The hemp market is expanding with new discoveries, mainly in the forms of new cannabinoids that each offer their own fascinating and valuable effects to the hemp community.  One of the latest additions is hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is unlike anything that we’ve experienced thus far.  HHC is now finding its way onto the scene in all kinds of exciting product forms.  However, before selecting from the many HHC-based products that are becoming available, it’s important to have an idea of what to expect from taking this cannabinoid in terms of its effects.

What is HHC?

Hexahydrocannabinol is a minor cannabinoid found in the pollen and seeds of the hemp plant, which we’ve only known about recently due to the growing amount of research that’s going into the hemp plant following its legalization.  It’s one of over a hundred of cannabinoids in the plant material and is found in incredibly trace amounts of the plant.  HHC is unlike other cannabinoids such as CBD and delta 8 THC in that it’s a hydrogenated form of CBD.  Meaning, it’s a hydrogen-charged compound.  This makes it an incredibly stable compound, which therefore better retains its bioavailability and potency over periods of time.  Even more interestingly, HHC a hydrogenated form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), offering a fascinating alternative to the more controversial compound found in hemp.

HHC is brand-new to our understanding of the hemp plant, and what that means is that we don’t yet have access to loads of studies pertaining to its many effects.  By comparison, we can easily research cannabidiol based on the specific effects for which it’s known.  As time goes on, more studies will go into analyzing hexahydrocannabinol so that we can appreciate the full valuable potential that it can offer.

What Can HHC Do?

What’s extremely interesting about hexahydrocannabinol is the fact that its users report that they feel as though they’ve just taken delta 9 THC after consuming it.  It seems that HHC essentially mirrors delta 9’s properties, but in a hydrogenated form, meaning that the psychoactive and non-psychoactive properties mimic one another strongly.

That being said, hexahydrocannabinol is an intoxicating cannabinoid, and so it’ll get you high.  It may be just slightly less intoxicating than delta 9, which, for those who care, could simply modify their serving size to get as high as they would with the alternative.  The psychoactive effects seem to be euphoric and mellowing at the same time, with a body high that feels great throughout the muscles.  Goes without saying though, that those who cannot legally acquire delta 9 find HHC a great addition to the hemp industry.

While there is little to no research on HHC’s specific properties, we can assume that it works on both CB1 (nervous system) receptors and CB2 (digestive/immune system) receptors in the same manner as delta 9 THC.  This explains its wide array of uses, which already include physical discomfort, mood, nausea and appetite effects alongside its enjoyable high.

Is HHC a Legal Cannabinoid Then?

Whenever there is a new psychoactive cannabinoid to hit the market, the first thing that customers want to know is whether or not it’s legal.  Thanks to the U.S 2018 Farm Bill, hexahydrocannabinol is a federally legal cannabinoid.  That’s because the Farm Bill has made all hemp-derived products legal that contain a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC.  HHC is federally legal in all product forms, concentrations and possession amounts.

But, when we get to the state level, things get tricky.  Hexahydrocannabinol is so fresh to our industry, no state has specifically outlawed it.  But, states that have outlawed other psychoactive cannabinoids like delta 8 THC may declare that HHC is illegal in the near future, if their blanket laws haven’t banned it already. 

Basically, if you live in the following states, you should follow state laws closely to ensure you can legally purchase HHC:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont

Keep in mind, also, that there is a risk of failing a drug test due to HHC use, which can threaten your employment.  THC compounds like delta 9, delta 8 and THC-X are all metabolized by THC-COOH, an enzyme responsible for breaking this class of compounds down.  Urine tests are looking for THC-COOH, and once detected, will cause a positive test result.

So, does THC-COOH metabolize hexahydrocannabinol as well?  Well, we don’t know.  It may bypass this enzyme, or it may not.  In other words, if you are tested for marijuana at your job, use HHC at your own risk.

HHC is Quickly Becoming Popular in the World of Hemp

Again, although hexahydrocannabinol still the ‘new kid on the block’, it’s still a legal psychoactive for hemp enthusiasts to try.  At Hemplitude, we are eager to roll out our new HHC products so that you can see for yourself what this cannabinoid can offer.  If you’re looking for a psychoactive compound that’s more potent than delta 8, HHC may very well become your new favorite go-to.  And, as long as you enjoy it responsibly, you may be able to experience all kinds of valuable effects beyond its intriguing psychoactive effects.

Key Tip To Remember: As is the case with all hemp-based products, not all hexahydrocannabinol is created with the same standards in mind.  Stick to lab-tested HHC-infused products that are made by trusted, reputable brands like Hemplitude in order to know that what you’re getting is authentic, pure, clean, and high in quality for the best HHC-based experience possible.