Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a hydrogenated form of THC with higher potency and similar effects. Delta 8 THC Austin is among the few credible dispensaries that offer natural HHC and THC products.
What is HHC? Uses, Benefits, & More
HHC products have been steadily gaining popularity for years, but what is HHC exactly and what are its uses?
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is naturally found in the different varieties of cannabis. It is a hydrogenated form of THC which adopts the status of a semi-synthetic compound after hydrogenating with THC. While THC consumption is legal in many regions, the U.S. federal government has no formal guidelines about HHC consumption.
Besides its composition, HHC has up to 80% more potency than THC, making it more relaxing than Delta 8 THC. We will explore the various HHC benefits to give you a better idea.
How is HHC Made?
Now onto the next question: how is HHC made? Since HHC has remained out of the spotlight for many years, manufacturers have opted for various production methods. However, the actual production technique goes back to 1944 when Roder Adams created the HHC cannabinoid compound by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta 9 THC.
The HHC chemical structure resembles THC. If we break down the process, HHC production starts with mixing a cannabinoid-rich cannabis extract with hydrogen (gas) in a pressurized container. The optimum pressure breaks the double-carbon bonds to form a dark-golden extract, hydrogenated cannabis oil (HCO). Manufacturers use nickel, platinum, palladium, and iridium catalysts to speed up hydrogenation.
HCO typically contains two HHC molecule types with varying ratios. The first type, 9R HHC, binds to cannabinoid receptors. However, the other type, 9S HHC, has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors due to its chemical structure. The concentration of each type varies in different retail products like HHC cannabis, gummy products, and HHC vape.
What Are the HHC Cannabinoid Effects?
If you compare the hexahydrocannabinol effects with those of THC, you may find many similarities between the two compounds. The resembling structures of THC and HHC play a crucial role in determining the similarity of effects. Generally, the HHC high is relatively less intense than an Indica strain of Delta 9 THC.
It is worth mentioning that there are no significant studies to legitimize the medicinal benefits of HHC consumption. However, the similarity with THC in chemical structure and effects point to the similar effects of both compounds. When consumed in prescribed amounts, HHC may minimize the effects of chronic pain. If you consume it for the first time, you may want to start with small doses to analyze its effects on your body.
Is HHC Legal?
Unlike THC, HHC has remained out of context for many years. While this is true, manufacturers and consumers may follow the guidelines of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids with less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC. Since HHC hemp has nearly similar effects to THC, manufacturers produce it under the same guidelines as observed for Delta 9, Delta 10, and Delta 8 THC production.
Despite the federal legal status of HHC cannabinoid, some states, like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Alaska, Montana, Utah, New York, and Rhode Island, may prohibit the use of HHC due to its unknown effects and lack of research. Despite the limited research, HHC has become widely popular in recent years. Manufacturers have gained much attention from consumers to get various HHC products.
Since it is a semi-synthetic compound with minimal research, the state governments may restrict its legal use. There is a dire need to study the HHC effects to draw sufficient evidence to make it legal across most states.
HHC Retail Products You Can Find
Following in the footsteps of THC, HHC is available in various forms. Consumers may opt for a specific product based on their preferences. Typically, you may find HHC, as HHC gummies, HHC vapes, HHC tinctures, and a few other manufacturer-specific products to suit you. Heading to a nearby cannabis dispensary and consulting a bud tender may help you get closer to making a choice.
Before you locate a nearby retail location, you may want to check customer reviews and product information. Some dispensaries may lure you into selling alternative compounds under the HHC name. Since many consumers are unaware of the core differences between THC and HHC, it may be easy for bud tenders to talk them out of buying HHC products to sell stocked products.
Is HHC Safe to Use?
HHC’s chemical properties nearly mirror THC. Sufficient research on THC has led to the formulation of federal guidelines about safe consumption limits. With the growing popularity of HHC across many states, manufacturers are producing various HHC-based retail products for consumers.
Is HHC safe? Currently, there is no negative feedback from the consumers’ side, making it potentially safe to use in moderate amounts. However, the lack of formal research and evidence may get in the way of making safety claims. Although some manufacturers declare HHC molecules to be completely safe for medicinal consumption, we can make no such claims until further studies recognize their safety.
If you want to buy HHC and other natural products from a trusted source, you may visit Delta 8 THC Austin and chat with bud tenders to better understand the various product types. Delta 8 THC is a dispensary and apothecary with a wide range of naturally manufactured products for medical cannabis consumers.
HHC: Popularity Status & Common Use
HHC hemp production has taken the market by storm. Consumers with chronic diseases and inflammatory ailments show much interest in opting for HHC products. If your doctor prescribed you a specific concentration, you might visit your nearby retail location to buy HHC retail products.
Delta 8 THC Austin: Your Trusted Source to Buy HHC Products
Delta 8 THC Austin offers a vast range of cannabis products to consumers across the city. You can choose from Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta 10 THC, or HHC products to suit your needs.
Not sure what you need? Chat with one of the bud tenders to get started or reach out via our contact form.