Since most states Scientists started legalizing marijuana use, we’ve seen an increased interest in different cannabis strains. Most cannabis users seek cannabinoids—the naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The plant’s most popular compound is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). However, the introduction of Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) means the conventional Delta and CBD cannabinoids are no longer the only popular cannabis derivatives.
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What is Hexahydrocannabinol Or HHC
Each cannabis strain features its unique combination of cannabinoids and other compounds that give it medicinal benefits and other effects. Besides the Delta THC and CBD, a new cannabinoid, hexahydrocannabinol, has emerged as a popular alternative. It has opened up a new class of chemical compounds that scientists closely study.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) occurs in small amounts and, at most has to be synthetically created for it to be viably collected. Most of the HHC found in the market is semi-synthetic but shares almost the same effect and structure as THC. The main difference is that it has two more hydrogen atoms, which gives it a longer shelf-life.
HHC is also seen as a more stable cannabinoid than Delta THC compounds and shows resistance when exposed to elements like heat and UV radiation.
How is HHC Made?
HHC cannot be extracted naturally from a plant due to its low trace concentrations. It has to undergo a sophisticated hydrogenation process to obtain usable amounts. The process also requires the presence of high pressure and a catalyst like palladium. The compound is primarily produced by adding hydrogen to the THC molecule and altering its physical properties. This process is meant to modify the original structure of a THC molecule by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms.
The end product is an HHC cannabinoid with more molecular weight and stability. HHC’s increased resistance to thermos-oxidation, which gives it longer shelf life, is also due to hydrogenation. HHC is yet to become as popular as THC and CBD. However, you can still find it in online outlets and pot shops in different forms like HHC gummies or vapes.
What are the Effects of Hexahydrocannabinol HHC?
HHC shares a lot of similarities with THC. First, the two cannabinoids have similar structures and produce the same effects when used. This means you can consume HHC the same way you do with THC. Some of the benefits associated with HHC cannabinoids include;
- It can help manage chronic pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Alleviate nausea and vomiting
- Eases anxiety and depression
HCC’s medicinal benefits have not been widely studied like delta 9 THC or CBD. This is because it’s been overshadowed by other cannabis compounds, and scientists don’t have as much interest in what it can do. However, a recent study has shown some synthetic analogs of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) suppress cancer cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis.
Scientists have also discovered one notable characteristic of HHC — its high bioavailability. This characteristic makes it easily breakable and absorbable into the body. Bioavailability is one component you won’t find in the conventional THC and CBD cannabis compounds. This means the body cannot fully absorb them unless they are altered.
HHC’s bioavailability could be a key factor in future research on its other potential benefits to the body. Its nature allows you to feel the full benefits of the compound faster. The cannabinoid can quickly metabolize in the body more efficiently than THC and CBD, creating a more potent effect.
How Safe is Hexahydrocannabinol HHC?
Being a novel cannabinoid, there’s minimal information about HH’s safety. Still, you won’t miss a few reports of harmful side effects from those who’ve dared to try it. Commonly reported side effects include;
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart rate
- Red eyes
Is There Any Appropriate Dose of HHC?
Like any psychoactive substance, the dose of HHC will first depend on the three crucial factors; age, weight, and tolerance levels. Overall, HHC’s potency is not far from delta 9 THC. However, taking a similar or slightly lower dose of 10 – 20 mg per serving would be a good starting point.
The best part about HHC is that a standard 12-panel drug test won’t detect it. This makes it an excellent alternative to delta 8 and delta 10 THC compounds which show up in blood and urine drug tests if consumed in high amounts.
Is HHC Legal?
Although HHC will get you high just like THC, it’s not classified as illegal at the Federal level. It’s considered under the hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids that contain less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC. These are legalized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under the 2018 Farm Bill Agriculture Improvement Act.
However, we expect more policy revision once HHC fully hits the market by storm. This will give the DEA more time to ascertain the compound’s efficacy and impact on human health. But until then, HHC remains one of the THC alternatives legal at the state level. You can freely consume any HHC product without any consequences.
Final Thoughts
There will always be a new cannabinoid compound popping onto the scene and offering us something new to look into. Hexahydrocannabinol HHC is one such cannabis compound taking over the cannabis world by storm. Though relatively available in smaller quantities, HHC has opened more windows for scientific research into its real benefits. Time will tell whether it’s the cannabinoid we never knew we needed.
