Understanding HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol): Uses and Benefits Explained

You don’t need to be a cannabis expert to feel intrigued when something fresh hits the market. After all, most of us are just looking for something that works. Something different. Something better. If you’re always looking for that one new strain or cannabinoid to break out of the “same old” routine, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) might just hit that spot.

👉Also Read: The Ultimate Comparison: Hemp vs Marijuana

What is HHC?

HHC or HXC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. It’s not something you will find naturally in large quantities within cannabis plants; instead, it’s created through a chemical process known as “hydrogenation”. To put it simply, scientists take THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) molecules and add hydrogen atoms to them to create HHC.

It’s actually the same reaction used to turn vegetable oil into margarine. The result is a compound that is more stable and resistant to heat, light, and oxidation than its original form.

Now, HHC is not exactly new. It was first synthesized by a chemist named Roger Adams in the 1940s. He was experimenting with THC and discovered this altered version during his cannabinoid research. But it’s only recently that the cannabis community has begun paying attention to it.

Since HHC doesn’t occur in abundance in cannabis plant, modern labs create it using CBD extracted from hemp plants. They convert CBD into Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC and then hydrogenate it to form HHC. This is why HHC has a molecular structure similar to THC but behaves slightly differently. Where regular THC degrades over time when exposed to light or air, HHC doesn’t break down as easily. This makes it more appealing for cannabis products that need longer shelf lives.

Does HHC Get You High?

Yes, this man-made version of THC can produce a euphoric effect because it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system. These human cannabinoid receptors are the same ones that THC binds to. However, the intensity of the high is not the same.

HHC cannabinoid is less potent than Delta-9 THC but stronger than Delta-8 THC, so this places it in a kind of middle ground. The high from HHC tends to feel cleaner and more even for most people. It’s not overwhelming but still noticeable.

HHC contains two forms: 9R and 9S. The 9R version binds strongly to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in your brain. This is what drives the hallucinogenic results. The 9S version doesn’t bind as effectively. At the end of the day, how potently you feel it will depend on the ratio of these two isomers in the product.

Also, at lower doses, HHC might feel more subtle, with effects that lean towards mildly soothing or a soft wave of pleasure. At higher doses, it can produce a weighty, intense high that causes your mind to feel pleasantly clouded or foggy. Unlike THC, which degrades into CBN over time, HHC stays intact. Its effects are more consistent, even in products that have been stored for a while. Not all HHC on the market will deliver the same high. It depends on the ratio of 9R to 9S and the quality and purity of the production process.

Does HHC Have Any Medical Benefits?

HHC has not been widely studied like its more popular cannabinoid cousins, CBD and THC, so it is difficult to make definitive claims about its full range of effects. That said, one recent study tracked people who consumed it for several weeks. About 109 people self-reported using HHC over six months, and many of them were using it to alleviate anxiety and pain. Majority of people in these clinical trials said the synthetic cannabinoids from HHC took them from tense and wound up to blissfully relaxed.

Whenever you’re thinking about the therapeutic properties of a cannabinoid, it helps to keep the “entourage effect” in mind. This phenomenon suggests that cannabinoids and other compounds in the cannabis sativa plant work better together than they do alone. So, when HHC is mixed with D8 THC, for example, the two might enhance each other’s abilities to relieve pain more effectively than when either is used on its own.

Combining HHC with D8 THC and THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol) – like we at Laughing Buddha have done – could make for a more well-rounded wellness treatment. Check out our THCP+HHC+D8 THC vape carts here. But how it works will depend on your body so it’s always a poignant idea to experiment slowly and see how you feel with different combinations.

Why are HHC Products More Expensive?

As we explained earlier, HHC cannabinoids produce two forms: 9R HHC (the active one) and 9S HHC (the less active one). When HHC is made in a lab, manufacturers cannot simply get one type. The process they rely on produces a mix of both forms. The 9R is what gives you the psychoactive effects, while the 9S form doesn’t do much in that sense.

Separating the two is not easy. The equipment and procedures required to split the active from the inactive form are expensive and intricate. It’s like trying to extract only the good parts from a big batch of ingredients without wasting the rest. Because of this, most HHC products you buy contain both 9R and 9S. Potency depends on how much of each is in the product. Sometimes, you might get more of the active 9R, which means you will feel it strongly. Other times, the inactive 9S might be in a higher concentration and you will end up with a weaker experience.

This lack of consistency is why HHC products are a bit of a gamble. You don’t always know what you are getting. If you want a more predictable experience, look for brands that specifically mention the ratio of 9R to 9S or those that focus on isolating the active form.

👉Also Read: Can Delta 8 THC Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity? Here’s What You Need to Know

Explore Our Premium HHC Cannabinoid Collection at Laughing Buddha

Whether you are looking for something to help you manage chronic inflammation, or you are just looking to try something new, Laughing Buddha has something for everyone. We carry a range of options, from high-dose to low-dose to micro-dose. Whatever your needs, we have the perfect goodie in the perfect quantity to support your health and wellness goals.