HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)

CBD Hemp Direct is excited to offer one of the newest cannabinoids that has been sweeping the hemp industry lately. You asked, and we delivered, so we're proud to say we're offering HHC Flower as part of the CBD Hemp Direct line up. This new cannabinoid has been growing in popularity, and some are saying HHC is the new Delta-8 THC.

The "High" Points On HHC — Explaining HHC And The Alt Cannabinoid Movement

The current demand for alternative hemp cannabinoids is insane. And we're not just talking about delta-8 THC. Sure, delta-8 is the most hyped alt cannabinoid, but it's far from the only extract now available. 

For instance, HHC has emerged as a trendy THC relative on social media. Admittedly, this cannabinoid doesn't have the most "buzz" in the mainstream media, but those who try HHC always feel a "head buzz!" 

Anyone involved in the alt cannabinoid movement should be interested to know about HHC's potential benefits. 

What Exactly Is HHC?

First off, "HHC" is code for "hexahydrocannabinol." Thank goodness for acronyms, right? 

In one sentence: HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that shares many of delta-9's features, but it has a superior shelf-life. 

Interestingly, the renowned scientist Roger Adams and his colleagues created the first batch of HHC back in the 1940s. For some reason, these pioneering researchers were interested in using hydrogenation on delta-9 molecules. Perhaps these guys knew cannabinoids would be a big deal, so they wanted to create a way to improve THC's longevity?

From a supply-chain perspective, HHC is an ideal cannabinoid. Since hydrogenation improves a product's shelf-life, this synthetic cannabinoid can retain its potency longer than other cannabinoids.

Unfortunately for those early scientists, the government wasn't ready for legal cannabis in the mid-20th century. In fact, it became increasingly difficult to study cannabis until the 2014 US Farm Bill lifted restrictions on hemp research. 

It was only during the recent "hemp boom" that studying and manufacturing HHC became lucrative. 

How Is HHC Created? 

HHC is a hydrogenated version of THC. In plain English, scientists add extra hydrogen atoms to THC to create HHC molecules. These additional hydrogen atoms give HHC a more stable structure, which dramatically diminishes its degradation. 

Although HHC is related to THC, most of today's manufacturers don't use delta-9 as their starting cannabinoid. To remain compliant with the 2018 US Farm Bill, scientists manipulate hemp-derived CBD to create today's HHC extracts.  

What Makes HHC Different From Traditional Hemp Cannabinoids? 

HHC's key distinguishing feature is its long shelf-life. No other THC-related molecule has so many hydrogen atoms, and none will retain its potency for as long as HHC.

However, there are debates over just how potent HHC is versus other THC relatives. While it's clear HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, it doesn't appear to be as powerful as delta-9 THC. In fact, most cannabis commentators believe HHC's average potency is one notch below delta-9.

Customers familiar with delta-10 THC often report similarities with HHC's effects. Both of these cannabinoids lean on the sativa side with a mostly "heady" experience, in comparison to some with a more "body" focused experience like Delta-8 THC. Typical sensations associated with HHC include euphoria, tingling temples, and an elevated mood. It's not as common for HHC users to report feelings like deep sedation or "body-heavy" relaxation.  

HHC Flower vs Hemp Flower

The differences between HHC Flower and Hemp Flower are night and day. Hemp flower is more of a therapeutic or medicinal option, in contrast to HHC Flower, which is becoming a popular option for recreational purposes in the alternative cannabinoid scene. Similar to Delta-8, Delta-10, and THC-P, HHC is known for it's psychoactive properties.

Although research on HHC's recreational potential is limited, it is said that it is nearly as strong as Delta-9 THC.

HHC vs Delta-8

In comparison to Delta-8 Flower, you will find that smoking HHC Flower reveals its effects to be even more reminiscent of traditional Delta-9 THC. Users have reported a variety of feelings, some ranging from sedation, anxiety & pain relief, to overall elation.

Is HHC Legal?

Similar to other hemp-derived cannabinoids, HHC is one that is known to be safe federally under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp derived products that have less than 0.3% THC.

We would suggest you to look into your local state laws, as these change on a regular basis in regards to most alternative cannabinoids. 

Are There Any Benefits To Using HHC?

Unfortunately, we don't have any clinical data on HHC's average effects. However, since HHC is in the THC family, it probably shares many of THC's proposed therapeutic effects. 

Indeed, most people who use HHC vape carts, gummies, or tinctures want to reduce anxiety or depression. Since this cannabinoid tends to lean sativa, it may also help people with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

Again, we can't say for sure what benefits HHC has versus other hemp cannabinoids. However, it's safe to assume HHC offers delta-9's benefits at a slightly lower intensity. People who can't handle high-intensity medical marijuana strains may get better results with HHC extracts.   

Following The Trend: HHC & The Alt THC Movement 

HHC may be the hottest hydrogenated cannabinoid, but it's far from the only alt cannabinoid in the hemp industry. Every day, it's getting easier for hemp customers to try once-obscure hemp compounds. 

So, what gives? Why are so many people interested in alternatives to CBD? 

Why Are So Many New Hemp Cannabinoids Popping Up?

Arguably, cannabis illegality is the main force driving the alt cannabinoid sector. 

Recreational marijuana remains federally illegal. However, starting in 2018, DC opened the door to all hemp derivatives. Since Congress didn't specify a ban on any cannabinoid except delta-9 THC, it left a lot of room for interpretation. 

Even though a few states now accept recreational marijuana, most Americans can't walk into a dispensary and order delta-9-containing products. However, it is federally legal to buy hemp-derived THC alternatives.  

Beyond legality, many customers can't stand the intensity of delta-9 THC. Alternative THC cannabinoids like delta-10, delta-8, and HHC may offer a similar THC experience without a significant risk for side effects. 

What Are The Hottest Alt Hemp Cannabinoids In 2022? 

Honestly, scientists probably haven't discovered 2022's best-selling hemp cannabinoid yet. Research in the hemp space moves so fast that it's hard to predict what will happen next. 

However, if we had to bet, THCP will dominate headlines in 2022. 

Why?

First off, nobody knew about THCP until Italian researchers published a report in 2019. So, as of today, THCP is the latest discovery in the cannabis space. 

In addition to THCP's novelty, this cannabinoid is the craziest find in terms of effects. Due to THCP's extra-long side chain, it could have effects 30-times greater than delta-9 THC. 

With effects that strong, it's safe to say THCP will get a lot of hype in the cannasseur community! 

Enjoy HHC, But Please Be Wary! 

HHC is an exciting cannabinoid with a ton of potential in the alt cannabinoid market. However, you always have to be cautious when ordering hemp-derived products. Since this space is so new and lucrative, it has attracted many bad actors who aren't testing their cannabinoids for safety. 

Whether you're in the market for HHC, delta-8, or delta-10, please request a third-party lab result from your hemp vendor. If they can't provide you with this formal analysis, you shouldn't do business with them. The only way hemp companies can prove their products are reputable is to send them to a non-affiliated lab for testing.