HHC, a hemp-derived cannabinoid, holds promising therapeutic potential. Despite being a newcomer to the cannabinoid scene, it brings with it a host of unanswered questions. This comprehensive guide navigates the intricacies of HHC, covering its definition, manufacturing process, benefits, potency, legal status, and safety considerations.*
Unpacking HHC:
While the term HHC may seem unfamiliar, its roots go back to 1944 when a chemist introduced hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC, transforming it into HHC through a process called hydrogenation. Presently, HHC is sourced from trace amounts of THC found in federally legal hemp plants. In a landscape filled with various hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC, HHC remains one of the more mysterious compounds. Limited research has led to conflicting information online. Importantly, hemp-derived HHC offers THC-like effects without actually being THC.*
Potency and Effects of HHC:
Determining the exact potency of HHC proves challenging due to the production of two HHC molecules—9R HHC and 9S HHC. The former, an active compound, binds to endocannabinoid receptors, inducing a mild high similar to delta-8 THC but requiring a higher dose. HHC, less potent than delta-8 THC, is approximately a quarter as potent as standard delta-9 THC. Its effects include mood enhancement, stress relief, pain reduction, appetite stimulation, and sleep assistance.*
Production of HHC:
HHC undergoes meticulous crafting in well-equipped laboratories, with the primary risk being static electricity, necessitating a grounded, explosion-proof environment. The multi-step process involves extracting CBD from hemp plants, distilling and isolating it into a powder, and subjecting it to chemical processes within a chromatography machine to transform it into HHC.*
Drug Test Considerations:
While there is speculation that HHC may not register on drug tests, this remains largely anecdotal and lacks scientific confirmation. The belief stems from the assumption that HHC does not convert into 11-hydroxy-THC, a flagged THC metabolite in marijuana drug tests. However, this remains unverified, and caution is advised.*
Safety Concerns:
Hemp-derived cannabinoids, including HHC, lack the rigorous regulation applied to cannabis-derived cannabinoids in recreational states. Limited research on their short- and long-term effects exists, and products aren’t mandated to undergo quality, potency, or purity testing. While HHC itself is generally considered safe, product safety varies, emphasizing the importance of purchasing from reputable sources conducting third-party lab tests, such as The Hemptender.*
Legal Status of HHC:
HHC occupies a legal gray area, being hemp-derived and devoid of THC. Its federal legality remains intact, and its natural occurrence in hemp plants bolsters its non-synthetic status. However, skepticism exists, with concerns about potential classification under the Federal Analogue Act due to its effects resembling Schedule I drugs. The current legal status is uncertain, subject to change, and might vary across states.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration (FDA). hese products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.