Is HHC Safe? HHC Safety Guide

It may not be the first cannabinoid that comes to mind when you think of getting stoned, but HHC is taking the world by storm. So what is HCC? It’s the perfect middle ground between delta 8, which can be a bit mild, and delta 9, which can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers.

We have a great selection of high-grade HHC products for you to try here at Delta Munchies, from vapes to gummies, all carefully crafted with your wellbeing in mind. But is HHC safe? The answer might surprise you.

This HHC safety guide will dispel common myths and leave you feeling confident in trying HHC firsthand. Because the short answer is, yes - it can be perfectly safe when you source the right prodcuts from the right brand and use them responsibly. Let’s dive in!

Is HHC Safe?

So is HHC safe? As a matter of fact, we’ve seen it referred to as safer than delta 9 products because of its milder high - there’s less risk of overdoing it and getting too high, ending up in a paranoia spiral.

You don’t just have to take our word for it, either. A 2022 in vitro study suggested HHC could be safe for potential human consumption, as test results showed it doesn’t pose any cardiac safety issues and doesn’t damage the liver cells.

That same study concluded that virgin HHC (or its derivative compound) could be used as an anti-tumor medication to treat certain lung cancers. Once we fully examine the HHC safety profile we’ll take a closer look at potential benefits.

Is HHC Safe to Eat?

While HHC is generally seen as safe, the way you consume it matters most. Consuming HCC gummies or other edible products is your best bet - provided they’ve been prepared responsibly, of course.

This is because you’re not putting any potential irritants into your lungs, as you would with vaping or smoking. Ultimately, that’s going to be the biggest risk surrounding HHC is lung irritation and long-term damage.

Still, there are risks associated with oral HHC consumption - most notably, getting too high. Because edibles take a long time to kick in, users think they didn’t take enough and follow up with a second dose before the first even starts working its magic.

This can be avoided through smart dosing, which we’ll discuss later on.

Is Smoking HHC Safe?

So is HHC safe if you smoke it? The cannabinoid itself isn’t going to cause harm - it’s the carcinogens found in smoke that raise red flags. Smoking any substance, including HHC, can irritate the respiratory system and potentially lead to lung damage.

This is because you’re inhaling burned plant matter. Combustion produces harmful byproducts such as tar and carbon monoxide, which can take a toll on lung health over time.

These risks are similar to those associated with smoking traditional cannabis or tobacco products. However, we do want to be clear in saying that the risk profile of smoking HHC pales in comparison to that of smoking cigarettes, which are far more toxic.

Is HHC Safe to Vape?

So if you’re worried about the harmful effects of smoking but still want to inhale your cannabis for faster acting effects than edibles, is a HCC vape pen a safe alternative? Is HHC safe to vape?

This is where the concept of “harm reduction” comes into play. Should you put anything in your lungs, which are meant only to filter air? Not really. However, vaping is generally associated with a lower risk profile than smoking since there’s no combustion.

The material is heated at much lower temperatures. There still could be long-term side effects, though, as vaping as a consumption method is relatively new and hasn’t been studied enough.

What matters most if you’re going to vape HHC is the quality of your pen. So many brands cut corners to save money at the expense of your wellbeing. Do your research into what you’re putting into your lungs, or better yet, enjoy peace of mind shopping at Delta Munchies.

HHC Safety Measures to Take So You Can Enjoy Responsibly

HHC is relatively safe in the sense that the cannabinoid itself won’t cause you any direct harm. The risks come from the products you use to get the cannabinoid into your body. So, we’ll share some tips on HHC safety measures you can take below.

Quality Assurance and Product Selection

Transparency and quality assurance are your top priorities in shopping for HHC prodcuts. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and lab test results can help you determine the safety and purity of HHC products.

These documents show you everything in the product you’re consuming - the cannabinoid profile, HHC potency, and presence of contaminants. From there, you can make informed decisions about whether it’s something you want to put in your body or not.

If a brand doesn’t proudly display lab tests on its website for you to review before purchasing, there’s probably something they’re hiding. This is a non-negotiable for shopping for HHC.

Starting with Low Doses

We mentioned earlier how HHC doesn’t carry the same risk of getting you “too high” that traditional THC does, but it’s still possible. So, how much HCC should I take? Our mantra is to take things low and slow.

If you’re taking edibles, start with just a 5mg (or even a 2.5mg) dose. This approach gives you a chance to assess your tolerance and avoid uncomfortable adverse reactions. You can give it a full 90-120 minutes and if you’re not feeling how you want to feel, take another dose.

The best advice we were given when first starting to use cannabis is this: you can always take more next time if you’re underwhelmed - but by the time you feel too high, there’s nothing you can do to go back in time and undo your actions!

That being said, what is a HCC vape intake recommendation? Just a 3 second puff. Start there, wait 20 minutes, and then determine if you want to go in for seconds or not.

Avoid Mixing With Other Substances

It might sound fun and exciting to try new things with this cannabinoid, but don’t mix it with other drugs or alcohol until you have a really good understanding of how it affects you.

Be Mindful of Your Environment

Sometimes, the paranoia and anxiety people feel after consuming HHC has more to do with the setting they’re in than the cannabinoid itself. Consume HHC in a comfortable and familiar environment for a positive experience.

We never recommend taking the cannabinoid when driving, operating heavy machinery, or in public places where you might start to feel anxious.

Potential Benefits of HHC

So why bother adding HHC to your self-care ritual? As you’ll see below, it’s so much more than just a way to get high legally. It has powerful therapeutic potential:

• Anxiety and Stress Reduction - This is perhaps the most well-documented effect of consuming HHC - you’ll feel a wave of relaxation crash over you as stress and anxiety melt away.
• Sleep Enhancement - HHC might promote more restful sleep and help with sleep-related issues, provided you’re taking an indica strain.
• Appetite Stimulation - Similar to THC, HHC can stir up your appetite and help you overcome eating disorders or side effects associated with treatments like chemo.
• Neuroprotective Properties - HHC might have neuroprotective effects, but more research is necessary here. It’s still an exciting possibility for those with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson's, though.
• Mood Enhancement - Some users experience improved mood and a sense of well-being. This is all thanks to the euphoric, uplifting high it produces. That’s right; getting high can be good for you if you’re having a bad day!
• Potential Anti-inflammatory Effects - HHC may share the same ability to support a healthy inflammatory response that THC is known for. This means it might help ease discomfort and aid in managing chronic conditions.
• Milder Psychoactive Experience - HHC provides a milder psychoactive effect than THC, which some users prefer - especially those using it during the daytime or brand new cannabis users.

Be clear - most of these possible therapeutic effects have only been examined through anecdotal evidence. We just haven’t been able to legally conduct studies on the cannabinoid until recently, so we’ll start learning more and more about what it can do in the years to come.

Potential HHC Side Effects

Although the HHC safety profile is fairly strong, there are potential side effects that come with any of the intoxicating cannabinoids, from delta 8 and delta 9 to HHC. These can be mitigated through proper usage, but be aware of what’s possible so you aren’t caught off guard:

• Dry mouth and red eyes
• Increased appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Accelerated heart rate
• Impaired motor skills
• Potential for cannabis dependence or addiction
• Increased anxiety or mood disorders

Again, these side effects of HHC tend to be associated with being “too high,” which means monitoring your dosage is not something you can take lightly.

Closing Thoughts on HHC Safety

So is HHC safe? As we bring this guide to a close, we hope to have eased your uncertainty and concerns surrounding the HHC safety profile. The main concerns of using HHC have to do with how it’s consumed.

Certain consumption methods like smoking and vaping could put your lungs at risk of irritation in the short term or long-term damage with frequent use. This can be minimized by choosing quality products from a trusted brand.

Ultimately, though, oral consumption is the safest approach to enjoying all that HHC has to offer. Even still, do your research into who you’re buying your edibles from and make sure they put your wellbeing first.

You can shop with peace of mind for safe HHC products here at Delta Munchies. We source our raw materials with strict quality control standards in place, and we lab test everything we sell - you can take a look for yourself!