There are so many different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. More than 100 of them, to be exact. We know a lot about the main ones, like CBD and THC, but what about some of the lesser-known cannabinoids? Well, some of those less talked-about compounds are beginning to emerge into the spotlight, and HHC is a prime example. So what is HHC? Read on to find out.
What Is HHC?
Before we look at HHC vs CBD, it’s important to answer the basic question of what is HHC first of all. The HHC cannabinoid (full name: hexahydrocannabinol) is technically a version of THC. In chemical terms, it’s THC, but with extra hydrogen. It occurs naturally in hemp plants, but only in small amounts, so it tends to be created synthetically in labs and is often known as “synthetic THC“.
The history of this cannabinoid actually goes back to the 1940s. It was in 1944 that the chemist Roger Adams decided to add hydrogen atoms to THC to see what would happen. He hoped that the addition of hydrogen, in a process called hydrogenation, could stabilize the THC and make it stronger, so that it wouldn’t be as sensitive to heat.
What Are the Effects of HHC?
We’ve seen what is HHC, but what are some of the HHC effects that make this cannabinoid special? Well, even though HHC was first produced in a lab many decades ago, there’s quite a lot that we don’t know about the HHC cannabinoid. Very few studies have taken place to see what this cannabinoid can do, so, HHC effects are something of a mystery. However, we do have at least a little knowledge of potential HHC effects.
Benefits of HHC
The HHC cannabinoid could offer an interesting array of benefits for the human body, including:
- Pain Relief: Like delta 9 THC and CBD, it’s believed that HHC can help to ease aches and pains.
- Stimulating Appetite: Just like how THC tends to make people feel hungry, HHC may have the same potential to increase a person’s appetite.
- Improve Mood: Studies also suggest that HHC could be a high-potency mood-changer, possibly helping people feel happier and calmer in moments of stress or fear.
HHC Side Effects
Unfortunately, like THC and a lot of other cannabinoids, HHC also has a risk of potential side effects. Many users may not experience any side effects at all, but there is a slim chance of the following:
- Hallucinations: This appears to be a very rare side effect, but some reports have suggested that individuals who consume a certain variety of HHC can have hallucinations.
- Negative Mood: As well as improving your mood, HHC may also have a negative impact on it. Some users report feeling down after consuming this particular cannabinoid.
- Changing Time Perception: Like THC and certain other cannabis compounds, HHC may also make time seem to be going slower, which is why it would be unsafe to use before certain activities, like driving.
Does HHC Make You High?
Yes, HHC, like THC, has psychoactive properties and can trigger a sensation of being “high” or extremely euphoric in people who consume it.
HHC Vs. CBD: Differences Between the Two Cannabinoids
When it comes to HHC vs CBD, there are some very clear differences between these two cannabinoids. Firstly, they have very different chemical structures, with HHC having much more in common with THC than CBD. They’ve also been researched to very different extents, as we know a lot more about CBD and how it works compared to HHC.
When it comes to the effects of HHC vs CBD, there are even more differences. CBD is more of a relaxing, stress-easing cannabinoid that can help with pain and nausea, without any psychoactive effects. HHC, meanwhile, does have psychoactive effects like THC and can cause euphoria or big mood changes. HHC’s side effects can also be worse and riskier than CBD’s.
The way in which CBD and HHC are sourced is also different. CBD is found in abundance in cannabis plants, so can be taken from the plant matter using different types of cannabis extraction methods. However, HHC has a much lower natural occurrence, so often has to be made synthetically in a lab by adding hydrogen to THC.
Is HHC Legal?
Along with “What is HHC flower?” and “What does HHC do?” the question of legality is often one of the first things people ask about this particular cannabinoid. And, at this time, HHC is in something of a gray area, legally speaking.
Since HHC can be found in hemp, and hemp is legal across the US, it’s technically legal from that standpoint. However, there are state laws that can conflict with this, meaning that the purchase, sale, or use of HHC could be outlawed in certain states and regions, especially those that have strict controls over THC, as THC and HHC have a lot in common.
In addition, even though we’ve known about HHC for decades, it’s only recently come to mainstream attention. It’s a relatively new product, and authorities are still looking at possible ways to regulate or control its usage and sale, so laws around HHC are subject to change at any moment, even if you have a medical marijuana card.
Will HHC Show Up In A Drug Test?
Most tests for drug use are designed to identify traces or signs of THC, rather than HHC. There aren’t really any tests that look specifically for HHC at the moment. However, since HHC is so close to THC from a molecular standpoint, it’s very possible that it will show up on common drug tests like urine and saliva tests.
As we can see, HHC is quite an interesting cannabinoid with big potential for future use in the world of medicine and therapy. However, it also has some clear downsides and risks, like the fact that it can have psychoactive effects and even lead to hallucinations in rare cases. Much more research will be needed to learn more about how this cannabinoid works and what we can use it for.
Contact us if you have more questions or need consultation.