What is HHC?

What Is HHC?

As cannabis products get more attention with legalization being passed in more states, people are naturally curious about exploring a wide variety of products. Among the various cannabinoids on the market, you may have heard of HHC. Researching cannabis products can be confusing as there are so many compounds, each with its own properties and effects. There is also the ever-changing legal status of these products, both from state to state and federally. In this article, we'll explore the properties of HHC as well as its current legal status.

What is HHC Cannabinoid?
The best-known cannabinoids derived from hemp are CBD and THC. However, the hemp plant contains more than 100 other cannabinoids, some of which have only recently been identified and studied. One of these that has been getting some attention lately is HHC or hexahydrocannabinol, a compound derived from THC, is a psychoactive compound from cannabis plants. It was first discovered in the 1940s by a chemist named Roger Adams, who used a process called hydrogenation in which hydrogen is added to THC.

HHC today is usually produced from other hemp-derived cannabinoids such as Delta-8. There are several methods used to convert Delta-8 into HHC, many of which use metal as a catalyst. Some people believe that HHC exists naturally in the hemp plant in trace quantities, but this hasn't been verified so far. You can't safely produce your own HHC at home unless you have a knowledge of chemistry and a well-equipped laboratory.

Benefits, Effects, and Side Effects of HHC
People take cannabis products for a wide variety of reasons. Some take it to relax, improve their mood, or enhance social interactions. Others take it for medical reasons such as pain management. When you ask, what is HHC, you are probably most interested in what kind of effect it has on your body, mind, and emotions. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary chemical in cannabis that produces psychoactive effects. However, HHC, which is derived from THC, creates a similar though less intense high. The particular effects and benefits of HHC may include:

• Reduction of pain from injuries or illnesses.
• Relief of stress and anxiety.
• Better sleep and insomnia relief.
• Improved appetite.
• May reduce inflammation.
• May have anti-cancer properties.

As with any substance, natural or synthetic, some people may experience certain side effects from HHC. Symptoms that users report include dry mouth, anxiety, and headaches. With cannabis products, it's important to learn your own levels of tolerance. Start with small dosages and gradually increase them to find your ideal dose. The effects of HHC haven't been studied as extensively as many other cannabinoids. The results also may differ significantly depending on the dosage and potency of the product.

THC vs HHC: Is There a Difference?
If HHC is chemically similar to THC and has similar effects, why would you seek it out? Although the two cannabinoids have much in common, they are not identical. If you are using cannabis products regularly, even subtle differences can be significant over time. While it depends on the individual variant, experts estimate that HHC is about 80% as potent as THC.

Two additional hydrogenated carbons make HHC a more stable compound compared to THC. This not only creates distinct effects but has an impact on shelf life and resistance to heat as well as UV radiation This is convenient for retailers of cannabis products, as well as anyone who may keep the product at home for any length of time.

What is the Legal Status of HHC?
The legal status of cannabis products can be confusing because there are both state and federal laws and both are subject to frequent changes and updates. However, it's vital to be aware of these laws if you want to safely purchase these products. THC is currently illegal at the federal level. States differ, with some legalizing marijuana for medical use only, others for recreational use, and some outlawing it altogether. However, since HHC is chemically distinct from THC, laws restricting its use don't apply to HHC. This means that HHC is still legal federally and in any state where cannabis has been legalized.

HHC is relatively new to the marketplace, which means that states haven't specifically banned or legalized it. However, if a state has broad restrictions that cover all cannabinoids, this would apply to HHC as well. Keep alert as states are likely to pass legislation for HHC as the products get better known and more popular.  We suggest and recommend each person to do their own due diligence in the state they live in to navigate and understand your state laws.

We Are Just Starting to Understand the Benefits of HHC
As marijuana laws become less restrictive, there will be a wider variety of cannabis products entering the marketplace. This includes less familiar cannabinoids such as HHC. As noted, HHC has been around for a while. However, it is only now that people are starting to appreciate its potential for medical and recreational use. More research still needs to be done to identify some of its specific effects. However, many users are already enjoying the physical and psychological benefits of HHC.

Ready to try HHC?  Shop The Dopest HHC products and let us know in the comments what your experience was.