What's HHC and What Are Its Effects?

• Posted on 17 September 2023
• By Vivian Syroyezhkin
• Posted in Cannabinoids, CBD, Delta-8, Delta-9 THC, Euphoria, flower, Hemp, Hemp Derived, Hexahydrocannabinol, hhc, Hydrogenation, Potent, Psychoactive, Relaxation, Shelf Stable, Smoke Shop, tested, THC-O, THC-P, THC-V, vape, Vape Pens
• 0

Unlock the mysteries of HHC - a new cannabinoid on the block! Dive in to explore its effects, compare its potency, and discover if it’s the right high for you!

What's HHC and What Are Its Effects?

If you’re into cannabis, you’re probably familiar with delta-9 THC, CBD, Delta 8 and maybe even  THC-P, THC-V and other hemp derived cannabinoids. Today we’re doing a deep dive into yet another hemp derived cannabinoid called HHC that has been popping up in different products at your favorite smoke shop.

What’s HHC and what are its effects? HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that’s new to the market, mostly in the form of vape pens. Users report it being less potent than delta-8, but it can still give you that euphoric high and full body relaxation you expect from cannabis.

That’s just the surface of it, though. Let’s take a closer look at what it actually is so you can know what’s in that new vape you want to try.

Okay, what’s HHC?

HHC is a cannabinoid, just like delta 8 THC or THC-O. It’s short for hexahydrocannabinol, which is an analog of cannabis’s primary psychoactive cannabinoid, delta-9 THC. This means that their chemical structures are very similar, but differ in one key way – HHC has hydrogen bonds whereas delta-9 THC has carbon double bonds. 

In simpler terms, HHC is basically the margarine to THC’s butter – it’s extracted in a process called hydrogenation, making it more shelf stable and by extension, more potent for a longer time.

Today, it’s derived from hemp, just like delta-8 products. It doesn’t naturally occur in large amounts the way THC does, so manufacturers usually convert THC to HHC through processing. 

What are the effects of HHC?

HHC reportedly gives users a similar feeling as other psychoactive cannabis products do – a nice, euphoric mental high and a relaxing body high. 

But the intensity of those feelings is where things get murky. Some people report that it’s slightly less potent than delta-8, while others say it’s much less potent. The length of time that people say they feel HHC also varies, though some claim the effects last much longer than delta-8.

If you have a high cannabis tolerance, HHC might not be for you. But if you’re interested in a lighter psychoactive effect, pain relief, or a mood boost, HHC might have be your answer.

But is it safe?

We have to be honest – there isn’t as much research on the safety of HHC compared to the research on other cannabinoids that have been on the market for years. 

Plus, with how recently it came onto the market, some products might not go under the usual testing requirements for purity and potency like delta-8 products. Researchers also aren’t sure about the effects the manufacturing on the product, and by extension, the user. 

However, just because there’s not as much research doesn’t mean it’s unsafe – assuming you understand the risks and use it responsibly. If you do choose to consume HHC, buy products that have been third-party tested. It ensures that your product is potent and free of contamination.

Is it legal?

It is legal, but with a few important things to keep in mind. 

In states where cannabis is legal, it can obviously be sold with other related products. If you’re in a state where only delta-8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal, HHC has to be derived from hemp to be legal.

Some argue that HHC’s structure makes it subject to the Federal Analog Act, which makes analogs of Schedule I drugs illegal by default. But as of now, you can legally buy it at your favorite smoke shop. 

Is HHC your new go-to?

Many users believe HHC can fit right in the Goldilocks zone of cannabinoids – not too heavy, but not so light that you don’t get any psychoactive effects at all. Right now you can mostly find it in vape format, but flower is becoming more popular. Ultimately, use your best judgment and consume it – and all other cannabis-related products – responsibly.