Ever since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, there has been a surge in the demand for cannabinoid-infused products. Whereas once the two major players were only CBD and THC, the market has exploded with all sorts of products infused with psychoactive cannabinoids. One such psychoactive cannabinoid is affectionately referred to as the “new kid on the block,” so to speak, although it's been around since the 1940s…HHC! This fascinating cannabinoid comes in all types of products, ranging from inhalables to edibles. But if you’re just starting out on your HHC adventure, the overwhelming amount of options might seem, well, overwhelming! That’s why we’re going to take a closer look at the types of HHC products available, how they work, and ultimately, what is the best HHC product to try. Let’s get started!
What Is HHC?
Before we jump into the wild world of HHC, it’s important to understand what exactly HHC is. While it might seem new to you, HHC, short for hexahydrocannabinol, was first discovered in the 1940s by a Harvard-trained chemist called Roger Adams. Adams sought to create a more stable and legal version of the villainized marijuana. He did so by saturating a THC molecule with two hydrogen molecules. Similar to how margarine is created by adding hydrogen to butter, this hydrogenation process of THC allowed for a more stable compound called HHC. As an added bonus, HHC products have a much longer shelf life and will not break down as quickly when exposed to heat, light, and air.
Some experts argue that HHC is found naturally in the hemp plant (albeit in small quantities) and others refute this claim, stating that HHC is semi-synthetic and only exists after the successful hydrogenation of a THC molecule. Despite this stalemate of opinions, the 2018 Farm Bill allows HHC to be legal on a federal level, provided that it is derived from federally legal hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less. Some states have their own legislature surrounding hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, so you’ll need to check your local state laws before attempting to purchase or consume any type of HHC-infused product. Speaking of which, let’s check out the following types of HHC products!
Best HHC Products To Try For The First Time
There are typically two categories that HHC products fall into: inhalables or edibles. Both can be enjoyed by new and inexperienced users alike, but there are some things to keep in mind for both types of products. Let’s take a look at the inhalables first and finish off with the edibles.
HHC Vape Cartridges
One of the most common types of inhalables are called vape cartridges. These types of products come in two subcategories: screw-on or disposable. Disposable vape cartridges can be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable, so be prepared to plug in your device before using it for the first time. If it's non-rechargeable, the device will be ready to go right out of the box. Keep in mind though, once the device’s internal battery dies, you’ll have to discard it even if there’s still oil in the device.
If you choose the screw-on vape carts, you’ll need a specialized vaporizer known as a vape pen/battery. These vape batteries feature a 510-connection that your vape cart can screw into. Depending on how fancy of a device you get, you can expect to pay as little as $20 for a basic vape pen or $100+ if you want your device to have a screen and other cool features. Vape cartridges will contain a thick concentrated oil in varying strengths and can be an indica, sativa, or hybrid blend.
Vape cartridges are best used by those who already vape or smoke, but can be enjoyed by users of all levels with just a bit of practice. You may experience some coughing when you take your first hit, so keep a glass of water nearby. It can be a little difficult to dose vape carts due to the length of the hit and deepness of the pull, but most manufacturers will recommend 1-3 hits as a standard dose. The effects of an HHC vape cartridge typically kick in after about 5-10 minutes and will usually last for about an hour, making them the ideal choice for impatient users or those short on time.
HHC Edibles
Edibles are an exciting choice for first-time or inexperienced users because of how easy they are to use. HHC edibles will not require any external hardware to use and are usually very simple to dose. Let’s take a look at some of the common forms of HHC edibles.
Gummies
Gummies are probably the most popular form of edibles due to their soft texture and sweet flavor. Most gummies are cube-shaped and dusted with sugar crystals for an extra punch of sweetness. Depending on the strength of the gummy, manufacturers will recommend ½ of a gummy as a standard dose. You can tailor the dosage to fit your preferences, but it’s strongly advised to start off with the recommended amount when consuming for the first time. Edibles typically take about 60-90 minutes to fully kick in, and the high can last for several hours.
Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the easiest forms of HHC to dose, thanks to the graduated dropper cap. Simply squeeze the rubber stopper to suck up the liquid, measure out the recommended amount (usually between half or a full mL), release the liquid under your tongue, and hold for 1-2 minutes before swallowing. This form of consumption is referred to as “sublingual” and allows the HHC to bypass your digestive system completely. You should expect to feel the effects after about 30-45 minutes, and the high lasts for several hours.
Capsules
If you can’t be bothered by measuring out doses and silly things like chewing and holding liquid under your tongue, you may prefer to consume HHC capsules. Capsules are usually made out of clear spongy material that are somewhat resistant to pressure but will be digested rapidly as the capsule’s material disintegrates. This form of HHC is usually easy to swallow, flavorless, and odorless, making them the most discrete form of edibles. The precise amount of HHC consumed will be listed on the label, ensuring you’ll know exactly how much HHC you’ve consumed in a single sitting . The dosing instructions for capsules are usually pretty straightforward, as you can’t halve the capsule without destroying it. The effects from capsules usually kick in after about an hour and will last for several hours after the initial consumption.
HHC Effects
Since HHC is technically a hydrogenated THC molecule, it stands to reason that the effects are similar to that of a marijuana high. Some users claim to feel a slightly stronger high than that of a Delta-8 THC high, whereas others swear that it feels identical to the high brought on from traditional weed. Your high will depend on several personal factors such as weight, age, gender, metabolism, and previous exposure to THC. This is why it’s important to start slowly with your dosages and gradually increase the amount consumed until you are comfortable with the effects.
With a low dose amount, you can expect to feel an enhanced sense of focus and creativity. You may experience bursts of energy that motivate you to complete mundane tasks. If you’re struggling with muscle and joint aches, HHC can help soothe the aches to a more tolerable level. HHC has also been known for its uplifting effects, resulting in fits of giggles and heightened sense of humor.
For higher dosage amounts, you may feel an exhilarating euphoria that leaves you breathless and heavily relaxed. You might find it difficult to get up and perform tasks, as your body may feel heavy and immobile. High doses are recommended as a way to relax after a long day or chill with friends.
Should I Try HHC?
As the vast market of hemp-derived cannabinoids continues to grow, it’s important for you to understand what you’re consuming. HHC is a fascinating psychoactive compound with a plethora of benefits, ready to transport you to a heady high in a matter of minutes. Who would have thought that a hydrogenated THC molecule could make such a difference in our everyday lives? Whether you choose an inhalable or an edible, be sure to do your research to ensure the product is as potent and pure as it claims. Both edibles and inhalables have different reaction times and benefits, so make sure you choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Here at Erth Hemp, we’re excited with all things hemp-related, especially HHC products! We offer two types of HHC products: HHC vape carts (Melon Gum and Golden Goat) and peach-flavored gummies. All of our products are rigorously tested by independent third-party labs to ensure purity and potency, both necessary to build consumer confidence and trust. The results are available via a QR code on the product packaging, on our website, or by request. If you’re ready to take the plunge into the wonderful world of HHC via our products, please feel free to drop a comment below and share your experiences with the rest of us. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
