Cannabinoids are defined as natural compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. The variations of cannabinoids are many. Indicatively, we mention delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin.
What is (Hydroxy)hexahydrocannabinol or HHC in short?
HHC is an abbreviation for Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol or more simply Hexahydrocannabinol. It is a cannabinoid, which has a natural origin from cannabis, but is found in trace concentrations only. In essence, it is a semi-synthetic hydrogenated compound, first created by American chemist Roger Adams in 1944. Its creation occurred by adding hydrogen molecules to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, as hydrogenation can modify the structure of delta 9 THC through the replacement of a double bond with two hydrogen atoms.
How is HHC produced?
First of all, it should be remembered that, due to the fact that HHC is found in cannabis only in trace amounts, we cannot have sufficient extraction from the plant. It is clear, then, that all of the HHC available for sale inevitably comes from synthetic processes that occur in the laboratory, primarily through the process of converting THC.
HHC is produced through a process, hydrogenation. Hydrogenation shares characteristics with the process followed to convert vegetable oil into margarine and takes place in the laboratory, where the concentrated THC is initially subjected to high pressure. The process includes, in addition, a catalyst with inert metals, such as zinc, palladium and nickel. Finally, during hydrogenation, the modification of the structure of Δ9-THC occurs, by replacing the double bond in its structure by hydrogen atoms. Through this process, the molecular weight of the bond changes and at the same time becomes more stable.
With this method, the HHC found commercially is formed, which is, as mentioned above, a semi-synthetic compound. It is important to note that the effects and potency of the cannabinoid, in their essence, are not altered through this process.
Can HHC get you up?
Taking HHC, as with THC, can indeed create a pleasant sensation. However, this feeling of euphoria varies from body to body and can last from 2 to 3 hours. The duration comes as a result of several factors, including the amount, how the body processes HHC, the frequency of taking HHC, and whether or not it is combined with other products.
At times there have been similar effects to those given by taking conventional products with THC, although HHC is not technically THC.
Some of the most common results are:
feelings of euphoria
feelings of happiness
increased energy
increased body temperature
increased heart rate
It is worth noting here that the effects that have been recorded are described as relaxing, rather than stimulating, and similar to delta 8.
Although HHC is very similar to THC, so it probably has most of the benefits of THC as well, studies that will give us the full potential of HHC are still ongoing. However, we must single out a study done in rats on beta-HHC, which proved that HHC has significant analgesic benefits.
Does taking HHC cause side effects?
As mentioned above, studies on HHC are still ongoing. Its similar profile to THC, combined with the testimonials of users so far, allows us to report with relative safety the following unwanted side effects:
dry mouth
Dry eyes
red eyes
cravings
fast heart rate
The benefits of HHC
The analgesic effect of HHC, which reduces pain sensation and regulates sleep disturbances, is something that constantly emerges from studies. Some people have noticed that its analgesic effect can be stronger than D-8 THC or D-9 THC. This chemical compound seems to have, among other things, anti-cancer activity.
Briefly, the benefits that have resulted from the use of HHC cannabis flowers are the following:
improving the sleep process
pain reduction
mood enhancement
minimizing overthinking
appetite regulation
improving the digestion process
immediate stress relief
reduction of feelings of tiredness
What to look for before buying HHC products
It is very important to make sure that before buying a product with HHC, it is a certified product from a guaranteed company. The world market is overloaded with low-quality products, which do not come from reliable companies and are not certified. Be careful before you make your purchase so that you do not acquire a product from a random company in which there are no references to the cannabis sector or is a black market product. This would not only be detrimental to your pocket, but potentially dangerous to your health.
The correct – recommended dose of HHC
When it comes to a psychoactive substance, there is no right dose for everyone. Age, weight and tolerance levels are some of the factors that form the recommended dose for each person.
The level of tolerance in someone who has never used HHC before is of course unknown, but as a general guide he can keep his strength somewhere between the milder high of delta 8 (D8) and the mildest delta 9 THC (D9). It is recommended that all users always start from the low level. Typically, the delta 8 dosage follows the following logic:
Low dose: 10 – 20 mg per serving
Moderate dose: 20 – 50 mg per serving
Heavy dose: 50 – 100 mg per serving.
For experienced delta 8 users a dose of HHC, equal to the delta 8 doses they usually take, is okay, but for even greater safety it is recommended to start with a slightly lower dose. For complete beginners in taking THC and cannabinoids overall, a small amount, or perhaps even a microdose (1–2 mg), is the ideal start, and slowly the gradual increase of the dose can come.
80% of HHC is considered as potent as delta-9-THC, so special care should be taken in the use of HHC by people with low tolerance to THC. For starters, it would be good not to exceed 3-5 mg, in order to detect any effects on body and mind.
What formats is HHC available in?
HHC has unique properties, mainly its long shelf life and, consequently, the products in which it is contained. For this reason, HHC is now marketed in several products, which are as follows:
HHC Cannabis Flowers
HHC Disposable Electronic Cigarettes
HHC Infused Hash (Charas / Choco)
HHC Gummy Bears
Individual characteristics of HHC products
Each of the products containing HHC can give us the unique benefits of the cannabinoid. However, depending on the type of HHC product, as with any industrial or medicinal cannabis product, the time of action may vary.
The use of e-cigarettes, HHC Charas (Choco) and the use of cannabis flowers seem to give the most immediate effect, in just a few minutes. The oil takes 15 to 30 minutes to act, while HHC in edible form (snacks and treats) gives results within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption of edible products.
Get to know HHC, the beneficial cannabinoid, today and put its products from the biggest brands in the field in your everyday life. Take advantage of its unique properties and see improvement on various levels!