Manufacturers have been racing to discover new cannabinoids and develop new formulations to diversify the market in the last two years. The hemp cannabinoid HHC is one of the hottest compounds today.
Anecdotally, it doesn’t show up on drug tests despite being an analog of THC – almost like delta 8 THC. As this is pending confirmation, could you not take my words as advice? With HHC, you don’t need to worry about oxidation, heat, and UV light as much as cannabis buds because of their high resistance.
HHC is still very unknown, its legality is contested, and it may have many applications. Here’s what I know about it so far.
What Is HHC?
In addition to THC, HHC is also known as hexahydrocannabinol. Margarine manufacturers harden vegetable oils by hydrogenating them, or adding hydrogen atoms to the chemical structure. Only trace amounts of HHC are naturally found in hemp. Hydrogen atoms are added to it to achieve a useful concentration of THC using a catalyst like nickel or palladium and high pressure.
Through this process, THC’s double bond chemical structure is broken down, replacing it with hydrogen while maintaining its potency and effects. It is believed that at least ten different forms of hydrogenated THC have been discovered.
Due to this slight change in structure, THC exhibits a greater affinity to bind to both cannabinoid and pain receptors and the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is less susceptible to oxidation and degradation due to its hydrogenation, which makes it more stable from a molecular structure point of view.
THC undergoes oxidation in which two new double bonds form due to the loss of hydrogen atoms. CBN (cannabinol) is formed as a result, but it only has around 10% of the psychoactive strength of THC.
Light, heat, and air do not reduce the potency of HHC as quickly as these factors for THC.
Preppers might use some of that HHC to elevate themselves during a crisis if they are post-apocalyptic.
What is the difference between HHC and THC?
The psychoactive properties of HHC are very similar to those of THC. Your eyes, ears, and heart rate will be temporarily increased, causing feelings of euphoria, altering your perception, causing a surge in appetite, and causing a temporary boost in euphoria.
Those who have used HHC describe it as more relaxing than stimulating, according to those who believe it is somewhere between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC.
There aren’t many studies that have investigated the potential of HHC as a drug, despite its molecular structure, which makes it offer many of THC’s therapeutic and health benefits.
One study found that beta-HHC remarkably reduced pain in rats, but more research is needed to evaluate its potential health benefits fully.