The cannabis industry has been growing at a rapid pace lately. More so, because of the research and studies going on about the many derivatives that have been extracted from it. One popular compound derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant is CBD, which has been regarded as a prime ingredient for its medicinal benefits. THC is another prevalent compound found in cannabis, which is the main reason causing the ‘high’. However, scientists have lately started to research several different cannabinoids out of which HHC is one. To know more about the whats and hows of HHC, follow along with the blog!
HHC- what is it exactly?
HHC stands for Hexahydrocannabinol. It is a compound that naturally occurs in cannabis plants, and constitutes one of the several 100 cannabinoids being discovered to date.
However, HHC is also known as a minor cannabinoid. It occurs only in fraction amounts in the cannabis plant and has to be extracted using complex and expensive methods.
It is also a fact that the commercialization of HHC has just started lately. And as a result, much information about this particular substance is still to be discovered. So, it is just a matter of time before HHC is researched and its aspects are placed in front of us.
HHC- how is it made?
A common method of deriving a cannabinoid from other cannabinoids is by altering the molecular structure. The extraction of HHC also undergoes a similar process inside laboratories, much like Delta-8 and 10 THCs.
HHC is produced through a process called ‘hydrogenation’. This process was first discovered in the 1940s by a chemist known as Robert Adams. What he did was, he added hydrogen atoms to THC molecules that altered the physical properties of the compound.
Let us understand the process of hydrogenation a little more closely. So, what hydrogenation does is, changes the molecular structure of the Delta-9 THC altogether. It replaces a double-bond of Delta-9 with two hydrogen atoms, thereby changing the molecular weight of the resultant cannabinoid. The process also results in making the resultant compound a lot more stable.
Hydrogenation is known to improve the stability of substances that go through it. Therefore, we can easily infer from here, that HHC is a lot more stable substance than Delta-9 THC, resulting in an improved shelf-life. Added to that, it also has far more resistance to heat and UV light as compared to Delta-9 THC.
Does HHC get you high?
Let’s get to know some facts before going for the answer.
HHC shares its characteristic features with THC. This means its effects are a lot similar when compared to the effects of THC compounds.
People having experience with HHC consumption have regarded the psychoactive feeling to be a lot more relaxing rather than the stimulatory effects they get after trying Delta-8 and 9 THCs.
So, it can be concluded that HHC does get you a high, but that is a lot different than the other cannabinoids.
Is HHC stronger than Delta-8?
HHC, as already mentioned has effects that are much similar to THC, with the only difference being that the former compound tends to last longer.
Now, if the question comes of the strength of potency, HHC happens to possess about 75- 80% of the strength of Delta-9 THC. When compared to these numbers, Delta-8 THC’s strength is just half.
Therefore, it can be rightfully said that HHC is way stronger than Delta-8.
Does HHC show up on a drug test?
Since HHC is a new-found cannabinoid, researches are still ongoing about its features, characteristics, effects, and other stuff.
However little has been known, HHC is said to have the capacity to evade a 12-panel drug test! Although anecdotal, some studies have dug out that HHC doesn’t get metabolized to 11-hydroxy-THC, and therefore, remains undetectable during drug tests.
This is a key feature that has made people readily opt for HHC rather than Delta-8 or 9 THCs.
Hence, this is all about HHC which has been found via preliminary research. However, extensive research and study about the compound are still ongoing and we can expect more information about the compound soon enough.
How long does HHC last?
The benefits and risks of using HHC and THC are hotly contested. Though some staunchly defend HHC's merits, others are firm believers that THC is the best way to go. Which is, then, the superior option? In this post, we'll compare and contrast these two chemicals to help you pick the one that's right for you.
The hemp business may be new to HHC, but researchers have known that it exists for years. In the 1940s, Roger Adams along with his group was the first to successfully synthesize this chemical.
Anecdotal research suggests that Delta-9 THC has a more calming and uplifting effect. Customers have no idea about the strength or effects of a certain chemical due to the existing lack of transparency in the HHC industry.
How long do the effects of HHC last?
The effects of HHC are similar to those of THC, however, they stay far longer. When compared to THC, HHC can withstand higher temperatures and more direct sunlight with less degradation. Though there isn't a ton of data on HHC's safety, what there is says it's no worse than THC.
The duration of the effects is the primary distinction between HHC and THC. When compared to THC, the effects of HHC can extend for up to 12 hours. That's why HHC is preferable for individuals who want their symptoms gone for good. It's worth noting, too, that the benefits of HHC can wear off at different rates for different people.
How does HHC make you feel?
HHC produces a high similar to that of THC but with a more mellow, all-encompassing state of mind. Those seeking a euphoric "high" will find HHC to be an ideal mix. However, how much HHC is consumed can have a wide range of impacts. A tiny amount may have no effect, while a high amount may make you sleepy.
Because HHC is a rarer cannabinoid, its effects are less well-known than those of THC. In contrast, those who take HHC-containing products often report feeling calmer and less worried than before.
In some cases, HHC is prescribed to aid with issues like chronic pain, inflammation, and stress. In addition, it is used by some as a means of bettering their nightly slumber. HHC is not as widely known as THC, yet it may provide similar benefits despite its lower profile.
As a result, it's safe to say that HHC has a strong intoxicating effect. Even while it has a euphoric impact, the precise nature of that effect varies from person to person, just as it does with THC. The duration of the high can range from two to three hours. How much HHC is ingested, how the body reacts to it, and how frequently HHC is mixed with other substances are all factors to consider.
Benefits of HHC
HHC, like cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (D8 THC), has several Researchers have found that HHC has multiple applications for helping people in their search. For its psychoactive effects and therapeutic value, HHC is often compared to Delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid that has received the most widespread recognition.
A similar chemical structure between HHC and delta 9 means it can be used for the same purposes (e.g., inducing euphoria, relieving pain, or calming the user) without breaking the law.
The advantages of HHC are supported by more than anecdotal evidence. A 1977 study conducted on rats suggests that HHC may be effective as a painkiller. However, results from experiments on rats rarely apply to humans. A second, more recent trial, this one conducted in 2007, also revealed that HHC had promising effects as a relaxant. The investigation continues.
Scientists estimate that HHC is roughly 80% as powerful as delta 9, or "regular" cannabis. HHC has been shown to have many advantages over the years, some of which are listed below.
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Improved Quality of Sleep
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Reducing Stress
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At peace with myself
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Lower Levels of Inflammation
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Carry Yourselves Proudly
Side effects of HHC
There is almost no study of HHC's negative consequences. From anecdotal reports, it seems to have some of the same effects as THC.
Some of THC's temporary negative effects include:
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Anxiety
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Disordered thinking Coordination issues
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The condition of having a dry mouth was associated with a higher rate of heartbeat.
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A state of low blood pressure
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Confused memory
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Reduced responsiveness due to red eyes.
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Tiredness
There hasn't been enough study of HHC to determine whether or whether it causes any of these negative consequences. Long-term safety is another something we cannot confirm.
