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How Long Does it Take for HHC to Kick In?

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If you haven’t heard of HHC before, it’s another cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. The effects can be similar to those of various forms of THC, but there are some differences to consider.

People have many questions about HHC, such as what it is, what its effects are, how long it lasts, what the preferred delivery methods are, and much more. This is a very interesting cannabinoid that is worth studying in greater detail, so let’s take a look at what HHC has to offer.

Key Takeaways

  • HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol
  • It produces effects similar to Delta-9 THC
  • HHC is said to be more potent than Delta-8 THC, but less than Delta-9
  • Flower, vapes, edibles, and tinctures are the preferred delivery methods for HHC

What is HHC?

HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid that we have known about since the 1940s. HHC was first discovered (or created) by American chemist, Roger Adams, via a process known as hydrogenation. Essentially, HHC is made by adding hydrogen atoms to THC.

Technically speaking, HHC is non-synthetic, as it naturally exists in the pollen and seeds of hemp and cannabis. However, it exists in such small quantities that making it commercially viable requires artificial synthesis (hydrogenation). It’s actually cheaper and easier to make HHC from THC than to extract HHC from hemp/cannabis.

Does HHC Have THC?

Although HHC is made from THC, it should not contain any of it. The hydrogenation process that creates HHC from THC effectively changes the chemical or atomic structure of THC into HHC. So, it makes sense that after complete conversion, HHC should not contain THC.

That said, its effects may still be somewhat similar to that of THC. Despite being psychoactive (it can still get you high) and provide you with THC-like benefits, it's technically not THC.

What is the Difference Between HHC and THC?

Here's a quick HHC vs THC comparison.

One of the biggest differences between HHC and THC is, of course, the chemical structure. Regular THC has double bonds in the cyclohexyl rings, which is not the case for HHC. If you look at the molecules of both compounds, they are fundamentally different.

Another difference is that THC (Delta-9 THC) is more potent than HHC. HHC is about 80% as strong as Delta-9 THC, and 40% stronger than Delta-8 THC. Although it might not be quite as strong as regular Delta-9 THC, the effects of HHC are known to last much longer than those of THC.

With regular THC the effects usually only last for a few hours, whereas the effects of HHC may last for up to 12 hours. So, regular Delta-9 THC is stronger than HHC, but not nearly as long-lasting.

Moreover, HHC users often say the high isn't quite as intense compared to THC. Additionally, HHC usually doesn't produce euphoria or paranoia like high doses of THC can. Compared to THC, many users say that HHC produces something like a light Indica high.

It can make you feel happy, euphoric, and very relaxed, just like an Indica. Although this is somewhat up in the air, as it does seem to depend on the user. Some people report feeling a bit more energetic and focused with HHC.

How Does HHC Work?

Although more research is needed on this front, HHC bonds with the CB1 receptors within the endocannabinoid system just like Delta-9 THC. This creates a wide variety of effects on both your mind and body.

Theories on how HHC breaks down in the body suggest that it does not break down in the same way that Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC do. This is probably why some people who use HHC claim they have been able to pass drug tests, although these claims are unverified at this time.

What Are the Effects of HHC?

If taken in small doses, HHC is said to produce a fairly mild high, somewhat relatable to an Indica high. According to anecdotal evidence, HHC can make you feel a bit happy, euphoric, lightheaded, and relaxed.

Other users report that when taken in higher doses, HHC can make you feel sedated and quite tired. However, as mentioned above, there are some discrepancies here. Some users say HHC produces a sense of euphoria, focus, concentration, and energy. Others say HHC makes them feel a bit tired and sedated.

There are also instances where users say their senses feel enhanced, allowing them to perceive sound and color better, i.e., sound sounds louder and colors look brighter. There are also reported cases of increased appetite (the munchies). It also appears to relieve vomiting and nausea.

How Long Does it Take for HHC to Kick in?

How long this particular cannabinoid takes to kick in depends on several factors, with the consumption method being one of the major one. Depending on how you take HHC, the high can kick in within 3-5 minutes. This is true if you inhale HHC through vaporizing.

But it can also take much longer to kick in, particularly if we're talking about edibles. In this case, and depending on your size, metabolism, and the potency of the product, HHC can take up to 2-3 hours for its effects to kick in.

Factors That Affect the Onset of HHC

As mentioned above, there are several factors that affect the onset of HHC. These typically affect how long it takes for HHC to kick in, and how much of a high you get from it.

1. Potency and Quantity

With most cannabinoids, the potency and dose determines how fast they kick in. So, if you take 500 mg of HHC, chances are that it's going to hit you much faster and harder than if you take 50 mg. It's just simple logic. Just like with other cannabinoids, HHC dosing makes a difference.

2. Your Size and Weight

When smoking or vaporizing HHC, your size and weight don't make a huge difference on how long it takes for it to kick in. However, with edibles, your weight and size make a difference.

The heavier and larger you are, the longer it will take for the HHC to kick in. Similarly, you need a larger dose to get high compared to a leaner person.

3. Your Metabolism

With edibles, your metabolism makes a huge difference. The faster your body can metabolize cannabinoids, the faster the high kicks in. Similarly, the high also dissipates faster too.

It is also thought that having food in your stomach helps increase absorbency rates, while making it take longer for the high to kick in. This increases the duration of the high.

4. The Method of Consumption

This is the most important factor that determines how long HHC's high lasts, the onset time, and the high potency. You can take HHC orally (edibles and oils), sublingually (oils and tinctures), or by inhaling (smoking, vaping and dabbing). So, let's move on and take a look at the best ways to take HHC, and how they affect you.

What Are the Best Delivery Methods for HHC?

There are four main delivery methods for HHC, so let's take a quick look.

Edibles

One of the preferred ways to take HHC is edibles. These includes capsules, candies, gummies, beverages, cookies, etc. Edibles are easy to consume, but they do take a while to kick in. If you want the high to be smooth and gradual, eat a meal before taking edibles.

Edibles can produce intense highs lasting anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. It can take up to 2 hours for the high to kick in, or even longer in some cases. Most HHC edibles can contain around 30 mg, which is pretty standard. If you want the most bang for your buck, go with edibles.

Flower

Like with regular CBD or THC flower, you can smoke HHC flower. Simply grind it up, fill a joint, pipe, or bong, light up and inhale. Many users like this method because it is fast and simple. Some also just enjoy that old-school feeling of smoking weed.

Furthermore, this delivery method allows you to feel the HHC high in as little as three to five minutes. The HHC goes right into your bloodstream from your lungs, so it kicks in very quickly. On the other hand, the high is only going to last for about 3 hours at most.

Although this method is easy, you don't get the most bang for your buck. HHC flower usually isn't highly potent, so you will likely have to consume a good deal for a substantial effect.

Vape Carts

Besides smoking HHC flower, you can also vaporize HHC concentrate. Most people prefer this over smoking, as it is said to be much healthier. At the same time, it's also much faster and easier, because you just have to push a button and inhale, instead of grinding, rolling, and lighting.

It's also easier to control dosing with vaping than with smoking. When you inhale HHC, it kicks in within about 5 minutes, and the high can last for about 3 hours. About 2-3 puffs should make you feel a substantial high. If you’d like to try vaping HHC, check out our own Botany Farms Bubba Kush HHC Vape Cartridge.

Tincture

The other method of consumption is tincture, which is HHC mixed in a carrier oil. The best method of application for tinctures is sublingual, meaning you put the oil right under your tongue.

This allows it to absorb into your bloodstream, and it should take about one hour for the effects to kick in. The high can last 3-6 hours, depending on the factors discussed earlier on. Because tinctures often come with droppers, dosing them is usually easier compared to other consumption methods.

How Long Does HHC Last?

Depending on the consumption method, the high lasts anywhere from 1 to 12 hours. With smoking, the high will usually top out at around 2 hours, maybe 3 at most, which can also be said for vaping, although vaping may give you an extra 30-60 minutes.

With tinctures, the high can last for up to 6 hours, while edibles give you anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. However, this depends on the potency and quantity of HHC consumed, metabolism, consumption method, and your size and weight, as well as your overall tolerance.

How Many mg of HHC Should I Take?

As a beginner, start with around 15 mg of HHC. You can always take more after. Most edibles usually contain between 20 and 30 mg, which is a pretty standard dose.

Is HHC Safe?

At this time, it does appear as though HCC is perfectly safe to consume. It may have some minor side effects, such as tiredness, red eyes, a headache, dizziness, and other small side effects often associated with THC and cannabinoids in general.

As long as the HHC is derived from a hemp plant with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it should be perfectly legal per the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states like Minnesota and Florida have passed legislation specifically outlawing HHC. So be sure to double check HHC's legal status in your state before attempting to purchase it.

Does HHC Come Up in a Drug Test?

Anecdotal evidence suggests HHC does not come up in a drug test. However, there is no concrete proof of whether, or not, HHC shows up in a drug test.

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