HHC & HHC-O Guide: Legalities, Effects, FAQ

(This is a sponsored post and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Bluntness Media, Inc.)

Oh yes, that’s right: new cannabinoid alert. Did you think the market was going to stall out on Delta THC variants? Not a chance. Just when you wrapped your head around the concept of lab-altered cannabinoids, we’ve got some exciting information on the latest cannabinoid craze. So, what is HHC? We’ll give you all the details, plus talk about how HHC becomes HHC-O with the help of a highly flammable substance.

What is HHC?

Of all the cannabinoid acronyms, we are grateful for HHC because Hexahydrocannabinol is a mouthful. HHC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis and is considered a minor cannabinoid because it’s only present in very small amounts. To obtain enough for infusion into vape pens and edibles, HHC is extracted in a lab. First discovered by chemist Roger Adams in 1944, HHC is created by adding hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC.

While this method is still available, most manufacturers are using CBD instead of THC because it is prevalent in hemp. Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are allowed for sale across the country outside of dispensary channels. HHC is still fairly uncommon, and the research is limited, but with time it will likely join the ranks of other new popular cannabinoids.

What is HHC-O?

The difference between HHC and HHC-O is subtle. The extra steps to create HHC-O from HHC are pretty dangerous, and should only be performed by qualified scientists and lab technicians inside a controlled laboratory environment. The ‘O’ comes from the addition of acetic anhydride (the aforementioned highly flammable substance), which essentially doubles the potency of the HHC.  It’s a hydrogenated compound that is said to work within the body much like Delta-9 THC. The process is the same as converting a THC variant into THC-O, which also dramatically affects the potency.

The addition of the acetic anhydride increases the bioavailability of the cannabinoid. When something is more bioavailable, it means that our body uses it more effectively—and typically much faster. For this reason, HHC-O is sometimes called “super HHC.”

HHC & HHC-O Effects

HHC and HHC-O are pretty similar, although the significant difference is that HHC-O is much more potent.

Can You Get High on HHC & HHC-O?

Yes, both HHC and HHC-O will get you high. The process used to create these cannabinoids makes them very similar to Delta-9 THC, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) interacts with them as such. The high is different for everyone—like it with all cannabinoids—but HHC and HHC-O both offer a full body and cerebral high.

It’s said that these novel cannabinoids feel about as close to Delta-9 THC as you can get and are more potent than either Delta-8 or Delta-10. HHC-O is stronger than HHC and is compared to a higher Delta-9 THC product.

Benefits of HHC & HHC-O

The therapeutic benefits of HHC and HHC-O are akin to those of other psychoactive cannabinoids. If you want to get stoned, they’ll do the trick. If you want to alleviate pain, promote deeper sleep, increase your ability to relax, or relieve bodily tension, they will do that, too.

An additional benefit is the accessibility of these cannabinoids. Because they are hemp-derived, you do not need to have a medical marijuana card or live in a state with legal weed.

Possible Side Effects

The side effects of HHC and HHC-O are just like those with any of the Delta THC variants. Overconsumption can lead to mild anxiety and paranoia, drowsiness, dry eyes and mouth, confusion, dizziness, or coordination loss. To prevent these often uncomfortable side effects, be conscious of your dose. Begin with a small amount and monitor the results before consuming more.

Are HHC & HHC-O Legal?

These two cannabinoids exist in a somewhat gray area but so far have not been regulated any differently than other hemp-derived cannabinoids. The rules allow for any hemp-derived product to be sold to adults over 18 so long as the final product contains less than 0.3% THC. This is why so many CBD manufacturers jumped on board with Deltas 8 and 10, THC-O, and now HHC and HHC-O. Consumers in states without legal or medical marijuana programs are thrilled to have the ability to buy these products online.

Ways to Consume HHC & HHC-O

These products are so new that they are not yet as readily available as other hemp-derived products. However, many brands are working hard to keep pace with the demand for their innovative new items, and consumers will soon have plenty of options to choose from.

Flower

Newer to the market, but HHC pre rolls are now available for sale online for select retailers. These 0.5 gram pre-roll rockets are completely covered in kief and are neatly packages in jars so you have a total of 3.5 grams per jar, or an 1/8th of weed.

Vape Cartridges

Any lab-manufactured cannabinoid is easy to add to a vape. HHC cartridges and HHC-O carts are a great way to try out these new product varieties. Carts are super popular, but they do require a rechargeable battery. If that’s not your thing, check out an HHC disposable, or HHC-O disposable vape. Once you are finished vaping the oil inside these vape pens, simply toss the entire device.

Edibles

By far one of the most convenient ways to get your daily dose of cannabinoids is gummies. They’re fun and tasty and come in a variety of flavors to choose from. HHC gummies will definitely get you high, so be sure to start with just one, or even a half, of a gummy to see how you feel before eating more.

FAQs

In case we missed any of the answers to your questions in the above guide, please review our FAQ below.

Where to Buy HHC & HHC-O?

HHC and HHC-O are available from various online retailers. While not as common as Delta-8 or Delta-10 just yet, these novel cannabinoids will soon become more and more available. Check in with online retailers who already produce high-quality CBD and hemp products and see if they plan to launch a line of HHC and HHC-O products.

You can also check out your local head shops, vape shops, and even liquor stores or convenience stores.

How Long Do HHC & HHC-O Stay in Your System?

To figure out how long HHC and HHC-O stay in your system, you need to consider several contributing factors. First, how often are you consuming and how much are you consuming? The more you smoke, vape, or eat, the longer it will take to detox. A general rule of thumb is to allow 30 days for cannabinoids to fully detox from your system. This means complete abstinence from all cannabis products.

If you are worried about a drug test in less than 30 days, consider a detox kit or program to help you purge your system of toxins completely.

Are HHC & HHC-O Safe?

The research on HHC is minimal at this time. However, HHC is considered generally safe though everyone reacts to cannabinoids differently. To best protect oneself against harmful products, always buy from a company that shares test results for all of their products. Begin with small amounts of HHC and work your way up as you become familiar with a dose’s effects.

How  HHC & HHC-O Made?

Although HHC is found in trace amounts in cannabis, large quantities are produced in a lab. HHC is a hydrogenated form of THC. HHC-O is made by adding acetic anhydride to HHC molecules. This is very dangerous and should never be attempted at home.

Need a little more Bluntness in your life? Subscribe for our newsletter to stay in the loop.