A cannabinoid derived from hemp plants or historically derived from THC is called hex hydrocannabinol, or HHC.
Although there are many cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp, scientists have discovered more than 100. The only one identified so far is HHC. However, HHC is not a new cannabinoid.
What is HHC?
This cannabinoid is similar to Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol, the most well-known cannabinoids. Other cannabinoids differ from HHC (in several key ways).
HHC may appear to be a new product. However, unlike natural cannabinoids such as CBD or THC, HHC has been around for a while. Although the cannabis craze is constantly producing new products, such as CBD-infused gummies and topicals, HHC has existed for quite some time.
Roger Adams, an American chemist who also isolated CBD 40 years ago, synthesized it by adding two hydrogen molecules of THC to the compound in Hydrogenation.
The semi-synthetic compound using THC sources at the time. A hemp-derived Delta-8 can be used to produce HHC, says Roger Brown, President and CEO of ACS Laboratory, Florida. Although HHC is claimed to be present in cannabis in trace quantities, peer-reviewed research shows that it does not contain more than 1%. All HHC available on the market must therefore be obtained through hydrogenation or other synthetic processes.
What is the HHC Vape cartridge?
The cannabinoid hex hydrocannabinol is often offered in the form of a vape cartridge. The resulting product is called a “HHC cartridge,” and these cartridges often contain HHC distillate. This type of extract consists of synthesized HHC combined with a carrier substance like terpene-rich cannabis distillate. Buy HHC cart from one of the leading brands like CannaAid.
How can HHC be beneficial?
Although HHC’s structure is very similar to other cannabinoids, it does have some unique properties that could be used in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, data on HHC’s long-term, positive and negative effects is not available.
HHC’s effects can vary depending on how it is made. The concentrated HHC product is actually a mixture of two molecules.
- 9R HHC is the active molecule that binds to Endocannabinoid receptors.
- 9S HHC, a partially active molecule, does not bind well to the ECS.
It is difficult to determine how beneficial HHC products are due to their random nature and the 9R HHC/9S HHC concentrations.
HHC’s long-term effects need to be studied more comprehensively. There may be similarities between the benefits of HHC and those of other forms of THC.
There are several reasons why HHC could be compared:
- The structural similarities of the molecules suggest that they might behave in the ECS in the same way.
- HHC, due to its similar structure, would have the same ability for the same receptors within the human body.
HHC should produce the same high as THC in ideal circumstances. However, HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabis cannabinoid and therefore not as potent than THC. Recent research has shown that HHC is approximately 80% as potent than THC. However, Hydrogenation does not seem to alter the profile of the compound.
The potential benefits of HHC include:
- HHC may help to manage chronic pain
- HHC May Reduce Inflammation
- HHC May Promote a deeper sleep
- HHC may help with nausea and vomiting
- HHC may reduce anxiety
What are the potential side effects of HHC?
HHC research is still ongoing so we don’t know everything. There are potential side effects, as with all cannabinoids.
You’re not the only one concerned about potential side effects as this product gains market power. HHC, like all cannabinoids, has the potential for side effects. However, these are usually mild and temporary.
HHC is known to have the following side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Paranoia or anxiety
- Older adults are at greater risk for injury
- Sleepiness and drowsiness
- People can faint if they feel dizzy or have lower blood pressure.
- Some people are at higher risk of developing mental illness
HHC creation is not always safe. The catalysts used to make HHC are “pyrophoric,” which means they can ignite in the right conditions. The process can be dangerous for those who don’t know how to do it or lack the proper equipment. To make informed decisions, it is important to do more research.
Is HHC Legal?
HHC can be confusing in terms of legal status. It remains to be determined if the confusion is intentional. Although cannabinoids are illegal under federal law in the United States of America, some states have passed laws regarding cannabinoids.
The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the legalization of cannabis plants that contain 0.3% THC. Also known as hemp, the bill also allows for the cultivation and use of marijuana. Technically, HHC does not contain THC, although it can be extracted from THC. The bill does however establish that hemp is an established material. Businesses can legally sell hemp-derived byproducts if they contain 0.3% or less delta 9.
HHC is legal in the US, but it operates in a gray area similar to CBD and delta-8. HHC cannabinoids, which are also class B drugs in the United Kingdom like THC, are classified as a class B drug. It is illegal to possess or give away HHC cannabinoids. Learn more about the legality of HHC, check CannaAid.
The Future of HHC Cannabinoids
The HHC cannabinoids remain in their infancy. We have yet to see the full potential of this cannabinoid. We will continue to research the benefits and mysteries of HHC.
Although vaping cartridges are a popular choice, they come in second to Gummies. The HHC cannabinoids, which are an exciting new way to get cannabis, don’t have the same potent effects as other cannabinoids. Personal preference will determine if HHC is more effective than other cannabis options. There’s a cannabinoid for you, depending on your needs.
