Hemp-derived cannabinoids are all the rage these days, offering safe and legal alternatives that get the user high while still remaining clear-headed and in control. One such cannabinoid is one that’s making quite a buzz in the headlines: HHC. This fascinating cannabinoid comes in a variety of products, ranging from chewy gummies and easy-to-swallow capsules to screw-in vape cartridges and silky tinctures.
Regardless of how you consume HHC, you can be sure you’ll be experiencing a heady high in a matter of minutes. But what exactly is this new cannabinoid? Is it legal to use? Are there any benefits of using HHC? Keep reading to find the answers to these questions and more!
What Is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol, frequently shortened to just “HHC,” is a naturally occurring cannabinoid within the hemp plant that exists in very small quantities. The cannabinoid was first discovered in the 1940s and offered a safer and legal way to get high without consuming the highly illegal Delta-9 THC cannabinoid, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
In order to make the small amount of HHC viable, it must undergo a hydrogenation process, similar to how butter is converted into margarine. THC molecules are saturated with hydrogen within a catalyst that is subjected to intense pressure. The hydrogen is inserted between THC’s double bonds and actually stabilizes the molecular structure for the finished HHC compound. This allows HHC-infused products to have a longer shelf life, as the stabilized compound will not break down as quickly as THC would when exposed to oxygen and sunlight.
Is HHC Legal?
Because HHC is found naturally in the hemp plant, albeit in very small quantities, it is classified as a non-synthetic cannabinoid. This classification is a constant source of contempt for lawmakers who argue that since HHC must be “created” in a lab, it should be labeled as synthetic. Yet as long as the HHC product contains 0.3% THC and is derived from federally legal hemp, the 2018 Farm Bill rules that HHC is legal on a federal level.
The jury is still out on the official ruling for HHC throughout the country, and you should always confirm you are allowed to purchase and consume HHC in your state. There are currently 12 states that have specific rulings about hemp consumption, which might make acquiring and consuming HHC-infused products more difficult. Many websites have strict regulations in place to prevent any purchases or shipments to these states, but you should always check your local state’s regulations before finalizing your purchase.
What Are The Effects of HHC?
We mentioned in the beginning that HHC was created as a legal alternative to traditional marijuana. Many users claim that an HHC high offers nearly identical results as regular weed, but a smoother and more enjoyable high. The high from HHC will vary based on the individual; certain factors play a key role in the duration and intensity of your high. Your weight, age, gender, metabolism, and previous exposure to THC will dictate how strong and long of a high you will experience. This is why it’s important to always start slowly with your HHC consumption. It is a common practice for manufacturers to offer a suggested dose depending on the type of product consumed. Edibles like gummies will often range from a single or ½ gummy, a full mL of tincture, 1-3 puffs of an inhalable, or a single capsule. Feel free to start off with the suggested dosage or less, especially if you’re trying HHC for the first time. Once you feel comfortable with the effects associated with that dosage, you can adjust the amount to fit your preferences.
Are There Benefits of Using HHC?
By now you’re probably wondering if there are any benefits to using HHC. The answer is a wholehearted YES! There are a plethora of benefits for both the mind and body, regardless of how “high” you feel. Remember that these effects may vary depending on how much you take, the type of HHC product consumed (edibles vs. inhalables) and how your body processes the HHC, but here’s some general benefits you can expect to feel.
Mind Benefits
HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning that it will definitely get you high. You can expect to feel a sense of relaxation and warm euphoria. You may experience bursts of creativity, as well as a sharper sense of focus. Some users claim to experience better memory recall, while others noticed an enhanced sense of humor. The ability to relax and soothe your uneasy mind can help you unwind after a long day and may make it easier to fall asleep. HHC can help you feel uplifted and refreshed, allowing you to cast off your daily stress and sink into a euphoric high.
Body Benefits
While HHC works marvelously to transport you into a blissful euphoria, there are also some physical benefits you may discover. Just as how weed users experience the munchies, the same is true from HHC users! If you choose to consume any food or drink (even a simple sip of water!) due to an increased appetite, you may experience an enhanced sense of taste and smell. Some users report feeling a heightened sense of touch that results in a light tingling in your hands, feet, face, chest, and arms. HHC can also help with physical discomfort in your stomach (i.e., nausea) and can help soothe aching muscles and joints. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of HHC, but these are the effects that are known at this time.
Some Negative Side Effects
While the majority of the effects from an HHC high are wildly beneficial, there are some potentially negative side effects to keep in mind. You may experience increased thirst and dry mouth, so be sure to keep your favorite (non-alcoholic) beverage nearby. Your eyes may feel dry and appear reddened, and you may struggle to keep them fully open. If the HHC product you consume contains an indica-dominant strain, you may feel lethargic and drowsy.
You may experience what we call a “hangover high,” where the effects carry over into the following morning but fade within an hour or so. All of these side effects are easily treated by keeping yourself hydrated and calm while in the midst of your high. If you happen to take too much HHC in a single sitting, do not panic. Remind yourself that the effects are only temporary and will soon fade away.
Lastly, you should never attempt to operate machinery or heavy equipment while under the influence of an HHC (or any psychoactive cannabinoid) high. Your reaction time may be delayed and your judgment may be impaired, making it unsafe for you and others around you. Make sure that whenever you consume HHC, you will not need to travel until the effects have officially worn off.
Conclusion: Is HHC Right For Me?
The decision to consume any HHC-product boils down to the user: what are you looking to gain from your HHC high? Maybe you’re wanting a way to relax and unwind after a long day of work, or perhaps you need some creativity to tackle a particularly challenging task. HHC is known for its calming qualities and can deliver a plethora of benefits for both your mind and body. HHC is legal and safe to use, provided it is derived from federally legal hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less as dictated by the 2018 Farm Bill.
If you feel like you’re ready to try an HHC product, check out our fantastic HHC gummies and HHC vapes. We’re proud to offer full-panel lab testing from an independent third-party lab that promises a pure and potent high from either product. If you do decide to try our HHC products, be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below! Here at Erth Hemp, we’re proud to offer some of the finest cannabinoid-infused products the industry has to offer. We look forward to reading how HHC has made a positive impact in how you get high!
