HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol): Meaning, Side Effects, and More

Hexahydrocannabinol, commonly abbreviated as HHC and also known as HXC sometimes, is a synthetic cannabinoid. It binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. Some anecdotes say that HHC produces a high, however, this has not yet been scientifically established.

In this blog, we shall look into what is HHC, how it differs from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBD), and other cannabinoids, as well as its benefits and side effects.

What Is HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)?

The cannabis plant, known for producing marijuana or weed, has many cannabinoids. Some of them are naturally occurring, like THC and CBD. Others can be synthesized, like hexahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as HHC.

HHC was first synthetically created in 1947. It was derived from THC. Today, HHC is available as edibles, tinctures, and vapes.

How HHC Differs from THC?

HHC was derived from THC, albeit synthetically. So, it can be said that HHC is very similar to THC. Both produce psychoactive effects, which means that they give rise to a high or a rush of pleasurable feelings. HHC weed is known for a milder high, however. It also differs from THC in that it is hydrogenated THC, which means that it is combined with hydrogen, making it more stable than THC itself.

Get Started With Nuview Treatment Center

Our dedicated professional staff is here to guide you or your loved one on the journey to lasting recovery, offering support every step of the way.

(323) 307-7997

Potential Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of HHC

There is not much research on HHC, so its potential benefits and therapeutic uses are difficult to tell for certain. Yet, as a cannabinoid, it works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the body. HHC binds with the CB1 receptors and can be beneficial in the following:

• Promoting sleep
• Elevating mood
• Enhancing memory
• Increasing appetite
• Improving fertility

There have also been studies suggesting that cannabinoids can be useful in cancer treatment, and whether or not HHC can be used for the same, is still to be known.

Effects of HHC

The short-term effects of HHC are that it produces a high. This is milder than the one that THC produces. However, it is also known for enhancing mood and altering senses like the sense of time.

Side Effects of HHC

While the pleasurable effects of HHC may not be many, it does come with a huge list of side effects. These must be considered before using HHC:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Dizziness or fainting
• Dry Mouth
• Fatigue
• Impairs body coordination
• Makes it difficult to focus
• Memory difficulties
• Rapid heart rate
• Slower reaction times

In heavier doses, it can also lead to hallucinations, making one more vulnerable to psychosis. It can also cause reproductive problems in the long-term, like low birth weight in infants.

Get Started With Nuview Treatment Center

Start Your Journey

HHC vs. CBD: How They Compare

HHC differs from CBD in that the former is a synthetic cannabinoid, meaning it is created in a lab. CBD is, meanwhile, a natural cannabinoid and is taken from hemp. While HHC produces a high, CBD is known for a more relaxing and sedating effect. It helps with conditions like sleep difficulties, soreness, and so on.

HHC vs. Other Cannabinoids (Delta-8, Delta-9 THC)

HHC is quite similar to delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC. However, HHC is synthetic while delta-8 and delta-9 are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, and delta-8 is present in lower concentrations than delta-9. HHC, meanwhile, is hydrogenated, which makes it more stable. While HHC produces a milder high, quite similar to delta-8, delta-9 is more popular given that it produces an intense high.

Legal Status of HHC

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers HHC to be a Class I controlled substance. This means it is not legal.

However, HHC is sold in the market as a legal TCH. The catch here is that, and critics have argued, that the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to sell hemp as long as it contains lower than 0.3% of THC. Therefore, it is only prudent to be aware of the cannabis laws in any given state so as to keep out of legal trouble.

It must also be kept in mind that HHC can show up in a drug test, and for how long it remains detectable depends on the test and the severity of the use. The general picture is as follows:

• In a urine test, it can show up to 72 hours after the last dose.
• HHC is designed in a manner that it cannot be detected in the bloodstream, which is one of its marketing points. However, there are reports that it can be detected in the blood between 24-48 hours after the last dose.
• HHC can show up in a saliva test up to 48 hours after the last dose.

HHC can show up in a hair test up to 90 days after the last dose, however, a hair test is not the go-to testing method for drugs.

Start Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Our dedicated professional staff is here to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, guiding you or your loved one on the journey to lasting recovery.

(323) 307-7997

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HHC get you very high?

No, HHC produces only a mild high.

What does HHC do?

HHC does have potential benefits like enhancing sleep, mood, and memory, and altering senses. However, it does have a myriad of highly unpleasant side effects as well.

Is HHC better than CBD?

Depending on whether one wants to experience energizing or relaxing effects, HHC and CBD, respectively, will be better for them. However, both come with their risks as well.

How long does HHC high last?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that HHC high lasts longer than THC. However, how long it lasts cannot be said for sure.