HHC – Sans Street THC?
HHC (hexa-hydrocannabinol) is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. Often regarded as minor-tier, this cannabinoid is still making major headway within the hemp-industry and is quickly becoming a popular alternative to Delta 9 THC. Through a process called hydrogenation, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is converted to HHC. To begin the conversation process, you need CBD isolate. The CBD isolate is then converted to a high-potent Delta 8/9 concentrate; that concentrate is then coupled with some form of catalyst, often metallic in nature, and through hydrogenation, HHC is created. While HHC doesn’t contain any THC at this stage, it is still derived from and is known to cause similar psychoactive effects as its predecessor.
HHC is known to produce a heightened sense of euphoria and is referenced by its users as more of a, “cerebral” high. Users can also expect varying levels of change in visual and auditory perception, similar to THC. Your consumptive preference will also impact how your body reacts to it. For example, smokeable/inhalant products travel through the lungs and are absorbed by the bloodstream fairly quickly, allowing for more of an instantaneous high; these effects typically last between 1-3 hours. Edible infusions take longer to be absorbed by the body, therefore prolonging its desired effects. A word of caution, however; a good rule of thumb is to allow 30 minutes-1 hour between doses to gauge its effectiveness.
Legalities of HHC
In 2018, an act of legislation was passed called the Agricultural Improvement Act (aka: Farm Bill) which legalized hemp and its derivatives so long as the concentration of THC was 0.3% or lower. Considering that HHC is derived from THC but the end-product is devoid of it; it’s permissible under the legislation’s parameters. Will that always remain as such? It’s unclear. HHC is a semi-synthetic compound which means that even though it’s found within the cannabis plant, the end-product is lab generated; this could capture the attention of the DEA and could be subject to the same ban risks associated with Delta 8 THC. Presently, however; there isn’t cause for concern.
Consumer Caution – A Buyer’s Mini-Guide to HHC
HHC is relatively new to today’s marketspace. In laboratory testing, it can be challenging to differentiate between Delta 8 or HHC. Because of this, suppliers have been known to blend the two cannabinoids together and market them as a “purely” HHC product. For the consumer, it’s a good idea to practice mindfulness when selecting brands that advertise your desired cannabinoid; there are a few ways to do this:
Verify the quality of the flower:
- Most companies advertise their hemp-source; it’s a good idea to vet that information because if you begin manufacturing a product with poor-quality flower, your final product is already compromised by impurities.
COA’s:
- Look for the QR code on the packaging- this should direct you to the product COA information. You can verify the authenticity of the laboratory via a quick Google search! This is imperative as you’ll want to be wary of any in-house analysis of the product; they can be altered easily.
Price points:
- Be mindful of lower price points. For a 1G HHC vape cartridge, you can expect to pay between $35-60. If a product falls below the $30 price point, it is less likely to be HHC and either a blend, or an alternate cannabinoid entirely.
Reputable Brands We’ve Vetted
Hempnotics:
The Hempnotics brand offers a multi-dimensional line of products inclusive of new cannabinoids like THCO and HHC. The effects are truly out- of-this-world and their consumer base voices a kaleidoscope of psychotropic effects. Hempnotics offers HHC gummies and live-resin vape cartridges. The hemp flower utilized in the creation of these products is locally sourced. All final products are third-party tested for purity analysis.
Trap Vapes:
Trap Vapes’ new product line will feature new cannabinoids like THCO and HHC. Trap Vapes also sources their hemp-flower locally and ensures all final products are third-party tested for purity analysis Trap Snaxs is an infused-edible brand that offers an assortment of candies, chips, and baked goods- and is now inclusive of smokeable products!
