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.
Contents
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
- HHC is at this time considered both safe and legal
What is HHC?
HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid that we have known about since the 1940s. HHC was first discovered (or created) when an American chemist, Roger Adams, used a process known as hydrogenation to create HHC from THC. HHC is made by converting it from THC using special scientific processes.
Technically speaking, HHC is non-synthetic, as it does exist in the pollen and the seeds of the hemp and cannabis plants.
However, it exists in such small quantities that making it viable for sale requires the hydrogenation process as discussed above. It doesn’t exist in large enough quantities to make extraction cost-effective. It’s cheaper and easier to make HHC from THC than it is to extract HHC from plants.
Does HHC Have THC?
Technically speaking, although HHC is made from THC, it should not contain any of it. The hydrogenation process that it takes to create HHC from THC effectively changes the chemical or atomic structure of THC into HHC.
Although THC is made from HHC, the THC has been converted. It should therefore not contain any THC. That said, its effects may still be somewhat similar to that of THC. Although it can still get you high and provide you with benefits, it’s technically not THC.
What is the Difference Between HHC and THC?
Let’s do a quick HHC vs THC comparison. One of the biggest differences between THC and THC is of course its 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, they look fundamentally different.
Another difference here is that THC, regular Delta-9 THC, tends to be quite a bit stronger than HHC. HHC is about 80% as strong as regular Delta-9 THC, although it could also be up to 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. In 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. People who take HHC, when compared to THC, often say that the high isn’t quite as intense. Many people note that HHC usually doesn’t produce euphoria or paranoia like high doses of THC can.
When compared to THC, many people say that HHC is 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 note feeling a bit more energetic and focused when taking HHC.
How Does HHC Work?
Although more research is needed on this front, HHC bonds with the CB1 receptors in your body, within the endocannabinoid system, just like Delta-9 THC does. Bonding with your body’s CB1 receptors then has a wide variety of effects on both your mind and body.
There are some theories about how HHC breaks down in the body, mainly that it does not break down in the same way that Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC do. This is maybe why some people who use HHC claim that they have been able to pass drug tests, although these claims have not been verified 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.
Many also note that when taken in higher doses, it can make you feel sedated and quite tired. However, as mentioned above, there are some discrepancies here. Some people say that HHC produces a sense of euphoria, focus, concentration, and energy.
Some people say that HHC makes them feel a bit tired and sedated, whereas others say that it produces a bit of energy. There are also instances where people say that their senses have been enhanced, mainly in terms of sound and color.
Some people say that sounds sound louder, and colors look brighter. There are also some cases where people have reported that their appetite has increased, or in other words that they’ve gotten the munchies. It may also help to relieve vomiting and nausea.
How Long Does it Take for HHC to Kick in?
How long this particular cannabinoid takes to take in depends on a variety of factors, with the consumption method being one of the biggest ones. Depending on the consumption method, the high from HHC can kick in within just three to five minutes. This is especially the case if we are talking about inhaling THC through vaporizing.
It can also take much longer for HHC to kick in, particularly if we’re talking about edibles. If this is the case, depending on your size, metabolism, and the potency of the product in question, it can take up to two hours, or in some cases even three hours, for its effects to kick in.
Factors That Affect the Onset of HHC
As mentioned above, there are a few different factors that affect the onset of HHC. The factors listed below will affect how long it takes for HHC to kick in, and how much of a high you feel from it.
1. Potency and Quantity
With most cannabinoids, generally speaking, the more potent they are and the more of them you take, the faster they will kick in. So, if you take 500 milligrams of HHC, chances are that it’s going to hit you much faster and harder than if you only take 50 milligrams. It’s just simple math. Just like with other cannabinoids, HHC dosing makes a difference.
2. Your Size and Weight
If we are talking about smoking or vaporizing your HHC, then your size and weight won’t make a huge difference.
This is especially the case if we are talking about how long it takes for HHC to kick in. However, if we are talking about any kind of edible that you ingest, then your weight and size will make a difference.
The heavier and larger you are, the longer it will take for the HHC to kick in. Moreover, the bigger and heavier you are, the more of it you will have to take to produce a high
3. Your Metabolism
If we are talking about edibles, your metabolism is going to make a difference. The faster your body can metabolize those cannabinoids, the faster the high will kick in, but it will also go away faster too.
It is also thought that having some food in your stomach, while making it take longer for the high to kick in, can also help increase absorbency rates, and therefore increase how long the high lasts. However, the most important factor is the one below.
4. The Method of Consumption
The most important factor that will determine how long the HHC high lasts, how long it takes for it to kick in, and how strong the high is, is the method of consumption. So, let’s move on and take a look at the best ways to take HHC, and how they might 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 in the form of an edible. This could be a capsule, candy, gummy, beverage, chocolate, or anything in between. Edibles are very easy to consume, but they do take a while to kick in.
If you want the high to be very smooth and gradual, you want to eat a meal before taking them. If you don’t eat a meal, the edibles might hit you all at once, and produce a high that is too strong.
It can take up to 120 minutes for the high from edibles to kick in, or even longer in some cases. The high can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Most edibles with THC will contain up to around 30 milligrams, which is a pretty standard dosage. If you want the most bang for your buck, this is it.
Flower
We then have HHC flower, just like smoking regular CBD or THC flower. Grind it up, put it in a joint, a pipe, or a bong, light it up, and inhale. Many people like this method because it is quite fast and easy. Many people also just enjoy that old-school feeling of smoking something.
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 won’t be too potent, so you will likely have to consume a good deal of it to feel a substantial effect.
Vape Carts
Besides smoking THC 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 also tends to be a bit easier to control dosing with vaping than with smoking. Just like with smoking, because you are inhaling the HHC, it’s going to kick in within about 5 minutes, and the high will last for about 3 hours.
About two or three puffs should be more than enough to 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 more or less just THC that is mixed in with some kind of carrier oil. With a tincture, the method of application is sublingual, which means that you put it right under your tongue.
This absorbs into your bloodstream, and it should take about one hour for the effects to kick in, with the high lasting for anywhere between three and six hours, depending on the factors discussed above. Because tinctures often come with droppers, dosing them is usually easier than with other consumption methods.
How Long Does HHC Last?
Depending on the method of consumption, the high from HHC lasts anywhere from 1 to 12 hours. If we are talking about 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 or 60 minutes.
If we are talking about tinctures, the high is going to last for up to 6 hours, and if we are talking about actual edibles, the high may last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours.
As mentioned above, this does depend on the potency and quantity of HHC that you consume, your metabolism, the consumption method, and your size and weight, as well as your overall tolerance towards cannabinoids.
How Many MG of HHC Should I Take?
As a beginner, if it is your first time, starting with around 15 mg of HHC is recommended. You can always take more after. Although, 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 the 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. That said, other than some minor side effects, it does appear to be perfectly safe.
Is HHC Legal?
As long as the HHC is derived from a hemp plant and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it should be perfectly legal, as stated by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Does HHC Come Up in a Drug Test?
Some anecdotal evidence would suggest that HHC does not come up in a drug test. However, there is no proof either way to 100% confirm whether or not HHC will show up in a drug test.
Conclusion
HHC is definitely a cannabinoid worth checking out. It can produce quite an enjoyable high, it is legal for the time being, and affordable too.
Where to Buy HHC Products Online
The best place to buy HHC edibles is right here at Botany Farms. We have a wide range of awesome HHC products for you to check out, such as this HHC Blueberry Kush and these HHC Watermelon Gummies.
Thanks for stopping by! Why not give some HHC from our farm a try?
