Hemp plants contain more than 100 cannabinoids. Amongst them, Delta 8, Delta 9, and CBD are commonly known. These cannabinoids are psychoactive and bring mood-altering effects. HHC, another psychoactive cannabinoid recently made a breakthrough in the hemp industry.

Since it’s psychoactive, you may wonder whether HHC can bring a high or not or what its high feels like, and if it is stronger than Delta 9 or not. This article explains in depth the psychoactive effects of HHC.

What Is HHC?

HHC or Hexahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid just like Delta 9 and Delta 8. It is a result of adding hydrogen molecules to Delta 9, a process called hydrogenation. Naturally, hemp contains HHC only in minute traces, which occurs due to the oxidation of Delta 9. This oxidation process also results in Delta 8 and Delta 10.

However, hemp-derived HHC isn’t sufficient for production at a commercial scale. Thus, manufacturers synthesize HHC by hydrogenating CBD or Delta 9, generating a higher yield.

Is HHC More Potent Than Delta 8 And Delta 9?

HHC is not as potent as Delta 9 but it is stronger than Delta 8. So, it’s a moderately intense psychoactive cannabinoid.

How Does An HHC High Feel Like?

HHC can induce intoxicating effects similar to Delta 9 and Delta 8. This is because HHC shares the ability to bind with the cannabinoid receptors of our body’s endocannabinoid system. The stimulation of the cannabinoid receptors results in a body high. However, HHC brings a milder high than Delta 9.

What Types Of HHC Products Are Available?

Currently, HHC products are being produced by only a limited number of companies. This is because of the costly extracting process. In states where hemp-derived products are legal, you’ll find HHC in the form of vape carts, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates.

Vaping HHC will give you the quickest onset time. You’ll be able to feel the effects within 5 to 15 minutes. For tinctures, the onset time is quicker as it can be absorbed sublingually. Edibles take the longest time, between 1 to 2 hours.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

• Is HHC Legal In The US?

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived products are federally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9. This would mean that HHC is federally legal as it exists in hemp.

Scientists call HHC a partial synthetic. This is because HHC is made by hydrogenating hemp-derived cannabinoids in the presence of a catalyst called palladium. Does this method of extraction create an issue in its permissibility?

The Californian Federal Court Appeal in May 2022 clearly ordained that all hemp-derived products including Delta 8 are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9. This makes HHC a federally legal hemp product.

However, the legal status of hemp-derived HHC products depends on individual state laws too. Thus, its recommended to revise your local state laws before ordering an HHC product online or at your local store.

• Can HHC Make You Fail A Drug Test?

Drug tests are designed to detect THC-COOH, a primary metabolite of Delta 9 which occurs after consuming Delta 9. The metabolites of HHC after consumption are 8alpha-hydroxy-HHC and 8beta-hydroxy-HHC. These are similar to THC-COOH.

Does this mean HHC can make you fail a drug test? This is where the situation becomes vague. There are no studies that show HHC is traceable in drug tests. However, HHC products that are synthesized through hydrogenation of Delta 9 may carry traces in the end product.

If the concentration of Delta 9 in your urine passes 50 nanograms/milliliter, this will cause you to fail the drug test. Therefore, it’s best advised to avoid consuming HHC at least 4 weeks before a drug test.

• Is HHC A Synthetic?

HHC occurs naturally in minute quantities in hemp. It forms due to the slow oxidation of Delta 9 into CBN. This not only results in HHC but also Delta 8 and Delta 10. Since HHC exists in trace amounts, manufacturers can’t directly extract HHC.

Thus, to obtain HHC sufficiently, manufacturers hydrogenate Delta 9 in a presence of a catalyst. A chemical is also required as a source of hydrogen atoms. This is why HHC is called partially synthetic.

• Is HHC Safe To Use?

With research on HHC at the preliminary stage, not much can be said about its safety of HHC. No case studies or reports have been published on adverse effects or death due to HHC.

Final Verdict – Does HHC Get You High?

HHC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that is similar to Delta 8 and Delta 9 because of its intoxicating effects. On consuming HHC, you can get a euphoric high that is not as intense as that of Delta 9.