HHC has been growing in popularity in recent years, but the cannabinoid isn’t as novel as it appears to be. One of the most sought-after ways to ingest the compound is HHC gummies—their delicious exteriors paired with their buzzy contents seem to drive consumers crazy.
Yet, some still feel like there are unanswered questions about the cannabinoid and the gummies they’re infused with. Let’s do it like our stomachs and break down the contents of HHC gummies!
What is HHC?
Contents
HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol, is a hydrogenated derivate of THC. Although it is a naturally occurring compound, it’s only found in trace amounts, so scientists need to derive it in a lab to obtain a sellable supply of HHC.
Usually, manufacturers use high pressures and a catalyst to saturate hemp-derived THC with hydrogen atoms. This process breaks THC’s double-bond chemical structure and replaces it with hydrogen, increasing the compound’s binding ability to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Despite this change, the cannabinoid retains its properties and potency.
Strength-wise, HHC is slightly less potent than delta 9 but still more potent than delta 8, creating a sort of buzzy sweet spot for those looking to get buzzed without overdoing it.
The Benefits of HHC
Despite not reaching the same potency levels as delta 9, HHC has been proven to have longer-lasting effects than many other compounds. Its hydrogenated nature also elongates the shelf life of HHC products.
Among HHC’s most popular benefits, the main ones are:
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
- Appetite stimulation
- Moderate psychoactive effects
These effects make HHC perfect for medical users looking for some relief, people who lead stressful lives, and those struggling with appetite. Although weaker than delta 9, HHC remains much more potent than delta 8’s mild effects.
The Side Effects of HHC
It is speculated that HHC’s side effects are similar to those of delta 8 and delta 9 due to its close chemical proximity to both compounds. Like all cannabinoids, HHC can cause some adverse side effects, especially when taken at higher doses.
These include:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
It’s important for users to dose HHC correctly in order to avoid most of these side effects. Although dosing depends on individual weight, metabolism, tolerance, and desired effect, it’s always best to start low and slow and work your way up to your perfect dosage.
If you’re eating HHC gummies, try starting with half a gummy and waiting a few hours to scope out how it makes you feel. If you need more, take the other half, and so on and so forth. This process may take some time but finding your perfect HHC sweet spot will certainly be worth it!
A Brief History of HHC
Although HHC may seem like a brand-new compound, it’s actually been around for almost a century. It was originally discovered by the American chemist Roger Adams back in the 1940s when he added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC.
Since then, HHC’s prominence in cannabis culture went dormant for a few decades, but it was revived following hemp’s recent federal legalization under the 2018 Farm Bill.
What Are HHC Gummies?
HHC gummies are exactly what they sound like: gummies infused with HHC. If you’ve partaken in any sort of cannabis edible before, you may have noticed that they tend to take some time to kick in but create strong effects once they do. Wondering why?
HHC Gummies & Your Body
Like other compounds, HHC gummies work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system following metabolism. Depending on factors like the rate of your metabolism and weight, it may take upwards of an hour for you to start feeling the buzzy benefits of HHC gummies.
The journey obviously begins in your mouth, but once the gummy makes its way down your esophagus and into your stomach, it is broken down into parts, including isolated HHC. It then gets transformed in 11-hydroxy-HHC in your liver, which is a metabolite very similar to 11-hydroxy-THC—a type of THC much more potent than delta 9 and HHC. This is why edibles take so long to kick in but feel so potent once they do!
HHC Gummies: A Mouthwatering Conclusion
HHC gummies are the most delicious way to enjoy the buzzy properties of HHC. With a history dating back to the 20th century and strong psychoactive properties, HHC is one of cannabis’s unsung heroes.
When taking HHC gummies, proper dosing is essential. So, if you’re interested in feeling the compound’s effects, be sure to do it safely and responsibly!
