The hemp scene has bloomed since the 2018 Farm Bill, and new cannabinoids seem to take the dispensaries by storm each day. One of the newest and most popular cannabinoids nowadays is HHC, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid slightly more potent than delta 8 THC.
While we love and use delta 8 THC, HHC shows lots of potential by being slightly stronger, having a longer shelf life, and being a more stable particle. Moreover, people have started consuming products that could help with microdosing for longer periods, like using edibles or tinctures.
If you are interested in knowing how HHC feels like, we’ve gathered all the basics you need to know about this newcomer to the hemp scene in this article. So let’s explore where HHC comes from together, what semi-synthetic means, and how it compares to delta 9 THC.
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Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hexahydrocannabinol, known as HHC, is a compound derived from the hydrogenation of delta 9 THC. This adds hydrogen molecules to D9, making it more stable than other cannabinoids.
- This compound is considered semi-synthetic, as it can be found naturally in low quantities in hemp, yet not enough to be extracted from the flower.
- HHC does not degrade as easily as other cannabinoids, making it perfect for products like edibles or vapes, specifically to endure a longer shelf life and potency.
- Most consumers and anecdotal evidence suggest this cannabinoid has about 80% of delta 9’s potency while having fewer side effects.
What is HHC?
HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Unlike other major cannabinoids like CBD or delta 9 THC, this compound is not as widely available in the plant.
Because of this, this compound is called “semi-synthetic,” as delta 9 THC compounds from hemp go through a chemical process called hydrogenation. In simple terms, this adds hydrogen molecules to regular THC, converting it into a whole new compound.
Hydrogenation might sound scary, but this process can be found in day-to-day items like how the industry turns vegetable oil into margarine. So, when this is applied to delta 9 THC you get a new compound that is much stabler in certain products and is believed to have about 80% of regular THC’s potency.
What Does HHC Stand For?
HHC stands for Hexahydrocannabinol. This compound was first discovered in the 1940s by adding hydrogen atoms to delta 9 THC. The scientist Roger Adams is responsible for this and patented the hydrogenation process at the time.
Cannabinoid experts believe that the hydrogenation process could improve stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation, which could lead to a stable shelf life. Such products like edibles or HHC distillates can have their potency and flavors longer than other cannabinoids.
Is HHC the Same Thing as THC?
No, while both are psychoactive cannabinoids, they are pretty different.
First, is the chemical structure. HHC has a process that gives more stability to the carbon chain by adding hydrogen. Delta 9 THC tends to degrade more easily with time and is thought to absorb less because of this.
The legal status is important as well. HHC is legal at a federal level, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Delta 9 THC, on the other hand, has a complicated legal status, as it can be legal in some states if it’s hemp-derived while complying with federal law.
Other states have a full ban on all delta 9 THC, regardless of its origin.
The key takeaway is that these two are different compounds, but HHC can be a great way to enjoy both wellness and recreative effects if D9 THC is unavailable in your state.
Moreover, some consumers prefer HHC edibles or vape pens as they tend to stay fresh for longer, which can be a lifesaver in harsh climates that can degrade hemp-derived products easily.
Does HHC Get You High?
Yes, HHC can get you high. However, it is not as potent as regular THC. This depends on the product and dose you are using, but in general, HHC leans onto the “cerebral high” that some people have said to feel with delta 8 THC. Just a little more intense.
Most users describe the HHC high as euphoric and depending on the terpenes added, it could lean to have a sativa or even indica feeling. Other people have reported having an elevated mood, slow reaction times, and even a relaxed body high when used in larger doses.
Since HHC is fairly new to the hemp scene, there is not much scientific research to lean on. However, we know mostly from anecdotal evidence and testing from third-party lab reports. With that in mind, let’s dive into what the HHC can feel like.
What is the HHC High Like?
Similar to the effects of delta 8 THC, HHC is believed to provide strong euphoric feelings. As mentioned above, some people feel it can uplift their mood and even change their perception and reaction times.
Depending on the terpene profile, some people have felt sleepy, energized, or mixed. Dispensaries have also added strain-specific terpenes that work synergistically with HHC to potentially add more effects, like intensifying body relaxation.
Thanks to the five-carbon side chains in the composition, consumers have reported having longer psychoactive highs and activity compared to other derived hemp products.
This could be related to the five-carbon side chain and hydrogen particles in HHC, but clinical research would be needed to understand the mechanisms better.
In the end, the overall experience of HHC is a pleasant, slightly more potent high that can feel energizing. Some terpenes might heighten the body and mind relaxation, but anecdotal evidence suggests it is an enjoyable experience with fewer reported side effects than delta 9 THC.
Does HHC Cause a Psychoactive High?
Yes, as far as we know, HHC has psychoactive properties. While there is not much research available, both anecdotal and original discovery studies have reported that this compound can change how the endocannabinoid system behaves.
Like other cannabinoids like delta 8 THC, users have said that this psychoactive experience could help them with anxiety. Other users have said to use it to uplift mood or ease general inflammation or discomfort. However, we would currently need more scientific evidence to support these claims.
It is also important to say that much like delta 8 THC, this cannabinoid can stay in your system for a while. The general consensus is that HHC can stay about a month in your urinary system, and you can find traces of metabolites in blood and hair for up to 3 months.
However, this compound does not degrade the same way as THC isomers, meanings it is fairly unlikely that a typical THC drug test will find it.
Consumers, in general, have reported a 50% chance of not appearing in a regular urine test, so even if it is processed differently to delta 9, try to skip consuming HHC if a positive test worries you.
How Potent is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol is thought to have somewhere between 70 and 80% of the potency of delta 9 and is a bit stronger than delta 8 THC. So if you feel D8 is too mild, HHC could be an option.
As with all other cannabinoids, potency can change depending on the dosage and method of consumption. Even if some hemp-derived compounds might naturally be less potent, trying them in products like edibles or tinctures can provide more potent experiences with fewer side effects.
And as a last heads-up, remember that edibles usually take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour to take into effect, while usually peaking at 1.5 hours. Tinctures can take anywhere between 15 through 30 minutes, making them both pretty good options for enjoying the feeling of hemp-derived cannabinoids for longer.
Where to Buy HHC Near You
We have several products in mind if you want to try this amazing cannabinoid. First, you can always try a smoke-free experience with delicious HHC edibles with strong potency and flavors.
We currently have two flavors of our iconic HHC gummies, the slightly tart Melon Dreams, the tropical Fruit Punch, and the flavorful and sweet Blue Razz. Both are available in 25, and 40-piece pack options, and each candy bite has 25mg of our premium HHC extract.
Featured Products
The second way you can love trying out HHC is through vapes. Our lineup of HHC vape products is composed of the classic Grandaddy Purple, the fruity Maui Wowie, and the potent Alien OG.
And finally, if you want an easier way to vape, try our new HHC disposables! These come in 2-gram vapes in six strain options: OG Kush, Blue Dream, Georgia Pie, Apple Gelato, Strawberry Sunset, and Purple Punch.
