What is HHC?

The hemp industry is growing in waves. For the longest time, THC was the only known cannabinoid and remains the most popular of over the 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. But recently, the number of cannabinoids hitting the market has improved drastically. CBD, THC, and HHC are becoming mainstream cannabinoids because of their vast health and wellness benefits. While THC and CBD have been around for a while and are well-known, the same can't be said for HHC. It's fairly new, and little is known about it.

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol is the latest compound of interest from the hemp plant that has everyone talking. Although fairly new, there's a wide selection of HHC products in the market already, which has fuelled curiosity on what HHC is and whether it has the same benefits as CBD and THC.

HHC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. It's a minor cannabinoid and only occurs in small quantities, which means extracting it from its natural source is not cost-effective. Instead, manufacturers prefer to semi-synthesise HHC through the hydrogenation of THC.

How is HHC Produced?

HHC was discovered in the 1940s by a chemist called Roger Adams. He created HHC by adding hydrogen atoms to the THC molecule and altering its physical properties. Hydrogenation modifies the structure of Delta 9 THC by replacing the double bond with two hydrogen atoms. This changes the molecular weight and makes the compound more stable, giving HHC a longer shelf-life and better resistance to damage caused by UV light and heat damage.

What Does Taking HHC Feel Like?

HHC is like other cannabinoids in many ways. It interacts differently with everyone producing unique effects in each person. Some people even report more of an impact than others. But in general, the effects of HHC differ from those of Delta 8 and Delta 9.

Most people report a more gradual onset of effecting culminating in a calming and smooth experience that is longer than Delta 8 and shorter than Delta 9. Many people also say the effects feel less energetic but clearer, focused, and more ‘worldly’, while others describe the experience as energetic.

The effect could be determined by the different concentrations of HHC consumed and the product type, but it could also be determined by the nature of your biological systems.

Can HHC Trigger a Positive Drug Test?

HHC is may not break down in the body the same THC does. Unlike THC, it doesn't metabolise into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is the substance most drug panels test for. Therefore, HHC might not trigger a positive drug test. However, you should know that the purity of the HHC products you choose is critical. It's possible for the products to be contaminated during production, which could cause you to fail a drug test if the contamination is significant.

Which HHC Products Can I Try?

The demand for HHC has been fierce. Manufacturers have responded promptly and efficiently to provide a wide range of options for HHC fans. You now have a full range of HHC products to choose from that include basics like edibles, vape liquids and disposable vapes.