With the Delta 8 boom still in full swing, it’s perhaps not surprising that enthusiasts would look for other cannabinoids to experiment with as yet further alternatives to traditional THC. The latest hopeful to hit the marketplace is HHC – hexahydrocannibinol – in this article, we give you a rundown of all you need to know about the latest member of the cannabinoid family currently making waves.
What is HHC?
First and foremost, it isn’t THC. If we’re getting scientific, HHC includes a hydrogen molecule not found in THC.
While it’s relatively new to the market, hexahydrocannibinol has been around since 1944, ‘discovered’ by chemist Roger Adams who produced HHC by hydrogenating Delta-9 THC. (For more on that, check out this article.)
In the present day, HHC is typically created through a pretty lengthy laboratory process that slightly alters the molecular structure of the hemp-derived (and legal substance) CBD. While you could call it a close cousin of THC, it has the advantage of not sharing the name – and as a result, enjoys a non-regulated legal status as of the time of writing.
What does HHC do to you?
While HHC is not of the same potency as THC, it does induce some of the same effects in users at a lower level.
The simplest way to think of HHC is as the middle ground between Delta 8 and CBD. While it may not deliver the ‘wooziness’ of a Delta 8 high, it does a little more than just offer the sense of relaxation or anxiety alleviation associated with CBD.
In the lab, HHC is a mixture of two different types of HHC molecules – the active 9R HHC and mostly inactive 9S HHC. The active molecules do a great job of interacting with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, creating the feeling of being high. The 9S molecules… not so much.
At present, it’s been judged as too expensive to find a way to separate the two types of HHC molecules, so the potency of each batch can vary. This, in theory, means that ‘dosing’ with HHC can be a little more tricky.
That being said, as long as the HHC compound is at least 50% active, you’ll feel the results – a high sensation, without the full-blown euphoria of your standard THC reaction.
Does HHC provide the same benefits as CBD and Delta 8?
We’ve previously written about the potential benefits of CBD and Delta 8, so it’s a pretty reasonable question to ask if HHC provides the same advantages as these substances.
The truth is that, at this stage, the potential benefits of HHC are not as widely known – it has not been studied to the same degree that CBD and Delta 8 have been examined, and there is a much smaller pool of users or medical writing to base any solid conclusions on just yet.
How do you take HHC?
Like CBD and Delta 8, HHC is available in a variety of forms – most commonly in vape carts filled, but also in HHC oil or as gummies in a variety of flavors. As with consumption methods with other substances, the quickest way to absorb HHC tends to be through oil drops under the tongue – but for those looking to make a start, a gummy a day is often thought to be the best way to test your initial reactions and see how your tolerance is.
Our advice? It’s best to kick off with a smaller dose – to help ensure you’re in control and are aware of how you’re feeling before moving on to bigger hits if you’re ready for it.
Where can I buy HHC?
You can find a variety of HHC products on the ATL Dispensary website – if you’re looking for more detailed advice or information, we’re always happy to speak to you and talk you through our product selection.
