Individuals and communities have used cannabis as a recreational medicinal plant for over 12,000 years.
Scientists have extracted various cannabinoids from the cannabis plant to treat various health issues. In the cannabis industry, a new cannabinoid known as hhc has recently emerged.
Though a new name on the market, they first developed this semi-synthetic cannabinoid in the 1940s to provide a better alternative for cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.
Aside from its numerous therapeutic benefits, HHC has a pleasant psychoactive effect. Furthermore, HHC has higher bioavailability than other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
This article investigates why people frequently associate HHC with complete satisfaction compared to other cannabinoids.
What is HHC?
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid created by modifying the chemical structure of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Except for a few extra hydrogen atoms, the chemical morphology of HHC and THC is very similar.
HHC was invented in 1940 at the University of Illinois by an American chemist named Roger Adams.
He used a chemical process known as hydrogenation to add hydrogen atoms to THC to make it more stable.
Later, in the late 1940s, he obtained a patent for HHC as a “therapeutic substance with marijuana activity.”
How do they make HHC?
To understand how they create HHC, you must first understand hydrogenation.
Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that occurs in the presence of a catalyst between hydrogen molecules and other chemical compounds.
Manufacturers make HHC by hydrogenating THC in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel.
As a result, the THC molecules’ double carbon bonds are broken, releasing HHC.
Because tetrahydrocannabinol has two more hydrogen atoms, thus, it is less volatile and has a longer shelf life.
But, HHC has a chemical structure that is very similar to CBN.
Is it legal?
HHC, like other cannabinoids, exists in legal limbo. However, the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC legal in the United States.
Because HHC is merely a byproduct of tetrahydrocannabinol and contains no Delta-9 THC, no federal law prohibits the sale and use of HHC.
However, the legal status of HHC may differ from state to state. For example, HHC is currently illegal in Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Is it safe to consume?
There is no recommended dose and little to no research on the immediate or long-term effects of HHC ingestion, as with any new hemp-derived cannabinoids.
HHC makers and retailers are not required to test their products for potency and purity because hemp-derived cannabinoids like HHC are not subject to THC regulations in legal adult-use states.
Top Reasons Why People Love It
While HHC has similar effects to THC, it doesn’t cause the same “high” feeling and doesn’t interact with your brain as THC does.
Some studies suggest that HHC might help to counteract some of the adverse effects of THC.
Let’s look at the top two reasons people prefer HHC over THC or CBD.
As a recreational drug
Because of its potent psychotropic properties, HHC has also gained popularity as a recreational agent.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that HHC produces a well-balanced body and mind “high,” with a smooth entourage effect.
According to HHC users’ testimonies, the psychoactive effects of HHC are milder than the effects of Delta-9 THC and slightly more potent than the “high” produced by Delta-8 THC.
As a Medicinal Substance
Because HHC is a relatively new subject of study, scientists have yet to learn much about its medicinal benefits. However, current research indicates that HHC has a promising future in the medical field.
It has anti-inflammatory properties.
In 2007, Japanese researchers discovered that HHC has excellent pain-relieving properties in an animal study. Its mode of action is similar to that of THC, i.e., HHC molecules interact with central nervous system receptors, inhibiting the pain transmission pathway. As a result, it aids in the reduction of chronic pain.
It aids in the reduction of anxiety and stress.
According to experts, HHC has a powerful anxiolytic effect. HHC stimulates brain cells to produce endorphins, or “feel-good” hormones, resulting in euphoria and relaxation. In addition, it reduces anxiety and stress by decreasing norepinephrine synthesis.
It may aid in the prevention of cancer growth.
According to a 2011 study, HHC has the potential to slow tumour growth. In addition, researchers discovered that this semi-synthetic cannabinoid could help reduce breast cancer cell proliferation. More research is needed, however, to learn more about the beneficial effects of HHC on cancer patients.
It works as a sleep aid.
HHC’s ability to induce sleep is another intriguing benefit. Hokuriku University researchers tested two semi-synthetic cannabinoids on rodents. They discovered that HHC could help increase sleep time and treat sleep disorders like insomnia.
Are there any side effects?
There currently needs to be more peer-reviewed scientific studies that can tell us about the disadvantages of consuming HHC. However, experts believe that HHC users may experience side effects similar to those of:
- Accelerated heart rate
- Coordination issues
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Red eyes
- Insomnia
- Slower reaction times
- Memory lapses
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
Side effects may worsen as HHC consumption increases. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, vendors continue to produce and publicise HHC among cannabis enthusiasts.
Furthermore, before purchasing any HHC products, you should be aware that HHC production is currently unregulated by any federal agency. As a result, low-quality or counterfeit products frequently enter the cannabis market due to a lack of quality control measures.
Consumption of these products may increase the risk of side effects and result in various health problems. As a result, it is recommended to purchase HHC products only from a legitimate and reputable vendor.
Where can you buy it?
You can purchase HHC products from either online or physical dispensaries.
Vendors have introduced various products to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Tinctures and oil are the most widely available HHC products. You can take these liquid supplements sublingually or mix them with your favourite food or beverage.
If you don’t like the strange taste of HHC oils, you could try HHC gummies. You could also experiment with HHC vapes.
A few vendors also sell HHC flowers, hemp flowers that they coated with HHC extracts.
Final Thoughts
HHC, or Hexahydrocannabinol, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that has recently gaining popularity.
In addition to being a powerful psychoactive substance, HHC relieves pain, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves sleep.
HHC is also beneficial for patients with malignant tumours. It significantly reduces tumour size and prevents metastasis.
Based on the current findings and research about HHC, using it can provide immense satisfaction and positively impact your overall health.
