First, the CBD craze swept the nation. Then, it was Delta-8 THC that everyone was raving about. Next up? HHC. Curious about this rare hemp-derived cannabinoid? Read on for a crash course in what is sure to be the next big thing in cannabis culture!
What is HHC?
HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol. Props to you if you can pronounce that, but we’ll stick with calling it HHC!
HHC is a rare hemp-derived cannabinoid. It’s extracted from hemp plants and then added into all kinds of goodies—you might have seen HHC vapes or HHC gummies online or at your favorite smoke shop. 
For all you chemistry fans out there, HHC is the hydrogenated version of tetrahydrocannabinol (better known as THC). You might recognize the term “hydrogenated”—HHC is produced using the same methods that are used to make margarine and other vegetable oils.
This hydrogenation process also makes HHC extract extremely stable. HHC has a very long shelf-life and won’t go bad as quickly or easily when exposed to heat or UV light.
We know what your next question is, and yes, HHC is psychoactive! This means that HHC will get you high. Best of all, it’s a legal high. HHC isn’t technically a THC compound (unlike Delta-8 THC or THCo), so it’s still legal in all 50 states.
How is HHC Different from Delta-8 THC?
HHC and D8 are both psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids. They’ll both get you stoned, but there are some major differences.
First of all: legality. Delta-8 THC is still legal in most states, but it has been outlawed in some places. HHC, on the other hand, is still legal in all 50 states. It’s not technically a THC compound, so the legal future of HHC looks bright, too.
The next difference is potency. D8 is typically said to be about half as potent as D9. That can be a great thing—D8 is much less likely to produce the negative side effects that sometimes come with overindulgence in cannabis products. But let’s be honest– sometimes you’re just looking for something stronger. That’s where HHC comes in! Most estimates put HHC at about 80% as strong as D9, which means HHC is in the perfect sweet spot between D8 and D9.
Is HHC More Potent Than D8?
Yes! D8 is about half as potent as D9, while HHC is about 80% as potent as D9. This means that HHC will definitely pack more of a punch than Delta-8, whether you decide to vape it, eat it, or smoke it.
What Does HHC Feel Like?
Fans of D8 can expect a pretty similar feeling from HHC. They both provide a milder, smoother high and a much mellower experience than D9. There are some slight differences, though!
Let’s go back to the science for a second. When it comes to molecular structure, Delta-9 THC has one double bond on the 9th carbon atom, Delta-8 THC has one double bond on the 8th carbon atom, and HHC has no double bonds at all. This means that each cannabinoid interacts with your endocannabinoid system in a slightly different way. D9 bonds easily with both CB1 (the cannabinoid receptor responsible for a “head high”) and CB2 (the cannabinoid receptor responsible for a “body high”). D8 doesn’t bond as easily with either one, but it shows more of an affinity for CB2. That’s why the psychoactive effects of D8 are much more mild, and also why so many people use it to aid in pain relief. HHC, on the other hand, bonds easily with both CB1 and CB2. It’s still not quite as effective at forming those bonds as D9 is, but the fact that HHC bonds with both receptors means that it tends to produce a high that’s more balanced between the head and the body.
Basically, that all means that HHC provides a great balance between the effects of D8 and the effects of D9. HHC is similar to D8 in the sense that it provides a mellow, relaxing high that isn’t overwhelming. HHC is similar to D9 because it tends to also provide energy, inspiration, and euphoria. HHC really is the best of both worlds!
How Much HHC Should I Take?
It depends!
If you’re trying an HHC edible, it’s best to start with a 10-15 mg dose, or half a 25 mg gummy. Wait at least a couple hours before eating any more—edibles take the longest to get into your system and also pack the biggest punch when they finally hit you! Here’s a general edible tip: if you eat an HHC gummy before a meal, it might help it kick in faster. If you eat it after a meal, though, it might help the effects last longer.
If you’re vaping or smoking HHC with an HHC cart or an HHC disposable, start with one slow-and-steady hit. Vaping HHC is one of the quickest ways to get it into your bloodstream, but make sure you still wait a few minutes before taking another puff.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that even if you’re an experienced cannabis user, your tolerance for other cannabinoids might not carry over to your tolerance for HHC. It’s always better to start slow and low to figure out exactly how HHC affects you—you can always up your dose later!
Does HHC Show up on a Drug Test?
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that the body metabolizes HHC differently than other cannabinoids and that it might not show up on a drug test in the same way. However, there haven’t been any real scientific studies done about this yet, so we don’t have a concrete answer. It’s always better to be safe than sorry—it’s probably not a good idea to try HHC if you’re going to need to pass a drug test.
Is HHC Safe?
Yes! Like all cannabinoids, we need more research to discover all of the effects and benefits that HHC can offer. That being said, the studies that we have so far all confirm that HHC is just as safe as any other cannabinoid when purchased from a trusted retailer and used responsibly by adults.
This isn’t medical advice, though—check with your doctor before you try HHC if you have any questions or concerns.
Is HHC Legal?
Yes!
Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products are legal on the federal level. (In order to legally qualify as hemp, the plants must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.) Since then, some states have specifically banned D8 and other THC compounds.
However, since HHC isn’t technically a THC compound, it’s still fully legal in all 50 states!
How Can I Try HHC?
Have we convinced you yet that HHC is the best thing since… Delta-8? If you’re ready to try it out, you have a ton of options! No matter what, make sure you’re buying from a trusted retailer. We love Bay Smokes for their awesome products, intense screening measures, and fast shipping!
One of the most popular ways to get in a dose of HHC is by vaping it, either with a disposable vape or a cartridge that screws on to a 510 threaded battery. HHC disposable vapes are just about as convenient as it gets—they’re designed to never have to be refilled or recharged, so all you have to open up the package and start toking. HHC carts aren’t that much more difficult, though! You’ll need a 510 threaded battery for most carts, but the actual carts themselves are a little cheaper so you’ll save money in the long run (because we know you’ll be coming back for another cart after your first one!)
HHC edibles are a great choice if you’re looking for precise, discreet dosing or if you just prefer eating candy to smoking! HHC gummies taste great, and once you know the right dose for you, you’ll be able to get the perfect buzz every single time.
No matter how you choose to indulge in HHC, we know you’ll love it. Cheers!
