal on a federal level because, like Delta-8 and hemp-derived Delta-9, it is a cannabinoid derived from hemp.
Hemp and marijuana are the same species—cannabis (in a formal sense, Cannabis sativa or sometimes Cannabis indica, though there is a debate on whether they're different species).
Hemp is not a specific "type" of cannabis. Instead, "hemp" is more or so a legal distinction between federally illicit and illegal cannabis.
It's simply cannabis with a 0.3% or lower concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) by dry weight.
Where To Buy HHC?
Wondering where to get HHC?
You can buy HHC…on this website. Yes, at HometownHeroCBD.com, you can find a selection of HHC products.
Our first two HHC products were our Strawberry HHC Gummies and Blue Raz HHC Gummies.
Like our other gummies, these products are infused with hemp-derived cannabinoids to ensure flavor and consistency (which is not only better in terms of effects but also great for cutting up into precise amounts).
And that just about covers it for what is HHC!
Because of this, you can find HHC in various concentrations versus Delta-9. As mentioned earlier, some enthusiasts have compared HHC as being pretty close to hemp-derived Delta-9.
However, because HHC and Delta-9 THC are two separate cannabinoids, there is no concentration limit on HHC—only Delta-9.
State legality will vary. Some states have banned hemp-derived cannabinoids, while others have more open policies.
