The terminology associated with hemp and cannabis are confusing, especially in reference to all the different cannabinoids. In addition to THC, CBD, and CBG – the three most well known of over 100 cannabinoids, HHC is one of those other cannabinoids.
And if you’re reading this, odds are you haven’t heard of it so that’s what we are here to explain, today. We’ll cover what it is, how it’s produced, what you’ll feel, is it psychoactive or not and more. Here’s what HHC is and what you can expect from it.
Key Takeaways:
- HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol
- HHC is psychoactive and results in intoxication
- HHC appears to be somewhere between Delta-8 and Delta09 THC in terms of potency
What is HHC?
HHC is short for hexahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp, although in such minuscule amounts, that it’s not viable or cost-effective to extract from an individual plant.
It is considered a minor cannabinoid. Scientifically, cannabis researchers and chemists have been familiar with HHC for quite some time, but in the world of a commercial cannabis market, we’re still in the very early days. The problem is that its naturally occurring amounts are so small that it would be technically difficult to extract to make it economical – it can be synthesised from other cannabinoids. In fact, the HHC we know of today comes from Delta-9 THC molecules.
Taking a THC molecule into a lab and running it through a process called hydrogenation to replace a double bond with two hydrogen atoms. As long as it’s below 0.3 per cent THC, it should be legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill. States within the US may not agree and have a different position, so make sure you’re checking your local law.
What Are the Effects of HHC?
And because HHC hasn’t been in use (or at least well-known use) for very long, either recreationally or medically, and there hasn’t been any kind of long-running study, any anecdotal notes of effects felt by people are, well, anecdotal, not based on any kind of sound science.
That said, there are at least some anecdotal notes out there about the effects of HHC and, yes, if we believe what we’re hearing, they are pretty much the same, or at least very similar, to the effects of THC, which means that HHC hits the same endocannabinoid receptors back in your body and brain, and will produce a fairly similar cerebral, or head high as well as a body high, the latter of which may include feeling happiness and euphoria, increased focus and energy, creativity, feeling talkative, a heaviness, sedation as well as tingling in the limbs, slowed reaction time and more.
As for the benefits? Again, we don’t know for sure, but, assuming that HHC is so close to THC in what it offers up, it would seem to follow that HHC might also have benefits in terms of pain and inflammation, as well as not sleeping, not eating, and regulating mood.
How Strong is HHC?
Exactly how potent HHC is remains to be seen, but we’ll need some more research on this. What we do know is that, when synthesised in the lab, around half of each HHC molecule is ‘active’ and will narcotise you, while the other half is not. So, using nominal quantities, you’ll need about twice as much HHC as THC to feel your level. When it comes to potency, users report that HHC is somewhere between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
Is HHC Psychoactive?
Yes, HHC does appear to be psychoactive in terms of producing both a body high and a head high. Unlike CBD which does not result in you feeling intoxicated, HHC is an intoxicating substance.
Is HHC Safe To Use?
There are few reliable reports to indicate whether HHC is safe. Because HHC has received little scientific scrutiny, it’s unknown whether it causes serious side effects in the long term.
HHC is available as a vaping product. Vaping any product is a health risk. Little is known about the health effects of vaping, which could be more harmful than smoking. People shouldn’t vape even if they’re not using it for nicotine.
What Does HHC Feel Like?
According to users, HHC feels a lot like THC, with many of the same cerebral and body high effects, and it appears to have many of the same side effects too, such as paranoia, hunger, dry mouth, and red eyes. Most people report that HHC feels kind of like the high that you’d get from smoking a well-balanced Sativa-Indica hybrid, with both a cerebral and body high.
Is HHC Legal?
The legality of HHC is murky.
Others would say that, since HHC is synthetically formulated, since it can be legally manufactured from hemp, in part because the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp legal nationwide and defined hemp to include ‘all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, and salts thereof’ as long as they have 0.3 per cent or less delta-9 THC by dry weight, then HHC is federally legal.
Furthermore, the sale of hemp products became federally legal under the Farm Bill. The HHC that’s commercially available is synthetically derived and, in many states, synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited from being sold. Yet, because many sources say tiny amounts of HHC are found naturally in plants, one might argue that HHC is not a synthetic cannabinoid.
At this time, HHC is not banned nationally by name, but be careful nonetheless, as cannabis laws in your state could restrict HHC and other cannabinoid products.
Is HHC Psychoactive: Frequently Asked Questions
What Does HHC Do To Your Brain?
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. This interaction can result in various psychoactive effects, such as euphoria, altered perceptions, and changes in cognitive processes. The impact varies depending on dosage and individual sensitivity.
Is HHC A Sativa Or Indica?
HHC is neither Sativa nor Indica. It is a cannabinoid created by hydrogenating THC. Products containing HHC can derive from either Sativa or Indica strains of cannabis, and the effects will depend on the source strain’s properties.
Does HHC Produce Dopamine?
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) does not directly produce dopamine but may influence the release of dopamine in the brain. Like THC, HHC can activate the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which are linked to the brain's reward system that regulates dopamine levels. This activation can lead to an increase in dopamine release, contributing to the feelings of euphoria and pleasure often associated with cannabinoid use. However, the exact mechanism and impact of HHC on dopamine levels need further research to be fully understood.
References for this article:
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-hhc
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10510108/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37934167
- https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
