With the booming hemp and cannabis industry, a new player has marked its presence. With nearly similar effects of CBD, HHC has become a new big thing. In cannabis and hemp, there are multiple cannabinoids that are present. The most popular ones are THC and CBD. But cannabinoids can also be created with chemical processes. One such cannabinoid is HHC. 

Wondering what HHC is, where it comes from, and whether it is the same as CBD or different? If you are curious to know these, you are at the right place. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of HHC along with its benefits and most frequently asked questions.

What is HHC?

HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. It is a semi-synthetic molecule that is also known as “synthetic cannabis”. Wondering why the term “Synthetic” has come into the picture. Let’s dive in.

In 1947, Roger Adams, a chemist created HHC by the hydrogenation of THC. It was the first time HHC was discovered and created by mistake while experimenting with THC. Due to this reason, HHC has a similar chemical structure except for one extra hydrogen than THC. There is no double bond present in the ring structure of HHC, unlike THC.

HHC is said to have a longer shelf life and stability than THC. Though it has come to everyone’s notice in recent years, scientists were familiar with it for a long time. That’s why the effects of HHC are similar to THC with a little difference.

Latest Trend of HHC

HHC emerged as a new cannabinoid in marketing in late 2021. Initially in the US, then in Europe, it came up as a popular herb to try. It is believed that due to its complex production process, it entered the market recently.  “Synthetic drugs always have much greater clinical effects in humans than the molecule itself," said Professor Joëlle Micallef on national French radio.

HHC products are nowadays available in many vendors online and offline. There are HHC edibles, tinctures, and even vapes present which you can try.

Effects of HHC on the human body

While the research is still going on, HHC is said to be milder than THC in strength. The effects of HHC are similar to THC due to chemical similarities. Now let’s discover some of the benefits HHC may deliver you.

Benefits of HHC

Cannabis users might have tried HHC products already. People who have tried it gave positive feedback about HHC making it a must-try product. With a mild high and pleasant feel, it delivers multiple benefits. But are you one of those who are still not much aware of HHC? Let’s uncover its benefits.

One of the most popular benefits of HHC is its longer shelf life. Due to the strong heat resistance property, HHC is not sensitive to heat and UV radiation making it stay for a longer time. Other natural cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are heat sensitive and hence their potency degrades with time when exposed to air. So if you were looking for something with the same benefits as THC or CBD with a longer shelf life, HHC is your right choice.

HHC may help you to elevate your mood and relax your body for a night of better sleep. Insomnia and improper sleep are very common nowadays. To calm down and relax, people go for hemp products and add them to their self-care routine. If you want something milder than CBD, HHC products are perfect for you. 

HHC is psychotropic in nature. This means it activates the CB1 receptors of our brain. This, in turn, induces a sense of euphoria and reflexes in our bodies. HHC effect is quite similar to THC in terms of relaxation. When you are relaxed, you get a sound sleep. HHC may be called a more relaxed version of marijuana but with a mild “high”.

HHC may contain analgesic properties which support pain relief. Though there is no evidence of it, people who have tried it say all about the pain relief benefits of HHC. You can try it as an effective painkiller and muscle relaxant. Since HHC is a synthetic cannabis, people claim that it is more effective than THC and CBD for treating pain.

HHC may deliver mood-enhancing benefits. It is believed to provide your body with relaxation and a pleasant feel. This enhances your mood. Cannabinoids have the ability to interact with our endocannabinoid system for regular bodily function. If you are not happy with THC and want products with less psychoactive properties, HHC will fit into your desire.

What does the research say about HHC?

HHC has not been studied widely like THC or CBD. But there are some promising results about what the research says. In a study in 2011, it has been claimed that HHC may “strongly inhibit breast cancer cell-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth.” One another study about HHC in mice suggests that it has pain-relieving properties.  

Is HHC legal?

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, HHC is federally legal in the US as it is produced from hemp. It is a synthetic cannabinoid and hence finds its safe place under the present laws. Though some research says that HHC may be present in some traces in plants, it might be confusing if it’s not synthetic. But don’t get confused with it. Right now, it is not banned and you can use it if CBD and THC are legal at your place. If you are changing your place, make sure to always check the cannabis laws in your state. 

Conclusion

After diving into the world of HHC, I hope now it’s clear to you that HHC can do wonders for you. With its mild “high” but similar benefits as THC, it has become the next trending choice for hemp consumers. It has interested consumers as well as scientists. But there is a lot more yet to discover about HHC, and how it works on our body. So if you’re a beginner, be sure to check out HHC brands before buying any product. Educate yourself, and always prioritize your health.