Most people stumble on HHC when looking at other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Although HHC is now a big hit, you could still say it's not as popular as CBD and THC. However, as more people learn about it, there's a growing interest in figuring out what it offers and whether it shares similarities with other cannabinoids in the hemp plant. This guide gives you a crash course on the basics of HHC to help those considering adding it to their supplement routine.
What is HHC?
HHC or Hexahydrocannabinol is a hydrogenated form of THC that occurs naturally in most varieties of cannabis. It's thought to be roughly 70-80% the strength of THC, meaning it's more potent than Delta 8 and milder than Delta 10 THC. Although most people are just hearing about HHC, it was first created in 1944 by American Chemist Roger Adams when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta 9 THC using a process called hydrogenation. It is the same process used to convert vegetable oil into margarine.What Does HHC Feel Like?
The effects of HHC are quite similar to those of THC but slightly mild because HHC is only 70-80% as potent as THC. HHC has an uplifting effect, with most consumers describing the effect as more relaxing than stimulating. Many consumers consider the effects of HHC more similar to Delta 8 THC than Delta 9 THC. However, the exact effects may vary because, like THC, HHC produces different effects in different people. But the general consensus is that it has an uplifting and relaxing effect.HHC Vs THC – What Are the Differences?
Considering that HHC produces an uplifting effect, the next question would be whether it differs from THC. As you will quickly find out, the two compounds share many similarities. They are both cannabinoids present in the hemp plant and go as far as having an identical molecular structure. But there are also some key differences. First, HHC has two additional hydrogenated carbon atoms, and THC has a missing ester atom and a carbon atom. These molecular changes make HHC a far more stable compound than THC. It has better resistance to heat and UV light giving HHC a longer shelf life. There's also a difference in the effects of each compound. THC has more potent effects, usually described as stimulating, while the effects of HHC have been described as uplifting but relaxing.Is HHC Natural or Synthetic
HHC is both natural and semi-synthetic. Natural because it occurs naturally in the hemp plant. However, because the concentration of HHC in hemp and cannabis plants is so small and producers are unable to make HHC products from it, it is also made by hydrogenating THC; therefore, it is also considered semi-synthetic because hydrogenation uses a chemical to alter the natural molecular weight and geometry of THC to create HHC.How is HHC Produced?
There's so little HHC in the hemp plant it is unviable to make commercial products from it. So, manufacturers turn to sourcing HHC from CBD or THC. Producing HHC from CBD is preferred because it allows manufacturers to adhere to THC limitation regulations. The molecular structure of HHC made from CBD is 100% similar to that of natural HHC. There are two variants of HHC, the R and the S variants. Only the R variant is interesting to the body. Therefore, when purchasing HHC products, you should pay attention to the ratio of S and R HHC variants. A premium HHC will have up to 68% of HHC in the R variant and 32% of the S variant. Making HHC begins with extracting the cannabinoid from the hemp plant. Quality and hygienic processes must be used to get the highest quality extract. To create HHC, manufacturers add a specific amount of hydrogen to the hemp extract to influence its chemical structure. A metal catalyst like nickel, platinum, or palladium can also be used to enhance the reaction rate. The catalyst doesn't adhere to the cannabinoids or tarnish the final product. Also, the catalyst is removed after the reaction is complete.How HHC Works in the Body
It has already been established that all mammals produce cannabinoids naturally called endocannabinoids and that there’s a system called the endocannabinoid system used to handle and process these cannabinoids. HHC works through the same endocannabinoid system. It binds to the cannabinoid receptor CB1 but with a weaker affinity than THC hence why its uplifting effects are milder than those of THC. By connecting with these receptors, the HHC molecules can influence various enzymes and glands to produce more or inhibit the production of certain hormones resulting in varying effects.Benefits of HHC
HHC is thought to have numerous health and wellness benefits, just like its more popular cousins THC and CBD. However, its actual benefits are largely unknown, but research is underway to determine precisely how HHC could benefit the body. Anecdotal reports from those that have tried HHC indicate that the benefits of HHC vary from person to person, but there are those that cut across the board in those that have tried HHC products like:- Appetite support
- Sleep support
- Discomfort support
- Quieting a racing mind
- Relaxation
Side Effects of HHC
As with other cannabinoids, HHC is thought to be relatively safe, but there's little research to support it. Most of the information surrounding the side effects of HHC is based on consumer reports. So far, no serious reports have been reported. But there have been some mild and temporary side effects like;- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Increased appetite
- Nausea
