It seems like every day, a new cannabis product comes out on the market. Take the HHC flower, for example. While some cannabis users are claiming that this product is better than regular cannabis flowers, there are others that think that it is just a marketing gimmick.
As a relative newcomer to the hemp cannabinoid marketplace, little is known about HHC products like HHC flower. But that does not necessarily mean that the hype surrounding it is a mere marketing gimmick.
Is HHC hemp flower the same as regular hemp flower? Or is it better? If you are curious about HHC-infused flowers, here are a few things that you need to know about them that will help you decide if you should try them.
What Is HHC?
Although there is still a serious lack of research on cannabis and hemp plants and their cannabinoid content, scientists have long known about the existence of Hexahydrocannabinol or HHC. This rare cannabinoid was first discovered by Roger Adams in the 1940s. The chemist added hydrogen molecules to THC to create HHC through a process known as hydrogenation.
Through hydrogenation, the molecular structure of Delta 9 THC is modified by replacing the cannabinoid's double bond with hydrogen atoms. In turn, the resulting cannabinoid becomes more stable. For the average cannabis consumer, this simply means that compared to THC, HHC becomes less susceptible to light and heat damage, making HHC products have a longer shelf life.
According to chemists, the hydrogenation process is much like the way margarine is created. To create margarine from vegetable oil, hydrogen atoms are added.
Cannabis and plants contain HHC. However, the HHC content of these plants is too small, especially for commercial purposes. To work around this major stumbling block, chemists use THC to create HHC. Compared to HHC, THC is more abundant.
The process of converting THC into HHC entails the use of a catalyst like palladium or nickel plus high pressure. All of these are required to add hydrogen atoms to THC.
After the hydrogenation process, the chemical structure of THC is altered. However, this process does not strip the cannabinoid of its inherent properties. In fact, the conversion process allows HHC to retain most of THC's properties.
How Does HHC Make You Feel?
Because of the rarity of the HHC cannabinoid, not much is known about it, especially when you compare it to the more popular cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
According to anecdotes, the cannabinoid can make you more relaxed and less anxious, unlike THC. Most users use HHC like THC, hence the monicker THC-lite. HHC may help people manage the symptoms of inflammation, pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
During hydrogenation, two types of HHC molecules are produced because chemists have yet to discover a more efficient way. These two molecules are known as 9R HHC (which is active and more potent) and 9S HHS (which is inactive).
9R HHC readily binds with the body's endocannabinoid receptors, unlike its inactive twin. The main reason behind that is the chemical differences between the two HHC molecules. 9R HHC can produce similar effects to THC because of its ability to bind with the endocannabinoid receptors. However, you will need to take a higher dose of HHC to get those effects.
HHC vs. THC
While HHC and THC share a few similarities, there are a few key differences between the two cannabinoids.
For starters, the effects of HHC products are the same as THC products. However, the effects of HHC last longer than those of THC. It is not unusual for the effects of HHC to last up to 12 hours. THC's effects, on the other hand, typically last for just a few hours. This difference is particularly important for cannabis users who are looking for some help in relieving the symptoms of their conditions.
Like regular THC flower, HHC-infused flower can also get you high. But between the two, HHC gives a more euphoric and relaxing high. But take note, dosage can affect your overall experience.
Aside from that, HHC products have a longer shelf life because they are more resistant to light and heat.
HHC and THC inside the human body
How do THC and HHC work inside your body?
In terms of effects, not much is known about HHC due to the limited body of research on this cannabinoid. Most of the known effects of HHC products are anecdotal.
Both THC and HHC interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is composed of various enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids. These components are critical for maintaining balance in the body.
THC and HHC interact with the CB1 receptors located in the brain and central nervous system. The interaction between THC and CB1 receptors is primarily responsible for the effects usually associated with the cannabinoid, including sleepiness, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory properties.
When you consume HHC flowers, the HHC cannabinoid is broken down and courses through your body. In some ways, HHC is more similar to Delta 8 THC. However, HHC takes more time to take effect.
It is possible for HHC to produce the same effects as THC. However, you will need to consume a larger dose of HHC. HHC products contain inactive and active HHC molecules. The active molecules readily bind with the endocannabinoid system while the inactive ones do not.
Scientists believe that the HHC cannabinoid has the potential to be used in the management of symptoms of diverse conditions, much like THC. However, these theories still need to be validated through extensive studies.
Is HHC Natural or Synthetic?
That depends on the hemp flower used. Remember, HHC can be naturally found in cannabis and hemp, but only in small quantities, compared to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. In organic hemp plants, HHC is produced during the oxidation of THC. However, oxidation is a lengthy process and the amount of HHC resulting from the process is marginal.
Simply put, it is impractical to produce HHC-infused flowers by relying solely on naturally occurring HHC. As such, producers turn to hydrogenation to convert THC into HHC.
What Is HHC Flower?
What exactly is an HHC flower? HHC flower is regular or raw hemp flower infused with HHC distillate, a pure extract of HHC. HHC distillate is extracted from hemp plants. Essentially, an HHC flower is an upgraded version of CBD flower. That means that you will get the same effects and benefits of CBD flower and more.
Unlike regular cannabis buds, HHC flowers aren't grown and cultivated. Instead, most producers start with the cultivation of industrial or organic hemp plants.
Once the flowers of the hemp plants mature, they are picked and undergo the process of dry curing. Dry curing is essential for the prevention of the growth of mold and mildew, especially when these flowers are stored.
After the hemp flowers have been dried and cured, they will be infused with HHC isolate through steaming in varying temperatures and temperatures. The process of infusion removes the other compounds present in the hemp flowers, resulting in pure HHC.
Most HHC flower manufacturers prefer HHC isolate because of its purity. Additionally, infusing hemp flowers with this isolate results in more potent products.
What Are the Effects of HHC Flowers
HHC-infused flowers have the same effects as regular cannabis buds, with one important difference: the effects are mellower. The reason behind that is most HHC products are derived from THC.
Common effects associated with HHC flower products include euphoria, mood elevation, focus, and energy boost.
In terms of potency, HHC lies somewhere in the middle of Delta 8 and Delta 9. Many users say that if you do not like Delta 8, HHC products like HHC-infused flowers are worth a try.
HHC Flower Terpene Content
Some scientists adhere to the theory known as the entourage effect. This theory states that the various compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work together to provide a host of unique effects. These effects are considered unique because you can't get them when using these compounds in isolation.
Terpenes are a type of organic compound found in cannabis and hemp responsible for the flavor and effects of cannabis and hemp plants.
With HHC flower, you have to remember that its production entails the use of HHC isolates. HHC isolate is devoid of other compounds, including other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
That simply means that on its own, HHC isolate does not provide flavor to the HHC flower. But while that may seem like a major drawback, it is not. With HHC-infused flowers, the terpene profile will depend heavily on the type or strain of hemp flower used. In a sense, that means that you can choose the best HHC flower strain you prefer based on your preferences and goals, with the added bonus given by HHC isolate.
How to Use HHC Flower Products
HHC flower is used like regular hemp flower. There are no special techniques or pieces of equipment needed to enjoy HHC-infused hemp flowers. There are three basic ways to enjoy HHC flower products.
Smoking
Smoking cannabis buds is perhaps the oldest and most straightforward way to enjoy them. Even today, many recreational and medical users still prefer smoking marijuana, either by using a pipe or rolling joints.
If you are trying HHC flower for the first time, just remember that smoking provides the most potent effects out of the different methods of enjoying this HHC product. And as such, you should start with a lower dosage first. First-timers should start with a couple of puffs.
Vaping
Vaping is a new way of consuming many cannabis products. And there are plenty of reasons why this ingestion has become popular, including doing away with the combustion of the flowers. And no combustion means fewer harmful substances that can be inhaled.
If you want to vape HHC flowers, you will need to invest in a specialized vaping device which should include a chamber for the HHC buds.
The heating element of your vaping device heats the HHC-infused hemp flowers, either through convection or conduction. Heating HHC flowers produces a vapor that you inhale.
Another advantage of vaping HHC flowers is that it is a discrete way to enjoy the product.
Edibles
Like regular hemp flower, HHC hemp flower can be used for making edibles. Making edibles with HHC-infused flower requires the process known as decarboxylation While this process may seem complicated, it is quite simple. All you need to do is to apply heat to your HHC-infused flower in a variety of ways. For edibles, the easiest way to do that is baking. Decarbing activates the psychoactive effects of HHC hemp flowers.
After decarbing, you will need to infuse your HHC flower with fat. Butter is the preferred type of fat of many users. After infusing your HHC hemp flower with butter, you can then use your concoction as a substitute for regular butter.
How to Dose HHC Flower
Before trying HHC products like HHC flower, you need to learn about proper dosing. Otherwise, you can end up with two results. First, you might feel underwhelmed by the effects. This can result to the second result - overdosing. When that happens, you can end up feeling overwhelmed by the effects.
While HHC flower dosing is by no rocket science, it can be pretty hard to nail down. As with most cannabis products, dosing HHC flower is greatly personal. What may be a low dose for someone may be too much for you.
Here are a few things that you need to consider before trying HHC hemp flower.
Consider the ingestion method
HHC flower can be smoked, vaped, or used in making edibles. Take note that HHC is more potent when vaped or smoked. Even if you have some experience smoking or vaping regular hemp flower, be aware that HHC flower is more potent. As such, you should lower your initial dose.
THC tolerance
If you smoke THC flowers regularly, it is likely that you have also built a tolerance for HHC hemp flowers. In such a case, you should take a higher dose so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of HHC.
Conversely, if you do not use hemp flowers regularly and you have a low tolerance for THC, it is best to take things a little slower with a lower dose.
Preference
If you want to boost your productivity and energy for a long day ahead, take a lower dose of HHC flower. Otherwise, consider a higher dose if you just want to laze around doing nothing important for the rest of your day.
Is HHC Flower Legal
Another key difference between HHC-infused flowers and regular cannabis buds is that the former is federally compliant. The main reason is that an HHC flower contains a low amount of THC while providing similar effects.
With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the United States Congress made hemp plants and their derivatives federally legal, with one important rule. All products that are going to be put out into the hemp cannabinoid marketplace should contain no more than 0.3% THC.
While HHC is naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants, HHC products contain 0.3% THC or less, adhering to the guidelines of the Farm Bill. In essence, HHC products like HHC-infused hemp flowers are considered legal.
But while HHC is legal at the federal level, there are some states that have banned the sale of HHC products. These include Arkansas, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
If you are planning to try HHC flower, be sure to check with the prevailing laws in your area. Take note that these laws can change over time.
Try HHC Flower Now
While HHC flowers are relatively new to the market, there are plenty of reasons to try them. For one, they are available in various strains, including well-loved ones. Even better, HHC flowers are legal in most states in the United States.
That means that you can enjoy your favorite cannabis strains without worrying about legal issues. For many seasoned users, that is reason enough to get HHC flowers. And because there are several strains to choose from, HHC flowers are incredibly versatile.
Start with a strain that you are familiar with and compare the difference between an HHC flower and a regular hemp flower. If you like the effects of Delta 8 and Delta 9 but do not want to get the adverse side effects of these two cannabinoids, consider trying HHC-infused hemp flower. Or you can combine it with a Delta 8 product to uplift your mood or get some help in managing your medical condition.
According to many users, HHC is more potent than Delta 8, with the added bonus of getting more focused. HHC is often considered milder than Delta 9 THC but provides similar effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HHC flowers make you high?
HHC flowers can get you high. But compared to regular cannabis buds, the effects of HHC flowers are milder.
Where are HHC flowers legal?
HHC flowers are legal at the federal level in the United States. To date, there are 18 states that have banned their sale.
In Europe, the legal status of HHC flowers remains unclear. Currently, cannabinoid products with less than 0.2% content are legal in European Union member countries.
Does HHC show up on drug tests?
The human body breaks down HHC differently from other cannabinoids, including THC. It seems like HHC isn't converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, the metabolite that drug tests detect.
However, if you are applying for a job or if there is a scheduled drug screening at your workplace, abstinence remains the best option.
Is HHC safe?
It remains unclear if there are long-term adverse side effects to using HHC products. But currently, there are no reports of safety or health issues arising from the use of HHC products.
How strong is HHC bud?
HHC flowers are less potent than regular cannabis buds. According to some estimates, HHC flowers are about 50% to 80% as strong as cannabis buds with medium strength.
